Name: Lemon Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This bright and flavorful lemon pizza offers a refreshing twist on the classic pie. Featuring a zesty lemon brine and fresh mozzarella, it’s a light yet delicious choice perfect for spring or summer meals.

A round pizza with a thick, golden brown crust forms the base. The first layer is a melted white cheese spread evenly across the surface, showing a smooth and slightly bubbly texture. On top, thin slices of bright yellow lemon are placed, three in total, adding a fresh look. Scattered green parsley leaves add contrast and small touches of dark green seasoning or herbs are lightly sprinkled around, blending with the cheese. The pizza sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, with fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges around it, along with a small wooden bowl of grated pale yellow cheese nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ball Easy pizza dough (or store-bought dough)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon fine salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to finish)
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (to finish)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Follow your easy no-knead pizza dough recipe through shaping the dough and preheating the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the mozzarella by cutting fresh mozzarella into ½ inch thick pieces. If it’s watery, dab with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Place the dough on a parchment paper sheet and gently press from the center to form a roughly 9×13 inch pizza. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or the back of a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 4: Make the lemon brine by combining olive oil, water, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a lid. Shake well until emulsified.
Step 5: Create a few dimples in the dough with your fingers, then scatter the lemon brine evenly over the surface, filling the dimples. Top with prepared mozzarella pieces.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone using the peel. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is browned, about 8–10 minutes in a fan oven. Adjust timing based on your oven.
Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Add chili flakes if desired.
Step 8: Slice and serve the pizza hot for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use firm mozzarella if you prefer a less watery topping. Shredded mozzarella works well too for even melting.
Add a pinch of chili flakes on top for a subtle spicy kick.
For an herb boost, mix some fresh basil or oregano into the lemon brine.
If you don’t have a pizza stone, bake on a preheated baking sheet or pizza pan for good results.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.

How to Serve

A round pizza with a thick, golden-brown crust forms the base layer, topped with a creamy white cheese layer that has a slightly bubbly texture with green herbs sprinkled throughout. Thin yellow lemon slices are placed evenly on top, adding bright color contrast, alongside small green parsley leaves scattered around. The surface shows hints of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of light yellow oil, enhancing the texture and color. The pizza is placed on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface with lemon wedges and parsley leaves around it, and a small bowl of grated cheese visible at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves prep time. Just follow the shaping and topping steps as described.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

You can bake the pizza on a preheated baking sheet or pizza pan indoors. It won’t crisp exactly like on a stone but will still taste great.