Lemon Pizza Recipe
Introduction
This bright and zesty lemon pizza offers a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Combining fresh mozzarella with fragrant lemon and herbs, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner.

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 (additional, for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes
- Optional: baby arugula or mixed greens
- Optional: prosciutto
- Optional: capers
- Optional: other herbs like basil or thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Brush this lemon herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Step 5: Top with fresh mozzarella and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 8: Optionally, add chili flakes, arugula, prosciutto, capers, or herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- Step 9: Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a pizza stone for a crisper crust, or a baking sheet if you don’t have one.
- Swap the fresh mozzarella with shredded firm mozzarella for a different texture.
- Add a handful of baby arugula after baking for a fresh, peppery bite.
- For extra flavor, drizzle more olive oil or sprinkle chili flakes before serving.
- Substitute fresh parsley with basil or thyme to change the herbal profile.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly well for this recipe and saves time.
Is it necessary to preheat the pizza stone?
Preheating the pizza stone ensures a crispier crust by providing even, high heat from the start, though a baking sheet can also be used if you don’t have a stone.
PrintLemon Pizza Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Pizza combines a zesty lemon herb-infused olive oil base with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese melted to perfection on a golden crust. Finished with fresh parsley, a drizzle of lemon juice, and optional toppings like arugula or prosciutto, this unique pizza offers a bright, refreshing twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza, serves 2-3 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 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
Cheeses
- 5 oz (150 grams) fresh mozzarella (or from ½ to ⅓ cup shredded firm mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chili flakes
- Baby arugula or mixed greens
- Prosciutto
- Capers
- Other herbs like basil or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get it hot. This ensures a crispy crust by providing consistent high heat from below.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness, ensuring an even shape for uniform baking.
- Prepare Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, water, chopped fresh parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful lemon herb brushing sauce.
- Brush Dough: Evenly brush the lemon herb mixture over the surface of the rolled-out dough, infusing the base with bright citrus and herb flavors.
- Add Cheese: Layer the fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the prepared pizza carefully to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper on top for freshness and seasoning.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add chili flakes, baby arugula or mixed greens, prosciutto, capers, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of zesty, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven helps create a crispier crust.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for melting, but shredded firm mozzarella is a convenient substitute.
- Optional toppings like prosciutto or arugula add contrasting texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried basil or thyme can be substituted but add less quantity.
- The pizza cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid burning.
Keywords: lemon pizza, lemon herb pizza, vegetarian pizza, fresh mozzarella pizza, easy pizza dough recipe, citrus pizza

