There’s something about pesto that makes my taste buds water.
On the list of top 3 foods I can eat at any given time pesto always makes the cut. For the longest of time I thought pesto was made only using spinach, basil, and pine nuts. Don’t get me wrong those ingredients are great but pesto can be enjoyed with so many other great alternatives. To switch it up a bit I’m leaving the pasta behind and dabbing dollops of kale pesto on pizza.
I’ve teamed up once again with Nature’s Greens to bring you another recipe featuring this top 3 fave of mine- Kale Pesto Pizza. After a quick count, I’m inclined to mention that this pizza only requires 10 ingredients.. yes 10. Lets get into it.
Nature’s Greens Kale
Fresh Basil
Olive Oil
Garlic
Lemon Juice
Walnuts
Sea Salt
Pizza Dough
Cheese
Tomatoes
Thaaat’s it! Does it get any better than this?!
Tips For Making Kale Pesto Pizza
- For the (dough) I opted for frozen pre-made dough from my local grocery store. This requires just enough work without actually making pizza crust from scratch, scratch (yes, I highly believe there are different levels of “made from scratch”). This type of dough required thawing (done in the fridge overnight) and rolled out the next day to make the pizza. Other options include canned dough (think a can of biscuits) and already cooked pizza crust. This has to be the easiest options for making pizza. Simply remove from package, place toppings/sauce and cook. Follow the instructions listed on the package for edits to cooking instructions and time.
- I prefer my sauces thick. Control the thickness of your pesto by adjusting the amount of olive oil while blending. More olive oil means smoother consistency.
- There are lots of tomato varieties out there. Roma tomatoes pair well with this recipe due to the size and all around convince of nice round slices that don’t cover the whole pizza.
- Pesto can be made with other nuts like pine nuts, cashews, almonds, even pistachios. For a nut free pesto substitute with hemp seeds or even pumpkin seeds.
- Again, olive oil is your friend. Once the toppings have been added lightly brush the exposed crust of the pizza with olive oil to get a nicely cooked crust and minimize browning.
HOW TO MAKE KALE PESTO PIZZA
Start with prepping the dough according to instructions.
Pre heat oven to 500 degrees. In a food processor add Nature’s Greens Kale Greens, basil, garlic, lemon juice, walnuts, salt, . Blend while adding olive oil. Continue to blend until desired consistency. Set aside.
Take your thawed dough. Sprinkle a dusting of flour on dough and on a clean flat surface. Roll dough with rollin pin into circular pizza shape. Transfer rolled pizza to pizza pan.
Evenly spread kale pesto on top of dough. Then evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese then roma tomatoes. Add additional toppings like red pepper flakes to turn up the hotness.
Bake in oven for 8-12 mins or according to directions of dough. Remove from oven, slice and enjoy
This post is sponsored by Nature’s Greens.
Kale Pesto Pizza
Savory pesto but made with Nature’s Green’s Kale and in pizza form. Need I say more. This pizza is topped with mozzarella cheese and sliced Roma tomato for the yummiest pizza.
Ingredients
Kale Pesto
- 3 cups Nature’s Greens kale greens stems removed
- ½ cup fresh basil
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Pizza
- 1 frozen pizza dough or 1 premade pizza dough
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 roma tomatoes sliced quarter inch thick
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
-
If using frozen dough, thaw in refrigerator before starting.
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Pre heat oven to 500 degrees. In a food processor add Nature’s Greens Kale Greens, basil, garlic, lemon juice, walnuts, salt, . Blend while adding olive oil. Continue to blend until desired consistency. Set aside.
-
Take your thawed dough. Sprinkle a dusting of flour on dough and on a clean flat surface. Roll dough with rollin pin into circular pizza shape. Transfer rolled pizza to pizza pan.
-
Evenly spread kale pesto on top of dough. Then evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese then roma tomatoes. Add additional toppings like red pepper flakes to turn up the hotness.
-
Bake in oven for 8-12 mins or according to directions on dough. Remove from oven, slice and enjoy
Jasmin Foster is a registered dietitian/food photographer focused on feel good balanced living providing recipes and tips to help you live your best life.
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