Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pizza

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Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pizza

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Recipe Overview

This fresh and simple Pesto Pizza is the perfect way to highlight seasonal ingredients and enjoy a fast, delicious meal. Made with your favorite pizza dough, rich basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and sweet tomatoes, it’s a flavor-packed option for lunch or dinner—ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough – Homemade or store-bought
  • 3 tablespoons pesto – Homemade basil pesto or store-bought
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella – Torn or sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes – Halved
  • Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a spicy kick
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – To taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil – Torn or julienned for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 475ºF. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Shape the dough into a 12-inch round on parchment paper or a cornmeal-dusted peel.
  3. Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  4. Add toppings: Arrange mozzarella over the pesto, followed by halved tomatoes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Parmesan if using.
  5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Finish with fresh basil right after removing the pizza from the oven.

Tips & Variations

  • Thin crust fans can divide the dough for a lighter base.
  • No grape tomatoes? Use sliced regular tomatoes, but blot excess moisture before topping.
  • Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for smoked mozzarella, goat cheese, or dollops of ricotta.
  • More greens? Top the baked pizza with arugula dressed in olive oil and vinegar.
  • Extra flavor: Try sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Estimated)

  • Calories: 278 kcal
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
  • Sodium: 383mg
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g

Perfect for summer, this Pesto Pizza is all about freshness and simplicity—no heavy sauces, no fuss, just pure vibrant flavor.

 

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