Pesto Vegetable Flatbread Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both fresh and satisfying, this Pesto Vegetable Flatbread is the perfect choice. Topped with vibrant vegetables, savory pesto, and a mix of melty cheese, this flatbread makes for an ideal snack, light lunch, or appetizer. The crispy flatbread crust paired with the fresh, flavorful toppings creates a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that will impress anyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Vegetable Flatbread
This flatbread is a versatile dish that comes together quickly with simple, healthy ingredients. It’s perfect for using up extra veggies and works well for entertaining guests or enjoying a quick meal at home. The combination of pesto, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes brings vibrant flavors and a beautiful array of colors to your plate. Plus, with the right cheese, it’s cheesy in the best way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this delicious pesto vegetable flatbread, here’s what you’ll need:
Flatbread or Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade): 1 sheet or enough for a large flatbread
Pesto Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Zucchini (thinly sliced): 1 small (about 5 oz | 140 g)
Cherry Tomatoes (halved): 1/2 cup (75 g)
Yellow Squash (thinly sliced): 1 small (about 5 oz | 140 g)
Red Onion (thinly sliced): 1/4 cup (40 g)
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 1 cup (100 g)
Parmesan Cheese (grated): 1/4 cup (25 g)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
Italian Seasoning (optional): 1 teaspoon (5 g)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preparing a hot oven ensures that the flatbread becomes crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will also make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Flatbread or Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out to fit your baking sheet. If making homemade dough, make sure it’s thin for a crispy base.
Shape the dough into a rectangle or circle depending on your preference. A rectangular flatbread works well for easy slicing, but a round pizza-style flatbread can be more traditional.
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil. This will help the crust become golden and crispy as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Flatbread
Now for the fun part: assembling all those delicious toppings!
Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling over.
Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices on top of the pesto. Try to distribute the vegetables evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the vegetables. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
If you like, sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the flatbread to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled flatbread into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You’ll know the flatbread is done when the vegetables are tender and the edges of the crust are crispy and lightly browned.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the flatbread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.
Slice the flatbread into squares or wedges, depending on its shape, and serve warm. The crispy crust, melty cheese, and fresh vegetables make every bite irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
This Pesto Vegetable Flatbread is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a few sides or additions to make it a more complete meal:
With a side salad: Serve alongside a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
As a snack or appetizer: Cut the flatbread into smaller pieces for an appetizer platter or party snack.
For a light lunch: Pair it with a cup of soup, like tomato basil or minestrone, for a satisfying yet light meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe serves about 4, depending on how large you slice the flatbread. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 500 mg
This flatbread is packed with fresh vegetables, offering a balance of healthy ingredients and indulgent flavors. The cheese provides a good source of protein, while the pesto and olive oil add heart-healthy fats.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep work and just 15-18 minutes of baking, this flatbread is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: The flatbread can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. You can even make it vegan by swapping the mozzarella and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of pesto, fresh vegetables, and cheese creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The veggies stay crisp, the cheese melts beautifully, and the pesto ties everything together with its bold, herbaceous notes.
A Delicious and Versatile Flatbread
This Pesto Vegetable Flatbread is a perfect dish for those who love fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s easy to prepare, loaded with healthy vegetables, and topped with delicious pesto and cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a quick snack, light lunch, or appetizer for guests, this flatbread is sure to impress with its delicious balance of crispiness, freshness, and cheesy goodness.