Discover the vibrant flavors of the Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe, a fresh and exciting way to enjoy pizza night. This recipe combines the earthy goodness of kale with the classic richness of pesto, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese on a crispy crust. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings bright, wholesome ingredients to your table in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re a kale lover or new to this green powerhouse, this pizza recipe is bound to become a favorite twist on a timeless classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but packs every bite with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing freshness, richness, and that perfect bite of cheesy comfort.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A convenient base that crisps up nicely and lets the toppings shine.
- Kale, chopped: Provides the bright green color and a boost of vitamins with a mild, earthy taste.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a lovely herbal aroma that elevates the pesto’s flavor profile.
- Walnuts: Give a subtle nuttiness and help create a creamy pesto texture.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Infuses the pesto with savory, salty depth.
- Garlic cloves: Bring a punch of warmth and character to the pesto.
- Olive oil: Binds the pesto ingredients while adding richness and smoothness.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to golden perfection on top, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures the crust will become crisp while the cheese bubbles into a golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Whip Up the Kale Pesto
Pop your chopped kale, fresh basil, walnuts, grated Parmesan, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Blend everything until you get a smooth, vibrant green pesto. This step is where all those fresh, bold flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Spread on the Pesto
Take your pre-made pizza crust and spread the kale pesto evenly across the surface. This layer is the flavor powerhouse of the pizza and the foundation for all the delicious toppings to follow.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered crust. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully, blending with the pesto and adding that classic pizza indulgence.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pizza in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden color, signaling your pizza is ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the pesto set slightly and makes slicing easier. Cut into slices and serve your Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe to delighted friends and family.
How to Serve Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of arugula leaves after baking for a fresh, peppery finish. Drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil for some added shine and richness that complements the kale pesto wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or roasted cherry tomatoes. Both add texture and a burst of complementary flavor, balancing out the richness of the cheese and pesto.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pizza alongside small bowls of extra kale pesto and chili flakes, letting everyone customize their slices. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares for a party platter that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, allow the pizza to cool completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza by placing it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method brings back the crisp crust and melts the cheese perfectly, avoiding the sogginess that microwaving can cause.
FAQs
Can I make the kale pesto ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the kale pesto up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on your pizza to freshen it up.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If you’re avoiding nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that lovely texture and slight nuttiness without the allergens.
Is this pizza recipe healthy?
This recipe is a great way to sneak in extra greens thanks to the kale and basil, combined with wholesome ingredients that offer nutrients without compromising on flavor. Moderation with cheese keeps it balanced and satisfying.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre-made crust?
Definitely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can be customized to your liking. Just roll it out to your preferred thickness before topping with the kale pesto and cheese.
What wines or drinks pair well with this pizza?
Light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon complement the fresh, herbal notes of the kale pesto without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your pizza game and enjoy a vibrant, nourishing meal, the Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe is your new best friend. It’s fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make, offering a delicious way to enjoy the goodness of kale in every cheesy, crispy bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to this green goodness again and again.
Print
Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza: A Delicious Twist! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza offers a vibrant and healthy twist on traditional pizza by using a fresh kale and basil pesto as the base. With a flavorful blend of walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic, topped with melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy pre-made crust, it’s an easy and nutritious meal perfect for any pizza lover looking to add more greens to their diet.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
Kale Pesto
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking your pizza perfectly.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine chopped kale, fresh basil leaves, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth, creating a vibrant green kale pesto.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the freshly made kale pesto over the pre-made pizza crust, covering the base thoroughly to infuse every bite with flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the pesto layer to provide a creamy, melty topping.
- Bake Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the crust is crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set the toppings, then slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust.
- To make it vegan, replace the Parmesan and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
