Pizza with Spinach and Pesto with a Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Pizza dough is an essential and versatile base in the kitchen, and the recipe we propose is simple yet full of flavor. We start with our universal dough, which we always have in the fridge, ready to help us whenever we crave something delicious. In a large bowl, we add the necessary ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. We use the food processor equipped with a dough hook, which will make the whole process quick and efficient. After the ingredients are well mixed, we cover the bowl with a damp towel and place it in the microwave, which, although not turned on, provides a warm and suitable environment for the dough to rise. We patiently wait for the dough to double in size, then gently press it down and transfer it to the fridge. Here, the dough can be stored for up to two weeks, and we can take a piece whenever we want a fresh pizza.

Preparing the pesto is just as simple and quick. In another bowl of the food processor, we add fresh basil leaves, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. We pulse the ingredients until we obtain a smooth paste, adjusting the consistency according to our preferences. This pesto will add an intense flavor and a hint of freshness to our pizza.

To assemble the pizza, we start by blanching the spinach leaves for a few minutes to soften them and intensify their flavor. Then, we roll out the dough on a baking tray, forming an even base. We apply a generous layer of pesto that will cover the entire surface and add the blanched spinach leaves. The final step is to sprinkle feta cheese pieces on top, which will melt beautifully during baking. The tray is placed in the preheated oven, where the pizza will bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust becomes golden and crispy.

Alongside the pizza, we prepare a fresh salad that will perfectly complement this dish. We place the spinach leaves on a large plate and add sliced strawberries, which will add a sweet-tart note. We drizzle everything with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, gently mixing to combine the flavors. Finally, we sprinkle nuts for an extra crunch. This salad is not only tasty but also full of nutrients, making it an ideal accompaniment to our delicious pizza.