Green Pizza is a vibrant, herb-infused delight that brings a burst of freshness to your table. With a delightful blend of seasonal greens, this recipe showcases a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The aroma of freshly blended pesto mingles with the melting cheese, creating an irresistible scent that wafts through your kitchen. This dish is special not only for its taste but also for its sustainable ingredients and ease of preparation, making it perfect for casual weeknight dinners or lively gatherings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Pizza is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a fun party with friends, or a comforting meal on a cozy night. Its versatility allows you to customize the toppings to suit your preferences or seasonally available ingredients. The convenience of using fresh, simple produce means you can whip up this dish in no time without compromising on flavor. With a crispy crust and a flavorful herbal topping, each slice offers a delightful crunch followed by a creamy bite, making it a hit among pizza lovers of all ages.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
This recipe shines with fresh, local ingredients that celebrate the season. The lush green basil offers vibrancy, while the bright green spinach and broccoli provide a stunning visual appeal as well as a hearty texture. Aromatic garlic brings depth to the dish, and the earthy walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Each ingredient not only contributes to the pizza’s flavor but also speaks to sustainability, celebrating what’s available and fresh right now. By choosing seasonal produce, you connect with local farmers and reduce your environmental impact while enjoying delicious food.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup basil leaves (lightly packed)
- 1 cup spinach leaves (lightly packed)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Nonstick spray (or olive oil)
- 2 heads broccoli (not bunches)
- 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
- 1 (14-ounce / 397 gram) can quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
- 8 ounces (227 grams) shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup crumbled feta
For a delightful texture and flavor, feel free to substitute the walnuts with pine nuts or pecans, if preferred. For a vegan option, swap the cheeses with a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan pizza dough.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a perfect bake. A hot oven is essential for achieving that crispy crust we all love.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly coat a baking sheet or pizza pan with nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This will prevent your pizza from sticking and keep it nice and crispy.
3. Warm Up the Dough
If your pizza dough has been refrigerated, set it on the counter to warm up for about 15 minutes. Room temperature dough is easier to shape and stretch.
4. Prepare the Pesto
In a food processor, combine the chopped walnuts, garlic, basil, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. The pesto should be vibrant green and have a creamy consistency. Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper.
5. Prepare the Pizza
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of pesto over the dough. Scatter the quartered artichoke hearts, broccoli florets, shredded mozzarella, and crumbled feta evenly on top.
6. Bake
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma will be inviting, and the toppings will appear beautifully golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing. The moment you take a bite, the crispy base gives way to a melty, herb-rich topping that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy with a side salad or on its own.
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure that your Green Pizza comes out perfectly every time.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
For the best results, enjoy your Green Pizza fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. Reheat in the oven to revive that crispy texture.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your Green Pizza with a refreshing side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the herbal notes, while a citrusy lemonade adds a refreshing touch. For a casual gathering, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a platter of cured meats and cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Dough Too Dry
If your dough is dry, add a splash of olive oil or warm water until pliable. This will help in achieving the right consistency.
Unevenly Shaped Pizza
To ensure your pizza retains shape, use a rolling pin and work from the center outwards. If uneven, gently reshape the edges before adding toppings.
Undercooked Veggies
If you find the veggies aren’t cooking through, consider parboiling or lightly sautéing them before adding to the pizza to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your pesto is blended until smooth for the best spreadability and taste.
- Experiment with different greens in the pesto, like arugula or parsley, for unique flavors.
- For added zing, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Vegan Spinach Pizza: Skip the cheeses and substitute with nutritional yeast in the pesto for a nutty flavor.
- Meat Lovers Version: Add cooked sausage or grilled chicken strips on top for a hearty twist.
- Spicy Green Pizza: Incorporate jalapeños or hot peppers to add heat.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free with gluten-free pizza dough. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheeses and ensure all other ingredients are compliant with your dietary needs. Always check for allergies, especially with nuts in the pesto and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be used, but make sure to thaw and dry them to prevent excess moisture.
How can I customize the toppings?
Feel free to mix and match to your liking! Try adding seasonal veggies or your favorite cheese.
Can I prepare the pesto in advance?
Yes, you can make the pesto ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The delicious taste of the Green Pizza makes it a kid-friendly dish that sneaks in healthy vegetables.
Can I use different nuts in the pesto?
Yes, walnuts, pine nuts, or cashews all work well in pesto. Each will lend its unique flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
This Green Pizza is not just about great taste; it’s a canvas for creativity, sustainability, and the joy of sharing delicious food. I invite you to try it out and let us know how it turned out! Share your experience or variations in the comments, and don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes here: {internal_link_2}!
Print
Green Pizza
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant, herb-infused pizza bursting with seasonal greens and topped with a creamy pesto.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup basil leaves (lightly packed)
- 1 cup spinach leaves (lightly packed)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Nonstick spray (or olive oil)
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
- 1 (14-ounce / 397 gram) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 8 ounces (227 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly coat a baking sheet or pizza pan with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- If your pizza dough has been refrigerated, set it on the counter to warm up for about 15 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine walnuts, garlic, basil, spinach, Parmesan, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Spread a layer of pesto over the dough.
- Scatter the artichoke hearts, broccoli, mozzarella, and feta evenly on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serve.
Notes
Customize your toppings as desired, and consider using gluten-free dough or vegan cheese for dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pizza, green pizza, vegetarian pizza, herb pizza, fresh ingredients
