Mediterranean Pesto Delight Pizza
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Gourmet Pesto Pizza, a delightful twist on the classic. Crafted with a hearty whole wheat crust and topped with an enchanting medley of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes, this pizza is elevated by creamy herbed goat cheese and a generous drizzle of fresh pesto. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, each slice bursts with rich textures and the enticing aroma of herbal goodness. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning palates. Embrace your inner chef and customize the toppings to make this pizza uniquely yours!
8
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat pizza dough
20 ounces (Store-bought or homemade, let warm to room temperature.)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing.)
Sliced mushrooms
8 ounces (Fresh, sliced.)
Onion
1 small (Coarsely chopped.)
Sun-dried tomatoes
1/8 cup (Packed in oil, drained and chopped.)
Herbed goat cheese
2 ounces (Cut into small cubes.)
Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Pre-shredded or grated.)
Sliced black olives
2 ounces (From a can or jar.)
Pesto sauce
3-4 ounces (Store-bought or homemade.)
Instructions
1
Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature if refrigerated.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and coarsely chopped onions. Sauté until both are tender and the onions become translucent, around 5-7 minutes.
3
Incorporate the drained sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly, draining any excess liquid if needed.
4
Preheat your oven as per the pizza dough instructions, generally at 450°F (232°C).
5
On a lightly oiled pizza pan or stone, stretch the whole wheat pizza dough evenly to your desired thickness.
6
Spread a layer of pesto sauce over the stretched dough, ensuring an even coating - avoid excess oil for a balanced flavor.
7
Distribute the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture evenly over the pesto, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle sliced black olives and crumble the herbed goat cheese over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven according to the dough's instructions, typically for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, slice into 8 pieces, and serve hot for an unforgettable dining experience.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pesto Delight Pizza?
It is a gourmet pizza featuring a whole wheat crust, pesto sauce, sautéed mushrooms, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and herbed goat cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this pizza is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What type of dough is used?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of whole wheat pizza dough.
What temperature should I bake the pizza at?
Generally, the oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) or as per the dough's instructions.
How long does it take to bake?
It typically takes about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Do the mushrooms and onions need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, they should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until tender before being added to the pizza.
What kind of pesto is best?
You can use 3-4 ounces of either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
Can I use regular mozzarella?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
What is the fat content?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one slice?
Each slice provides 12.5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 31.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the role of goat cheese in this pizza?
Herbed goat cheese is crumbled on top to provide a creamy texture and tangy herbal flavor.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
They should be drained of oil and chopped before being added to the skillet.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of sliced black olives.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable and encourages you to make it uniquely yours.
Is it hard to make?
No, it is described as an easy dinner and a quick recipe for home cooks.
Why use whole wheat dough?
Whole wheat dough adds a hearty texture and a wholesome flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.
Should I drain the sautéed vegetables?
Yes, you should drain any excess liquid after sautéing to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
How many ounces of mushrooms are needed?
You need 8 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms.
Can I use a pizza stone?
Yes, you can use a lightly oiled pizza pan or a pizza stone to bake the dough.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
What size onion is required?
Use one small onion, coarsely chopped.
How should the dough be prepped?
Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature before stretching it for better elasticity.
What is the primary sauce?
The primary sauce used is pesto, spread evenly over the dough.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or special family dinners.
Should I avoid using too much pesto?
Yes, the instructions suggest avoiding excess oil for a balanced flavor profile.
How many slices should I cut the pizza into?
The instructions recommend slicing the pizza into 8 pieces.