I’ll never forget the first time I made Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli for my family. It was a weeknight and I was scrambling to get a healthy, delicious dinner on the table. I had a pre-made pizza crust in the fridge and some random veggies that needed to be used up. That’s when I had the idea to whip up this flavor-packed green pizza.
As I started assembling the toppings, my kids came running into the kitchen, drawn by the mouthwatering aroma of the pesto. “What’s that?” they asked, peering over my shoulder. I explained that we were having “green pizza” for dinner and they looked skeptical at first. But once the pizza came out of the oven, golden and bubbly, they couldn’t wait to dig in.
The first bite was an explosion of flavors – the creamy pesto, tangy feta, and tender artichokes and broccoli. My family devoured the whole pizza in record time. From that day on, Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli has become a go-to weeknight staple in our house. It’s quick, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that the whole family loves.
Why This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
What makes this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli recipe so special is the combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The pesto provides a rich, herby base that pairs perfectly with the tangy feta, meaty artichokes, and crunchy broccoli. Plus, the pre-made crust makes this an incredibly quick and easy weeknight meal.
The trick is to chop the artichoke hearts and broccoli into bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly across the pizza. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each slice. And be generous with the pesto – you want it to really soak into the crust. The result is a pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pre-made pizza crust or dough: This saves so much time and makes the recipe accessible for busy home cooks. Just unroll and you’re ready to go.
- 1 cup pesto sauce: The pesto is the star of the show, providing a creamy, herby base for the toppings. Look for a high-quality store-bought version or make your own.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: The tangy, salty feta cheese perfectly complements the other flavors on the pizza.
- 1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Artichokes add a delicious meaty texture and subtle, earthy flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Broccoli lends a fresh, crunchy element that balances out the rich pesto and cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the crust get nice and crispy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli Instructions
Preparing Your Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli comes together in just 35 minutes total – 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time. All you’ll need is a baking sheet or pizza pan, a knife and cutting board, and a spatula.
1- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Unroll the pre-made pizza crust and place it on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Use your hands to gently stretch and shape the dough into your desired size and thickness.
2- Spread the pesto evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over the pesto. Then, arrange the chopped artichoke hearts and broccoli florets in an even layer on top.
3- Drizzle the entire pizza with the tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to get it right to the edges. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4- Bake the pizza for 18-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The broccoli should be tender-crisp.
5- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. The pesto will have soaked into the crust, creating an incredible flavor.
6- Slice the Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli and serve hot. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and crispy, cheesy texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, make sure to chop the artichoke hearts and broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them distribute evenly across the pizza.
- Don’t be shy with the pesto – you want to really generously coat the crust so the flavors soak in.
- Keep an eye on the pizza in the oven, as cooking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust. Look for a golden brown color and bubbly cheese.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing – this helps the pesto and toppings set up for the perfect texture.
Serving and Storing Your Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
Perfect Pairings for Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli makes a fantastic weeknight dinner for the whole family. It serves 6 generous slices, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
For a complete meal, serve the pizza alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The crisp veggies will balance out the richness of the pizza. A glass of white wine or a cold craft beer also pairs beautifully.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, this pizza also makes a great appetizer. Cut it into smaller squares and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
You can also freeze this pizza for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For meal prep, you can assemble the pizza up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time since it will be starting from a chilled state.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
Creative Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli Variations
- Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust for a healthier spin.
- Swap in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for the artichoke hearts.
- Try swapping the broccoli for other green veggies like spinach, kale, or zucchini.
- For a spicy twist, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Making Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli Diet-Friendly
- To make this pizza gluten-free, simply use a certified gluten-free pizza crust or pre-made base.
- For a vegan version, use a dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese alternative.
- To reduce the carbs, opt for a low-carb or cauliflower-based pizza crust.
- If you’re watching your sodium, use reduced-sodium feta cheese and opt for no-salt-added canned artichokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If you have access to fresh artichoke hearts, you can definitely use those instead of the canned variety. Just be sure to trim and chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the pizza.
Q: How long does this Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 35 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time. It’s a super quick and easy weeknight meal!
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizza up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time since it will be starting from a chilled state.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli recipe makes 6 generous servings. It’s the perfect size for feeding a small family or group of friends.
Q: What should I do if the broccoli isn’t tender-crisp after baking?
A: If the broccoli isn’t quite as tender as you’d like, simply bake the pizza for an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the crust doesn’t get too brown. You can also try chopping the broccoli florets a bit smaller next time.
Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Effortless 30-Minute Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli is a flavorful and nutritious homemade delight that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The vibrant pesto base, crumbled feta, tender artichoke hearts, and fresh broccoli florets come together for an unforgettable pizza experience.
Ingredients
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or dough
– 1 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
3. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pesto.
5. Arrange the chopped artichoke hearts and broccoli florets on top of the cheese.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the toppings and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
– Feel free to adjust the amounts of toppings to your liking.
– For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on the oven rack or use a pizza stone.
– Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Tarts, Toasts & Flatbreads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
This Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s packed with vibrant, fresh flavors and a satisfying texture that the whole family will love. Plus, it comes together in just 35 minutes – that’s faster than delivery!
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. I’m always eager to hear your feedback and see your creative twists on this delicious green pizza. Enjoy!
