This fresh and tangy Lemon Pizza melds creamy mozzarella with zesty lemon, garlic, parmesan, and vibrant parsley. Its unique blend of flavors brings a burst of summer freshness to your table. A delightful celebration of taste and color, this Homemade Pizza promises an inspiring culinary adventure perfect for any casual yet sophisticated dinner.

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I love making this Lemon Pizza because it brings a burst of freshness and some healthy benefits into a classic dish. When I use 1 lb of pizza dough I like to brush it with about 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and mix in 3 minced garlic cloves that not only add flavor but also help boost your immune system.

The mozzarella, which is a great source of calcium and protein, is layered generously along with 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan that adds a nutty note and extra depth. I then zest and juice a full lemon, letting the bright citrus flavor cut through all the creaminess while 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley adds a hint of earthiness.

The nutritional balance of fresh mozzarella and olive oil make this a great summer dinner. Though it might seem like a twist on classic pizza oven recipes or homemade pizza, it also reminds me of a tasty lemon pasta dish.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this lemon pizza recipe for lots of reasons. First, I like how that burst of lemon flavor cuts through the creamy mozzarella and salty Parmesan. It makes every bite feel super fresh and bright. Second, I love the mix of garlic and extra virgin olive oil on the crust because it adds a rich, garlicky kick that’s just perfect. Third, I appreciate how quick and simple it is to put together – even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, the steps are easy to follow and the pizza always comes out delicious. Finally, the flavor combo of fresh parsley sprinkled on top gives it a little extra pop that makes me look forward to every single bite.

Ingredients

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Pizza dough provides essential carbohydrates and protein, forming a sturdy, tasty base for delightful toppings.
Extra virgin olive oil brings healthy fats and rich flavor while keeping the crust moist and tender.
Fresh mozzarella offers protein and calcium with a melty, creamy texture that lifts every bite.
Lemon zest and juice add tangy brightness to balance the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
Parsley adds a burst of vitamin-rich, fresh herbal notes with a slightly bitter finish.
Garlic enriches the dish with bold flavor and antioxidants that support overall wellbeing.
Parmesan cheese offers savory umami taste, extra protein, and calcium that uplift every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb pizza dough (store bought or homemade, whichever you like)

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

About 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

About 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat the oven to 475°F and lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness.

2. In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic so that the garlic infuses the oil a bit.

3. Transfer the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and brush the entire surface with the garlic oil mixture.

4. Lay the fresh mozzarella pieces evenly over the dough, making sure they’re spread out evenly.

5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the mozzarella so it melts into the cheese during baking.

6. Drizzle the lemon juice over the pizza then sprinkle the lemon zest on top for that extra burst of citrus flavor.

7. Toss in the chopped parsley evenly over the pizza then season with salt (and black pepper if you’re using it).

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheeses are all bubbly, then remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (for preheating to 475°F)
2. Lightly floured work surface (like a countertop or table)
3. Rolling pin (to roll out the dough)
4. Baking sheet or pizza stone (to bake the pizza)
5. Small bowl (to mix extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic)
6. Pastry brush (to coat the dough with the garlic oil)
7. Knife (for slicing the fresh mozzarella and chopping parsley)
8. Grater or zester (to grate Parmesan and zest the lemon)
9. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure ingredients accurately)

FAQ

Q: Can I use store bought dough for this recipe?

A: Yeah, ya certainly can use store bought dough. It works great and saves time if u dont wanna make your own.

Q: Is it okay to swap out the fresh mozzarella with another cheese?

A: Sure thing, but fresh mozzarella gives the best creamy texture. If u try cheddar or provolone, it'll taste a bit different.

Q: Should I use both lemon zest and lemon juice?

A: For sure, using both gives the pizza a nice lively flavor. The zest offers a burst of aroma while the juice adds a tang.

Q: How can I tell when the pizza is done?

A: The edges should be golden brown and the cheese bubbly. Keep an eye on it and check around the 10-12 minute mark.

Q: Can I add other toppings besides what's listed?

A: Yes, u definitely can add extra veggies or meats if u like. Just be careful not to overload it, so the crust still cooks evenly.

Lemon Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pizza Dough: If you’re out of pizza dough, you could use store-bought flatbread or naan instead
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can substitute with a light canola or grapeseed oil if needed
Fresh Mozzarella: Provolone or even low-moisture mozzarella works well if you can’t find fresh
Grated Parmesan: Pecorino Romano is a good alternative if you want something a bit saltier
Lemon: In a pinch, a little lime juice might do the trick, but it will change the flavor a bit

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the garlic sit in the olive oil for about 10 minutes before you brush it on the dough. It really lets the flavors mix and make the oil taste even better.

2. Make sure your dough is at room temperature before rolling it out because cold dough can be harder to work with and might not stretch as easily. Adding a bit extra flour if its sticky can help but don’t go overboard or it might become too dry.

3. When you tear or slice your mozzarella, do it roughly by hand. The uneven pieces melt in a fun way and add character to your pizza. It’s cool if they aren’t perfect all the time.

4. Let the pizza rest for a minute or two after baking. This helps the cheese settle so your toppings don’t slide off as you cut into it. Enjoy the simple flaws that make it uniquely tasty.

Lemon Pizza Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

576

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (for preheating to 475°F)
2. Lightly floured work surface (like a countertop or table)
3. Rolling pin (to roll out the dough)
4. Baking sheet or pizza stone (to bake the pizza)
5. Small bowl (to mix extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic)
6. Pastry brush (to coat the dough with the garlic oil)
7. Knife (for slicing the fresh mozzarella and chopping parsley)
8. Grater or zester (to grate Parmesan and zest the lemon)
9. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure ingredients accurately)

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (store bought or homemade, whichever you like)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
About 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
About 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 475°F and lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness.
In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic so that the garlic infuses the oil a bit.
Transfer the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and brush the entire surface with the garlic oil mixture.
Lay the fresh mozzarella pieces evenly over the dough, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the mozzarella so it melts into the cheese during baking.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the pizza then sprinkle the lemon zest on top for that extra burst of citrus flavor.
Toss in the chopped parsley evenly over the pizza then season with salt (and black pepper if you're using it).
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheeses are all bubbly, then remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.