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