Pesto Veggie Pizza with Bell Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant vegetarian pizza featuring homemade or store-bought dough topped with aromatic pesto sauce, melted mozzarella, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion create a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, while oregano adds an herbal finish. This pizza works beautifully for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or when you want to showcase seasonal vegetables. The combination of creamy pesto and fresh vegetables makes it appealing to both adults and children, offering a lighter alternative to traditional meat pizzas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 475°F
- 2
Roll out pizza dough on lightly floured surface
- 3
Spread pesto sauce evenly over dough
- 4
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over pesto
- 5
Arrange bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices on top
- 6
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano
- 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly
- 8
Remove from oven, cool slightly, slice and serve
Tips
Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer a crispier crust
Pat cherry tomatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture on the pizza
Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to make slicing easier
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover pizza for up to 3 days in airtight container
Prepare vegetables up to 1 day ahead and store covered in refrigerator
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and crust is crispy
Common Mistakes
Avoid overloading with vegetables to prevent soggy crust
Don't skip preheating oven to ensure proper crust browning
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
check label for parmesan
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes, thaw frozen dough completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before rolling out and using as directed.
What if I don't have pesto sauce?
You can substitute with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and herbs, or use marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
How long will leftover pizza keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.