Rosemary Roasted Tomato Pesto Pizza
This recipe comes to us from Jessica Levinson, MS, RD, CDN.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
For the Kale Pesto
- 5 ounces chopped kale
- 2 cloves peeled garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
For the Rosemary Roasted Tomatoes:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Pinch Kosher salt
For the Pizza:
- Whole wheat flour for dusting
- 8 ounces refrigerated whole-wheat pizza dough
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1 8 ounce ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into medallions
Cooking Tip of the Week: This recipe only uses half a ball of pre-made pizza dough. Did you know you can freeze the rest for later? Just place the remaining dough in a sealed bag in the freezer. When you want to cook with it, make sure it is completely thawed and at room temperature.
Food for Thought: Is pizza really pizza if it doesn’t have any tomato sauce? Of course! Pizza is the Italian word for “pie” so saying that it has to have tomato sauce would be a little like saying that a dessert pie has to have apples. You can make pizza with any toppings you want! Instead of tomato sauce, you can use pesto or even just a little olive oil. The cheese doesn’t have to be mozzarella, either. Do you like gouda, fontina or gruyere? Give them a try!
Family Dinner Conversation Starter: Describe your dream pizza. What toppings and what kind of cheese would you put on it? Maybe we can make it together next time!
Directions
For the Kale Pesto:
Adult: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the kale.
Kid: Squeeze out excess water from the kale and add to a food processor.
Kid: Add the remaining pesto ingredients and pulse until well combined and smooth.
Together: Strain the pesto to remove some of the excess moisture and set aside.
For the Rosemary-Roasted Tomatoes:
Adult: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Kid: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and toss tomatoes on it with olive oil, rosemary, and salt.
Adult: Roast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For the Pizza:
Together: Prepare a pizza stone or round pizza tray. If using a metallic tray, coat with oil or cooking spray.
Together: Spread some whole wheat flour on the counter or non-stick rolling mat. Roll the dough into a medium-thin circle.
Together: Carefully transfer dough to pizza tray.
Together: Brush top of dough with olive oil and bake 2-3 minutes until dough is lightly cooked.
Together: Spread about ½ to ¾ cup kale pesto on lightly-cooked dough.
Kid: Top with mozzarella medallions and rosemary-roasted tomatoes.
Adult: Return to oven and bake 12 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and cheese is melted and starting to brown and bubble.
Adult: Slice into six or eight slices and serve hot.
Notes:
Pesto makes about 2 cups. Reserve remaining pesto in refrigerator or freezer for another pizza or to top pasta.