The Ultimate Pesto Green Pizza Recipe: A Flavorful Way to Embrace Your Greens
There’s nothing quite like a homemade pizza, and this Pesto Green Pizza takes that experience to a whole new level. It’s my absolute favorite way to combine the sheer joy of eating pizza with the incredible benefits of fresh, vibrant greens. Imagine a base of crispy crust generously slathered with a homemade basil pesto that bursts with flavor, then topped with an array of healthy vegetables like kale, arugula, zucchini, and even sweet peas. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an explosion of fresh taste that will leave you completely satisfied and perhaps even a little surprised by how much you love your greens!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sprouts. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
You might be raising an eyebrow, thinking, “Greens on pizza? Is this really the same Meghan who used to shy away from anything green?” And honestly, you wouldn’t be wrong to wonder! For a long time, my relationship with greens was, shall we say, complicated. I’d use them sparingly, often finding excuses to avoid them altogether. But oh, how things have changed! This year, I’ve had a complete culinary revelation. Kale and arugula have become my absolute go-to ingredients, especially when kale is cooked to a delightful crispness. It’s amazing how your taste buds can evolve, opening up a world of fresh, delicious possibilities.
This Pesto Green Pizza recipe is a testament to that transformation, perfectly capturing the essence of spring’s bounty. It’s packed with an incredible variety of green goodness that not only tastes amazing but also offers a nutritious boost. The foundation is a homemade pesto that’s so easy and quick to prepare, it will genuinely blow your mind – we’re talking about two minutes flat! This vibrant, herbaceous sauce forms the perfect canvas for all the other fresh ingredients.
After spreading that glorious pesto, we layer on a medley of cheeses and a generous base of kale. As the pizza bakes, the kale transforms, becoming wonderfully crispy and slightly charred, which enhances its flavor beautifully. Thinly sliced zucchini joins the kale, adding another layer of freshness and a subtle sweetness. But the real magic happens when the freshly baked pizza emerges from the oven: that’s when you pile on fresh arugula, lending a delightful peppery bite that perfectly complements the rich pesto and savory cheeses.
However, if I had to pick just one green element that steals the show, what would it be?
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The Unsung Hero: The Peas.
Ah, peas. These little green gems often get a bad rap, or worse, they’re simply overlooked. But in my humble opinion, peas are an underutilized spring star! They’re not just a side dish; they are a fantastic complement to so many seasonal dishes, bringing a burst of sweetness and freshness that truly brightens a meal. And that’s precisely why I decided to give them a starring role on this vibrant Pesto Green Pizza.
For this recipe, and many others, I consistently turn to the organic frozen peas from Sprouts. The quality is exceptional; even though they are frozen, they taste remarkably fresh, as if you just shelled them from the pod. This makes them incredibly convenient without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether I’m adding them to a hearty pasta dish, blending them into a unique pea pesto, or simply enjoying them on their own, they always deliver a delightful pop of sweetness.
Preparing them couldn’t be simpler: a quick warm-up in the microwave or a gentle thaw on the countertop is all it takes. Once ready, scatter them generously over the baked pizza. With every bite, you’ll experience that signature “pop” – a fresh, sweet counterpoint to the savory pesto and cheeses. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference, elevating the entire flavor profile of the pizza.
Beyond peas, Sprouts offers an impressive array of high-quality frozen products that are incredibly useful in the kitchen. From a wide selection of organic vegetables to an extensive variety of fruits, their frozen aisle is a treasure trove. I particularly rely on their frozen fruits for my daily smoothies, and yes, sometimes for those fun, blended frozen cocktails too! What I appreciate most is finding unique frozen fruit options at Sprouts, like exotic mango varieties or perfectly ripe bananas, that aren’t always readily available in other stores. Their commitment to organic and high-quality produce, both fresh and frozen, makes it easy to incorporate wholesome ingredients into every meal.
Essential Tools for Your Pesto Green Pizza
Having the right kitchen tools can truly elevate your pizza-making experience from good to absolutely fantastic. For this Pesto Green Pizza, a few key pieces of equipment will make the process smoother and the results even more delicious.
First and foremost, a powerful food processor or a high-speed blender, like a Vitamix, is indispensable for making the homemade pesto. This tool ensures your basil, pine nuts, and other ingredients are perfectly blended into a smooth, vibrant sauce that forms the heart of this pizza. Without it, achieving that silky consistency would be a real challenge.
Next, you’ll want a sturdy set of mixing bowls. These are essential for tossing the kale with a touch of olive oil and seasoning, ensuring every leaf gets a lovely, even coating before it goes onto the pizza. Properly seasoned kale will bake up much crispier and more flavorful.
When it comes to rolling out your pizza dough, a marble rolling pin is a game-changer. Its weight and cool surface make rolling out dough a breeze, preventing sticking and allowing you to achieve that perfect 12-inch circle without much effort. The smooth, heavy motion helps create an even crust thickness, which is crucial for uniform baking.
If you haven’t yet invested in a pizza stone, now is absolutely the time! A pizza stone (or a good quality pizza steel) creates an incredibly hot, even cooking surface that mimics a professional brick oven. This results in an unbelievably crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings. Preheating the stone with your oven is key to achieving that coveted golden-brown, bubbly crust that makes homemade pizza so special.
Finally, while a traditional pizza cutter works, I’ve found that pizza scissors, specifically the Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors, offer a superior cutting experience. They allow for clean, precise cuts through both the crust and the toppings, ensuring every slice is beautifully presented and easy to handle. No more wrestling with your pizza or dragging toppings around!
Craving More Greens? Discover These Delightful Recipes!
If this Pesto Green Pizza has inspired you to incorporate more vibrant greens into your diet, you’re in luck! I’ve got plenty of other delicious recipes that make eating your vegetables an absolute pleasure. From light and refreshing salads to hearty and comforting pasta dishes, these recipes prove that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. Give these a try for more exciting ways to enjoy your greens:
- Korean Ground Turkey and Rice Lettuce Cups: A fresh, light, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. The crisp lettuce cups provide a wonderful contrast to the savory turkey and rice filling, making it a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal.
- Miso Marinated Steak Salad: Elevate your salad game with tender, flavor-packed miso-marinated steak served over a bed of fresh greens. This salad is hearty enough to be a main course, boasting a delicious balance of umami, sweetness, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables.
- Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni: Indulge in a rich and comforting pasta dish that cleverly incorporates nutritious kale. The creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender rigatoni create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the kale adding a welcome depth and earthiness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal while still getting your greens!
How to Create Your Perfect Pesto Green Pizza
Making this Pesto Green Pizza is a straightforward process, breaking down into three simple, yet satisfying, steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.
Crafting the Homemade Pesto
The beauty of homemade pesto lies in its simplicity and unparalleled freshness. This vibrant green sauce comes together almost magically in your food processor or high-speed blender. Simply toss in fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, a good quality olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. With just a few pulses, you’ll transform these humble ingredients into a fragrant, smooth, and intensely flavorful pesto. The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering! This quick and easy step ensures your pizza has a base that’s bursting with authentic Italian-inspired taste.
The Baking Magic: Build and Bake
Once your pesto is ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Start by rolling out your chosen pizza dough – whether store-bought for convenience or homemade for an extra touch – into a perfect 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Now, generously spread that incredible homemade pesto over the dough, leaving a small border for a beautiful crust. Next, layer on your cheeses: I love the combination of nutty fontina and classic mozzarella for their melt and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite or a single type if you prefer. Then, crumble half of your goat cheese over the top for a tangy counterpoint.
Now for the greens! Distribute the olive oil-coated kale evenly across the pizza, followed by the thinly sliced zucchini. A final sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. This delightful combination then goes into a screaming hot oven. Bake it until the crust achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue, and the kale starts to crisp up, developing those irresistible charred edges. The zucchini will soften perfectly, integrating its mild flavor with the other toppings.
The Finishing Touches
The moment your pizza emerges from the oven, fragrant and bubbling, is when we add the final layers of fresh greens and cheese. This step brings an incredible contrast in textures and temperatures that truly makes this pizza sing. Generously pile fresh arugula leaves over the hot pizza – the residual heat will slightly wilt them, intensifying their peppery flavor. Next, sprinkle on those delightful Sprouts organic frozen peas that you’ve thawed and drained. Their sweet burst provides a refreshing pop in every bite. Finish with the remaining goat cheese crumbles, adding another layer of creamy tanginess that beautifully complements the other flavors. For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling your pizza with some homemade hot honey for a touch of sweet heat that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Slice it up, and get ready to dig into a truly unforgettable pizza experience!
Explore More Pizza Inspirations!
If you’re now dreaming of more delicious pizza creations, you’re in the right place! My pizza recipes page is brimming with creative and mouth-watering ideas to satisfy every pizza craving. From classic combinations to adventurous new flavors, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next pizza night. Discover unique toppings, different crust styles, and seasonal twists that will keep your pizza game strong and your taste buds happy!
Do I Have to Make the Pesto from Scratch?
While I highly recommend making your own pesto for this Pesto Green Pizza – the fresh flavor truly makes a difference and it comes together incredibly fast – I understand that sometimes time is of the essence. If you’re in a rush, or perhaps you have some fantastic leftover green pesto already chilling in your fridge, you can absolutely use a good quality store-bought pesto. It’s a convenient shortcut that will still result in a delicious pizza, though the homemade version often offers a more vibrant and nuanced flavor profile.
Want to change up the flavor profile? Why not try making this vibrant pistachio pesto recipe instead of traditional basil pesto. It offers a unique, rich, and slightly nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the fresh greens on this pizza!
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Crust?
Absolutely! This Pesto Green Pizza recipe is already vegetarian, making it incredibly easy to adapt for those with dietary restrictions. Using a gluten-free crust is a fantastic option and won’t compromise the flavor or enjoyment of the pizza. There are many excellent gluten-free pizza crusts available on the market today, from traditional rice-based crusts to more adventurous vegetable-based options like cauliflower crust. A cauliflower crust, for instance, not only provides a delicious gluten-free alternative but also packs in even more vegetables, aligning perfectly with the healthy, green theme of this pizza. So go ahead, choose your favorite gluten-free base and enjoy this flavorful pizza without a worry! It’s all about packing in those amazing veggies and enjoying every single bite.
Pesto Greens Pizza – Full Recipe
Equipment
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Marble Rolling Pin
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Pizza Stone
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Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chopped kale
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced into strips
- 1 1/4 cups Sprouts Organic Frozen Peas thawed and drained
- 1 cup arugula leaves
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to a blazing 450˚F (230˚C). Place your pizza stone or a large baking sheet into the oven as it preheats. This ensures a perfectly crispy crust from the start.
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2. Prepare the Homemade Pesto: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped. With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth, vibrant green paste. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, pulsing briefly until fully combined and the pesto is perfectly smooth. Set this glorious pesto aside.
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3. While your pesto is ready, prepare the kale. In a small bowl, combine the chopped kale with 1/2 tsp of olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to ensure the kale is evenly coated. This helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
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4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it forms a 12-inch circle. Carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven (use oven mitts!). If using a baking sheet, you might want to line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Gently transfer the rolled-out dough circle onto the hot surface.
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5. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous layer of your fresh pesto over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, evenly distribute the shredded fontina cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the goat cheese crumbles over the pesto. Top this with the seasoned kale and then arrange the thinly sliced zucchini strips artistically over the kale. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch more salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
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6. Carefully slide the pizza back into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and beautifully crisp, and the kale and zucchini are tender with slightly charred edges. The cheeses should be melted and bubbly. Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven.
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7. The Grand Finale: Immediately after taking the pizza out, top it generously with the thawed and drained Sprouts organic frozen peas, a fresh mound of arugula leaves, and the freshly chopped basil leaves. The residual heat will slightly warm the peas and gently wilt the arugula, releasing their fresh aromas and flavors. For an added layer of flavor and a touch of sweet heat, consider drizzling with hot honey. Slice with pizza scissors or a sharp knife, serve immediately, and enjoy the burst of green goodness!