Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of pizza that’s not only loaded with mouthwatering flavors but is also an ally of the heart. Welcome to the world of Kale and Almond Pesto Pizza, a food lover’s paradise that blends taste and health in every delightful bite.
Ingredients List
To set sail on this food journey towards making this heart-healthy pizza, you’ll need:
- A bunch of fresh kale leaves (around 2 cups)
- 1 cup of almonds (raw, unsalted)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt to taste
- A teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 pizza crust (whole wheat for an even healthier twist!)
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese
- A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. As this kitchen beast roars to life, prepare your kale and almond pesto.
Place the kale, almonds, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and lemon zest into a food processor. Process until you have a smooth, spreadable pesto. Kale goes from garden-variety green to the great base of our pizza in a couple of whirls!
Next, it’s time to lay the foundation. Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread the kale and almond pesto evenly on the surface.
Shower the pesto with shredded mozzarella cheese and stud it with cherry tomatoes.
Pop the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes or until the cheese becomes a bubbling golden pool and the crust turns crisp.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a moment before slicing and serving. Sink your teeth into this kale-almond cloud, a healthier segue into pizza town!
Cooking Time & Servings
The total cooking time for Kale and Almond Pesto Pizza is 25-30 minutes which includes preparation time. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner and would comfortably serve 4.
Nutritional Information
Kale and Almond Pesto Pizza isn’t just a symphony of flavors, it’s a nutrition powerhouse. Almonds are a fantastic source of good fats and vitamin E. Kale, the green heroine of our dish, comes packed with vitamins A, K, and C along with a good dose of fiber. Using whole wheat crust boosts the fiber content further and the use of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Here’s the approx nutritional value per serving:
Total calories: 400
Total Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
CoQ10: Not measurable
Tips and Tricks
Wish to sprinkle a twist of your personality onto your pizza? Go ahead! Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free crust, or vegan by swapping dairy cheese for a vegan variety. Fresh basil leaves on top right before serving can kick the freshness up a notch.
As we bring this culinary journey to a close…
It’s clear that your kitchen can be the canvas to a healthier pizza remake. So, go ahead, make a batch of this Kale and Almond Pesto Pizza and let every bite speak for itself. We’d love to see your pizza interpretations; share them on our social pages!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts for the pesto?
Yes, you can use pine nuts or walnuts if you want a different flavor profile.I’m vegan; what can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
You can use vegan mozzarella cheese or nutritional yeast flakes.Can I use frozen kale leaves?
Yes, ensure you thaw them completely and pat dry before using.How do I store leftover kale and almond pesto?
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the pesto and crust in advance, but it’s best to bake just before serving to maintain the freshest flavors.
We hope this hearty Kale and Almond Pesto Pizza inspires you to reinvent and relish healthier versions of your favorite foods. Until next time, happy cooking!
