Spinach pizza with strawberry salad

Spinach Pizza with Strawberry Salad: An Unconventional Delicacy

When we think of pizza, classic combinations come to mind, but today I offer you an unconventional recipe that will surprise your taste buds: spinach pizza with strawberry salad. This is a surprising yet extremely delicious combination that provides a perfect balance between the salty flavor of feta cheese and the sweetness of strawberries. I will guide you step by step to achieve this spectacular dish, and in the end, you will have a perfect meal for a summer dinner or a gathering with friends.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 600 ml of lukewarm water
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt

For the pesto:
- 200 g of fresh spinach
- A handful of fresh or frozen basil
- A handful of nuts (preferably Romanian walnuts)
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

For the pizza:
- Fresh spinach leaves (for decoration)
- Pesto prepared above
- Crumbled feta cheese (about 150 g)

For the salad:
- Fresh spinach leaves (300 g)
- Strawberries (200 g)
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- A few nuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the pizza dough. In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. In another container, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water, stirring gently. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to be used.

Add the water and yeast mixture to the flour and start kneading. If you have a food processor, use it to make the work easier. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. The next step is to let the dough rise. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the pesto
While the dough is rising, it's time to prepare the pesto. In a food processor, add the fresh spinach, basil, nuts, and olive oil. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste. If you want a finer pesto, add a little more olive oil. The fresh and aromatic taste of the pesto will add extra flavor to the pizza.

Step 3: Preparing the ingredients
Once the dough has risen, gently press it to release the air and divide it into two or three pieces, depending on the desired pizza size. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface into a circle. Transfer the dough to a pizza tray or a baking stone.

Blanch the fresh spinach leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and let them cool. Now you are ready to assemble the pizza.

Step 4: Assembling the pizza
Spread a generous layer of pesto over the rolled-out dough, then add the blanched spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese on top. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed to achieve a delicious and balanced pizza.

Step 5: Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C if using the fan function). Bake the pizza for about 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. In the meantime, prepare the salad.

Step 6: Preparing the salad
In a bowl, place the fresh spinach leaves. Slice the strawberries and add them over the spinach. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then sprinkle the nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. This fresh salad will provide a pleasant contrast to the warm pizza.

Step 7: Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the pizza alongside the strawberry salad for a complete and delicious meal. This is a perfect combination for a summer dinner or a special lunch with friends.

Helpful tips
- Dough variation: You can add dried herbs (oregano, basil) to the dough for extra flavor.
- Pesto: If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be different.
- Feta cheese: If you prefer a less salty alternative, try goat cheese or fresh mozzarella.
- Salad: Experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or peaches, in the salad to add a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits
Spinach pizza is not only delicious but also healthy. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Strawberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C. This recipe offers a balanced meal full of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but the taste will be better with fresh vegetables.
- How can I store leftover dough? It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Can I prepare the pesto in advance? Yes, the pesto can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Spinach pizza with strawberry salad is a dish that will bring a smile to anyone's face. It is an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with new and healthy flavors. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal together!