Bright Lemon Pizza

Featured in Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes.

This pizza is a zesty treat balanced with a thin crisp base and vibrant lemon olive oil brine loaded with garlic and fresh parsley. Creamy mozzarella melts atop for a rich texture, complemented by a dash of grated parmesan and extra herbs. Oven-baked to golden perfection, this warm and aromatic dish is a crave-worthy spin on a cheesy classic, finished with a citrusy pop in every bite. Enjoy fresh from the oven.

Sarah Recipes
Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 21:46:27 GMT
Zesty Lemon Pizza Dish Pin it
Zesty Lemon Pizza Dish | recipesaddicts.com

This zesty lemon pizza puts a fresh spin on regular pizzas with its tangy citrus kick and smooth cheese. When fresh lemon meets aromatic herbs and tasty cheeses, you get a surprisingly well-matched flavor combo that's ideal for eating outdoors in hot weather.

I threw this lemon pizza together during a backyard party when I needed something lighter than the usual meat-heavy options but still wanted a crowd-pleaser. It's now our go-to pizza when the weather warms up and our herb garden goes wild.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough ball: Make your own or grab one from the store for a quick but tasty base
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the tasty base for your citrus mix and boosts those sunny Mediterranean tastes
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green pop that lifts the whole dish
  • Garlic clove: Brings that warm flavor that works so well with the tangy lemon
  • Lemon zest and juice: The main players that bring both powerful flavor and refreshing tanginess
  • Fresh mozzarella: Makes those wonderful melty spots that work beautifully with the bright lemon
  • Parmesan cheese: Gives that nutty, savory kick that rounds out the pizza perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dough:
Work with your go-to pizza dough or use a good store-bought option. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if it's been in the fridge. You'll know it's ready when it feels soft and workable.
Create the lemon brine:
Mix olive oil, water, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small container with a tight lid. Give it a good shake until everything looks cloudy and mixed together. This tasty mix will spread lemony goodness throughout your pizza.
Shape the pizza:
Set your dough on parchment paper and push outward from the middle with your fingers to make a rough 9x13 inch oval or rectangle. Take your time to avoid holes, making sure the thickness is even everywhere.
Add the toppings:
Make small dents across the dough with your fingertips. Pour your lemon mixture evenly over the top, letting it gather in the little dents. Rip or cut the fresh mozzarella and spread it around, leaving some gaps between pieces.
Bake to perfection:
Move the pizza with its parchment paper onto a hot pizza stone or flipped-over baking tray. Cook at 475°F until you see a golden crust and bubbly, slightly browned cheese, roughly 8 to 10 minutes based on your oven.
Finish with fresh elements:
Right after taking it out, splash on some fresh lemon juice, scatter parmesan cheese on top, and sprinkle fresh parsley all over. Add some black pepper if you want. Cut it up and eat while it's hot.
A slice of pizza with yellow lemon wedges on top. Pin it
A slice of pizza with yellow lemon wedges on top. | recipesaddicts.com

Your choice of lemons really matters in this pizza. I once used Meyer lemons from next door and their sweeter taste completely changed the pizza. When you can, try to get unwaxed organic lemons since you'll be using both the outside and juice.

The Perfect Crust Secret

What makes this pizza really shine is getting that crust just right. You want a thin, crispy bottom so the subtle lemon flavor doesn't get lost in too much dough. For best results, heat up your oven with a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet for at least 45 minutes at your oven's highest setting. This gives you the strong heat needed to quickly crisp the bottom before your toppings burn. If you notice your crust staying too pale while your cheese gets too brown, try putting the pizza on a lower shelf in your oven.

A pizza with lemon slices on top. Pin it
A pizza with lemon slices on top. | recipesaddicts.com

Seasonal Variations

This lemon pizza works great with whatever's fresh each season. In spring, throw on some tender asparagus tips or fresh peas before baking. Summer's perfect for swapping parsley with fresh basil or adding thin zucchini slices. Fall versions taste great with thin fennel slices or shaved Brussels sprouts. In winter, mix in some caramelized onions or roasted garlic for deeper flavor. The bright lemon base goes well with whatever veggies are at their best, letting you get creative year-round with what's growing right now.

Make It A Meal

Turn your lemon pizza into a full dinner by thinking about foods that go well together. Serve it with a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing to play up those citrus notes. A light soup like cold cucumber or tomato gazpacho works perfectly as a starter in hot weather. For drinks, go with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that match the citrus without being too much. When you're hosting friends, put the pizza next to a plate of snacks with olives, marinated artichokes, and thin prosciutto slices so everyone can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the trick for a crunchier crust?

Heat a pizza stone or an upside-down tray in the oven before baking. It'll crisp things up nicely.

→ Can store-bought lemon juice work?

Fresh lemons have a bolder taste, but bottled juice works fine if needed.

→ What other cheese options are good?

If you don’t have mozzarella, shredded versions or creamy ricotta will do the job beautifully.

→ How do I store slices for later?

Pop leftovers into an airtight box in the fridge for up to a single day. Need longer storage? Freeze ‘em for up to 3 months.

→ What’s the best way to warm it back up?

Defrost frozen pieces and toss them in a hot oven until they’re back toasty and crisp.

Fresh Lemon Pizza

Add zing to mealtime with a citrusy lemon pizza topped with creamy cheese and bold flavors.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sarah

Category: Plant-Based

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 2 Servings (6 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 One ball of simple pizza dough (store-bought works fine too)

→ Citrus Brine

02 2 tbsp high-quality olive oil
03 1 tbsp cold water
04 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
05 1 tiny garlic clove, grated
06 1 tsp grated lemon peel
07 1 tsp squeezed lemon juice
08 ¼ tsp fine sea salt
09 ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ Cheese

10 150g fresh mozzarella or about ½ cup shredded firm mozzarella

→ Final Touches

11 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
13 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 Crack some black pepper on top to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Use an easy no-knead dough guide and follow it up to step 5. Shape the dough and crank up the oven to the right temp for pizza making.

Step 02

If you're working with fresh mozzarella packed in water, slice it into ½-inch chunks. To reduce sogginess, blot the cheese gently with a paper towel.

Step 03

After the dough is good to go, pop it onto parchment paper and start pressing from the middle outward. It should stretch into a 9x13 inch pizza base. Place it on either a pizza peel or upside-down baking sheet.

Step 04

Take a jar with a secure lid. Add all the brine ingredients inside, close it, and give it a good shake until everything blends well.

Step 05

Once your dough is shaped, poke a few dimples across it using your fingers. Pour the brine over the top evenly, letting it settle in the dimples. Sprinkle the mozzarella all over.

Step 06

Carefully slide your pizza onto the hot pizza stone using a pizza peel. Bake until the crust and cheese look golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes in a convection oven.

Step 07

Right after the pizza's out, drizzle it with lemon juice. Follow it up with parmesan and parsley, and give it a final touch of black pepper or chili flakes. Slice and enjoy it right away.

Notes

  1. For crispy crust results, heat a baking sheet upside down in the oven. Slide your parchment-covered pizza onto it with a pizza peel.
  2. Leftovers? Store in the fridge for a day or freeze for a few months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick parchment paper
  • A pizza peel tool
  • Pizza stone or an upside-down baking tray
  • Lidded jar
  • Absorbent paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (mozzarella and parmesan cheese)
  • Gluten might be present if the dough isn't gluten-free

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 11 g