Homemade Arugula Pizza Recipe with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto

Name: Arugula Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup pesto (basil, store-bought or homemade); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced; 2-3 ounces prosciutto; 2 cups fresh arugula, loosely packed; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, for drizzling; 1 teaspoon olive oil, for dressing arugula; 1 teaspoon lemon juice, for dressing arugula

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

May 20, 2026

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The Easy Steps

This arugula pizza is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something fresh and satisfying but do not have a lot of time. The pesto, creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula work together beautifully. It feels special enough for a Friday night dinner, but it comes together quickly enough for a busy weeknight.

Using store-bought dough and pesto makes this recipe accessible for anyone. Of course, you can make your own if you prefer, but I find that the pre-made options from the grocery store work perfectly well. Arugula is the star here. Its peppery, slightly bitter bite cuts through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto, and it brings a nice nutritional boost with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein.

Ingredients You Will Need

Gather everything before you start so the assembly goes smoothly. Here is what you need:

Ingredient	Amount
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)	1 pound
Pesto (basil, store-bought or homemade)	1/4 cup
Fresh mozzarella	8 ounces, torn or sliced
Prosciutto	2-3 ounces
Fresh arugula	2 cups, loosely packed
Cherry tomatoes (optional)	1/2 cup, halved
Balsamic glaze	1-2 tablespoons, for drizzling
Olive oil and lemon juice	1 teaspoon each, for dressing arugula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps and you will have a crispy, flavorful pizza ready in under 20 minutes.

Preheat your oven. Start by setting your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your baking sheet or pizza pan in the oven while it heats. This helps the bottom of the crust get crispy right away.
Prepare your dough. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape. If you like a thinner crust, roll it out a bit more. For a chewier bite, keep it slightly thicker.
Spread the pesto. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling. Spread the pesto evenly across the surface, leaving about half an inch of border for the crust.
Layer the cheese and toppings. Tear or slice the fresh mozzarella and distribute it over the pesto. Add the cherry tomatoes if you are using them. Lay the prosciutto pieces on top. You can add a bit more cheese over the prosciutto if you like extra melt.
Bake until golden and bubbly. Carefully transfer the pizza on the parchment to your hot baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for golden edges and bubbly cheese as your visual cues that it is done. The crust should feel firm and crisp when you lift the edge.
Prepare the arugula. While the pizza bakes, place your arugula in a bowl. Drizzle it lightly with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss gently just before serving. This keeps the leaves crisp and adds a bright note.
Top and finish. Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately pile the dressed arugula onto the hot pizza. The residual heat will slightly soften the leaves without making them wilt. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy touch.

Important: Always add arugula after baking. If you put it in the oven, the leaves will become limp and bitter. You want that fresh, peppery crunch as a contrast to the warm, cheesy base.

This recipe was developed by a registered dietitian nutritionist, so you get bold flavor with reasonable nutrition. Each serving has approximately 316 calories, 13 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, 29 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 5 grams of sugar.

Jump to:

The Easy Steps
Ingredients You Will Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Storage
Recipe Tips and FAQs
What is arugula pizza?
When should you add arugula to pizza?
What are the best toppings to pair with arugula on pizza?
Can you use baby arugula on pizza?
What cheese goes best with arugula pizza?
Is arugula pizza healthy?
More Arugula Recipes
Arugula Pizza
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Storage

If you end up with leftovers, storage is simple. Let the pizza cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Keep in mind that the arugula will wilt once refrigerated. If you think you will have leftovers, consider removing the arugula before storing, or just plan to add fresh greens when you reheat. To reheat, skip the microwave. A skillet over medium heat works well to crisp the bottom back up. You can also pop it back in a 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

What is arugula pizza?

Arugula pizza is a type of pizza typically topped with fresh arugula after baking, often combined with prosciutto, Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil. The peppery arugula contrasts with rich toppings.

When should you add arugula to pizza?

Add fresh arugula immediately after the pizza comes out of the oven. The residual heat slightly wilts the leaves while preserving their peppery flavor and crisp texture. Do not bake arugula on the pizza as it becomes limp and bitter.

What are the best toppings to pair with arugula on pizza?

Classic pairings include prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, burrata, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto. The salty and creamy ingredients balance the peppery arugula.

Can you use baby arugula on pizza?

Yes, baby arugula works perfectly on pizza. It is milder and more tender than mature arugula, making it ideal for adding after baking. Use it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What cheese goes best with arugula pizza?

Fresh mozzarella, burrata, shaved Parmesan, and ricotta are excellent choices. Fresh mozzarella provides creaminess, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. Burrata adds a luxurious creamy center.

Is arugula pizza healthy?

Arugula pizza can be a healthy option when made with whole wheat or thin crust, moderate cheese, and plenty of vegetables. Arugula is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants.

More Arugula Recipes

If you enjoyed the peppery bite of arugula on this pizza, you might like to try it in other dishes. Arugula works wonderfully in salads, where its flavor can really shine. A simple citrus arugula salad with orange segments, red onion, and a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing side for almost any meal.

For something a bit more substantial, try a watermelon feta orzo salad with arugula. The sweetness of the watermelon, the saltiness of the feta, and the pepperiness of the arugula create a surprising and delicious balance. It is perfect for summer cookouts or as a light lunch on its own.

Both recipes are easy to put together and showcase how versatile arugula can be beyond pizza. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, arugula adds freshness and flavor without much effort.

Homemade Arugula Pizza Recipe with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto