Spring Pizza with Pesto, Asparagus and Fresh Lemon Zest

When the asparagus spears begin to pop up at the farmer’s market and the scent of fresh basil fills the air, you know it’s time to embrace the best of spring in your kitchen. You can create a deliciously vibrant pizza that showcases these seasonal gems, all while delivering a satisfying meal for family or guests. In fact, spring vegetables like asparagus are not just delicious; they’re also packed with vitamins A and C and are a great source of fiber. As you roll out the pizza dough, the aroma of pesto and rich burrata will have everyone salivating before it even hits the oven.

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Why This Spring Pizza with Pesto, Asparagus and Fresh Lemon Zest Never Fails

Imagine a pizza that perfectly captures the essence of spring, with fresh, bright flavors that sing together in harmony. This recipe brings together the lushness of asparagus, the creaminess of ricotta and burrata, and the zesty kick of lemon for a culinary experience that feels both indulgent and light. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up in about 30 minutes! Trust me, the blend of these ingredients creates a pizza that not only delights the taste buds but also makes your kitchen feel like a garden of freshness.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound pizza dough at room temperature
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces burrata cheese or 2 medium sized balls of cheese
• Grilled asparagus, hard ends removed
• Olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Small bunch of fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes for garnish
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees for 15 minutes, and if you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven so it gets hot. If you’re grilling, make sure the grill is prepped and ready!
2. If using the whole pound of dough, you can either divide it into 2 balls for medium-sized pizzas or roll it out into 1 large pizza.
3. Roll out the pizza dough to about 10-12 inches in diameter; pinch your fingers in the middle and gently stretch the dough, turning as you go to maintain a round shape. If it bounces back, it may still be a bit too cold, so let it rest for another 5 minutes.
4. Once the dough is rolled out, spread a thin layer of pesto between the 2 pizzas if making two, or over the entire surface of one large pizza, then scatter spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top.
5. Tear off pieces of burrata cheese and scatter them generously on the pizza, followed by the grilled asparagus and a drizzle of olive oil for good measure.
6. Cook the pizzas on the pizza stone for about 7-8 minutes, until the edges bubble up and turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with lemon zest, fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a dash of flaky sea salt.

Nutrition Breakdown

For a serving size of one slice, this vibrant pizza contains approximately 300 calories with 12 grams of protein, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat. Additionally, you will find around 2 grams of fiber in each serving. Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also keeps you nourished!

Perfect Pairings

This spring pizza is perfect on its own but can be paired beautifully with a fresh arugula salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette or a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. It makes for a delightful outdoor meal, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a sunny afternoon. And don’t forget—this kind of pizza is purely a springtime celebration, so feel free to slice and serve it alongside a light dessert like sorbet to round out the meal!

How to Store It Right

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pizza slices for about a month. To reheat, pop the slices in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring that the crust remains crispy—a quick sprinkle of olive oil before reheating can help with this freshness.

Expert Tips

1. For a crispier crust, consider using a pizza stone or preheating a cast-iron skillet before cooking the pizza.
2. Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto—use sun-dried tomato or walnut pesto for a unique twist.
3. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a bit of garlic powder over the crust before adding toppings.
4. Lightly grilling the asparagus before adding it to the pizza can elevate its taste even more.
5. For a more gourmet experience, finish with a shard of aged balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top.

Flavor Experiments

1. Seasonal Twist: Add fresh peas or radishes for added crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
2. Gourmet Option: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese for a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon zest.
3. Playful Variation: Top with candied walnuts and a drizzle of honey after shoving the pizza out of the oven for a sweet contrast.

Learn from My Mistakes

1. Dough Too Cold: If you find your dough hard to roll out, it’s likely too cold. Allow it to rest for another 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten.
2. Wet Toppings: Overloading on wet ingredients can make the crust soggy. Drain your grilled asparagus well and avoid excess olive oil before baking.
3. Not Enough Heat: Always preheat your oven or grill properly—failure to do so can lead to a doughy, undercooked crust.
4. Skipping Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the sea salt and red pepper flakes; they elevate the entire pizza and balance the flavors!
5. Too Many Ingredients: Sometimes less is more; overloading the pizza can lead to a messy, unbaked situation. Stick to a harmonious blend.

What to Do with Leftovers

1. Breakfast Idea: Chop leftover pizza into small pieces, and sauté with scrambled eggs for a unique breakfast scramble.
2. Pizza Soup: Toss the leftover slices into a blender with some tomato broth for an inventive pizza-flavored soup!
3. Salad Topping: Cube cold pizza and toss it onto a bed of mixed greens—there’s nothing like a crunchy salad topped with pizza chunks to surprise your palate.

Quick Questions

Can I replace the burrata cheese? Yes, mozzarella or feta can be substituted for a different flavor profile, but burrata adds a creamier texture that’s hard to beat.

What if I can’t find fresh asparagus? Frozen asparagus can work in a pinch—just make sure to drain and pat them dry before adding them to the pizza.

How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions? Swap the burrata for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use gluten-free pizza dough for a hassle-free option suitable for different diets.

Can this pizza be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before baking for a quick, fresh dinner on busy weeknights.