Name: Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-Style Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup well packed fresh basil; 1 cup loosely packed fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp cashews or other nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts; Water as needed (1-2 tbsp); 1/4 tsp salt; 1 recipe 20 Minute Pizza Crust (made with half spelt flour and half unbleached white/all-purpose flour); 1 large or 2 medium Yukon or other potatoes, thinly sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (or substitute with leeks); 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: vegan coconut bacon, veggie crumbles, or other crisp vegan toppings

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and feels surprisingly light, you absolutely must try this Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe. It’s a creative twist on traditional pizza that combines thinly sliced potatoes, a luscious homemade vegan pesto, and crisp onions all baked atop a beautifully thin crust. Each bite offers a delightful balance of herby brightness, creamy texture, and just enough crunch that makes this pizza a standout favorite, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an uncooked pizza with one thin, round crust layer as the base, placed on parchment paper over a white marbled surface. On top, there is a thick, bright green sauce spread evenly over the crust. Over the green sauce, there are several large, thin yellow-green slices of squash spread in a loose pattern across the whole pizza. Scattered over these slices are thin strips of purple onion and small, off-white pieces of garlic. The arrangement appears fresh and simple. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while packing a punch of flavor. Each ingredient has a crucial role, from the fresh greens that give the pesto its vivid color to the tender potatoes that create a satisfying bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible pizza masterpiece:

1 cup well packed basil: The star herb in pesto that delivers aromatic freshness.
1 cup loosely packed spinach: Adds a mild, earthy undertone and a vibrant green hue.
2 cloves garlic: Gives a subtle pungency that complements the herbs beautifully.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky base for the pesto and helps with spreading.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
3 tbsp cashews or other nuts (walnuts or pine nuts): Adds creaminess and a little crunch when blended.
Water as needed: To help blend the pesto to the perfect consistency.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 recipe 20 Minute Pizza Crust (half spelt, half unbleached white flour): Makes a thin, tender base that’s hearty yet light.
1 large or 2 medium potatoes (thinly sliced): Yukon or similar, they bake into soft, delicate layers.
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced) or leeks: Adds sweetness and sharpness in every bite.
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced): Infuses deeper garlic flavor when baked.
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For brushing to achieve that beautiful golden finish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

Start by blending your basil, spinach, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, nuts, and salt together with just enough water to help everything combine smoothly. The goal here is a slightly coarse texture so the pesto has personality and texture. It’s best to pulse nuts first and then add the greens to preserve their freshness and color. This vibrant pesto is the heart of your pizza, so make it with care—it sets the entire flavor tone.

Step 2: Ready Your Dough and Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Prepare your pizza dough next, aiming for that perfect thin crust by rolling out either two medium or one large size. I love using half spelt and half unbleached flour because it brings a nice nutty depth and tender crumb to the pizza base. Let the dough rest by a warm spot for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to roll and handle.

Step 3: Spread the Delicious Pesto

Grab your rolled pizza crust and spread the vegan pesto evenly over the surface. The vibrant green layer will not only make your pizza visually stunning but also introduce a luscious, earthy flavor base for the toppings to shine on. Don’t be shy about that pesto—it’s where all the fresh flavors begin!

Step 4: Layer Thin Potato Slices

Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, slice your potatoes paper-thin. These delicate slices layer beautifully atop the pesto, cooking through quickly while maintaining a gentle bite. Take care to arrange them evenly for a stunning presentation and even cooking. These potatoes bring a creamy, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the herby pesto.

Step 5: Add Onions, Garlic, and Season

Next, layer your thinly sliced red onions (or leeks if you prefer) and sliced garlic over the potatoes. This step boosts the aroma and adds lightly sweet, caramelized notes once baked. Brush or spray the entire surface with olive oil to help everything crisp nicely, then sprinkle salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. For an optional twist, add toppings like vegan coconut bacon or crispy veggie crumbles to add extra texture and flavor pops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 to 18 minutes, just until the potatoes are tender and the crust is golden and crisp around the edges. If you like, toss some fresh, crisp greens on top immediately after baking for a peppery crunch and contrasting vibrancy. Allow your masterpiece to cool just for a minute before slicing—it helps everything settle perfectly.

How to Serve Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe

The dish is a pizza cut into six slices on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The crust is thin and golden brown. The first layer is a green sauce spread evenly over the crust, which looks like pesto. On top, there are round yellow slices that appear to be cooked potatoes, scattered across the pizza. Thin strips of purple-red onion are placed over the potatoes. The pizza is sprinkled lightly with black pepper and some green herbs. Overall, the colors are green, yellow, and purple on a golden crust with a clean white plate background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe by sprinkling fresh arugula, cherry tomato halves, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving. These garnishes boost color, add freshness, and give little punchy flavor bursts with each bite. A few torn basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also lift this pizza beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted seasonal vegetables. Since the pizza itself is flavorful and substantial, keep sides simple and fresh to complement without overpowering. A chilled glass of vegan white wine or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice your Potato Pesto Pizza into small squares for party-style finger food, or serve alongside a colorful Mediterranean mezze with olives, hummus, and roasted peppers. You can even add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top to mimic cheesy notes while keeping it vegan. Presentation is all about making the meal inviting and joyful, and this pizza’s bright green color will be the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a rare occasion!), store your pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, and the flavors may even deepen a bit overnight. Just make sure it’s not left out at room temperature for too long to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza keeps best for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your pizza back to life, the oven is your best friend—reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is crisp and toppings are warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy, and you’ll miss out on that lovely crisp texture that makes this recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews for the pesto?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pine nuts work beautifully in this Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe, adding their own unique flavor and texture. Just toast them lightly for extra nuttiness before blending.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. If you love rustic skin texture and extra nutrients, thinly sliced unpeeled potatoes work well too — just make sure they are washed thoroughly.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the pizza crust with a gluten-free version made from almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free dough. Keep in mind the baking time might vary slightly.

What type of potatoes are best for this pizza?

Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe—they slice thinly, cook evenly, and have a buttery, creamy texture once baked. Avoid starchy types like russets as they might dry out.

Is this pizza suitable for batch cooking or parties?

Definitely! The Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe can be scaled up easily and looks stunning on any platter, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser for gatherings or meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring a new favorite into your kitchen repertoire? This Potato Pesto Pizza – Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients working in perfect harmony. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a twist on traditional flavors with wholesome, wholesome goodness. Trust me, once you try it, this pizza will become one of those dishes you just have to share with everyone you love.