Pesto Spinach and Feta Pizza is a delicious and vibrant twist on classic pizza. Featuring a rich basil pesto base, tender baby spinach, tangy crumbled feta, and gooey mozzarella, this pizza is as beautiful as it is flavorful. It’s the perfect choice for a quick vegetarian dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines fresh, bright flavors with hearty, cheesy comfort.
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vegetarian-friendly without feeling light or incomplete.
- Great for customizing with extra toppings or different cheeses.
- Reheats well and can be made ahead.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Basil pesto
- Fresh baby spinach
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Optional: minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, red onion
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (or as recommended for your pizza dough).
- Roll or stretch the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread an even layer of basil pesto over the surface of the dough.
- Top with a layer of fresh spinach, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the spinach.
- Add crumbled feta and any optional toppings such as cherry tomatoes or red onion.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with olive oil, and let rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 3 to 4 people
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for ricotta or parmesan for a different texture.
- Include cooked chicken or sausage for added protein.
- Use arugula or kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill after baking for added freshness.
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- You can also reheat slices in a skillet or air fryer for a crispier texture.
- To freeze, wrap assembled but unbaked pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of pesto should I use?
Traditional basil pesto works great, but a spinach or arugula pesto also complements the toppings well.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
No, fresh spinach will wilt naturally in the oven, but you can sauté it lightly if you prefer a softer texture.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for best results.
Does feta melt like other cheeses?
Feta softens in the oven but doesn’t melt completely. It adds a creamy, tangy bite.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza crust to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Absolutely. Cooked chicken, bacon, or Italian sausage are all great additions.
Is this pizza suitable for freezing?
Yes. You can freeze the assembled unbaked pizza or freeze leftovers after baking.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to use a light hand with pesto and any wet toppings. Preheating your baking sheet or stone also helps.
What cheeses pair well with feta?
Mozzarella balances feta’s saltiness well, but ricotta, parmesan, or goat cheese can also be used.
How long does homemade pesto last?
Homemade pesto can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen in small portions for longer storage.
Conclusion
Pesto Spinach and Feta Pizza is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together vibrant greens, creamy cheeses, and a crisp crust. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, it’s a reliable go-to recipe that can be tailored to suit any preference. Make it your own with your favorite toppings and enjoy a fresh, homemade pizza night any day of the week.
Print
Pesto Spinach and Feta Pizza
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2-4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful vegetarian pizza topped with vibrant pesto, fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and mozzarella on a crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the fresh spinach over the pesto.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the spinach.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese over the mozzarella.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto or make your own for fresher flavor.
- Add sliced tomatoes or olives for extra toppings if desired.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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