Description
Indulge in the unique flavors of this Toasted Walnut Pesto and Caramelized Nectarine Pizza with a Spicy Balsamic Drizzle. The combination of sweet caramelized nectarines, savory walnut pesto, and tangy balsamic reduction creates a gourmet pizza experience that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Walnut Pesto:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Caramelized Nectarines:
- 2 ripe nectarines, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- fresh arugula for topping
Spicy Balsamic Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Make the Walnut Pesto: Blend basil, toasted walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, 1/3 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth to make the pesto.
- Caramelize the Nectarines: In a skillet, melt butter and honey, then cook nectarine slices until lightly caramelized; set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza: Roll out the dough, brush with olive oil, spread walnut pesto, top with cheeses and caramelized nectarines.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Make the Balsamic Drizzle: Simmer balsamic vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes until slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the reduced balsamic over the hot pizza, top with fresh arugula, and slice before serving.
Notes
- You can swap nectarines for peaches or plums based on seasonal availability.
- For added crunch, sprinkle extra toasted walnuts on top before serving.
- This pizza pairs excellently with a glass of crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg