why make this recipe
Mediterranean Pizza is a delicious and healthy choice for your next meal. It combines fresh vegetables, savory olives, and creamy feta cheese, all atop a homemade or store-bought whole wheat crust. This pizza is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a relaxing dinner or a fun gathering with friends, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use fresh ingredients and get creative in the kitchen.
how to make Mediterranean Pizza
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 lb. store-bought whole wheat pizza dough, room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano or 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 lemon, zested, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved, pitted
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 small tomato, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- 1/3 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup canned quartered artichokes, drained
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Directions
- Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat it to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
- Lightly grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
- Stretch the pizza dough to cover the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons of the flavored oil all the way to the edges.
- Toss the halved olives in the remaining 1 tablespoon of flavored oil.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch to 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer the tomato slices, onion, and artichokes on top of the cheese. It’s okay if the veggies overlap.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the pizza for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is browned and the veggies are tender and starting to brown.
- Once done, top with the marinated olives, any remaining seasoned oil, feta, and more oregano.
- Cut the zested lemon into wedges and serve alongside the pizza.
how to serve Mediterranean Pizza
Serve your Mediterranean Pizza hot from the oven. Cut it into slices and place it on a serving platter. You can serve it with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. This pizza pairs well with a simple side salad or a light appetizer.
how to store Mediterranean Pizza
To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pizza for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving again.
tips to make Mediterranean Pizza
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or what you have at home. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well.
- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or provolone for a different flavor.
variation (if any)
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the cheese and adding more veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. For a meat option, consider adding cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the top.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Yes, homemade pizza dough can give you a fresh taste and you can customize it to your liking.
Q: How long will the pizza last in the fridge?
A: The Mediterranean Pizza will stay fresh for about three days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze the Mediterranean Pizza?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pizza. Wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Just bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
