Imagine biting into a vibrant Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors and a perfectly crisp crust. This pizza blends bright basil pesto, tangy feta, tender artichoke hearts, and garden-fresh veggies into an unforgettable combination that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a comforting weekday dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, this recipe delivers layers of herby richness and delightful textures you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully to create a pizza that’s full of flavor and color. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a tangy punch, or fresh green vibrance to the dish.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation for every great pizza, choose a ball around 8 ounces for a perfect personal size crust.
- Basil Pesto: This herbaceous sauce adds vibrant green color and rich, aromatic flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Keeps things melty and gooey while balancing the tang of feta.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty tang that pairs beautifully with the pesto and veggies.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: These tender, flavorful pieces bring a subtly sweet and briny note.
- Baby Spinach Leaves: These boost the green goodness and add a fresh, leafy texture.
- Thinly Sliced Zucchini: Offers a mild taste and slight crunch to contrast the soft cheeses.
- Olive Oil: Drizzled on top for richness and helps to brown the crust beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor on the pizza.
- Cornmeal or Flour: Used for dusting the parchment, this prevents sticking and encourages a crispy bottom crust.
How to Make Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside; this ensures a perfectly crisp crust when baking. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10 to 12-inch circle, making sure it’s evenly thin for even cooking. Transfer it carefully to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking and help with transferring the pizza to the oven.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Layers
Spread an even layer of basil pesto over your dough, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the crust crisp and defined. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly to create a melty base. Pile on the baby spinach, zucchini slices, and chopped artichoke hearts, distributing them so every bite gets a taste of the veggies’ fresh brightness. Finish with crumbled feta cheese scattered generously on top to give tangy bursts throughout the pizza.
Step 3: Season and Bake to Perfection
Drizzle olive oil over the freshly assembled pizza, then season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out all those Mediterranean flavors. Slide your pizza, parchment and all, onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden, bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a glorious, gooey topping.
How to Serve Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this pizza even further. Think a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh basil leaves for an aromatic hit right before serving. A light drizzle of lemon zest or extra virgin olive oil brightens flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch that keeps each slice exciting.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a light soup make perfect companions to round out a Mediterranean-themed meal without overwhelming the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the pizza on a rustic wooden board with herb sprigs for a charming touch. Slice it into smaller bite-sized pieces for an appetizer spread. You can also pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast, making it feel like a special occasion every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that might be rare), store the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, and it makes for a quick, delicious lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices will keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for a spontaneous treat when time is tight.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy rather than delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works wonderfully and saves you time. Just make sure to roll it out evenly and dust your work surface well to avoid sticking.
Is this pizza suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe is entirely vegetarian. It uses no meat products and is packed with flavorful vegetables and cheeses.
Can I swap the feta for another cheese?
You can certainly experiment! Goat cheese would be a tasty alternative with a similar tangy profile. Just avoid cheeses that melt too much, as feta creates delightful pockets of flavor.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No problem at all. A heavy-duty baking sheet turned upside down and preheated works just fine to give your crust the heat it needs for a nice rise and crispy bottom.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Try pre-baking the rolled-out dough for 3 minutes before adding toppings. This helps set the crust and prevents sogginess, especially with moist toppings like artichokes and pesto.
Final Thoughts
Making this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe is like bringing a slice of Mediterranean sunshine right into your kitchen. With its vibrant greens, creamy cheeses, and that perfect crispy crust, it’s a pizza that feels as wholesome as it does indulgent. I promise that once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up whenever you want something fresh, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful homemade delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Green Pizza featuring a basil pesto base, topped with mozzarella, crumbled feta, marinated artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced zucchini. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian pizza offers a perfect balance of creamy cheese, fresh greens, and tangy artichokes baked to a golden crust.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball (about 8 oz) pizza dough
Toppings
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup zucchini, thinly sliced
Finishing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
- Apply Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pesto, then layer baby spinach, thinly sliced zucchini, and chopped marinated artichoke hearts evenly.
- Add Feta and Season: Scatter crumbled feta cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance flavors.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza along with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice the pizza, and serve warm for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto according to preference.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or lemon zest before baking.
- To achieve a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 3 minutes before adding toppings.
