Zesty Lemon Mozzarella Pizza

Section: Perfect Appetizers and Side Dishes

This pizza features a vibrant lemon and herb brine that infuses the crust with bright citrus notes and savory garlic. Fresh mozzarella creates melty, creamy pockets, balanced by a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley after baking. The no-knead dough and preheated pizza stone ensure a crisp, golden crust. With a simple olive oil base and finishing lemon juice, this pizza offers a refreshing, tangy twist on classic comfort food, perfect for easy, flavorful meals.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:27:13 GMT
A pizza with white cheese and yellow lemon slices on top. Bookmark
A pizza with white cheese and yellow lemon slices on top. | imaninthekitchen.com

This zesty lemon mozzarella pizza is a refreshing twist on the classic favorite that balances bright citrus flavors with creamy cheese. The lemoninfused olive oil base seeps into the crust, creating pockets of vibrant flavor, while fresh mozzarella melts into the tangy topping, making each bite lively and satisfying. The nokead dough keeps the preparation straightforward, making this a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive meal.

I first created this lemon pizza during an abundant summer harvest from my herb garden. The combination of citrus and herbs quickly became a favorite way to brighten up our usual pizza nights, turning it into a weekly tradition full of smiles and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: fresh homemade or good quality store bought for the best texture and ease
  • Extra virgin olive oil: a quality olive oil shines here, bringing fruitiness and depth
  • Fresh parsley: adds a bright, green freshness that dried parsley just can’t replicate
  • Garlic: a small amount builds a fragrant, aromatic base that complements the lemon
  • Lemon zest and juice: the core of the dish, delivering bright citrus notes that enliven every bite
  • Fresh mozzarella: melts beautifully and brings creamy texture to contrast the citrus
  • Parmesan cheese: provides salty umami flavor to round out the acidity
  • Black pepper: freshly ground for a sharper, more noticeable bite

Instructions

Prepare the dough:
Allow your store bought dough to come to room temperature for easier handling. If making homemade dough, shape it and preheat your oven as per your goto nokead recipe instructions.
Prep the cheese:
Cut fresh mozzarella into halfinch thick slices instead of shredding. Pat the slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the crust stays crisp during baking.
Shape your canvas:
Place the dough on parchment paper and gently press from the center outward until it forms about a 9 by 13 inch oval or rectangle. This size works well for even cooking and makes transferring to the stone much easier.
Create the flavor base:
Combine olive oil, water, finely grated garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small jar. Shake vigorously until it becomes a well mixed emulsion that will spread flavor evenly over the crust.
Build your pizza:
Make gentle indentations all over the dough surface with your fingertips. Pour the lemon brine carefully, allowing it to settle into the dimples. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top leaving some spaces for the brine to bubble through as it bakes.
Bake to perfection:
Transfer the pizza and parchment paper to a preheated pizza stone or heavy baking sheet at a temperature between 450 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch closely as it cooks quickly—about 8 to 10 minutes—until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden.
Finish with freshness:
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle additional fresh lemon juice over the pizza. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and scatter fresh parsley. The heat releases the bright aromas creating an irresistible, vibrant finish.
A pizza with a zesty lemon mozzarella topping.
A pizza with a zesty lemon mozzarella topping. | imaninthekitchen.com

My family now often prefers this pizza over restaurant versions because of that zing and brightness.

Make It Your Own

This zesty lemon pizza base welcomes a variety of toppings depending on your mood. Try thin slices of zucchini or asparagus tips in spring for a seasonal touch. For a richer variation, adding prosciutto after baking brings a nice contrast without overpowering the citrus.

The Perfect Crust Secret

Preheat your pizza stone or heavy baking sheet for at least 30 minutes in the oven’s hottest setting. This intense heat ensures the crust crisps up quickly while the cheese melts perfectly on top. Without a hot surface, the dough can end up less crisp and more doughy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to complement the citrus notes. Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon for a light, refreshing meal perfect for casual warm weather gatherings.

A pizza with yellow cheese and lemon on top.
A pizza with yellow cheese and lemon on top. | imaninthekitchen.com

This lemon pizza is a vibrant, creamy, and quick dish that feels special without fuss. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends over a laid back gathering.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use store-bought dough for this pizza?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking on a preheated stone or baking sheet for best results.

→ What cheese is best for this lemon pizza?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor. Parmesan added after baking enhances depth and adds a salty finish.

→ How can I prevent soggy crust?

Pat fresh mozzarella dry with paper towels before topping. Evenly distribute the lemon-oil brine and ensure the baking surface is properly preheated for a crisp crust.

→ Is a pizza stone necessary?

A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust but a preheated baking sheet, cast iron pan, or pizza steel can be used as effective alternatives.

→ How spicy is this pizza?

This pizza is bright and zesty without heat. You can add chili flakes after baking to introduce mild spiciness if desired.

→ Can parts be prepared in advance?

Yes, dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days, and the lemon-herb brine stored in the fridge for 24 hours for easy meal prep.

Zesty Lemon Mozzarella

Bright lemon and herb flavors blend with creamy mozzarella and parmesan on a crisp, golden crust.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Appetizers & Sides

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: Italian

Portions: 2 Serves (1 pizza approximately 9x13 inches)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Dough

01 1 ball fresh or store-bought pizza dough (approximately 250 g)

→ Lemon Brine

02 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 2 tablespoons water
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon grated garlic
06 1 teaspoon lemon zest
07 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
09 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheeses and Finishing

10 200 g fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
11 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring dough to room temperature if store-bought. For homemade, follow no-knead instructions through shaping and preheating oven to 450–475°F (232–246°C).

Step 02

Slice fresh mozzarella into half-inch thick pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 03

Place dough on parchment paper and stretch gently from center outwards to form approximately a 9x13 inch oval or rectangle.

Step 04

In a small jar, combine olive oil, water, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously to emulsify.

Step 05

Create shallow indentations over dough surface with fingertips. Pour lemon brine evenly, allowing it to settle in dimples. Distribute mozzarella pieces evenly, leaving gaps for brine to bubble.

Step 06

Transfer pizza with parchment to preheated pizza stone or heavy baking sheet. Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese bubbles and crust is golden brown.

Step 07

Remove from oven, immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle grated parmesan, and scatter chopped fresh parsley. Let rest 1 minute before slicing.

Additional Notes

  1. Preheat pizza stone or baking surface for at least 30 minutes to achieve a crisp crust.
  2. Patting mozzarella dry prevents a soggy crust and ensures better texture.
  3. Adding fresh lemon juice after baking maintains bright citrus flavor.

Must-Have Tools

  • Pizza stone or heavy baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing jar or small bowl with lid
  • Microplane grater

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy: mozzarella and parmesan cheese
  • Contains gluten if using wheat-based pizza dough

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 20.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
  • Proteins: 18.4 g