Zesty Winter Greens & Pomegranate Pizza Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets elegance in this winter greens and pomegranate pizza that brings a burst of unexpected flavors to your dinner table.

Crisp, seasonal greens mingle with sweet-tart pomegranate seeds across a perfectly crisp crust.

The combination creates a sophisticated yet approachable dish that breaks away from traditional pizza expectations.

Each slice offers a vibrant balance of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil add depth to this inventive creation.

This pizza transforms a simple weeknight meal into a gourmet experience that will spark conversation and delight your taste buds.

Prepare to be amazed by how these simple ingredients come together in one stunning dish.

Greens & Pomegranate Pizza Ingredient Guide

• Pizza Dough: A versatile foundation for creating a delicious winter pizza.
• Cooking Spray or Silpat: Ensures the pizza does not stick to the baking sheet.

• Collard Greens, Pesto: A combination that adds earthy flavor and vibrant green color to the pizza.
• Red Onions: Provides a sharp and slightly sweet taste that complements the greens.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and create a rich texture.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Adds a burst of sweet-tart flavor and bright color to the pizza.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the greens and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the dish.

Assembling Winter Greens and Pomegranate Pizza

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a baking sheet and create a non-stick surface using a silicone mat or give it a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Base

Gently stretch and roll the pizza dough into a rustic rectangular shape.

Carefully transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Send it into the oven for a quick 7-minute pre-bake to get a sturdy foundation.

Step 3: Prepare the Leafy Greens

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil.

Toss in the chopped collard greens and season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

Sauté the greens until they start to caramelize and turn slightly crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Layer on the Flavors

Spread a generous layer of vibrant green pesto across the par-baked crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Artfully arrange the sautéed collard greens on top.

• Thinly sliced red onions
• Juicy pomegranate seeds
• Creamy fresh mozzarella
• Tangy shredded mozzarella

Step 5: Final Bake

Slide the pizza back into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese that signals pizza perfection.

Tips for a Delicious Greens Pizza

• Par-bake the pizza dough for 7 minutes before adding toppings to ensure a crispy, golden base that won't get mushy.
• Quickly sauté collard greens with a touch of oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural taste and achieve a slight golden color.
• Spread pesto evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow and create a visually appealing crust.
• Use winter greens like collards for added vitamins and minerals, making this pizza a healthier alternative to traditional versions.

Pizza With Greens & Pomegranate Twists

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese, use plant-based pesto, and add roasted butternut squash for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Garden Pizza: Swap traditional crust with cauliflower or almond flour base, keeping all other ingredients the same for a lighter option.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute collard greens with spinach, add crumbled feta, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Power Pizza: Top with grilled chicken strips, use Greek yogurt-based pesto, and add extra seeds for increased protein content.

Serving Greens and Pomegranate Pizza

• Festive Flavor Burst: Sprinkle extra pomegranate seeds on top after baking for a vibrant, jewel-like presentation that adds fresh crunch.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair this pizza with a light winter greens salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette to complement the pizza's rich flavors and balance the meal.
• Wine Companion: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red such as Beaujolais to enhance the pizza's earthy greens and tangy pomegranate notes.
• Brunch Transformation: Serve sliced pizza with a poached egg on top for a delightful weekend brunch twist that elevates the dish into a more substantial morning meal.

Storing Winter Greens Pizza for Later

• Store any remaining pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can maintain quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm cold pizza in a preheated oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• If possible, remove fresh pomegranate seeds before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain their bright, fresh crunch when serving leftovers.

FAQs

• What are collard greens?

Collard greens are dark, leafy vegetables from the cabbage family, packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, and known for their slightly bitter, robust flavor.

• Can I substitute collard greens with other greens?

Yes, you can easily swap collard greens with kale, swiss chard, or spinach while maintaining a similar nutritional profile and cooking method.

• Why par-bake the pizza crust?

Par-baking helps create a crispier crust and prevents sogginess by partially cooking the dough before adding toppings, ensuring a better texture and more even baking.

Winter Greens and Pomegranate Pizza Specialties

• Embrace Quick Cooking: Whip up this delightful pizza in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meal cravings.
• Celebrate Seasonal Freshness: Packed with winter greens and vibrant pomegranate seeds, this recipe brings colorful, nutritious ingredients to your table.
• Create Gourmet Experience at Home: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality pizza that impresses family and friends with minimal culinary skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches to make this recipe uniquely yours, accommodating different dietary preferences and pantry contents.

Winter Greens And Pomegranate Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering winter greens and pomegranate pizza blends Mediterranean flavors with seasonal produce. Crisp crust, tangy greens, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds create a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package store bought pizza dough
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) mozzarella ball, sliced
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella

Greens and Vegetables:

• 2 1/2 cups chopped collard greens
• 1/3 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup jarred basil pesto
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly greased foil for optimal non-stick surface.
2. Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, carefully positioning it on the prepared baking sheet and partially baking for 7 minutes to create a sturdy foundation.
3. In a skillet, rapidly sauté collard greens with a drizzle of oil, seasoning with salt and pepper until they develop a delicate golden hue, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Distribute a layer of vibrant pesto across the partially baked crust, maintaining a small border around the edges for a crisp perimeter.
5. Artfully arrange the sautéed greens, thinly sliced onions, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and a generous blend of mozzarella cheeses over the pesto-covered surface.
6. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, monitoring until the crust transforms to a rich golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing layer.

Notes

• Swap Greens Experiment with kale, swiss chard, or spinach for different flavor profiles and nutrient variations.
• Boost Nutrition Add roasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra protein and crunch, making the pizza more filling.
• Dairy-Free Option Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Quick Tip Par-baking the crust ensures a crispy base that prevents soggy centers and supports even cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg