Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza | Incredible Fresh Flavors!

Looking for something simple yet sophisticated? Try this Pesto and Goat Cheese pizza! Everyone loves the light, tangy, and fresh taste. This post shows you how to make it.

This pizza is a fabulous way to switch up your usual tomato-based pizza sauce. Because let’s face it, red sauce–no matter how good–can get old after a while.  

That’s why I like to add a killer alfredo and a few pesto options to my pizza sauce arsenal. 

I made THIS pizza a couple of months ago and it turned out fantastic. Ever since it’s been my go-to dish for a laid-back Sunday brunch or even ladies’ night! 

Pair it up with some strawberry mint lemonade or infused water and you’re golden. 

The tangy goat cheese is complemented by the juicy, sweet tomatoes in this recipe. And everything gets a nice lift from the crisp, delicate spinach. 

The flavors are reminiscent of a Greek or Mediterranean-style pizza and could easily be adapted by exchanging the goat cheese for feta (and adding some Kalamata olives). I made fresh pesto for this as well, which I would strongly recommend.

Ready to try this pesto and goat cheese pizza goodness? Let’s go! 

What Is On This Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza?

We’re using simple but really fresh ingredients to make this delicious recipe.

Here’s all you need…

• Pizza crust: We’re making a light and airy crust that complements the delicate flavors. 

• Pesto sauce: This healthy sauce is actually high in antioxidants (coming from the mix of nuts, olive oil, and cheese). 

• Roma tomatoes (thinly sliced): Tomatoes are good for your heart and pack tons of vitamins and nutrients. Make sure to use fresh and plump ones!

• Goat cheese: Did you know you’re getting 6 grams of protein with a combination of copper, phosphorus, and calcium in every serving?

• Garlic: Apart from the garlicky goodness and antioxidants, it contains essential nutrients, boosts immunity, and lowers blood pressure. 

• Spinach: Say hello to my favorite superfood starlet. This wonderful leafy green provides a great dose of immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Trying to eat more superfoods? Check out my 5 Day Superfood Meal Plan!

How Do You Make Pesto And Goat Cheese Pizza?

It’s incredibly easy to make! (Though you will find more details on the recipe below.)

Here’s what you need to do:

1. You will first preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Spread the pesto on the pizza dough and leave around an inch for the edge of the crust.
3. Next, spread the goat cheese over your pesto across the pizza. You’ll want to make sure it’s crumbled into small pieces spread evenly.
4. Arrange the tomato slices over the goat cheese together with the garlic. 
5. Bake the pizza for around 5-10 minutes or until the crust edges are golden.
6. After removing it from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (for the cheese to set).
7. Once you’re done the pizza, cover it generously with spinach or arugula. 

What Does Goat Cheese Pair Well With?

This pizza wouldn’t be the same without the goat cheese. Its creamy texture and distinct flavor make it a standalone ingredient. And you know what? Goat cheese is actually quite versatile.

If you’re wondering what recipes you can best pair this divine cheese with, here are some ideas:

• A Healthy Meat and Cheese Platter (Yep, we’ve made this version healthy and clean! Perfect for any fancy dinner or a date night with the girls.)

• Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with White Wine Vinegar Dressing (Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein, this salad recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.)

• Creamy Rosemary & Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta (You’ll get nothing but a luscious spoonful of creaminess in every bite with this pasta. Imagine melted goat cheese with the cozy flavors of rosemary and chicken. Perfection.) 

• Pesto & Goat Cheese Burger (A juicy, meaty patty balanced with tangy goat cheese? Uhhh, yeah. You’ll never forget this burger. 

• Fig, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Salad (Goat cheese goes amazing with salads as well! It adds a richness to the greens and dressing here.)

Does Goat Cheese Melt Well?

When exposed to heat, goat cheese softens but it doesn’t melt like your usual mozzarella or cheddar cheese. It gets warm and soft (but doesn’t puddle or flatten).

So you can expect it to remain in clumps when using it for pizza. When mixed with hot pasta, however, the cheese changes into a heavenly saucy consistency. Try my Creamy Rosemary & Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta if you’d like to partake.

Is Most Goat Cheese Pasteurized?

Yes, most goat cheese is pasteurized. In the United States, 99% of soft, fresh, and spreadable cheeses (including mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, feta, and ricotta) must be pasteurized.

It’s easy to check the labels when shopping to see if it’s made from pasteurized milk. If you’re at a restaurant, you can also ask to be sure. 

How To Store This Pizza?

You can make this pizza ahead of time for those emergency dinners, and it’s easy to store until needed. 

All you have to do is partially bake your dough. This helps prevent it from being sticky or soggy. You can then add the toppings to the dough and wrap each pizza with foil (or in an airtight freezer-friendly container). Easy!

Gotta store some leftovers? Simply store any extra slices inside an airtight container in your fridge. When you’re ready to eat again, simply reheat. 

Check my post on Ultimate Guide to the Best Meal Prep Containers if you’re looking to level up your container game.

More Healthy Pizza Recipes

More pizza recipes coming through! Light, savory, and ultra-delicious — you’ll definitely want more than a slice!

• Grilled Pizza with Maple Onion Jam
• My Go-To Cauliflower Pizza Recipe
• Best Homemade Margherita Pizza
• Chicken Alfredo Pizza with Spinach and Red Onions
• Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza
• Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Chicken Marinara Pizza
• Roasted Fennel and Italian Sausage Pizza with Garlic White Sauce

This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.

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Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

This Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza is a great way to change up your average tomato sauce-based pizza.

Categories: Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Keyword: goat cheese pizza, pesto goat cheese pizza, pesto pizza sauce

Servings: 8 slices

Calories: 409 kcal

Author: Lacey Baier of A Sweet Pea Chef

Ingredients

• 1 pizza crust see recipe here
• 6 tbsp pesto sauce see recipe here
• 3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• 2 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spread the pesto on the pizza dough, leaving about an inch around the outside edge for the crust.
3. Spread or crumble the goat cheese across the pizza.  Arrange the tomato slices over the goat cheese.  Sprinkle as evenly as possible with the garlic.
4. Place the pizza into the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until the crust edges are golden.  After taking the pizza out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes so that the cheese has time to set. After a couple minutes, cover the pizza with a few handfuls of spinach or arugula.

Nutrition Facts

Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

Amount Per Serving (1 slice)

Calories 409 Calories from Fat 194

% Daily Value*

Fat 21.5g33%

Saturated Fat 5.9g30%

Cholesterol 13.6mg5%

Sodium 352mg15%

Carbohydrates 41.6g14%

Fiber 2.2g9%

Sugar 2.6g3%

Protein 12.8g26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.