If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and absolutely crave-worthy weeknight dinner idea, this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes will blow your tastebuds away. Vibrant, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this recipe is ideal for vegetarians, busy food lovers, and anyone who craves bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
This is not your average pizza. With a base of herby pesto instead of traditional tomato sauce, creamy feta, gooey mozzarella, and a garden of savory toppings, each slice offers a burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, preparing a Meatless Monday meal, or just satisfying your pizza cravings in a healthier way, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Green Pizza
This Green Pizza is a celebration of all things fresh, colorful, and delicious. It’s an ideal option for:
Vegetarians: 100% meat-free but rich in texture and umami from feta, olives, and artichokes.
Busy home cooks: Using store-bought dough and pre-prepped toppings means this meal is on the table in under 30 minutes.
Health-conscious eaters: Loaded with greens like spinach and arugula, this pizza is a great way to sneak in your veggies.
Gourmet foodies: With complex flavors from marinated artichokes, briny olives, and sharp red onions, this dish is elevated without being pretentious.
This recipe also offers endless customization, making it a go-to for when you want something familiar with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to craft this delicious green pizza:
1 pre-made pizza dough or crust
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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
Fresh arugula, for garnish
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper, to taste
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together beautifully to create a pizza that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To bring this recipe to life, here’s what you’ll need:
Oven
Pizza stone (optional, but recommended for a crispy crust)
Rolling pin
Pizza peel or baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula for spreading pesto
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone (highly recommended for an ultra-crispy crust), place it in the oven while it heats.
2. Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. A thinner crust will yield a crispier base, while a thicker crust gives you a chewier bite. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
3. Spread the Pesto
Use the back of a spoon to spread the pesto sauce evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
4. Layer on the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto, followed by the crumbled feta.
5. Add the Veggies
Distribute the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, green olives, and thinly sliced red onions across the pizza.
6. Bake
Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the hot pizza stone if using). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with a handful of fresh arugula and a light drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Use high-quality pesto: Since pesto is the flavor foundation, choose a fresh, high-quality brand or make your own for the best taste.
Drain ingredients well: Artichokes and olives can add excess moisture. Pat them dry before adding to prevent soggy crust.
Customize the greens: Don’t have spinach or arugula? Try kale, basil leaves, or even thinly sliced zucchini.
Crispier crust hack: Prebake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding the toppings if you’re not using a pizza stone.
Recipe Variations
The versatility of this pizza makes it easy to adapt to your taste or what you have in your fridge:
Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even prosciutto can be added for a non-vegetarian twist.
Switch the cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Go vegan: Use vegan mozzarella and feta alternatives and a dairy-free pesto.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this crowd-pleaser!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
Store: Place leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 7–10 minutes or until warmed through. For crispiness, avoid microwaving.
Pro Tip: Leftover pizza makes a fantastic next-day lunch or even a savory breakfast topped with a poached egg.
Best Food and Drink Pairings
Wondering what to serve with your green pizza? Here are some delicious pairing ideas:
Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herbaceous pesto and briny feta.
Beer: Try a citrusy IPA or light lager.
Side salad: A simple lemon vinaigrette-dressed salad or cucumber-tomato salad balances the richness.
Soup: A bowl of chilled gazpacho or a warm creamy tomato soup is a cozy companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough elevates the whole experience, though a store-bought version works just fine for a quick meal.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What kind of pesto works best?
Traditional basil pesto is classic, but arugula pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto adds a unique twist.
Is this pizza good cold?
Surprisingly, yes! The bold flavors and fresh greens make it enjoyable even straight from the fridge.
Can I grill this pizza?
Definitely. Use a grill-safe pizza stone or cook directly on grill grates over medium-high heat for about 8–10 minutes.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta & Artichokes is everything you want in a homemade meal—easy, flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen rotation, especially when you’re craving something a little different from the usual red-sauce pizza.
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Happy cooking and buon appetito! 🍕🌿