Vibrant Raw Vegan Pesto Pizza for Heartfelt Gatherings

A Flavorful No-Cook Delight

Hola! With roots in sunny Florida and a heart that dances to the beat of Mexico, my culinary journey has always been about love, laughter, and the magic of shared meals. Growing up in Orlando, kitchen escapades with my mama and abuela filled my youth with joy and spice. Those moments taught me that every bite tells a story, echoing the warmth of home. Today, I bring a slice of that joy to you through my vibrant raw vegan pesto pizza. It’s a dish that encapsulates the rich flavors I adore, perfect for cozy gatherings around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (dehydrating time)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Best Season: Year-round

What Makes This Dish Shine

This raw vegan pesto pizza is a wonderful celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that highlight garden flavors. With its simple preparation steps, it’s a dish you can whip up quickly, perfect for gatherings or a delightful weeknight dinner. The rich, nutty taste of the pumpkin seed pesto combined with the crispy pizza crust brings an irresistible texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser, even for non-vegan friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raw Vegan Pizza Crust:

  • 1½ cups sunflower seeds
  • 1½ cups chopped zucchini
  • 1 small tomato
  • ¾ cup ground flax seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

• Pumpkin Seed Pesto:

  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

• Cashew Ricotta (optional):

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked for 1-2 hours and then drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Water, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Chopped herbs (as desired, optional)

• Pizza Toppings:

  • 2 roma tomatoes, sliced thin
  • ¼ onion, shaved
  • 2 radishes, sliced thinly
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned

Ingredient Insights

• Sunflower Seeds: This nut is a great source of healthy fats; make sure they are raw for optimal flavor.
• Zucchini: Fresh, crisp zucchini enhances moisture in the crust. Look for firm, bright green examples.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in omega-3s, they add crunch; feel free to swap for any preferred seed.
• Nutritional Yeast: Optional but provides a cheesy flavor profile; it’s vegan-friendly and brimming with B vitamins.
• Cashews: Creamy and earthy when soaked, making them perfect for ricotta. Use unsalted for best results.

SAVE NOW

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. For the pizza crust, combine all crust ingredients in a food processor and purée until a slightly smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal balls. Spread each ball out into a circle on a parchment-lined sheet pan (for oven drying) or a solid dehydrator sheet.
4. Place the sheet pan in your oven and dry for 3 hours with the oven door slightly cracked open; flip halfway through the drying.
5. If using a dehydrator, set it to 118°F and dry the pizza crusts for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway through.
6. For the pumpkin seed pesto, combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor and purée until smooth. Set aside.
7. For the cashew ricotta, soak the cashews for at least an hour. Drain and rinse well, then blend with other ingredients until creamy, adding water as needed.
8. To assemble the pizza, take the fully dried crust and spread a few tablespoons of the pesto evenly over the base.
9. Garnish with dollops of the cashew ricotta, sliced tomato, onion, and radish. Top with chopped herbs and nutritional yeast if desired.
10. Serve immediately for a delightful fresh flavor experience.

Pro Pointers for Best Results

• Texture Matters: Ensure that you don’t over-purée the crust mixture; a little texture goes a long way!
• Craft Your Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite veggies; bell peppers and olives work wonderfully too.
• Check for Freshness: Always use fresh herbs; they really elevate the flavors of the pesto and toppings.
• Adjust Dehydration Time: Depending on humidity, keep an eye on your crusts to reach your desired crispiness.

Tasty Twists to Try

1. Zesty Lemon Pesto: Swap out pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds and add more garlic for a spicy twist.
2. Creamy Avocado Spread: Instead of cashew ricotta, spread a layer of smashed avocado on top before serving for creaminess.
3. Herbed Variations: Incorporate fresh oregano or thyme into the crust for an aromatic twist.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes to the pesto for those who love a bit of heat in their meal.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy this raw vegan pesto pizza with a refreshing side salad of mixed greens and avocado, drizzled with lemon dressing. A chilled kombucha or sparkling water with slices of lemon or cucumber make for perfect accompaniments, while a light, fruity dessert like berry sorbet is the ideal way to finish the meal.

Tips for Preparation and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the crusts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
• Freezer Friend: Crusts can be frozen for up to six months. Just thaw before adding toppings.
• Storage: Keep assembled pizzas in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving for fresh taste.
• Reheat: Use a dehydrator or low oven to rewarm crusts if desired — just be careful not to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Plating your raw vegan pesto pizza is all about keeping it inviting! Serve it on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter, and garnish with extra basil leaves for a vibrant touch. Consider slicing the pizza into small wedges for easy sharing, allowing guests to grab and enjoy.

Kitchen Secrets

• Experiment with Base: Try adding beets for a pink crust or spices like garlic powder to elevate flavors even more.
• Always Soak Cashews: Soaking creates a smooth texture for the ricotta, ensuring it’s spreadable and delightful.
• Texture Tricks: If your dough seems too wet, add more ground flax seeds—this will help bind it together beautifully.
• Vitality Boost: Incorporate fresh greens into the pizza toppings; arugula adds a peppery flavor that’s divine!

Safe Storage & Heating Methods

For unconsumed leftovers, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you’re reheating, use a stovetop or low oven and check frequently to avoid drying out the crust. A quick microwave on the lowest setting can help retain texture.

Questions You May Have

1. Can I use other nuts instead of seeds? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out sunflower or pumpkin seeds with any nuts you prefer.
2. How can I make this gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats if added.
3. Is this recipe easy to make for beginners? Yes! The steps are straightforward, making it an excellent project for novice cooks.
4. Can I add more veggies? Yes! Add any of your favorite seasonal vegetables for color and crunch.
5. How long will leftovers keep? The pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can usually be kept in the fridge for about 2 days.
6. Can children help? Involving kids in the kitchen is fun! Let them sprinkle toppings and help spread the pesto for a delightful family activity.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 pizza slice
• Calories: 290
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
  Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.

A Warm Reflection on Cooking

Creating food is about community, culture, and love. Every recipe tells a story, and my raw vegan pesto pizza speaks of laughter among family and sunsets spent savouring life’s simplicity. This dish echoes the vibrant markets and kitchens that shaped my culinary heart. It’s a reminder that food is best shared, and I hope you invite your loved ones to the table for a taste of this joyful meal.

Inviting You to Experience

This vibrant raw vegan pesto pizza is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and culinary roots. We hope you feel inspired to try this recipe, share it with your friends, and pin it for future gatherings! The world of flavor awaits—happy cooking!

Print