Ciao a tutti! I’m Elio Rossi, and today I’m excited to share with you my zesty lemon, corn, and onion pizza recipe. Trust me, this pizza is a party in your mouth! Between the sweet corn, tangy lemon, and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, every bite will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a hardcore pizza lover or just looking for something new, I promise this recipe won’t disappoint.
Elio grew up in a small village in Tuscany, Italy, where his passion for local cuisine started. After studying journalism in Rome, he moved to New York City to chase his dreams, worked as a freelance writer for several years and finally landed a job at a food magazine. When he’s not experimenting with new recipes or writing, he enjoys exploring the city, biking, playing the guitar, and reading books on history and art.
Elio Rossi currently resides in the United States and grew up in Italy.
Growing up in Tuscany, food has always played a big role in my life. I was lucky to be surrounded by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and I’ve carried that appreciation for quality ingredients with me to New York City. Since moving to the US, I’ve also learned to embrace new flavors and ingredients. That’s why I love this recipe—it combines classic Italian pizza with unexpected flavors and ingredients from my new home. As an Italian transplanted in the US, I think this pizza is the perfect marriage of my two worlds.
As with many culinary inventions, the origin of pizza is shrouded in mystery and legend. But one thing is certain: the modern pizza as we know it today traces its roots back to Naples, Italy. According to one popular legend, the first pizza was invented in Naples in the 1700s when a baker made a flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other seasonings for the visiting King of Naples. The dish was a hit and soon became popular among the locals too. As for toppings, early pizza was simple, with cheese and tomato being the most common. But today, the possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes pizza so fun to experiment with. With my zesty lemon, corn, and onion pizza recipe, I hope to inspire you to try new combinations and create your own pizza masterpiece!
What you need
Welcome to my zesty lemon, corn, and onion pizza recipe! This flavorful pizza is a unique twist on the classic tomato-based topping party that’s sure to brighten up your taste buds. Featuring an irresistible blend of sweet, crunchy corn, tangy and refreshing lemon juice, and mellow, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, this pizza is an explosion of colors, textures, and delicious flavor profiles. The recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, from prepping the crust, making the toppings, assembling the pizza, and baking it to crispy perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun and relaxed weekend treat, this pizza is sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s make this fresh and zesty pizza that’s a perfect combination of ingredients from both Italy and America!
Ingredients:
- whole-grain pizza dough – This chewy and nutty whole-grain pizza crust provides a perfect base for the zesty and savory toppings.Win-win! You can also swap this crust with a pre-made gluten-free crust if needed.
- fresh lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tart taste that goes well with the sweetness of the corn. If you don’t have lemons, you can use any citrus fruit like lime or even grapefruit for a spin on the classic.
- sweet corn – Fresh sweet corn kernels add sweetness and a pleasant crunch to this pizza recipe. You could try swapping out the corn with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different taste and texture.
- ricotta cheese – Rich and creamy ricotta cheese balances out the tang from the lemon. If you are lactose intolerant, you can use lactose-free cottage cheese or soft tofu instead.
- shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella cheese is a pizza staple and adds a gooey texture and mild flavor that goes well with the other ingredients. If you are vegan, you can use vegan cheese or cashew cream.
- red onion – Roasted red onions add a little extra texture and flavor to the pizza. If you want to spice things up, you could use a thinly sliced jalapeño instead.
- olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity aroma and prevents the pizza crust from getting too dry. You can use any type of oil you have on hand, but olive oil definitely adds a unique taste.
Utensils:
- rolling pin
- pizza cutter
- pizza stone or baking sheet
- oven mitts
- measuring cups and spoons
- sharp knife
- cutting board
Sweet corn: A summer treat that pops
Sweet corn is not only delicious, but it has been enjoyed by people for ages. Interestingly enough, not all corn is created equal, and sweet corn is part of a completely different variety of corncobs. In addition to its sweet taste, corn is a source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals that help support healthy digestion and energy levels. Plus, its bright and cheerful yellow color brings a ray of sunshine to any dish! In this recipe, the contrast between the acidic flavors of lemon juice and the sweetness of the corn creates a perfect balance that is both invigorating and satiating. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Fresh lemon juice: A tart and tangy cooking staple
I always have fresh lemons in my kitchen because the zest and juice of lemons can bring any dish to the next level. Its sharp acidity acts as a natural flavor booster that can cut through the richness of heavy dairy and meats. Additionally, lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy immune system. In this recipe, the acidity and freshness of lemon juice creates a zesty and vibrant flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the corn and onions. So don’t hesitate to squeeze a little more lemon juice on top of your pizza before serving for an extra punch of flavor!
What to serve it with?
I love pairing this pizza with a crisp and refreshing arugula salad. The bitterness of the arugula perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn and tanginess of the lemon, and I appreciate the textural contrast between the warm, gooey pizza and the fresh, crunchy greens. To make the salad, I toss arugula with a simple vinaigrette of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and top it with some shavings of Parmigiano cheese. It’s a light and healthy addition to the meal, and it balances out the indulgence of the pizza. Plus, it’s a classic Italian combination that reminds me of home.
Summary
And that’s a wrap on my zesty lemon, corn, and onion pizza recipe, folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about it as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by experimenting with different toppings like crumbled bacon or roasted garlic, or swap out the ricotta for goat cheese. And, if you do try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment below and let me know how your pizza-making adventure went. As always, thank you for reading and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Zesty Lemon, Corn, and Onion Pizza: A Refreshing Twist for a Flavorful Fiesta
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Cutter
- pizza stone or baking sheet
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole-grain pizza dough
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups sweet corn
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven - Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). - Make sure to give your oven enough time to heat up before baking your pizza.
- Roll out pizza dough - Flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. - If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a bottle or any cylindrical object to flatten the dough.
- Prepare pizza toppings - In a bowl, mix together the sweet corn and fresh lemon juice. In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. Thinly slice the red onion. - Be careful when slicing the red onion, as it can make your eyes tear up. Try chilling the onion in the refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to slicing to reduce tear-inducing gas release.
- Assemble pizza - Spread the ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture over the rolled-out dough. Spread the sweet corn and lemon mixture over the cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Arrange the sliced red onion on top of the sweet corn mixture. - You can add your favorite herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Bake pizza - Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown. - If you like your pizza super crispy, place it directly on the oven rack instead of using a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Slice and serve - Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. - Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or black pepper on top of the pizza before eating for an extra kick of spiciness.
