If you’re a fan of pizza but are looking for something new and exciting, this Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your pizza night. Combining the traditional Italian favorite with vibrant Argentine flavors, this pizza offers a zesty, herbaceous kick thanks to the chimichurri sauce. With fresh tomatoes, a tangy sauce, and a crispy crust, this pizza is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
For those interested in more fresh flavors with pizza, check out this Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza Recipe for another exciting pizza variation.
Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. While it’s typically served with grilled meats, it can be a fantastic addition to many dishes, and pizza is no exception. Paired with juicy tomatoes and a crispy crust, chimichurri brings a unique freshness to the pizza, offering a delightful balance of herbs, acidity, and richness.
Benefits and Advantages of the Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe
1. Unique Flavor Profile
The combination of fresh tomatoes and chimichurri sauce creates a one-of-a-kind flavor experience. Chimichurri, with its garlicky, tangy notes and fresh herbs, balances out the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes. This blend of Italian and Argentine influences sets this pizza apart from the traditional margherita or pepperoni pizza, offering something truly different for your taste buds.
Learn more about chimichurri sauce and its uses at BBC Good Food, a fantastic way to bring Argentine flavor to various dishes.
For more vibrant and flavorful meals, explore this Tomato Asparagus Pasta Recipe that shares a similar fresh and tangy flavor profile.
2. Health Benefits
Chimichurri is loaded with fresh herbs, particularly parsley, which is rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Olive oil provides healthy fats, while garlic brings both flavor and potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Paired with tomatoes, which are a great source of vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium, this pizza is not only delicious but also a nutritious option for those looking to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
3. Versatility
One of the greatest advantages of this Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe is its versatility. You can make the base as simple or elaborate as you want. Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or make your own for an extra homemade touch. This pizza can be customized with different toppings, like fresh mozzarella, burrata, or even some grilled chicken for a heartier meal. It’s a great recipe for experimenting with flavors and finding combinations that you love.
4. Quick and Easy Preparation
Even though this recipe includes making chimichurri from scratch, it’s still incredibly quick and easy. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can have this pizza ready to eat in under an hour. If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that feels gourmet but doesn’t take a lot of effort, this pizza is perfect.
Ingredients Overview for Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe
Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients for making this delicious pizza. The key components include pizza dough, fresh tomatoes, chimichurri sauce, and cheese, but you can get creative with additional toppings if you like.
Essential Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
You can use store-bought dough to save time, but making your own pizza dough gives you control over the texture and flavor.
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (optional, but adds a nice depth)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings
- 2-3 large tomatoes, sliced thin
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (or use fresh mozzarella for a softer texture)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
- Fresh basil or arugula (for garnish, optional)
- Olive oil (to drizzle over the top)
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chimichurri Tomato Pizza
Gluten-Free Option
For those who are gluten-sensitive, you can easily make this pizza gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust. There are several gluten-free flours and pre-made doughs available in stores, which can be used in place of traditional pizza dough. Ensure that the crust is thin to achieve that crisp texture typical of traditional pizza.
Dairy-Free Option
If you’re avoiding dairy, swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese. There are many great dairy-free mozzarella-style options available that melt well and taste delicious. You can also skip the cheese altogether and go for a more rustic, veggie-forward pizza where the chimichurri and tomatoes are the stars.
Vegan Option
This Chimichurri Tomato Pizza is easily made vegan by using dairy-free cheese and ensuring the pizza dough doesn’t contain any animal products (which, in most cases, it doesn’t). The chimichurri sauce is naturally vegan, so you’ll still get all of those incredible flavors without any animal products.
How to Prepare Chimichurri Tomato Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know what you’ll need to create this flavorful pizza, let’s go through the process step by step.
For another pizza recipe with bold flavors, check out this Elote Pasta Salad for a colorful and tangy option.
First Step: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir together with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Second Step: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the chimichurri sauce.
- Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the parsley and cilantro (if using) and place them in a medium bowl.
- Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic and add it to the bowl with the herbs.
- Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Stir in the red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chimichurri and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to be tangy and a bit garlicky, with a good balance of salt.
Third Step: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up. This ensures your crust will be crispy (Discover tips for perfecting your pizza crust using a pizza stone from Serious Eats.)
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle (or your desired pizza shape). Be sure to leave a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- Add the Chimichurri Base: Spread a generous layer of chimichurri sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. The chimichurri acts as the pizza “sauce” in this recipe, infusing the pizza with its fresh, garlicky flavors.
- Add the Tomatoes and Cheese: Layer the thinly sliced tomatoes over the chimichurri sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, and if you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle that over as well for an extra savory kick.
Fourth Step: Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh basil or arugula over the pizza for added freshness.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot. Enjoy the incredible combination of chimichurri, tomatoes, and melted cheese on a perfectly crispy crust.
Mastering Chimichurri Tomato Pizza: Advanced Tips and Variations
Want to take your Chimichurri Tomato Pizza to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and variations to enhance your pizza-making skills and add new flavors to your pizza:
Add Grilled Vegetables
For a heartier pizza, consider adding grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or red peppers. These smoky, charred flavors complement the freshness of the chimichurri sauce and add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the pizza.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
While mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or burrata for a creamier texture. Each cheese will bring its own flavor profile to the pizza, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations.
Add Protein
If you’re looking for a more filling meal, add some grilled chicken, steak strips, or even shrimp to the pizza. These proteins pair wonderfully with chimichurri and will turn this pizza into a complete meal.
Make It Spicy
For those who love heat, add some thinly sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before baking. The combination of the chimichurri’s tangy garlic flavor and the heat from the chilies will create a bold, spicy pizza.
For more comfort food inspiration, try this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe as a side dish to complement your pizza night.
How to Store Chimichurri Tomato Pizza: Best Practices
If you have leftovers (which may be rare because this pizza is so delicious), here’s how to store your Chimichurri Tomato Pizza to keep it fresh.
Refrigeration
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, it’s best to do so before adding the fresh garnishes like basil or arugula. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Nutritional Value of Chimichurri Tomato Pizza
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional value of Chimichurri Tomato Pizza per slice (based on an 8-slice pizza):
- Calories: 250-300 (depending on the type of cheese and dough used)
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
This pizza is a relatively balanced meal, offering healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese, protein, and a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe
Can I Use Pre-Made Chimichurri?
Yes! While homemade chimichurri has a fresher flavor, you can use store-bought chimichurri to save time. Just be sure to check the ingredients for freshness and quality.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the pizza dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for later use.
Can I Add Meat to This Pizza?
Absolutely! This pizza pairs well with grilled chicken, steak strips, or even sausage. Just be sure to cook the meat before adding it to the pizza.