Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 pound store-bought pizza dough, preferably whole wheat

8 ounces ricotta

4 ounces mozzarella, shredded

2 cups watercress or upland cress, tough stems removed

Red-pepper flakes

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in lower third. Toss together asparagus, onion, and 1 tablespoon oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Brush a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons oil. Using your hands, gently stretch dough from all sides to approximate size of baking sheet. Place dough on baking sheet, stretching and fitting it to edges of sheet.

Brush dough with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, then spread with ricotta, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with asparagus mixture; sprinkle with mozzarella.

Bake until crust is golden brown and asparagus is tender, about 20 minutes. Top with watercress, season with salt, and sprinkle with pepper flakes. Cut into pieces and serve.