Get ready to elevate your summer dining experience with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and freshness! The "Grill Like Italian: Colavita Pizza Grilled Summer Veggies Pesto" is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of vibrant summer vegetables and rich, aromatic pesto, all perfectly grilled to create a smoky, irresistible pizza. In just 35 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this delightful Italian-inspired recipe that captures the essence of summer in every bite. So fire up that grill and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup pesto
- 2 cups assorted summer vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your grill for medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become ash-covered; for a gas grill, preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- While the grill is heating, wash and slice the assorted summer vegetables. Cut the zucchini and eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds and slice the bell peppers into strips. This will ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated to enhance their flavor while grilling.
- Once the grill is ready, place the seasoned vegetables directly on the grill grates. Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the vegetables are grilling, prepare the pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. If making your own, roll it out to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch thick.
- Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the grill and set aside. Place the pizza dough on the grill, directly on the grates, and grill for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and has grill marks.
- Flip the pizza dough carefully using a spatula. Spread 1 cup of pesto evenly over the grilled side of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the grilled summer vegetables evenly over the pesto-covered pizza. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables.
- Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
- Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Italian-style grilled summer veggie pesto pizza!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Veggies: Opt for the freshest summer vegetables available, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, to enhance the flavor of your pizza. Seasonal produce makes all the difference!
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the vegetables and pizza dough on it. This ensures even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: When grilling the vegetables, give them enough space on the grill to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling.
- Experiment with Dough: If you're feeling adventurous, try using different types of pizza dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to cater to various dietary preferences.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add your favorite cheeses or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your grilled veggie pizza with a light salad or a refreshing drink to complete your summer meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
