When I first whipped up this Mediterranean pizza recipe, I couldn’t believe how vibrant and full of flavor it turned out! The combination of fresh toppings, pesto, and a perfectly crispy crust made every bite irresistible.
It’s easy to make, packed with colorful ingredients, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, I promise this will become your go-to pizza recipe. Follow along and give it a try—I can’t wait for you to taste it!
For a classic twist, you might also enjoy this Classic French Chateaubriand recipe.
Ingredients You Need to Make Mediterranean Pizza
This pizza comes together with a few fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
A good dough is the foundation of a great pizza. Opt for fresh dough or even make it yourself for the best texture and flavor. - Pesto (3 tablespoons)
Use basil pesto as the base instead of traditional tomato sauce for a fresh, herby punch. Store-bought works, but homemade pesto takes it up a notch. - Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Go for low-moisture mozzarella for the perfect molten cheese layer. Grate fresh if you can! - Minced garlic (1 clove)
Just one clove adds a ton of savory depth to the pizza. - Artichoke hearts (¾ cup, quartered)
Drain well to avoid sogging the crust. Stick to those packed in water or brine for a cleaner flavor. - Roasted red peppers (¾ cup, chopped)
These add a sweet, smoky twist that complements the other toppings. - Castelvetrano olives (¾ cup, sliced)
Their buttery, mild taste is a delightful addition! - Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced)
Adds crunch and a tangy bite that balances the flavors. - Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup)
Sprinkle on top for extra richness and depth. - Red chili flakes (as desired)
A light sprinkle gives the perfect hint of heat. - Arugula (1 cup)
Toss some fresh arugula on top after baking for a vibrant, peppery finish.
Note: Serves 4 generously. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for individual servings.
Creative Ingredient Variations
If you want to customize your Mediterranean pizza, here are some fun and flexible alternatives:
- Cheese alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free mozzarella or crumbled feta for a tangier taste.
- Greens options: Swap arugula for spinach or microgreens.
- Extra toppings: Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, or pine nuts for a crunchy twist.
- Olive swaps: Use black olives or Kalamata instead of Castelvetrano for a saltier edge.
- Gluten-free crust: Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza base or cauliflower crust.
For a quick and easy pasta dish, check out this Easy Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes to make this delicious pizza:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
It’s a quick recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends.
Equipment You Need
These tools make prepping and cooking your pizza a breeze:
- Baking sheet or pizza stone: For an evenly crisp crust.
- Mixing bowl: If you’re preparing homemade dough.
- Rolling pin: To shape the dough.
- Pizza peel (optional): To slide the pizza onto the stone like a pro.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing your veggies and olives.
How to Make Mediterranean Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with your pizza dough at room temperature for easy handling. If using store-bought, lightly flour your work surface and stretch it into a circle. For homemade dough, knead it briefly and roll it into your desired thickness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Toppings
While the dough rests, chop and drain your toppings. Make sure ingredients like artichoke hearts and roasted peppers are patted dry to prevent a soggy base.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
Preheat your oven to 450°F. If using a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up. Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle half the mozzarella, then layer on the artichokes, red peppers, olives, and onions. Add the remaining cheese on top and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes!
Step 5: Add Your Final Touches
Once the pizza is out of the oven, toss arugula with a drizzle of olive oil and scatter it on top. Finish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and flaky salt for the ultimate flavor boost.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, here are some tips to make your Mediterranean pizza truly shine:
- Avoid overloading toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Less is more!
- Preheat your baking surface: A hot pizza stone or sheet ensures a crispy crust.
- Season the arugula: Toss it with olive oil and Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Try a drizzle of honey: A touch of honey over the crust enhances the balance of flavors.
- Experiment with spices: Sprinkle dried oregano or rosemary for a Mediterranean flair.
These tips make a good pizza even better.
How to Serve Mediterranean Pizza
Presentation matters, even at home! Here are some serving ideas:
- Slice it up: Use a sharp pizza cutter to make clean slices.
- Add garnishes: Serve with lemon wedges, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra Parmesan.
- Pair with sides: A light green salad or a bowl of tzatziki pairs beautifully.
Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown for one serving of this pizza:
- Calories: 598
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fat: 31g
A satisfying yet balanced option for pizza night!
How to Store Mediterranean Pizza
Here’s how to keep your pizza fresh:
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes for a crisp crust.
Enjoy your pizza anytime—even as a snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean pizza is a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Flexible toppings and crust options make it suitable for everyone.
- Full of flavor: The pesto, veggies, and cheese combination is irresistible.
- Healthy twist: Packed with fresh ingredients and light on cheese.
- Restaurant-quality: Impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser.
You can also enjoy similar dinner recipes for more inspiration.
FAQs
Can I use a ready-made crust instead of dough?
Absolutely! A ready-made crust saves time and still tastes fantastic.
Can I make this pizza vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan pesto for a plant-based version.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! Use a heavy baking sheet dusted lightly with cornmeal as an alternative.
Can I prep the pizza in advance?
You can assemble the pizza ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat this pizza?
Reheat in the oven at 375°F or in a hot skillet for a quick and crispy reheat.