Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe! This is no ordinary pizza: it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed creation that combines the earthy, buttery crunch of pistachios with aromatic basil, creamy cheeses, and a golden, bubbly crust. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just craving something special on a weeknight, this recipe is a guaranteed conversation starter. One slice and you’ll understand why this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe is a standout among homemade pizzas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—all thoughtfully chosen to deliver a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one brings something unique to the table, making every bite memorable.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, providing that chewy, crisp base everyone loves—store-bought or homemade both work well.
- Shelled pistachios: These little green gems add a sweet, nutty richness to the pesto, setting this pizza apart from the usual basil-only versions.
- Fresh basil leaves: For that classic, fresh pesto aroma and vibrant green color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, umami depth to the pesto, making every bite irresistible.
- Garlic: Just two cloves give the pesto a wonderful savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps everything blend together smoothly, and gives the pesto its luscious, velvety texture.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch brings the flavors together and enhances every ingredient.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that ooey-gooey, irresistible pizza topping.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy dollops that contrast deliciously with the pesto and mozzarella.
- Crumbled goat cheese (optional): For a tangy, luxurious finish—totally optional, but highly recommended for cheese lovers.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Want a gentle kick? Sprinkle these on for a little heat.
- Fresh arugula or basil leaves for garnish: A handful on top right before serving adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Tools
Start by cranking your oven up to 475°F and sliding a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside to heat up. This step gives your crust that pizzeria-style crispness that’s hard to beat at home. While the oven works its magic, gather your ingredients and set up your food processor.
Step 2: Whip Up the Pistachio Pesto
Into your food processor, toss the pistachios, fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and lush, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. This pesto is the true star of the Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe—taste and adjust seasoning as you like!
Step 3: Shape the Pizza Dough
Sprinkle your countertop with a little flour, then roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or any rustic shape you fancy—no need for perfection). Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper, which makes moving it to the oven a breeze.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the pistachio pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge for that classic pizza look. Next, scatter the shredded mozzarella over the top, then drop spoonfuls of ricotta here and there. If you’re a goat cheese fan, sprinkle some crumbles for a tangy twist. Add red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully slide the pizza, still on its parchment, onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and just starting to brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take the pizza out of the oven and immediately shower it with fresh arugula or basil. The greens add a peppery snap and a burst of color, making your Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious. Slice and serve while it’s hot and melty.
How to Serve Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh arugula or extra basil leaves right after baking is the perfect finishing touch. If you want to get even fancier, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can really make the flavors pop. For a festive look, add a few extra chopped pistachios over the top.
Side Dishes
Serve this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe alongside a bright, citrusy salad or a bowl of marinated olives for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad also pair beautifully, balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pizza into small squares for party-ready appetizers, or serve individual mini pizzas for a fun twist. You can even use the pistachio pesto as a dipping sauce for your crusts or breadsticks—it’s that good! For a summery vibe, serve outdoors with chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe just as delicious for lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, let it cool completely first. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. The pistachio pesto holds up beautifully, so you can enjoy a taste of this pizza anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices directly on the oven rack in a preheated 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I make the pistachio pesto ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pesto can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using on your pizza.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, simply leave it out or swap in crumbled feta or extra dollops of ricotta for a milder flavor profile.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Definitely! Store-bought dough works great and saves time, but if you love making your own, homemade dough brings an extra-special touch to this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe.
Is it possible to grill this pizza?
Yes! Grilling the pizza gives it a fantastic smoky flavor and a crispier crust. Just be sure to oil your grill grates well and keep a close eye to prevent burning.
How can I make this pizza vegan?
You can easily make this pizza vegan by using your favorite plant-based cheeses and substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan in the pesto. The results are still wonderfully flavorful!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your pizza routine, this Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe is a game-changer. It’s packed with unique flavors, comes together in under half an hour, and feels like a true treat whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite pizza!
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Pistachio Pesto Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pistachio Pesto Pizza is a flavorful and unique twist on traditional pizza, combining a nutty, vibrant pistachio pesto with creamy cheeses and fresh basil. Perfectly baked to crispy golden perfection, it’s a gourmet vegetarian option that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a delicious, refreshing meal.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
- 1 ball (about 12–14 oz) pizza dough
For the Pistachio Pesto
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh arugula or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly for an even and crispy crust.
- Make Pistachio Pesto: In a food processor, combine the shelled pistachios, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then blend until the mixture forms a smooth pesto.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough carefully onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Evenly spread the prepared pistachio pesto over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add dollops of ricotta cheese and crumbled goat cheese if using. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh arugula or basil leaves. Slice into 4 portions and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can make the pistachio pesto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week, making meal prep easier.
- This pizza is excellent when cooked on a grill, which imparts a delightful smoky charred flavor to the crust and pesto.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
