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Because Wednesdays are better with cheesy pizza…more specifically, this burst Cherry Tomato, Artichoke, and Zucchini Pesto Pizza. <– truth.
I know that this title is kind of a mouthful, but I wanted to get it all in there! This is one cheese filled, veggie filled, pizza and I love it!
I cannot deny that my mind has turned to all things SUMMER. With Memorial Day now behind us, and the sun still shining until at least 8PM, I am in all-summer go mode. I know we still have until June 20th for the season to officially arrive, but guys, I am so ready, and I’m betting that you are too! Or at least I’m hoping so. I’m counting on you guys to be down with my summer inspired eats!
Speaking of summer…little sister, Asher, gets out of school on Friday! Do you guys remember that feeling of school’s out for summer? I can literally still feel it, it was probably one of my favorite, most anticipated feelings, EVER.
I wasn’t really a school loving kid…
Anyway! Pizza talk!
Over the weekend I went for a quick little bike ride with Asher. She is dead set on me taking her to Italy for a summer trip, and I’ve got to say, the girl is starting to convince me that I somehow need to make it happen. First of all, I think it’s the cutest thing that my eight year old sister wants to go to Italy with me, although she did just watch Mary-Kate and Ashley’s movie, When in Rome, so that could have a little something to do with it.
She’s promised me that if we go she will try anything at least once…new cheeses, different pizzas and pastas, and frittatas! She especially wants to see Rome. Yes, the Colosseum, all the ruins, and the Vatican City (she did an extra credit report on it…did you know it is the smallest country in the world – only 2 miles wide). She also wants to go to Milan (she is very much the fashion queen), visit the sea, and eat lots of Nutella and pasta…maybe not in that order.
How can I turn her down?
I mean, it is in Europe, but it’s not like she’s twisting my arm to go. I’ve always wanted to visit…hello to all the fresh burrata and stone fired pizzas. BUT…it’s just a crazy busy summer, and planning a trip to Italy is kind of a big undertaking.
Any suggestions for me? If we do go, where must we visit? Where must we stay? Where must we eat?
Let me know!! Dying to hear your thoughts guys!!
OKOK. Double anyway? <–got so off track there.
While we contemplate this Italy trip, I think we should eat pizza. You know, to prepare! Duh.
Ok, but in all seriousness, this is kind of my first summery pizza of the season. Fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes, garden zucchini, late spring artichokes, and tons of homemade basil pesto. Nothing too fancy, but yet so delicious.
I had a ton of pesto leftover from these antipasto skewers, so I used it as the base for my pizza. I then topped it with a generous amount of provolone and mozzarella cheese. I loved the combo of sharp provolone and melty mozzarella. It was the perfect cheesy balance. For the veggies, I added zucchini ribbons and marinated artichokes. The zucchini ribbons cook up quickly and get a nice char on them, and the marinated artichokes crisp up on the tops just slightly, which I love.
Tip: when buying jarred artichokes, always go for the marinated ones. They are not rubbery like canned artichokes and are packed with flavor.
For the tomatoes, I tossed them with olive oil, a little garlic, thyme, salt and pepper, then I spooned them over top of the pizza. I added them to the very top so that they can burst in the oven. They are SO good that way, trust me!
Finish the pizza off simply, by adding a little fresh basil…and DONE. Could not be easier.
I can totally see myself making this pizza all throughout the summer. It’s healthy, colorful, fast, and just really, really good! I love the combo of burst tomatoes with lightly charred zucchini…and of course the provolone and mozzarella are pretty yummy too. Each bite is filled with goodness, which is how all pizza recipes should be.
The real question…would the Italians approve of my pizza? Hmmmm, thinking I’ll need to take that question on to Italy. You know, for research purposes.
Mwahahahaha.
Burst Cherry Tomato, Artichoke, and Zucchini Pesto Pizza
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium-sized zucchini, cut into ribbons
- 1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichokes hearts, drained
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- kosher salt and pepper
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- fresh basil and arugula for topping
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.2. On a lightly floured surface, push/roll the dough out until until it is pretty thin (about a 10-12 inch circle). Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Spread the dough with pesto and top with provolone and mozzarella. Add the zucchini and artichokes, you might not need all the artichokes. Add the tomatoes to a bowl and toss with the olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Spoon the tomatoes over pizza, drizzling any oil left in the bowl over the pizza as well. 3. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden, the cheese has melted and the tomatoes have burst. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil and arugula. Slice and eat!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
And just like that, Wednesday night is looking so damn good. Che figata!
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Your welcome, thanks so much!
I was just in Italy (Florence, Rome, Venice) and honestly your pizzas look so much better! Homemade Italian Pasta and gelato are what you want to fill up on over there 🙂
Awh thank you Elizabeth! I seriously need to try all the food there- it all looks so yummy!
Italy is amazing! I will be in Tuscany in a few weeks myself…and it never gets less exciting to go! Just expensive to fly to from Canada (as most places are).
The one point that I would make about Rome (and any major city in Italy), is that the summer is an absolutely crazy time to go! It is the peak of tourist season, and everything is extra expensive, extra busy, and extra touristy. I know that your sister is in school, but if you could take her out for a week in mid-September that might be ideal. Everything goes back to feeling a little more local and authentic, the temperatures are less scorching, and things are a little less busy.
Regardless, any time is an great time to visit Italy…and as the commenter above mentioned, Travestere is amazing!
Please let me know if you have any questions about Rome or good sites/blogs to visit for more info 🙂
That is so great to know about the tourist season. Definitely would want the experience to be authentic and local and not feel touristy. Thanks so much Katie! I hope you have fun in Tuscany!!
Burst tomatoes and basil might be one of my favorite things about summer. Bring on this pizza!
Ooo me too! Glad you are liking this! Thanks Gina!
My kind of pizza – especially if it’s topped with a huge arugula salad! 4 years ago today, I was in the middle of a trip to Tuscany. Best food I have tasted and best people I have met! I stayed in Lucca, it’s pretty quiet there (up in the mountains). Most of the chefs are involved with the Slow Food movement, and we met the guy who initiated it. He owns a trattoria with the biggest piece of cured meats imaginable. Super amazing prosciutto there! I also went to the top of a marble mountain to learn how the make lardo from fatback (from a pig). They even serve dessert lardo with chocolate shavings. Oh, now you have me reminiscing big time! I hope you make it to Italy veryyyy soon!
Oh wow sounds like a fun trip! Thank you Ashley, I hope you love this pizza!
You make the most amazing pizzas, Tieghan!
Thank you Matt!
it’s funny reading about your desire to go to Rome because I’m staying in Italy for two weeks right now and just had my last night in Rome!! If you go to the Vatican, you must go to Pinsa ‘Mpo- oh my gosh, the pizza is to die for!! super hole in the wall, local place that has incredible pizza combinations and it’s a personal pizza! (I got one with pumpkin flowers, artichokes, three types of cheeses, and more- soooo good). Also, go to Frigidarium- best gelato in the city (get the bacio- SO RICH). There’s this great hole in the wall salad and pizza place across the street that has tons of buddha bowls and unique pizza as well!! Make sure you buy all the tickets for the things you want to see online, because it’s hours of waiting if you don’t 🙂 if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!!
Oh wow sounds like a dream!! I hope you had a ton of fun in Italy while you were there! I am really thinking I need to go haha. Thank you so much Danielle!
I am so going to use this combo my next pizza night. Great post and beautiful photography. Have fun in Italy!
I hope the pizza turns out awesome for you & you love it!! Thank you!
The perfect summer pizza 🙂
Glad you think so! ? Thanks Andrea!
Stunning as usual!
Thank you Jennifer!
I’m all over this pizza .. love all the tomatoes and veggies. . this is summer right here! Delicious!
Thank you Alice, so glad you are liking this pizza!
Yay for the end of school for Asher! I remember being so excited too Tieghan! Italy? So fun! Pizza is the perfect way to get in the Italy set of mind! You two would have a blast there. It’s beautiful. Looks to see and do and eat!!
If we end up going it would sure be a fun trip! Thank you Mary Ann!
I would highly recommend Italy! And if you decide to go, my favorite spot was Capri. It’s a little island that looks like something out of a dream. All the flowers, little stone streets and houses along the hills. You can take a boat ride around the island too and see caves. So fun! Rome and Vatican are nice too. 🙂
I’ve seen photos of Capri and it looks like the most beautiful little island!! Taking a boat around sounds so amazing. Thank you for the suggestions Caroline!
I’d suggest to go everywhere and eat everything 🙂 Puglia is amazing, Volterra is stunning and whole Tuscany as well. Sicily – wow. So many things to see, experience and try. And it is worth it! Go!
Ah this is making me more excited, like I need to go!! Thank you Marta!
I am so overdue for a pizza night and this is exactly what I need in my life! 🙂 And of course you must go to Italy! You guys would love Florence, and taking day trips throughout Tuscany. I also loved hiking along the Cinque Terre. Rome is beautiful, and I absolutely love Venice! Milan is a very cool city, and from there, it’s only about an hour up to Lake Como, which is perfect for a day trip or a weekend.
You could fly into Milan, visit Venice, and then take the train down to Florence, passing through Bologna. After Florence, you could visit Rome. Or start your trip in Rome, and then head north. The trains are very good, and it’s an easy way to get around. I could go on…. if you want more tips, just shoot me an email. 🙂
Thank you so much for this! If we decide to go I will have to shoot you an email to get some more info on where to go and see! Thank you so much Laura!!