If you’re looking for an invigorating twist on classic pizza night, this Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite. Packed with vibrant kale and fresh basil blended into a luscious pesto, topped with melty mozzarella and baked to perfection, this pizza bursts with fresh flavors and stunning color. It combines wholesome greens with the comforting pleasure of crispy crust and gooey cheese, making it a perfect dish to share with friends or enjoy as a delightful treat any time. Trust me, once you try this Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe depends on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or vibrant color, turning this pizza into a deliciously balanced masterpiece.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A quick base that crisps perfectly in the oven and holds all the goodies.
- Kale, chopped: The star green that gives the pesto its name and powerhouse nutrition.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a sweet, aromatic freshness to complement the kale.
- Walnuts: Provides a rich, nutty depth and a subtle crunch in the pesto.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings savory umami and creaminess to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a punch of flavorful warmth to the pesto.
- Olive oil: Blends everything into a silky, luscious sauce and keeps it moist.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly atop the pesto for that classic pizza gooeyness.
How to Make Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to a hot 450°F (230°C). This high heat is essential for achieving a crisp pizza crust and bubbly, golden mozzarella that you crave.
Step 2: Blend the Green Pesto
Combine chopped kale, fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse everything until you get a smooth, vibrant green pesto. This sauce is the heart of your pizza, bursting with bright, fresh flavors.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Grab your pre-made pizza crust and evenly spread the kale pesto all over. This not only adds gorgeous color but infuses every bite with that intense green goodness.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Generously sprinkle your shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto. This cheesy layer will melt wonderfully in the oven, creating the perfect melty topping that ties everything together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles up and turns golden, while the crust crisps to a satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your pizza cool for a few minutes. This rest time helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. Then, dig in and savor every vibrant bite of your Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Add a final flourish by sprinkling some fresh basil leaves or a pinch of extra Parmesan over your pizza. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also give a lovely finishing touch that turns this dish from delicious to divine.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple salad like arugula tossed with lemon and olive oil or a refreshing cucumber salad. The lightness of these sides balances the rich, cheesy pesto pizza perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe into smaller “bite” slices for parties, or serve it alongside a sharing board with olives, roasted veggies, and nuts to elevate the experience. You can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese for a tangy variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe anytime you want, with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your slices into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melty again and the crust is crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I make kale pesto without walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor but all work well in pesto.
Is this pizza recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe is entirely vegetarian. It’s loaded with greens, nuts, cheese, and herbs — no meat needed for a satisfying, hearty meal.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre-made crust?
Definitely! Homemade dough adds an extra layer of love to your pizza. Just prepare and roll it out to your desired thickness before adding the pesto and toppings.
How spicy is the Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe?
This pizza is naturally mild, but if you love heat, feel free to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes either in the pesto or on top of the pizza before baking.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
You can finely chop the kale, basil, walnuts, and garlic by hand and then mix together with grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper using a fork or whisk. The texture will be chunkier but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza Recipe is a fantastic way to bring more greens and bold flavors into your life without sacrificing comfort or fun. It’s quick to prepare, a feast for the eyes, and a real crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and it becomes a vibrant staple on your pizza nights!
Print
Super Green Kale Pesto Pizza 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 fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pizza by incorporating a vibrant kale and basil pesto. Topped with shredded mozzarella and baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious way to enjoy greens in a comforting Italian classic.
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 optimal temperature for baking the pizza evenly.
- Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine kale, fresh basil leaves, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green pesto sauce.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the freshly made kale pesto over the surface of the pre-made pizza crust, covering it completely.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the layer of pesto to create a rich, melty topping.
- Bake Pizza: Place the prepared pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbly and has turned a golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes to set, then slice and serve while warm.
Notes
- For a nuttier pesto, you can toast the walnuts lightly before blending.
- If pre-made pizza crust is unavailable, use a homemade or store-bought dough rolled out to desired thickness.
- Feel free to add other toppings like cherry tomatoes or olives for variation.
- To keep the pesto vibrant, prepare it just before spreading on the crust.
- Store leftover pizza covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
