Craving a mouthwatering pizza that's both deliciously satisfying and completely plant-based? Get ready to transform your summer dining experience with this incredible Vegan Summer Margherita Pizza that will make even die-hard cheese lovers forget about traditional recipes! Bursting with fresh flavors, crispy crust, and vibrant colors, this pizza proves that vegan cuisine can be just as indulgent and exciting as any classic Italian dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to create a thin, even circle approximately 12-14 inches in diameter. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently stretch the edges to maintain the shape if needed.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Use the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Distribute the vegan mozzarella cheese uniformly over the tomato sauce. Ensure good coverage but avoid overcrowding.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes strategically across the pizza, allowing some space between each slice for even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pizza, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, tearing them into smaller pieces to distribute evenly.
- Slice the pizza into 8 wedges and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- For the crispiest crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even melting of vegan cheese and better flavor distribution.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings - less is more for achieving that authentic Margherita style.
- If possible, use fresh basil leaves picked just before serving to maximize their aromatic flavor.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with homemade or artisan vegan mozzarella for an even more gourmet experience.
- A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after baking can elevate the pizza's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
