If you’re craving a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, this Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe is about to become your go-to in no time. Imagine a crispy pizza crust layered with a tangy sweet chili sauce, melted mozzarella, tender chicken or pork, and topped with fresh zucchini, shredded carrot, and zesty pickled onions. The combination of vibrant colors and bright, bold flavors really makes this dish stand out, turning an everyday pizza night into a delightful culinary adventure. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming up ways to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the tangy pickled onions to the fresh herbs, every component adds a special touch that makes this pizza uniquely delicious.
- Red onion (1/2, sliced thin): Essential for bright, tangy pickled onions that add a zesty crunch.
- Lime juice (juice of 1 lime): Provides acidity to pickle the onions and brighten the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the fresh ingredients.
- 12-inch pizza dough (1 ball): The foundation for your pizza—homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
- Olive oil: brushed on the dough to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1/3 to 1/2 cup): The star sauce delivering sweet heat that pairs perfectly with the other toppings.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully, adding creamy, gooey richness.
- Cooked chicken or pork (1 cup, shredded or cubed): Provides savory protein and satisfying texture.
- Zucchini (1/2 small, sliced thin): Adds a fresh, crisp bite with vibrant color.
- Carrot (1 small, shredded): Sweetness and crunch that gives the pizza a lovely contrast.
- Cilantro (1/4 to 1/3 cup, chopped): Fresh herbaceous flavor to finish the pizza on a bright note.
- Parchment paper: Makes transferring the pizza easy and keeps cleanup simple.
How to Make Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a blistering 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it can get beautifully hot and work its magic on crunching up the crust.
Step 2: Pickle the Onions
While the oven warms, toss those thinly sliced red onions with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set this aside and refresh the mix every few minutes. This quick pickle technique brings out a perfect tang that balances the heat and sweetness on the pizza.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. The parchment will keep things easy when transferring your pizza to and from the oven, ensuring the crust stays intact.
Step 4: Par-Bake the Crust
Brush the dough with olive oil, especially on the edges for a golden touch. Place the pizza dough on the parchment and slide it onto your preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven rack. Bake for 1 minute to start building a crispy base, then carefully pull it out.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Spread your sweet chili sauce generously over the crust, leaving the edges clear if you want a crust to hold. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then distribute the cooked chicken or pork evenly. Next, layer on the thinly sliced zucchini and shredded carrot for fresh, summery crunch.
Step 6: Top with Pickled Onions
Give the pickled onions a final stir and scatter them across the pizza, leaving the remaining lime juice behind. These tangy pops are what really make this Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe shine.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the assembled pizza back into the oven on the stone or rack. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the cheese is molten and bubbly, and the carrots just start to brown, signaling everything is perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Cilantro
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the top for a refreshing herbal lift that complements the warmth and richness beautifully.
How to Serve Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the garnishes! A fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds vibrancy, but you can also add thin slices of fresh jalapeño for an extra kick or a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce to amp up the sweetness and spice.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crunchy cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar or a simple Thai-inspired slaw to echo the pickled onions. If you want to keep it casual, a handful of crunchy vegetable sticks and some peanut sauce on the side is a great option.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this pizza into smaller bite-sized pieces for casual parties or present it whole with the toppings beautifully spread out so everyone can admire the colorful layers before digging in. Wrapping individual slices in parchment for a picnic is also a charming idea!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the pizza is best enjoyed fresh, the flavors meld beautifully after a day, making for a tasty next-day snack or lunch.
Freezing
Freezing this pizza with all its toppings isn’t ideal because of the fresh vegetables and pickled onions, which can lose texture. However, you can freeze the dough ahead of time or the cooked chicken separately to make assembly quicker when you’re ready to bake.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftover pizza in a hot oven (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch!
FAQs
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken or pork and double up on the vegetables or add tofu for protein. The sweet chili sauce and pickled onions pack plenty of flavor on their own.
What can I substitute for the sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey, chili flakes, and a splash of rice vinegar makes a good substitute that still delivers a sweet and spicy kick.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is mild and balanced by the sweetness of the sauce and the pickled onions. You can always add fresh chilis or chili flakes if you like it hotter!
Can I use a regular baking sheet instead of a pizza stone?
Definitely. Just preheat your baking sheet in the oven to mimic the heat retention of a pizza stone. This helps the crust crisp up nicely.
Is the pizza dough recipe important?
While you can use store-bought dough, a good homemade dough will improve the overall texture and taste—crispy yet chewy and full of flavor, making your Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe truly special.
Final Thoughts
I promise that once you try this Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe, it will become a happy staple for your meals. The bright, fresh ingredients paired with indulgently melted cheese and a crispy crust make every bite exciting. Don’t hesitate—roll out that dough and give this fusion feast a go. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai Fusion
Description
This Thai Pizza with Zucchini and Pickled Onions blends the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of pizza. Featuring a crispy 12-inch dough base topped with sweet chili sauce, mozzarella, cooked chicken or pork, and fresh vegetables, this pizza is elevated by tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect fusion meal for those craving a unique and flavorful pizza experience.
Ingredients
Pickled Onions
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
- juice of 1 lime
- salt and pepper, to taste
Pizza Base and Sauce
- 1 12-inch pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup cooked chicken or pork, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 small zucchini, sliced thin
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
Other
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one to ensure a crispy crust.
- Pickle Onions: In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally to let the onions pickle slightly while you prepare the rest.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and roll out the pizza dough to approximately 12 inches in diameter with a rolling pin.
- Par-Bake Dough: Use your hands to brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the dough, focusing on the edges. Transfer the dough with parchment paper to the oven—place directly on the pizza stone if available or directly on the oven rack. Bake for 1 minute to partially cook the crust.
- Assemble Pizza: Remove the dough from the oven and place it on the counter. Spread the Sweet Chili Sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a crust border if desired. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella evenly on top, then add shredded or cubed chicken or pork, zucchini slices, and shredded carrot.
- Add Pickled Onions: Stir the pickled onions once more and scatter them over the pizza toppings, leaving the excess lime juice behind in the bowl.
- Bake Pizza: Return the pizza on the parchment to the oven rack or pizza stone. Bake for about 8 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the shredded carrots begin to brown slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top, and serve hot for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps create a crispier crust but is optional; you can bake directly on the oven rack.
- Adjust the amount of Sweet Chili Sauce based on your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Substitute chicken or pork with tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Pickled onions add a tangy brightness; let them pickle while you prepare the dough to maximize flavor.
- For a thinner crust, roll the dough slightly larger than 12 inches.
