Summer Lemon Ricotta Basil Pizza

Category: Homemade Pizza Recipes for Every Taste

This summery white pizza features a creamy base of ricotta blended with basil, garlic, and lemon zest for a bright flavor. Mozzarella and Parmesan melt together for a classic topping, while thin slices of lemon add tang and visual appeal. Everything bakes atop stretched dough for a golden, crisp crust. Fresh basil finishes the dish, which balances creamy, savory, and zesty notes for an inviting summer meal.

Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:25:27 GMT
A pizza with yellow lemons and green basil on top. Pin
A pizza with yellow lemons and green basil on top. | yummygusto.com

This lemon ricotta and basil white pizza is the sunny showstopper my family craves on warm evenings. Creamy ricotta laced with bright lemon and garlic pairs with mozzarella parmesan and a shower of fresh basil. Each bite feels like summer on a plate and it is a lighter alternative to tomato-based pizzas that never feels like a compromise.

This pizza honestly changed how I feel about lemon as a savory ingredient. I first served it as a nibbly appetizer and now friends ask for it every get together.

Ingredients

  • Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy mild base and binds the sauce ingredients well
  • Fresh basil: Infuses the whole pizza with summery herbal aroma look for firm vibrant leaves
  • Garlic: Adds depth and sharpness choose plump fresh cloves
  • Olive oil: Creates a silky spreadable sauce and helps everything brown
  • Sea salt and black pepper: Sharpen all the flavors use fine grain salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Oregano: Gives subtle Mediterranean warmth dried is easiest but fresh is lovely if you have it
  • Lemon zest and juice: The pizza's secret weapon go for a large juicy lemon and zest only the yellow
  • Mozzarella cheese: Brings classic pizza melt ability choose whole milk for best results
  • Parmesan cheese: Sharpens everything with its nutty tang use freshly grated if possible
  • Lemon slices: Provide pops of freshness and beautiful color always remove seeds for best eating
  • Extra basil: Scattered on top just before baking elevates everything

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
Stretch your pizza dough gently into a twelve inch round directly in your cast iron pan or pizza pan. Let it rest for a few minutes if it keeps shrinking back so you get an even base.
Mix the Ricotta Lemon Sauce:
In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese chopped basil minced garlic olive oil salt black pepper oregano zest from one large lemon and juice from half. Mix until totally smooth and creamy. The consistency should be spreadable not runny.
Spread the Saucy Base:
Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the ricotta lemon mixture over your dough base leaving about an inch bare around the edges for that rustic crust.
Layer the Toppings:
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce then follow with the parmesan. Arrange very thin slices of lemon over the top to let the flavor infuse the pizza as it bakes. Scatter the remaining basil over everything.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the pan in your preheated oven following your dough's instructions usually hottest oven possible for a crisp base. Bake until the crust is bubbling golden at the edges and the cheese melts and browns in spots.
Cool Slice and Serve:
Allow the pizza to rest a few minutes so the cheese sets then slide onto a cutting board slice and serve while still warm and fragrant.
A pizza with yellow lemon slices and green basil leaves.
A pizza with yellow lemon slices and green basil leaves. | yummygusto.com

No red sauce needed it seriously wowed my tomato loving uncle. I love the hint of lemony tartness in every bite. My favorite part is letting my daughter help zest the lemon which always fills the kitchen with a vacation feeling. The combination of basil and lemon now reminds me of lazy afternoons and family laughs.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool any extra slices completely and wrap tightly in foil. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat place the slices in a hot skillet to crisp the base again or bake at a moderate oven temp until hot. This pizza tastes lovely at room temperature too which makes it a winning packable lunch.

Fun Ingredient Swaps

If basil is not available fresh arugula or baby spinach make great substitutes stirred into the ricotta. Swap parmesan with pecorino or asiago for extra sharpness. Try a creamy goat cheese for half the ricotta for tangy dimension. Use Meyer lemons if you want a sweeter citrus note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple salad of baby greens tossed in lemon and olive oil or a bowl of chilled melon for a sunny picnic. I love a glass of sparkling water with cucumber to pair with those zesty flavors. For a cozy brunch option slice the pizza smaller and offer it alongside fruit salad and iced tea or prosecco.

Origins of the White Pizza

White pizza has roots in Roman cucina povera when folks made do without tomatoes and layered cheese and olive oil on fresh dough. Adding lemon and basil modernizes this classic and highlights Italian cooking's focus on bright fresh ingredients over heavy sauces.

A pizza with yellow lemons and green basil on top.
A pizza with yellow lemons and green basil on top. | yummygusto.com

This pizza brings sunshine to any meal and is guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes this pizza unique for summer?

The addition of lemon zest and thin lemon slices brings a bright, refreshing taste, which pairs perfectly with fresh basil and creamy ricotta for a light seasonal flavor.

→ Can store-bought dough be used?

Yes, any fresh or prepared pizza dough can be stretched and topped as described, making this an easy option for homemade pizza night.

→ How thin should lemon slices be?

Slice the lemon as thinly as possible—removing seeds—so the citrus brightens the pizza without overpowering each bite.

→ What kind of ricotta works best?

Use whole-milk ricotta for richness and a creamy texture that spreads easily as a flavorful base.

→ Which herbs can be substituted for basil?

Fresh oregano, thyme, or even a little flat-leaf parsley can supply an herbal lift if basil isn't available.

Summer Lemon Ricotta Basil Pizza

Zesty lemon, creamy ricotta, basil, and cheeses turn this white pizza into a fresh, summery delight.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Sandra

Category: Pizza Varieties

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 4 Serves (1 large pizza)

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Pizza Sauce

01 250 g ricotta cheese
02 15 g fresh basil, finely chopped
03 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
04 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
05 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
08 Zest from 1 large lemon
09 Juice from 1/2 lemon

→ Pizza Topping

10 1/2 large lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
11 60 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 25 g parmesan cheese, grated
13 7 g fresh basil, finely chopped

→ Base

14 1 prepared pizza dough

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven as indicated by the pizza dough manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal baking temperature.

Step 02

Finely chop fresh basil and set aside for sauce and topping use.

Step 03

On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 30 cm circle and transfer to a cast iron skillet or pizza pan.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 15 g chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.

Step 05

Spread the lemon ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges.

Step 06

Top with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and thin lemon slices. Sprinkle with the reserved basil.

Step 07

Place in the preheated oven and bake according to pizza dough instructions or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Notes

  1. For best results, use freshly grated parmesan and good-quality ricotta. The lemon zest is essential for a bright, fresh flavor.

Gear Required

  • Cast iron skillet or pizza pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Double-check ingredients for allergens. If you’re unsure, talk to a health pro.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pizza dough)

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Just for reference. It’s not a substitute for a nutritionist’s advice.
  • Calories: 402
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Protein: 18 g