Best Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

Few dishes bring together the fresh, herby flavors of summer quite like a homemade pesto pizza. When you make it vegan, you get all the satisfaction of a cheesy, saucy pie—without any animal products.

This Vegan Pesto Pizza is a revelation: a crispy, chewy crust, layered with vibrant dairy-free pesto, creamy vegan mozzarella, and a colorful array of vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this pizza is bound to impress.

What sets this recipe apart is the homemade vegan pesto, bursting with basil, toasted nuts, and a punch of garlic. Paired with your favorite pizza dough and toppings, it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Even non-vegans will be reaching for seconds! If you love creative vegan meals, this dish is about to become a weeknight staple or the star of your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade vegan pesto is rich, garlicky, and aromatic, giving every bite a burst of freshness.
• Completely Plant-Based: No dairy, no meat—just wholesome, vibrant ingredients that are good for you and the planet.
• Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or whatever is in season. The base recipe is a canvas for your creativity.
• Easy to Make: With store-bought or homemade dough, this pizza comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the gooey vegan cheese and herby pesto. Kids can help assemble their own pizzas!
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy cold or reheated the next day—this pizza keeps its flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Oven (ideally with a pizza stone or steel, but a baking sheet works too)
• Food processor or blender (for the pesto)
• Rolling pin (to shape the dough, or use your hands)
• Pizza peel or large spatula (if using a stone/steel)
• Baking sheet or pizza pan (if not using a stone)
• Sharp knife (for slicing toppings and the finished pizza)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing veggies)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven.

   If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. For a baking sheet, preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).

2. Prepare the vegan pesto.

   In a food processor or blender, combine basil, cashews or pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.

   Add a splash of water if too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.

   Tip: Toast your nuts lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor before blending!

3. Shape the pizza dough.

   On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper (makes transferring to oven easier).

   Don’t overwork the dough—let it rest if it resists stretching.

4. Spread the pesto.

   Generously spread vegan pesto over the pizza base, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.

5. Add toppings.

   Sprinkle vegan mozzarella evenly, then scatter cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, red onion, and artichoke hearts (if using). Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

6. Bake the pizza.

   Transfer the pizza (on parchment) to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

   For the crispiest crust, bake directly on a hot stone or steel.

7. Finish and garnish.

   Remove from oven. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.

   Top with fresh basil and another drizzle of pesto if desired.

8. Slice and serve.

   Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into wedges. Enjoy hot and fresh!

Tips & Variations

• Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds in the pesto if you’re out of cashews or pine nuts.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds or hemp hearts for a completely nut-free pesto.
• Cheese: Not all vegan cheeses melt the same. Experiment with brands or try a homemade cashew cheese for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe accessible for everyone.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Zucchini ribbons, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms are all delicious on this pizza.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil before serving.
• Frozen Dough: If using frozen dough, let it thaw and come to room temperature before shaping.
• Batch Cooking: Double the pesto recipe and freeze in ice cube trays for quick pizza nights.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary based on the dough and cheese used, but here’s an approximate breakdown per large slice (1/8 of the pizza):

Note: Values are estimates and will vary with specific brands and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your vegan pesto pizza with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh contrast.
• Pair with a bowl of hearty soup, like this comforting Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe (for non-vegans) or a vegan minestrone.
• For a party, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares and serve as an appetizer alongside Cheese Pennies (swap in vegan cheese for a plant-based spread).
• Add a bright, fruity dessert like Cherry Rhubarb Jam Recipe dolloped over vegan vanilla ice cream.
• Make it a family-style meal with a platter of roasted vegetables and a simple citrusy sparkling drink.
• For extra protein, top with pan-seared vegan sausage or tempeh bacon.

Conclusion

When you bite into this vegan pesto pizza, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite among both vegans and omnivores. The combination of herby pesto, gooey vegan cheese, and a rainbow of veggies is truly irresistible.

Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe—easy to adapt to your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this pizza delivers every time.

If you enjoyed this vegan pizza, be sure to explore more plant-based comfort foods and creative recipes on our site. For instance, try our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for another Italian-inspired vegan meal, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

With recipes like these, going vegan has never tasted so good!

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