Kale Pesto Pizza
A delightful twist on classic pizza featuring vibrant homemade kale pesto, wholesome ingredients, and customizable toppings.
Indulge in Deliciousness with Kale Pesto Pizza
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your own pizza at home, especially when it’s topped with vibrant homemade kale pesto. This Kale Pesto Pizza is not only a delightful twist on a classic favorite, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. One bite of the crispy crust combined with the fragrant pesto and gooey cheese makes this dish an instant family favorite! Whether you’re getting together for a cozy family dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is a fantastic choice.
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re looking for a meal that is quick to prep, creates less mess than traditional pizzas, and packs a nutritious punch, this Kale Pesto Pizza is just the thing. It’s a wonderful way to use up fresh kale and get your greens in without compromising on taste. The combination of the nutty pesto, glassy mozzarella, and the fresh texture of kale creates a colorful and delicious dish that’s bound to impress. Plus, it’s customizable! Whether you’re a cheese lover, a vegetarian, or just someone seeking a quick and satisfying meal, this pizza checks all the boxes.
Preparing Kale Pesto Pizza
Creating this dish is an adventurous culinary journey. It includes making a simple batch of pesto, prepping the dough, and assembling your pizza in just a few steps. From whipping up the basil-flavored sauce to baking the delicious pie, the process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Here’s a quick overview of how this delightful dish comes together:
- Prepare your homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
- Make the vibrant kale pesto.
- Roll out the dough and top it generously.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!
Gather these items
To make your delicious Kale Pesto Pizza, you’ll need the following:
- 1 batch easy whole wheat pizza dough or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (Trader Joe’s is a great choice)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) grated low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup lightly packed kale, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Optional garnishes: red pepper flakes
- 3 cups packed kale (preferably Tuscan/lacinato), thick ribs removed and roughly chopped (about 1 small bunch)
- ¾ cup pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic (depending on their size)
- ¾ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup olive oil
Feel free to swap nuts or cheese based on your dietary needs!
Step-by-step instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s make this scrumptious Kale Pesto Pizza!
- Preheat your oven to 500°F, placing a rack in the upper third. If you’re using a baking stone or steel, set it on the top rack too.
- If you’re making your dough, prepare it through step 4. For store-bought, let it rest at room temperature as per the package instructions.
- To prepare the pesto, add kale, nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and a few turns of black pepper into your food processor. Pulse while drizzling in the oil until you reach your desired consistency, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Roll out your pizza dough on parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness for crispiness.
- Spread an even layer of pesto on your pizza base (you may have extra for other uses!). Sprinkle with mozzarella.
- In a small bowl, toss 1 cup of kale with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Distribute this over the cheese evenly.
- Slide your pizza onto the baking sheet or hot baking stone.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles, around 10-12 minutes for a baking sheet or as little as 5 minutes for the stone.
- Add red pepper flakes if desired, slice, and serve warm!
01Ingredients
Pizza Dough
Kale Pesto
Pizza Topping
02Method
- Preparation
- Baking
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0 OF 9 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Storing leftover Kale Pesto Pizza: Refrigerate wrapped individual slices in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 days or freeze separated by parchment paper for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet for the best texture.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serving your Kale Pesto Pizza is almost as enjoyable as eating it! Here are some ideas:
- Pair it with a fresh baby arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for an added health boost.
- If you’re feeling festive, a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade complements the earthy flavors beautifully.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Storing leftover Kale Pesto Pizza is simple:
Refrigerate: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze slices separated by parchment paper in a freezer-friendly bag or container. They can stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
Reheating: Use the oven or a skillet to reheat for a crispy crust. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make it soggy.
Remember to follow safe food handling practices by cooling leftovers quickly and refrigerating them promptly.
Creative twists
Want to shake things up? Here are some flavorful variations to try:
- Cheese Varieties
- Replace mozzarella with goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
- Veggie Toppings
- Add thinly sliced bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra oomph.
- Herbs and Spices
- Incorporate fresh basil or even sun-dried tomatoes into your pesto for additional depth of flavor.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, you can have this Kale Pesto Pizza ready in about 30-40 minutes, perfect for those busy nights!
Can I use other greens?
Absolutely! Spinach or arugula can be a great substitute for kale in the pesto.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze slices after they cool, making for a perfect meal prep option!
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can use a blender, or finely chop ingredients by hand for a chunkier pesto.
Great meals like this Kale Pesto Pizza not only feed the body but also brighten your table! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into making this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
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