Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe

Dive into a world of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients with this delightful recipe for Green Pizza with Pesto Feta. When the craving for a unique twist on traditional pizza strikes, this mouthwatering creation is sure to hit the spot. Picture a chewy homemade crust topped with a burst of color from the vibrant green veggies, creamy feta, and aromatic pesto. Every bite is a celebration of freshness and herbaceous goodness.

The star of this show is undeniably the homemade pesto that elevates the flavors of the broccoli, artichokes, and feta to new heights. As the aroma of basil and toasted walnuts fills your kitchen, you’ll know that something truly special is in the making. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply spicing up a regular pizza night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Green Pizza with Pesto Feta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings joy and flavor to every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Vibrant and Nutritious: Packed with fresh basil, spinach, broccoli, and artichokes, this pizza is a colorful and nutrient-rich meal.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe based on personal preferences or seasonal availability of ingredients, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
• Memorable and Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of homemade pesto, feta cheese, and artichokes creates a unique and flavorful pizza that is sure to impress guests and leave them asking for more.
• Convenient and Reheatable: Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, maintaining the bright and fresh flavors of the pizza for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe Recipe

• Vibrant Colors and Textures: The combination of vibrant green veggies and bold cheeses on a chewy crust creates a visually stunning and texturally satisfying dish.
• Fresh and Herby Flavors: The homemade pesto enhances the freshness of the broccoli and brings out a burst of herby flavors in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This pizza has been a hit at gatherings, with guests raving about the pesto and always asking for the recipe.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe based on the season or your preferences by swapping ingredients like greens, nuts, or toppings.
• Perfect Leftovers: While best fresh, leftovers can be stored and reheated, maintaining the bright and fresh taste thanks to the pesto.
• Memorable and Nostalgic: The aroma of basil and toasted walnuts can evoke memories and create a special cooking experience with loved ones.
• Suitable for Picky Eaters: Even picky eaters enjoy this pizza due to the creamy cheeses and flavorful pesto, making it a great way to sneak in some greens.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze slices of this pizza for later, and the pesto actually enhances in fragrance after being frozen, offering a convenient make-ahead option.
• Easily Customizable: You can swap in different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs based on what’s in season or your personal taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a main meal, party appetizer, or dinner party dish, this green pizza is versatile and sure to impress.

Ingredients for Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe

Pesto

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, lightly packed
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• Kosher salt, to taste

Pizza

• 14 oz artichoke hearts, canned and drained, quartered
• 2 heads broccoli
• Nonstick spray or olive oil, for pan
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 lb pizza dough

Pro Tips for Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When making the homemade pesto, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant before using. This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delicious depth to the pesto.

Pro Tip 2: If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto can be used as a substitute for the homemade version. However, making the pesto from scratch really elevates the freshness and overall flavor of the pizza.

Pro Tip 3: To ensure a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, pre-cook the broccoli by microwaving the florets until just tender. This step helps prevent the pizza from becoming soggy and ensures that the broccoli is cooked to perfection during baking.

How to Make Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a pizza pan or large baking sheet with nonstick spray or olive oil. If using chilled pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature before working with it.

Step 2: Toast Walnuts

Toast chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3: Blend Pesto

Combine cooled walnuts, garlic, basil, and spinach in a food processor. Process until finely minced. Add Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Broccoli

Cut broccoli into small florets. Place in a microwave-safe bowl with water, cover, and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Drain water and let broccoli cool.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Using clean hands, press the pizza dough onto the prepared pan, gently stretching and flattening it to reach the edges.

Step 6: Assemble Pizza

Evenly spread half of the pesto onto the dough. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top. Add cooked broccoli and drained artichoke hearts. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella, followed by crumbled feta.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is lightly browned. Let it cool, then slice and serve.

Storage Tips

To store the finished green pizza with pesto, feta, artichokes, and broccoli, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza can be stored this way for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the pizza in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the crust and revive the flavors. The pesto helps keep the toppings moist, ensuring the reheated pizza tastes just as fresh and flavorful as when it was first made.

For longer storage or to freeze leftover slices, lay the individual pizza slices on a tray to freeze first. Once frozen, transfer the slices into a freezer-safe bag for easier storage. When reheating frozen pizza slices, bake them from frozen at around 200 degrees Celsius until they are hot and crispy. Surprisingly, the pesto on the pizza actually becomes more fragrant after being frozen, making the reheated pizza a delightful treat even after being stored in the freezer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with a mixture of other leafy greens like all spinach, parsley, or baby kale to create a different flavor profile for the pesto. Toasted almonds or pecans can be used instead of walnuts for a different nutty twist in the pesto sauce. If artichokes aren’t your preference, consider swapping them out for sliced mushrooms or zucchini ribbons, or add a dollop of ricotta alongside the feta for an extra tangy kick.

If you’re short on time or ingredients, store-bought pesto can be a convenient substitute for homemade pesto, although the homemade version is recommended for a fresher and more vibrant flavor. To save time, you can quickly microwave the broccoli florets until they are just tender before assembling the pizza. Additionally, feel free to customize the pizza with additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to add more color and flavor variations to suit your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the green pizza with pesto feta into small squares and serving them on skewers for a fun and colorful appetizer at your next gathering. The vibrant green hues of the pesto, broccoli, and spinach, along with the creamy feta and tangy artichokes, make for a visually appealing and delicious bite-sized treat that guests will love.

Another serving idea is to pair this green pizza with a side salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette dressing. The crispness of the salad complements the chewy crust and flavorful toppings of the pizza, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Additionally, sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the pizza for a subtle kick of heat that adds an extra dimension to the already delicious combination of flavors.

FAQs for Pesto Feta Green Pizza Recipe

Can I substitute store-bought pesto for homemade pesto in this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be substituted, though homemade pesto enhances the freshness and flavor of the pizza.

Should I pre-cook the broccoli before adding it to the pizza?

Yes, microwave the broccoli florets until just tender, then drain and cool before assembling the pizza.

How do I ensure the pizza crust bakes evenly and crisps up nicely?

Preheat the oven and spread the dough evenly. Bake until the crust turns golden and crisp at the edges.

Can I customize the toppings by adding other vegetables to the pizza?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, bell pepper, or zucchini for extra color and flavor variation.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Green Pizza with Pesto Feta brings as much joy and flavor to your table as it has to mine and my loved ones. The vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and delicious combination of cheeses truly make this pizza a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a comforting yet nutritious meal, this pizza has you covered.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and make this recipe your own. Experiment with different greens, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables to tailor the flavors to your liking. The versatility of this pizza allows for endless variations, making it a go-to recipe that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again. So, roll up your sleeves, get your apron on, and dive into the world of homemade Green Pizza with Pesto Feta – you won’t be disappointed!