The Ultimate Healthy Kale Pizza with Basil Pesto, Goat Cheese & Fresh Arugula

Prepare to fall in love with one of the most exciting and flavorful pizza recipes you’ll ever try: our Basil Pesto Kale Pizza. This culinary masterpiece features a harmonious blend of tender kale leaves, tangy goat cheese, vibrant fresh arugula, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, all spread over a luscious basil pesto base. If you’re searching for a pizza that’s not only incredibly delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients, this healthy kale pizza recipe is destined to become your new favorite!

Every truly exceptional pizza experience begins with a perfect foundation, and for us, that’s a fool-proof, easy, and incredibly delicious pizza dough. You’re in luck, because our homemade pizza dough recipe sets you on the right path to crafting any pizza imaginable, including this delightful kale creation. Mastering your own dough opens up a world of possibilities for more of our homemade pizza favorites, such as our unique Blackberry Pizza or our fresh Pesto Arugula Pizza. These are just a few more of our go-to recipes that showcase the versatility and joy of homemade pizza!

Why This Kale Pizza Recipe Is a Must-Try

This kale pizza isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Here’s why it stands out:

• A Powerhouse of Veggies. You’ll absolutely adore this veggie-packed pizza recipe! It starts with a generous layer of fresh basil pesto, then features beautifully massaged kale that softens perfectly in the oven, and is finished with a scattering of peppery fresh arugula just before serving. This combination doesn’t just taste amazing; it also delivers a significant nutritional boost, making your pizza a truly guilt-free indulgence.
• Irresistible Goat Cheese Flavor. The crumbled goat cheese is a game-changer. Its distinctive salty, tangy, and creamy notes melt into the other ingredients, creating a complex flavor profile that pairs exquisitely with the herbaceous pesto, earthy kale, and sharp arugula. It adds a sophisticated depth that elevates this pizza beyond the ordinary.
• The Best Way to Enjoy Kale. If you’re looking for an enticing way to incorporate more kale into your diet, this recipe is it! The secret lies in a simple yet crucial step: massaging the kale with a little olive oil and salt. This technique tenderizes the leaves, transforming their often-bitter, tough texture into something delightfully soft and palatable, making it the perfect, ultra-delicious topping for your pizza. You’ll be amazed at how easily the kale cooks up, becoming a savory and slightly crispy component of each bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Kale Pizza

Crafting the perfect kale pizza requires a few key components. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

• Homemade or Store-Bought Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza! We highly recommend our homemade pizza dough recipe, which yields enough dough for two pizzas, making it perfect for meal prep or a second pizza later. You can easily freeze half for future use. For ultimate convenience, quality store-bought pizza dough is also a fantastic option that still delivers delicious results. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling.
• Basil Pesto: Our recipe calls for classic basil pesto, which provides a bright, aromatic, and savory base. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! A vibrant homemade arugula pesto or even our unique Homemade Kale Pesto Recipe would also be sensational, adding different layers of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese. You have options here: fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces or as small pearls, offers a creamier, richer melt. Shredded mozzarella provides a more even coverage and classic pizza pull. Choose what you prefer for texture and convenience.
• Fresh Kale: This recipe truly highlights kale’s versatility. After washing thoroughly, remember to remove the thick, fibrous stems – they can be quite tough. We prefer curly kale for its texture and ability to crisp up slightly in the oven, but lacinato kale (dino kale) can also be used. The key is proper preparation, especially the massaging step.
• Goat Cheese: This is where the pizza truly shines! Goat cheese adds a wonderful tartness, saltiness, and creamy texture that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your personal taste – some love a generous crumble, others prefer a more subtle hint.
• Arugula: Added fresh after baking, arugula provides a delightful peppery kick and a vibrant, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich pizza. It’s also a fantastic way to add an extra layer of fresh greens and a touch of elegance to your finished dish.
• Balsamic Glaze: This sweet and tangy reduction ties all the flavors together, adding a gourmet touch. You can easily find balsamic glaze in most grocery stores, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar. We have a great blog post that guides you through making a balsamic reduction. This glaze is a non-negotiable finish – don’t skip it; you’ll be glad you added it!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Kale Pizza

Making this incredible kale pizza is simpler than you think! Follow these steps for a perfect, flavorful pie:

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to a scorching 450ºF (230ºC). Lightly coat a large baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil – this is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring a crispy crust. On a lightly floured or oiled surface, use a rolling pin to stretch your pizza dough into a thin, circular shape (we love a thin crust!). Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your prepared baking sheet.
2. Layer the Pesto and Mozzarella: Spread an even, generous layer of the basil pesto over the entire surface of the fresh pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto.
3. Massage and Add the Kale: This is the secret to tender kale! Place your chopped kale leaves in a medium bowl. Drizzle with about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt (a pinch of black pepper is also a great addition here). Using your hands, gently massage the kale leaves for about 2 minutes, until they visibly soften and become slightly wilted. Distribute this massaged kale mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese on your pizza.
4. Top with Goat Cheese: Generously crumble the goat cheese over the kale layer. The goat cheese will melt into creamy, tangy pockets of flavor during baking.
5. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheet with your pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the pizza crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted through.
6. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately top it with a handful of fresh arugula and a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice, serve hot, and enjoy the explosion of fresh, savory, and tangy flavors!

Expert Tips for the Best Kale Pizza Every Time

Achieve pizza perfection with these helpful hints and tricks:

• Dough Choice Matters: While our homemade pizza dough offers superior flavor and texture, don’t hesitate to use store-bought dough for convenience. Many grocery stores offer excellent quality dough that can significantly cut down prep time without sacrificing taste. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier rolling.
• The Magic of Massaged Kale: This step is non-negotiable for an incredible kale pizza! Always remove the tough central stems from your kale leaves, then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a medium bowl, drizzle with about half a teaspoon of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Using your hands, firmly massage the kale until the leaves soften and are thoroughly coated in oil, usually about 2 minutes. This tenderizes the fibers, ensuring the kale wilts beautifully and develops a mild, pleasant flavor when baked.
• Perfect Pizza Size: Our recipe typically yields a pizza between 16-18 inches in diameter, depending on how thinly you roll your dough. Don’t stress about achieving a perfect circle or exact dimensions; deliciousness is the goal, not perfection!
• Customize Your Cheese: The 2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese suggested is a guideline. If you adore its tangy flavor, feel free to add a bit more for an extra creamy and rich experience.
• Elevate with Caramelized Onions: For an additional layer of complex sweetness and depth, consider adding some caramelized onions. They pair exquisitely with goat cheese and pesto. Check out our Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe for a detailed guide on how to caramelize onions to perfection.
• Oven Temperature is Key: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature (450ºF) for at least 20-30 minutes before baking. A super-hot oven ensures a crisp crust and even cooking.
• Prevent Sticking: Don’t forget to generously coat your baking sheet with olive oil! This prevents the dough from sticking and helps create a lovely golden-brown crust. Alternatively, for an even crisper bottom, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

This kale pizza recipe is perfect for planning ahead and enjoying later:

• Make Ahead: The pizza dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or even frozen for up to a month. If using frozen dough, thaw it overnight in the fridge before bringing it to room temperature for rolling. You can also massage your kale a few hours ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover kale pizza can be stored in an airtight container or a large ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, separate slices with parchment paper if stacking.
• Reheating: To reheat, a microwave works for a quick warm-up, but for a crispier crust, place slices in an oven preheated to 350ºF (175ºC) for a few minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again. An air fryer is also excellent for reheating single slices.
• Freezing Baked Pizza: To freeze individual slices of baked pizza, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

Recipe FAQs: Your Kale Pizza Questions Answered

Explore More Delicious Pizza Recipes

If you loved this kale pizza, you’ll surely enjoy exploring our other creative and delicious pizza variations:

• CPK Club Pizza
• English Muffin Pizzas
• Homemade Pizza Rolls
• Seasonal Pumpkin Pizza