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Lemon Pesto Pizza

Lemon Pesto Pizza
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Lemon Pesto Pizza features a zesty lemon-infused pesto sauce blended with fresh basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, spread over a crispy pizza crust and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. This bright and fresh pizza offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and savory herb flavors, ideal for quick dinners, light lunches, or impressing guests with a unique pizza twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 ball of store-bought or homemade pizza dough (classic or whole wheat, approximately 12-inch size)

Lemon Pesto Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (adjust as needed for consistency)

Toppings

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra drizzle of olive oil
  • Lemon zest sprinkle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the olive oil quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
  2. Roll Out the Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape. Carefully transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
  3. Spread the Lemon Pesto: Evenly spread a generous layer of the lemon pesto sauce over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover close to the edges for full flavor in every bite.
  4. Add Cheese and Toppings: Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the pesto base. If using, add halved cherry tomatoes or any other desired toppings to complement the citrus-herb flavors.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients like ripe lemons and fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
  • Lightly toast pine nuts or walnuts to enhance their flavor and add depth.
  • Don’t overload the dough with toppings to maintain a crispy crust.
  • Preheat your oven fully to ensure a perfectly cooked pizza with bubbly cheese.
  • Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and to keep cheese from sliding off.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pesto pizza, lemon pesto, pizza recipe, fresh herbs, citrus pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza, vibrant pizza, basil pesto pizza

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/lemon-pesto-pizza/