This Zucchini Blossom Pesto Pizza is a taste of summer on a crust. With a fresh pesto base, delicate zucchini blossoms, nutty parmesan, and just a kiss of lemon zest, it’s the perfect seasonal pizza that celebrates the fleeting beauty of edible flowers.
Zucchini blossoms, also known as courgette flowers, are a prized ingredient in Italian cooking. They add a subtle squash-like flavor and a striking visual appeal to pizzas, pastas, and frittatas. When paired with basil pesto and creamy cheese, they create a pizza that’s as elegant as it is delicious. If you love gourmet-style pizzas, this recipe deserves a spot on your table.
Ingredients
- 1 ball fresh pizza dough about 10–12 inches
- 1/3 cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
- 6 –8 fresh zucchini blossoms gently rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch round.
- Place the dough on a floured pizza peel or parchment paper.
- Spread the basil pesto evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Scatter the mozzarella pieces over the pesto base.
- Arrange the zucchini blossoms gently on top of the cheese, either whole or halved lengthwise for a more open flower presentation.
- Sprinkle with shaved parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately zest fresh lemon over the hot pizza.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of zucchini blossom pesto pizza.
Notes
- Zucchini blossoms are very delicate—use them the same day you buy or pick them for best results.
- If zucchini blossoms aren’t available, substitute thinly sliced zucchini ribbons for a similar flavor.
- Pair this pizza with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- For extra richness, add dollops of ricotta before baking.
FAQ ?
What do zucchini blossoms taste like?
Zucchini blossoms have a mild, slightly sweet squash flavor with a delicate floral note. They don’t overpower but enhance other ingredients like pesto and cheese.
Where can I buy zucchini blossoms?
You can usually find zucchini blossoms at farmers’ markets in late spring and summer. Specialty Italian or organic grocers may also carry them during the season.
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes! A heavy baking sheet flipped upside down works as a substitute. Preheat it in the oven just like a pizza stone.
What cheese pairs best with zucchini blossoms?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but ricotta, burrata, or even goat cheese also complement zucchini blossoms beautifully.
Can I use homemade pesto for this pizza?
Absolutely. Homemade pesto adds extra freshness. You can even make zucchini blossom pesto by blending a few blossoms into your basil pesto.
