The Ultimate Vegan Kale Pesto Pizza: Double the Greens, Max the Flavor!
Prepare for a culinary delight with this incredible vegan kale pesto pizza – an effortlessly delicious recipe that promises double the greens and an explosion of vibrant flavors! This isn’t just any pizza; it features a rich, garlicky kale pesto base, generously baked under a blanket of luscious plant-based mozzarella, sweet, ripe tomatoes, and finished with delightfully crispy kale chips. It’s a plant-powered masterpiece that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Who can resist the allure of a perfectly crafted pizza? Whether it’s a refreshing grilled pizza with peaches on a warm summer evening, a satisfyingly hearty vegan BBQ chickpea pizza, or delectable pizza bites to kick off a meal, pizza is always a welcome treat. For many, Fridays are synonymous with pizza night, offering the perfect opportunity to gather all your favorite ingredients and flavors onto a single, glorious crust. This particular kale pesto pizza not only delivers on taste but also offers a generous “double dose” of greens, making it feel almost as wholesome as eating a salad! The exquisite blend of robust, garlicky kale pesto, crunchy homemade kale chips, creamy vegan cheese, vibrant farm-fresh tomatoes, and a perfectly baked homemade dough truly creates a show-stopping dish.
Why This Vegan Kale Pesto Pizza Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just another pizza; it’s an experience designed to delight your senses and nourish your body. Here’s why this vegan kale pesto pizza is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Bursting with Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe is a vibrant and healthy twist on a classic, elevating our favorite vegan pizza recipe with an extra helping of nutritious greens. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the tender, earthy kale and juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes to the wonderfully melty plant-based mozzarella and a perfectly crispy crust. It’s a fresh take on comfort food that you can feel good about.
- The Unbeatable Taste of Homemade Goodness: There’s an undeniable magic to homemade pizza. Whether you opt for a semi-homemade approach using a quality store-bought vegan crust or embrace the full culinary adventure of crafting your pizza dough from scratch (which we highly recommend for an unparalleled experience!), a pizza made in your own kitchen far surpasses any frozen boxed variety. The effort is minimal, but the reward in flavor and freshness is immense.
- Endless Customization to Suit Your Palate: One of the greatest joys of making pizza at home is the absolute freedom to make it uniquely yours. This pesto pizza offers total flexibility to adapt to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to increase the kale for an even greener pie or reduce the tomatoes if you prefer. Amp up the garlic with scattered whole roasted garlic cloves, add a hearty layer of sliced portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture, or swap the fresh tomatoes for sweet and smoky roasted red peppers. With this recipe, you truly can’t go wrong, making it perfect for creative culinary exploration.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Kale Pesto Pizza
Crafting the perfect vegan kale pesto pizza begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to get started. Remember to scroll down for the complete printable recipe with precise amounts and detailed instructions in the recipe card below the post.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza! You can opt for your favorite store-bought vegan pizza crust for convenience, or for an unparalleled taste and texture, try making vegan pizza dough from scratch. It’s much easier than you might think and truly makes a difference. Ensure your dough is at room temperature before spreading.
- Vegan Mozzarella: Achieve that delightful, melty, cheesy pull with good quality vegan mozzarella. Whether you prefer freshly shredded vegan mozzarella blocks or the convenience of pre-packaged shreds, both will work beautifully. Brands vary, so choose one known for its melting capabilities.
- Tomatoes: For a burst of freshness and color, thin tomato slices work wonderfully. Alternatively, halved grape or cherry tomatoes scattered over the pizza add little pockets of sweet juiciness. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Kale: The star of our show! You’ll easily find fresh kale in the produce aisle alongside other greens. Any variety of kale will do – curly, Lacinato (Dinosaur), or Red Russian. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed and de-stemmed for the pesto and chopped for the topping.
- Pesto: This recipe shines with a simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade kale pesto. We blend fresh kale with crunchy pecans, rich olive oil, and fragrant roasted garlic for a depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap pecans for other nuts like pistachios (try this pistachio kale pesto) or walnuts. For a different flavor profile, classic basil pesto can also be used, though kale pesto offers a unique earthiness.
- Optional Toppings for Extra Flair: Don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings! I often enhance this pizza with crunchy crispy chickpeas, a sprinkle of grated vegan Parmesan, briny olives, savory mushrooms, or sweet roasted red peppers. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. Think about what flavors you love and incorporate them!
Crafting Your Delicious Kale Pesto Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the many reasons I adore making this kale pesto pizza, especially on weekends, is how perfectly the leftovers keep for convenient and flavorful lunches and dinners throughout the week. The entire process is surprisingly quick and straightforward, particularly if you have your pizza dough or crust prepped and ready to go. The first crucial step is to whip up a fresh batch of our signature kale pesto, which will form the incredibly flavorful base for your pizza.
Once your pesto is ready and spread generously over the prepared pizza dough, the rest is simple assembly. Layer on your chosen toppings: creamy vegan mozzarella cheese, vibrant tomato slices, a scattering of fresh chopped kale, and a delicate drizzle of olive oil to tie it all together. The key to that perfect crispy crust and bubbly cheese is a hot oven. Bake your pizza in a preheated 500ºF/260°C oven for a swift 8-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; you’re looking for beautifully bubbly cheese, perfectly crisp kale (almost like mini kale chips!), and a golden, thoroughly cooked pizza dough. Once it reaches perfection, remove it from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then slice, serve, and savor every bite!
Whip Up the Best Easy Homemade Kale Pesto
This homemade kale pesto is not just good; it’s truly the BEST, and often, you’ll find yourself with a bit of extra after assembling your pizza. Don’t let a single drop go to waste! Homemade pesto is incredibly versatile and delicious, perfect for enhancing a gourmet Caprese sandwich, tossing with pesto pasta for a quick weeknight meal, or freezing in ice cube trays for future culinary endeavors.
To prepare this amazing kale pesto for your pizza base, begin by adding fresh, de-stemmed kale and pecans (or your preferred nuts) to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and finely chopped, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each few pulses, a process that should take about 2 minutes. Next, introduce the olive oil, fragrant roasted garlic (or fresh garlic cloves), fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue blending for another 2-3 minutes until the pesto achieves a smooth, vibrant consistency. Feel free to adjust the texture to your liking: a little more olive oil will yield a runnier pesto, while adding more nuts will result in a thicker spread.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Kale Pesto Pizza
Achieving a truly exceptional kale pesto pizza is all about a few key techniques and knowing how to adapt. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly every time:
- No Vegan Cheese? No Problem!: If you don’t have vegan cheese on hand, or prefer to go without, simply assemble and bake your pesto pizza as instructed. Instead of cheese, after baking, prepare a batch of creamy cashew cream and generously drizzle it over the hot pizza. It adds a wonderful richness and tang!
- Customize Your Pesto Consistency: The beauty of homemade pesto is its adaptability. For a thicker pesto that offers a more substantial spread, incorporate a few more nuts into your blend. If you prefer a smoother, more spreadable consistency, gradually add a bit more olive oil. However, exercise caution: adding too much oil can result in an overly oily pizza crust, so strike a balance.
- Monitor Your Pizza Closely During Baking: Due to the delicate nature of kale, it can transition from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly in a hot oven. It’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on your pizza while it bakes. If you observe the kale browning much faster than your pizza base is cooking through, simply cover the top of the pizza loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This will protect the kale while allowing the crust to finish cooking.
- Expand Your Topping Horizons: As previously mentioned, this pesto pizza is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to pile on any toppings you desire! Consider adding other sautéed vegetables like fragrant garlicky mushrooms, thinly sliced onions, or colorful bell peppers. For those who enjoy a richer flavor, a sprinkle of vegan goat cheese is a delightful addition. Or, for a unique and hearty twist, follow the inspiration of this sweet potato and kale pizza with balsamic drizzle for an entirely new flavor profile.
Serving Your Flavorful Kale Pesto Pizza
This vibrant kale pesto pizza is substantial enough to be a fantastic light meal all on its own. For a refreshing accompaniment, simply mix up a pitcher of classic southern sweet tea to enjoy alongside. In the warmer months, I particularly love pairing this pizza with a fresh, zesty Mediterranean chickpea salad or tender grilled zucchini. When entertaining friends, it makes a wonderful centerpiece alongside an impressive vegan charcuterie board or a vibrant platter of crudités served with a creamy tzatziki dip. Its versatility ensures it fits perfectly into any dining occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering.
Storing and Reheating Your Kale Pesto Pizza for Best Results
One of the best things about this kale pesto pizza is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers. To store, simply place any leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them snugly in foil. When refrigerated, your kale pizza will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days.
For reheating, I highly recommend using your oven rather than a microwave. While a microwave will heat the pizza, it won’t restore the delightful crispiness of the kale or the crust. Reheating in the oven at a temperature of around 400ºF (200°C) is ideal; this heat level is high enough to re-crisp the kale and warm the entire pizza through without risking burning the crust. Place slices directly on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Discover More Irresistible Vegan Pizza Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with this kale pesto pizza and are eager to explore more plant-based pizza creations, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic vegan pizza recipes to inspire your next kitchen adventure:
- Hearty Vegan Breakfast Pizza
- Wholesome Quinoa Pizza Bites
- Quick and Easy Vegan Naan Pizza
Enjoy, friends! If you create this amazing kale pesto pizza recipe, please make sure to snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations. We’d also be thrilled if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a well-deserved rating! Your feedback truly helps us and other home cooks. Thanks so much for being here!
Garlicky Kale Pesto Pizza
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Ingredients
For the Kale Pesto
- 2 cups kale, washed and de-stemmed
- 1/2 cup pecans , OR de-shelled pistachios or walnuts or pine nuts (if you can’t find de-shelled you can do them yourself)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves roasted garlic , or regular garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Pizza
- 1 pizza dough, gluten free or otherwise
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 cup of roughly chopped kale, washed and stems removed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Optional
- Extra toppings
- crushed red peppers
Instructions
Kale Pesto
- Add the washed and de-stemmed kale along with the pecans (or your chosen nuts) to a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse the mixture until it’s well combined and finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically after each pulse. This process should take approximately 2 minutes.
- Next, add the olive oil, roasted garlic (or regular garlic cloves), fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. Continue blending or pulsing for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pesto achieves a smooth and desired consistency. If you prefer a runnier pesto, feel free to add a little more olive oil; for a thicker pesto, incorporate a few more nuts.
Kale Pizza
- Preheat your oven to a blazing 500°F/260°C. A very hot oven is key to a crispy crust.
- Carefully place your pizza dough onto a preheated pizza stone (highly recommended for superior crispness) or a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat.
- Evenly spread a generous layer of the freshly made kale pesto over the entire surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust if desired. You might have some leftover pesto, which is wonderful for sandwiches, flatbreads, or pasta dishes!
- Next, artfully arrange the vegan mozzarella cheese shreds over the pesto, followed by the vibrant tomato slices. Finally, scatter the roughly chopped kale over everything. Feel free to let the toppings extend slightly over the edges of the crust for a rustic look, or keep them contained for a neater finish.
- Drizzle a little olive oil sparingly over the top of your assembled pizza. This adds a lovely sheen and helps the kale crisp up beautifully.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to your preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. Keep a close watch: the pizza is ready when the vegan cheese is bubbly and melted, the kale has become wonderfully crisp (almost like kale chips!), and the pizza dough is cooked through and golden brown. Begin checking for doneness after the 8-minute mark to prevent any burning.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set. For an extra touch of flavor, sometimes I like to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished product before serving! Enjoy your masterpiece!
Notes
How to store leftovers: Any remaining pizza slices should be refrigerated promptly. Store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. This kale pizza will maintain its quality for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For optimal texture and to help re-crisp the kale and crust, I strongly advise reheating leftovers in a 400ºF (200°C) oven rather than a microwave.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.