You could totally cheat and use a store crust with this, add some fresh basil or use your own pesto to make it really pop!  Too hot to bake?  Throw it on the grill!

Pesto Veggie Pizza

Pesto Veggie Pizza
“When I started thinking of recipes I could submit for this contest, I thought about what my family really likes to eat and what I like to cook, and the answer was...pizza!” —Dana Dirks, San Diego
6 ServingsPrep: 30 min. + standing Bake: 10 min.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 to 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3-1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup prepared pesto
  • 1-3/4 cups coarsely chopped fresh broccoli
  • 3/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the Parmesan
  • cheese, oil, sugar, basil, salt, all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup whole
  • wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining whole wheat
  • flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  • Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic,
  • about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Roll dough into a 16-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Transfer to a baking
  • sheet coated with cooking spray; build up edges slightly. Prick
  • dough with a fork. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until
  • lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add
  • spinach; cover and boil for 3-5 minutes or until wilted. Drain and
  • place in a food processor. Add pesto; cover and process until
  • blended.
  • Spread over pizza crust. Top with broccoli, green pepper, green
  • onions, garlic and mozzarella cheese. Bake 10-12 minutes longer or
  • until cheese is melted. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece equals 364 calories, 17 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 29 mg cholesterol, 543 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 19 g protein.Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.