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
Scale
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
