35 Best Pesto Pizza Recipes for Dinner

Pesto—traditionally known as “pesto alla Genovese”—is one of the most popular sauces originating in the Italian region of Liguria. The original pesto is thick. It has a cold sauce from crushed garlic hard cheese (like parmesan cheese) and basil leaves. And enriched with European pine nuts, coarse salt, and extra virgin olive oil. It packs a nice garlicky punch and a rich grassiness.

Today’s pesto is a far cry from the Italian original. In fact, there are hundreds of pesto variations. That includes pistachios, dried tomatoes, citrus fruits, zucchini, and so on. After all, the word pesto comes from the Italian word ‘pestare.” It means to ‘pound’ or ‘crush’ the ingredients— like the ancient apothecary.

So here are 30+ pesto pizza recipes that you can try at home.

 

1. Basil Pesto Pizza with Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella – Silver Oak Cellars

Pizza and basil pesto! That screams summer, and Winery Chef Dominic Orsini knows better. He uses the basic dough, which is so easy. Spreads it with thick basil pesto and top off with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Eat this pizza with a red wine—like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, for a meal with a happy ending!

2. Grilled Italian Pesto Pizza

This hearty Grilled Italian Pesto Pizza will knock your socks off! And the best part is, it’s easy to make in about 25 minutes max. It gives you a good reason not to call out for dinner. Key ingredients include two types of cheese (mozzarella and parmesan), plum (Roma) tomatoes, and basil pesto. And if done similarly, the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese melts.

 

3. Pesto and Fresh Italian Sausage Pizza – The Sportsman’s Table (Recipe)

This recipe turns simple ingredients into something uniquely remarkable. Or something mouthwatering, I’d say! Chef Allen Cook from Rebel Restaurant shows us how to make a cheesy sausage and pesto pizza for an easy, takeaway-style dinner. And if you prefer, swap the Italian sausages for cured meats or Portobello mushroom slices if you want a meat-free pie. [27 Best Sausage Pizza Recipes]

 

4. Keto Pesto Pizza with Fresh Arugula

It is surprising how this Keto Pesto Pizza is delicious and healthy. And even more shocking, the crust is made using Fathead Dough. Fathead is better for this. But you can always go for the non-fathead dough (here is the recipe). Top with plenty of fresh baby arugula and shaved parmesan. And you’ll be looking forward to eating again for lunch.

 

5. Chicken Pesto Pizza with Marinara Stuffed Crust Recipe – HellthyJunkFood

OMG…The food whishes intro KILLED ME! But actually, it confused me at first, and I thought I had accidentally clicked on a food wishes video! Don’t be like me, be patient and get to the real thing. This recipe is excellent if you want something overwhelmingly extraordinary. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but give it a shot anyway. You’ll thank me later!

 

6. Christina Zito’s Pesto Margherita Pizza Recipe

Christina Zito’s Pesto Margherita is a creative twist on traditional Margherita pizza. It uses a simple scratch crust, homemade pesto sauce, fresh-cut cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. This Pesto Margherita recipe doesn’t look too tricky or complicated and crazy. The dough recipe involves no yeast, so there is no waiting for the dough to rise.

 

7. Italian Grandma’s Fresh Basil Pesto

This Italian Nona is a national treasure. By the way, did you hear her song? Isn’t her Italian accent just beautiful? Honestly, I started crying when she started singing. And I still don’t know why I did! Anyway, follow what this awesome grandma does to create a fresh, authentic basil pesto pizza. Try and play her song while at it (wink*).

 

8. Rosemary’s Pesto Pizza Recipe

Loaded with vibrant slices of fresh tomatoes and shredded mozzarella, Rosemary’s Pesto Pizza proves the point. A creamy pesto forms the base of the crust to elevate the bold pesto flavor. And if possible, use a pizza stone to create a crisp crust that doesn’t droop. But don’t despair if you don’t have one; a baking sheet is just as good!

 

9. Asparagus Pesto Pizza with Caramelized Onions – SipBiteGo

This Asparagus Pesto Pizza with Caramelized Onions dish is a unique vegetarian pizza recipe. Also, Jenna Passaro makes it look so simple to make. It needs asparagus, pesto, caramelized onions, mozzarella, parmesan, and premade pizza dough. Follow her procedure to make this easy and refreshing vegetarian pizza. You can always make do with some prosciutto if you wish to add meat.

 

10. Pesto, Kale and Sweet Potato Pizza

This Pesto, Kale, and Sweet Potato pizza is often served to food writers during the Pillsbury Bake-Off. It’s fantastic; it’s earthy, hearty, and slightly sweet. This pizza is a puree of sweet potatoes with fresh, thinly sliced mozzarella cheese, chopped kale, and a drizzle of parsley pesto. It also features flaxseed, sesame, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) in the dough to add a hearty crunch to the pizza.

 

11. Zucchini Pesto Pizza – Homemade Pizza Recipe

Enjoy a light, gourmet pizza at home with this recipe from How To Cook Great. The secret to getting this Zucchini Pesto Pizza to the table fast is to use a prebaked crust. You can also watch the video and see how the dough forms. You’ll be able to make 12-inch-sized pizzas, a perfect summer meal for the whole family.

 

12. Vegan Artichoke Pesto Pizza

This pizza is sure to be your new favorite—topped with homemade vegan pesto, tender baby artichoke hearts, and seasonal veggies. You can make it using any crust. But for the sake of this recipe, use thin, crispy, grain-free crusts. Top the pizza with homemade tofu ricotta in place of cheese. You might want to use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the pesto.

 

13. Pistachio Pesto Pizza – Son of a Pizza Man

Pistachio may sound like a strange pizza topping. But trust me—it has some toasty flavors that go well with cheese. Enzo—with his buddy and roommate Eddie—shows us how to make a pistachio pesto pizza in honor of National Pistachio Day. Be sure to accompany this pesto pizza with a bold, nutty pesto sauce for a springtime feast.

 

14. Betty Croker’s Pesto and Cheese Pizza Recipe

The bold flavor of this pizza is a bit different from the traditional one. Simple ingredients keep the pizza fresh, vibrant, and spot-on. Make your own Pesto and Cheese Pizza, quick and easy with Betty Croker’s recipe. Serve it as a main dish or as a fun appetizer. For the latter, cut the pie into smaller pieces.

 

15. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Pizza – Festival Foods

Get all the pizza flavor without the crust in this Grilled Portobello Mushroom Pizza recipe. It’s a healthier, gluten-free, and optionally vegetarian dish, perfect for grilling season or large family gatherings. The versatile Portobello mushrooms add a hearty canvas for any toppings while helping you get your daily veggie servings.

 

16. Pesto Cauliflower Pizza

This recipe leverages the brilliant invention of a store-bought cauliflower crust. With this recipe, you can use whatever soft herbs you have on hand for delectable results. The dish—topped with colorful veggies—turns out so delicious. You could down the whole thing in one sitting.

 

17. “Quick Fix” Broccoli Pesto Pizza – Pampered Chef

Nothing’s more enticing than a fresh pizza except a new pie. Especially when smothered with pesto sauce, creamy mozzarella, and other spices. It provides a delicious but healthy twist on a regular pizza. Pampered Chef’s pesto pizza recipe uses a broccoli crust. So it’s the perfect fit for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

 

18. Beet Pesto, Goat Cheese, and Kale Pizza

Step up your pizza game with this decadent yet healthy pizza packed with nutritious flavors. The marriage between the nutty, creamy beet pesto, slightly crisp goat cheese, and rich kale is a match made in heaven. And most impressive of all, the pesto cancels out the signature beet taste, so the pie is not earthy.

 

19. Homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls – Great Tastes of Manitoba

If Gina Sunderland’s demonstration is anything to go by, these Chicken Pesto Pizza Rolls are a unique spin on family favorites. What I like about these pizza rolls is you can make them so quickly. It takes about an hour and a half, and you have hot, fresh pizza rolls coming straight out of the oven. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

 

20. ‘Lazy Girl’ Caprese Prosciutto Pesto Pizza

The Caprese Prosciutto Pesto Pizza is the perfect pie for lazy afternoons. It’s super easy to make. Use Trader Joe’s pizza dough and simple ingredients. Top with pesto, fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a light and flavorful pizza. Eat with your favorite wine.

 

21. Cannellini Bean with Mediterranean Veg Pizza Recipe – Cooking with Napolina

This pizza will be great if you want to switch from your ordinary pizza. It features tasty cannellini beans packed with protein to give you enough daily servings. Fresh Mediterranean vegetables make it vegan-friendly. Still, there is room for improvement. Put other toppings like spinach, artichoke, and cherry tomatoes. [31 Best Mediterranean Pizza Recipes]

 

22. Pesto Tortilla Pizza Recipe

It would be best if you considered changing up your go-to lazy dinner recipe; every once in a while. Enter the Pesto Tortilla Pizza recipe, a quick and guiltless appetizer, snack, lunch, or dinner. This vegan tortilla is super versatile because it’s customizable. Garnish with tomato and basil. Serve warm!

 

23. Basil Pesto with Almonds – Dave Beaulieu

A traditional pesto sauce usually forms with pine nuts. But there is no need to splurge on pine nuts when you can use toasted almonds (a bit less expensive) and loosely packed fresh basil. Tasty and full of healthy fats, this pesto pizza offers a lighter, more neutral flavor.

 

24. Single Serve Cheesy Chicken Pesto Pizza

Single Serve Cheesy Chicken Pesto Pizza combines all your favorite flavors into an easy, elegant, and convenient pizza. It is a great upscale pizza to serve at gatherings or enjoy with friends and family. Serve with a tomato salad for a kick of bright flavor on the side!

 

25. Easy Naked Pesto Pizza Recipe – Andris Lagsdin

If you’re a pizza lover and like to try a funky pizza recipe, the Easy Naked Pesto Pizza is the way to go. I know what you’re asking yourself: How can I achieve a crispy crust and a creamy center? The secret is to bake the dough naked with ice cubes on it! Yes, you heard me right, ice!

 

26. Skillet Sausage and Kale Pesto Pizza

Switch things up for a Friday family pizza night with this Skillet Sausage and Kale Pesto Pizza. This healthy pesto-based pizza is a modern spin on a classic dish. The spicy sausage and earthy, nutty kale pesto add a rich flavor, while the low amount of cheese still provides the stretchy, cheesy goodness.

 

27. Shrimp-Pesto Pizza – Southern Living

The flavorful Shrimp-Pesto Pizza comes together in no time. Use refrigerated pizza dough and jarred pesto. You can buy the dough in bulk when you plan to host a large crowd. If you make this pie in a heart shape, it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. Serve with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a memorable pizza experience.

 

28. Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pizza

It is a simple, homemade Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pizza that reminds me of winter when it’s cold outside. The recipe uses sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed) as an alternative to pizza sauce. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives (if desired). If you love sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll devour this in one sitting!

 

29. Fresh Avocado Pesto Pizza – Kathy Patalsky (HealthyHappyLife)

Fresh avocado on pizza is and has always been, my summer favorite. It’s one of the healthiest vegan pizzas I’ve ever eaten. The Avocado Pesto Pizza has chicken barbeque cubes on top. But you can make do with chickpeas or tofu. With loads of good fats from the avocado—this pizza will leave you satisfied.

 

30. Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pesto Pizza

This pizza combines two summer classics: grilling and heirloom tomatoes. The Grilled Heirloom Pesto Pizza bursts with fresh flavors that keep your kids lingering around waiting to sample. Try using heirlooms with contrasting sizes, shapes, and colors for the most visual appeal. Roll the dough thinly and evenly for the crispiest pizza.

 

31. Blackberry Pesto Pizza Recipe – Pasolivo Olive Oil

The mix of warm blackberries, homemade pesto, and ricotta! My oh my! Mamas, dads, and adventurous kids will surely fall in love with this sweet and savory combo. It’s a perfect treat for a get-together. To serve, add a blackberry balsamic drizzle and remaining basil leaves. The combination of ingredients and flavors will impress even your most fussy friends!

 

32. Homemade Pesto Sauce Pizza Recipe – Simple Joy

 Flavors from high-end pizzerias seem possible with this homemade pizza recipe. Thanks to the fresh basil with the perfect amount of parmesan cheese to elevate the crust. Lise also recommends shredding your own cheese from a block for the best melting result. Lastly, you wouldn’t want to miss her personal pizza crust, which is foolproof and amazingly delicious.

 

32. Plant-based Pesto Pizza – Cat’s Vegan Kitchen

If you have Trader Joe’s pizza dough waiting in the pantry, this recipe is for you! Cat shows how to make a vegan-friendly pizza starting from shaping the dough till it gets out of the oven. She also shares a few pro tips to keep your pie in a tip-top shape worthy of indulging. And for the pesto, she also uses a vegan product from Trader Joe’s.

 

33. Pesto Pepperoni Pizza  – Our Balanced Bowl

This list would not be complete without a pepperoni topping! Who wouldn’t want a classic pepperoni pizza with a slight twist? Here, you’ll find the tomato sauce replaced with store-bought pesto. It also has a kick due to the red pepper flakes toppings. Lastly, you wouldn’t want to miss the hot honey drizzled after baking. All the flavors balance, which I think even the kids would enjoy!

 

34. Artichoke, Burrata, Pesto Pizza – ilFornino New York

Burrata never fails to amuse my palate whenever I order one from a local pizzeria. That’s why this recipe makes it to my list. Its solid texture on the outside and cream-like texture on the inside complement the crunchy artichoke. The pesto also supports all their flavors—it’s like a battle of consistency yet provides an elegant taste.

 

What’s Your Pesto Pizza Recipe Pick?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, as we love to hear from you! Personally, anything with pesto tickles my palate—whether on pasta or pizza. But the latter offers the combination of my two favorites, including loads of cheese. But I’d also like to consider those with savory meats like pepperoni or Italian sausage.