If you’re craving a vibrant twist on traditional pizza, the Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This pizza bursts with fresh, green flavors thanks to a luscious pesto base, tangy feta, and tender artichoke hearts, all perfectly balanced by the mild mozzarella and crisp veggies. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel a little fancy but is so simple to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself, this green masterpiece will steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make your Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe couldn’t be easier with these few but essential ingredients. Each one brings its own special touch, adding color, flavor, or texture that makes the pizza truly sing.
- Pre-made pizza dough or crust: A handy shortcut that gives you a delightful, chewy foundation without the fuss.
- Pesto sauce: The vibrant green spread that infuses the pizza with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nut goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to provide that gooey, comforting layer we all love on pizza.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty tang that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy mozzarella.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: Tender and flavorful, these elevate the pizza with a touch of sophistication.
- Baby spinach leaves: Fresh greens that add a mild, earthy flavor and a lovely pop of color.
- Sliced green olives: Bring a salty, briny kick to every bite.
- Thinly sliced red onions: A subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the medley.
- Fresh arugula: Used as a garnish for peppery brightness and extra greenery.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of richness and sheen that enhances all the toppings.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). If you’ve got a pizza stone, pop it in now so it’s super hot when the pizza goes in. This step is key for a crispy, golden crust that will make the whole pizza experience memorable.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s just the thickness you like—thin and crispy or a bit more doughy. Transfer it carefully to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment, making it ready to receive the delicious toppings.
Step 3: Layer on the Pesto
Spread a generous half cup of pesto sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border all around for a perfect crust edge. This sauce is the green heartbeat of the pizza, delivering bold herbaceous flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Cheese Time
Scatter one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese atop the pesto to ensure that gooey, melty base. Then sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over the mozzarella for a delightful contrast of creamy and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Add the Artichokes and Greens
Distribute the chopped, marinated artichoke hearts, baby spinach leaves, sliced green olives, and thinly sliced red onions across the pizza surface. Each adds a unique texture and bursts of flavor, making every bite complex and exciting.
Step 6: Bake Perfection
Slide your pizza onto the hot pizza stone or into the oven on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistible. That aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Season
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few moments before topping it with fresh arugula leaves. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This final touch adds freshness with a subtle peppery crunch.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut your Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe into slices, serve immediately, and watch everyone fall in love with this vibrant green twist on a classic favorite.
How to Serve Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh arugula is the star garnish here, delivering a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheeses. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a little heat or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness. Garlic-roasted asparagus or a bowl of chilled cucumber soup would also match wonderfully, continuing the fresh, green theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the pizza whole on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs surrounding it. Or make mini personal green pizzas for a fun shareable appetizer at parties. Either way, this recipe makes for a stunning, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows all the flavors to mellow and mingle, making the next-day slices just as delightful.
Freezing
This pizza doesn’t freeze as well after baking because the crust can get soggy, but you can freeze the prepped dough or even assembled but unbaked pizzas wrapped tightly. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains a little of its crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto will add an extra burst of freshness and flavor, and you can tailor it to your preference by adjusting the garlic, lemon, or herb levels.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe is completely vegetarian, packed with plant-based ingredients and cheeses, making it perfect for a meat-free meal.
Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
You can try goat cheese for a similar tangy creaminess, or omit it altogether for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that feta adds a unique saltiness that pairs beautifully with the pesto.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! A baking sheet lined with parchment paper works just fine. Preheat the oven fully to get the best crust, and consider flipping the sheet halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
How can I make this pizza dairy-free?
Opt for a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and skip the feta or use a plant-based crumble. The pesto usually contains cheese too, so choosing or making a cheese-free pesto will keep the pizza fully dairy-free and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors that celebrate green ingredients in the best possible way. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes is a flavorful vegetarian delight that combines the fresh, herby aroma of pesto with the creamy tanginess of feta cheese and the savory bite of marinated artichoke hearts. Topped with mozzarella, baby spinach, green olives, and red onions, then finished with peppery fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil, this pizza is both colorful and delicious. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or crust
Sauce
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
Garnish & Seasoning
- Fresh arugula, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat thoroughly for a crispier crust.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Then transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier handling.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of pesto sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to allow the crust to rise and brown.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto layer, ensuring good coverage for melting.
- Arrange Toppings: Distribute the 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts, 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves, 1/4 cup sliced green olives, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions evenly across the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the oven, placing it on the heated pizza stone if using. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with fresh arugula, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- If fresh pesto is not available, a good-quality store-bought pesto works well.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or omit if preferred.
- Olive oil drizzle at the end enhances the flavor; use extra virgin for best results.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
