Quick & Easy Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Quick & Easy Mediterranean Pizza is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a crispy crust, melty mozzarella, and fresh toppings like arugula and feta, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

A pizza with a thick, golden crust on a round white base covered by a layer of melted mozzarella cheese slightly browned on the edges. The toppings include black olives, sliced red onions, artichoke hearts, yellow and red cherry tomato halves, crumbled white feta cheese, and fresh green arugula leaves scattered generously on top, giving a fresh look. The pizza is cut into several slices, with one slice slightly pulled out, showing the soft, fluffy dough inside. The whole pizza is placed on parchment paper against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
  • 3 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup artichokes (quartered)
  • ¼ medium red onion (sliced)
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
  • 1 cup arugula (for topping)
  • ¼ cup grape tomatoes (halved for topping)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Step 2: If using store-bought dough, bring it to room temperature, then shape it on a pizza peel or baking sheet. Alternatively, prepare homemade dough if preferred.
  3. Step 3: Spread the pesto evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a ½ inch border around the edges for the crust.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pesto, then evenly distribute the artichokes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake the pizza on the top rack of the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh arugula, halved grape tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven before baking your pizza.
  • Substitute arugula with fresh spinach or basil for a different leafy green flavor.
  • Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished pizza for a sweet tangy finish.
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes for a richer flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain a crunchy crust.

How to Serve

A round pizza with a golden-brown crust sits on parchment paper over a round white plate on a white marbled surface. The pizza is cut into slices with several slices pulled slightly away, showing the thick crust’s soft texture. The base layer is melted cheese with some browned spots. On top, there are black olives, slices of red onion, and chunks of artichoke. The next layer has bright yellow and red cherry tomato halves scattered all over. Finally, the pizza is garnished with fresh green arugula leaves and small white crumbles of cheese sprinkled across the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses depending on your preference.

Is it necessary to bake at such a high temperature?

Baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese quickly. If your oven doesn’t go that high, bake at the highest setting available, but the cooking time may be a bit longer.

Print
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Quick & Easy Mediterranean Pizza Recipe


  • Author: Hailey
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Quick & Easy Mediterranean Pizza is a flavorful, vibrant dish featuring a crispy crust topped with pesto, mozzarella, artichokes, olives, and red onions. Finished with fresh arugula, grape tomatoes, crumbled feta, and parsley, this pizza brings together classic Mediterranean ingredients for a delicious, simple homemade meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store bought)

Sauce & Cheese

  • 3 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

Toppings

  • 1 cup artichokes (quartered)
  • ¼ medium red onion (sliced)
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives (sliced)

Fresh Toppings & Garnish

  • 1 cup arugula (for topping)
  • ¼ cup grape tomatoes (halved for topping)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
  2. Prepare Dough: If using store bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping it on a pizza peel or baking sheet. If using homemade dough, prepare according to your recipe.
  3. Apply Pesto: Spread 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the stretched dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges to create a nice crust.
  4. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto, then add quartered artichokes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives on top for a rich Mediterranean flavor profile.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza on the top rack of the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully.
  6. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh arugula, halved grape tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley to finish with fresh, vibrant flavors.
  7. Serve: Slice the pizza, serve warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of baked and fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Notes

  • Bring store-bought dough to room temperature before shaping for easier handling and better texture.
  • Use fresh pesto or high-quality store bought for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute the arugula with baby spinach or other leafy greens you prefer.
  • For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel if available.
  • Customize toppings by adding grilled chicken or roasted red peppers for extra protein and flavor.
  • Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean pizza, quick pizza recipe, easy pizza, homemade pizza, pesto pizza, vegetarian pizza

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