Farmers Market Pizza

This Farmers Market Pizza is full of summer veggies! It's made with a homemade crust topped with lemon ricotta cheese and garden vegetables.

Pizza is a great vehicle to utilize summer produce that you've grown in your garden or picked up at a local farmers market. This Fresh Veggie Pizza is packed with seasonal ingredients.

Summer is in full swing and it's the perfect time to consume all of those veggies we've grown in our gardens over the past few months. Late summer is also prime time to hit the farmers market, because most of the vendors' stalls are literally overflowing with produce.

It can be difficult to know what to do with all of that vegetal bounty, because it tends to arrive all at once and expires quickly. We can do our best to can, pickle, or ferment those vegetables, but there's only so many hours in a day.

One of my favorite ways to use up a bunch of produce all at once is to pile it onto a pizza crust. This recipe is a white pizza, which means that it's made without tomato sauce and instead calls for a lemon herb ricotta cheese spread as a base. The ricotta creates a sort of canvas, which can be topped with lots of different veggies.

This one is topped with sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, kale, and marinated artichoke hearts as well as mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's garnished with fresh basil or herbs of choice and balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Jump to:

• Which Vegetables Are Best To Put On Pizza?
• Do You Need To Cook Vegetables Before Putting On Pizza?
• Ingredients For Farmers Market Pizza
• What Makes Gluten Free Pizza Dough Different?
• How To Make Gluten Free Pizza Dough
• How To Bake Gluten Free Pizza Crust
• How To Make Lemon Herb Ricotta Mixture
• How To Make Farmers Market Pizza
• What Else Can Be Used To Top Vegetable Pizza?
• What To Serve With Vegetable Pizza
• How Long Does Pizza Last In The Fridge?
• Can It Be Frozen?
• Farmers Market Pizza

Which Vegetables Are Best To Put On Pizza?

When it comes to vegetables, there's really no "wrong way" to top a pizza.

I recommend choosing a variety of veggies whose flavors complement one another. It's best to use vegetables with higher acidity (like tomatoes) to give the pizza a tangy and bright flavor, sweet veggies like bell peppers, earthy vegetables such as mushrooms or hearty greens, and either marinated or brined veggies like artichokes, olives, or roasted red peppers for a salty kick and some richness.

• Make sure to choose vegetables with a similar cooking time and to dice or chop the veggies in a similar size to ensure that they cook evenly.
• Choose a blend of veggies with complementary flavors for a balanced flavor profile.
• Make sure to add some brined, marinated, or pickled veggies to provide extra flavor and richness.
• Do not overload the pizza with toppings, or it may become wet or soggy.
• Choose vegetables with a fast cooking time. Alternately, you may use cooked, grilled, or roasted veggies if you prefer.

This recipe is a white pizza, which means that it does not use a tomato sauce. I recommend choosing a variety of vegetables that work well with the flavor profile of the lemon herb ricotta cheese base.

I used sliced Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, kale, and marinated artichoke hearts to top this Farmers Market Pizza and found the flavors to meld together nicely.

Here are some other summer veggies that may be used to top this pizza:

• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Summer Squash
• Bell Peppers (any color)
• Tomatoes or Roasted Tomatoes
• Onions
• Shallots
• Leeks
• Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Arugula, or hearty greens of choice
• Fennel
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli

Do You Need To Cook Vegetables Before Putting On Pizza?

In general, it is not necessary to cook vegetables before adding them to pizza.

You can use vegetables that have been sauteed, roasted, or grilled if you prefer, but make sure not to overload the pizza, or it may become greasy.

Ingredients For Farmers Market Pizza

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• 2 cups Warm Water
• 2 Tbsp. Sugar
• 3 tsp. Active Dry Yeast
• 3 cups Gluten Free Flour Blend
• 2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
• 2 Tbsp. Psyllium Husk Powder
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 1 ½ cups Ricotta Cheese (full fat)
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp. Pepper
• 2 tsp. each of Fresh Thyme and Fresh Rosemary (minced) (or 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning)
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 4-5 Roma Tomatoes (or San Marzano tomatoes)
• 1 Bell Pepper (any color)
• 2 cups Kale, Spinach, Arugula, or hearty greens of choice
• 12 oz. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
• ½ cup Parmesan or Asiago Cheese (grated)
• Fresh Basil, Parsley, or herbs of choice for garnish (optional)
• Balsamic Glaze for garnish (optional)

What Makes Gluten Free Pizza Dough Different?

This recipe is gluten free and uses a gluten free pizza crust, but can be made using a regular crust as well.

The process of making gluten free pizza crust differs slightly, so it's important to keep that in mind. Gluten free pizza must be parbaked before adding the toppings. This is true whether the gluten free crust is made from scratch or a prepackaged mix.

If using regular pizza crust, check out this recipe for Homemade Pizza Dough.

You can also use packaged gluten free or regular pizza dough. Simply follow the instructions on the package if you go that route.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making a gluten free pizza dough in order to achieve optimal taste and texture.

• A gluten free flour blend such as Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Flour, King Arthur Flour, or Cup 4 Cup are great for making gluten free pizza dough.
• It's important to add psyllium husk powder to gluten free pizza dough. This helps to create a stretchy dough and characteristic chewy texture.
• Gluten free pizza dough must be par-baked before adding the toppings. The same is true when making gluten free pie crust.
• Gluten free pizza takes a bit longer to bake. The dough must first be par-baked and then baked a few minutes longer after adding the toppings.
• The pan must be oiled properly before spreading the pizza dough onto it in order to prevent the crust from sticking.
• Gluten free pizza dough is spread onto the pizza sheet with your hands. It's not rolled out with a rolling pin.

How To Make Gluten Free Pizza Dough

When making homemade pizza dough (gluten free or otherwise) it's important to allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours. This helps to provide the dough with great texture and flavor.

This recipe yields 2 pizza crusts. If you would only like 1 pizza, feel free to cut the recipe in half.

1. To prepare the pizza dough, start by pouring 2 cups of warm (not hot) water into a glass bowl. Add 2 Tbsp. of sugar and 3 tsp. of active dry yeast to the water.
2. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. The yeast will start to proof during this time.
3. While the yeast is proofing, add the dry ingredients to a stand mixer bowl or any large bowl. Add 3 cups gluten free flour blend, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. psyllium husk powder to the bowl. Stir until completely combined with the paddle attachment.
4. After 10 minutes, slowly add the water and yeast mixture, along with ¼ cup olive oil to the bowl while the mixer runs on a low speed. Continue to mix on a medium-low speed for 3-4 minutes, or until the dough is completely combined (make sure to scrape the sides and bottom with a spatula). Feel free to use a wooden spoon to mix the pizza dough by hand if you don't have a stand mixer.
5. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours. The dough will rise during this time.

The texture of the dough should be a bit sticky and tacky, but should hold together nicely after mixed.

If the dough seems too thin or watery, simply add a bit more flour, 1 Tbsp. at a time and continue to mix until the dough is sticky, but holds together.

How To Bake Gluten Free Pizza Crust

After the dough has risen for 1-2 hours, it's time to press it onto an oiled pizza pan and par-bake it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Par-baking the gluten free pizza dough helps the bottom of the crust become crispy and ensures that the dough doesn't get soggy after adding the toppings.

It is not necessary to take the extra step of par-baking the pizza crust if using regular pizza dough.

You can use round pizza pans or baking sheets for a sheet pan style pizza when making this recipe. Either one is just fine.

1. To par-bake the crusts, heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread some olive oil over the surface of two large round pizza pans or baking sheets.
3. Divide the pizza dough in half and place each onto an oiled pizza pan.
4. With oiled fingers, spread the dough evenly over the surface of of the pizza pan. The dough does not need to reach the edge of the pan.
5. Press the dough as thinly as you can, without tearing the dough.
6. Place the pizza pans in the oven and par-bake the dough for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and set aside.

How To Make Lemon Herb Ricotta Mixture

I love tomato sauce on pizza, but using this lemon herb ricotta mixture allows the delicate flavor of the vegetables to come through without overpowering them. The fresh herbs and lemon zest provide a great base for the summer veggies.

A pizza topped with a sauce or spread other than tomato sauce is known as a white pizza. A white pizza (or Pizza Bianca) is prepared without tomato sauce and instead uses olive oil, bechamel, or something like this ricotta spread as a base or a "sauce".

This version is made with a combination of ricotta cheese, lemon zest, garlic powder, fresh rosemary and thyme, and kosher salt and pepper. It's bright and has a mild herbal flavor, which complements the veggies perfectly.

The ricotta spread also creates a creamy texture that gives the pizza a bit of a decadent flair without overwhelming all of the other toppings.

1. To make the ricotta spread, start by mincing 2 tsp. each of fresh thyme and rosemary (or fresh herbs of choice). Oregano, dill, chives, and tarragon are all great choices.
2. Add 1 ½ cups full-fat ricotta, 1 tsp. garlic powder, the minced thyme and rosemary, and ½ tsp. of kosher salt and ¼ tsp. of pepper to a small bowl. Use a Microplane or small zester to zest 1 lemon. Add the lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
3. Stir all of these ingredients together until completely combined.

Feel free to substitute 2 tsp. of Italian seasoning (or 1 tsp. each of dried rosemary and thyme) for fresh herbs if that's what you have on hand.

How To Make Farmers Market Pizza

The steps involved in making this pizza include preparing the dough and par-baking it if the dough is gluten free, making the ricotta herb spread, chopping the vegetables, and assembling the pizzas.

After assembly, the pizzas are baked in the oven on pizza pans or baking sheets until fully cooked.

It takes 12-15 minutes baked at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to cook this Farmers Market Pizza. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of crust used.

The crust should be crispy and golden brown, the cheese melted, and the toppings soft, but not mushy when finished.

1. Prepare the pizza dough according to recipe or package instructions and par-bake the dough if necessary, making sure that you end up with two pizza crusts.
2. Prepare the lemon herb ricotta cheese mixture.
3. Slice 4-5 Roma or San Marzano tomatoes.
4. Dice 1 bell pepper (any color), removing and discarding any seeds or membranes.
5. Roughly chop 2 cups of kale, spinach, arugula, or hearty greens of choice.
6. Drain 1 12 oz. jar of marinated artichoke hearts. Roughly chop the marinated artichoke hearts (equals 2 cups or so).
7. Grate 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
8. Divide the ricotta cheese mixture in half, spreading it evenly across the surface of each pizza crust.
9. Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
10. Sprinkle desired amount of the diced bell peppers over the tomatoes. Add 1 cup or so of the chopped kale or hearty greens evenly over the pizza.
11. Add half of the chopped artichokes to each pizza.
12. Sprinkle 1 cup or so of grated mozzarella cheese over each pizza.
13. Place the pizza pans in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the veggies are softened, but not mushy.
14. Remove the pizzas from the oven. Grate ¼ cup or so of Parmesan or Asiago cheese over each one. Garnish with fresh basil or herbs of choice. Drizzle desired amount of balsamic glaze over each pizza.

What Else Can Be Used To Top Vegetable Pizza?

This pizza can be topped according to your tastes.

If you don't care for marinated artichoke hearts, feel free to substitute olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for a salty and briny kick.

If not vegetarian, you can add pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage. You can also add some sliced prosciutto to the pizza after it has finished cooking.

What To Serve With Vegetable Pizza

I love to garnish this veggie pizza with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for even more color and flavor. It's delicious finished with some sweet and tangy balsamic glaze over the the top of the pizza.

Balsamic glaze may be purchased in the grocery store or made at home. Make sure the brand used is gluten free if gluten is an issue for you. Check out this recipe if you'd like to use homemade balsamic glaze.

I love to serve fresh and flavorful dishes like this with a healthy salad like this arugula tomato salad, marinated tomato salad, Italian green bean salad, pickled beet salad, or tomato corn salad with basil vinaigrette.

Pizza is perfect with an appetizer like this cold spinach artichoke dip, Italian white bean dip, Kalamata olive tapenade or mushroom tapenade.

Love vegetarian dishes? Don't miss these recipes!

• Garden Vegetable Lasagna
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake
• Lemon Pea Artichoke Risotto
• Baked Eggplant Parmesan
• One Pot Veggie Pasta
• Skillet Vegetable Lasagna
• Vegetable Pesto Pasta

How Long Does Pizza Last In The Fridge?

Any leftovers may be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Can It Be Frozen?

This vegetable pizza is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days and I do not recommend freezing it.

Love pizza? Check out these recipes!

• Mushroom Arugula Pizza
• Arugula Pesto Prosciutto Pizza
• Mediterranean Veggie Naan Pizza
• Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Sheet Pan Canadian Bacon Pizza
• Pizza Stuffed Peppers

Looking For Farmers Market Side Dishes? Don't Miss These!

Italian Chopped Salad

Secret Side Salad

Greek Salad