Name: Mediterranean Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 package pizza dough or homemade dough; ⅓ cup pizza sauce; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbles; 1 large tomato, cut into slices; ¼ cup pitted black olives, sliced in half; ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced in half; ½ cup red onion, sliced; ½ cup spinach leaves; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Optional: 1-2 tablespoons dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 24 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant and fresh twist on your usual pizza night, this Mediterranean Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It bursts with colorful, wholesome ingredients like juicy tomatoes, briny olives, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, all layered over a crispy crust with gooey mozzarella melting perfectly on top. This recipe brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen, creating a pizza that’s not just delicious but also visually stunning and wonderfully satisfying with each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an uncooked pizza on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The pizza has a thick, light golden dough crust. The base layer is a red tomato sauce, lightly spread near the edges. On top of this is a thin layer of white shredded cheese covering most of the base, except the crust. Over the cheese, there are thin round slices of red tomatoes spread all over. Fresh dark green spinach leaves are scattered evenly across the pizza, along with slices of black olives and curved thin light purple rings of onion. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled generously on top of all the other layers, adding texture and contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Mediterranean Pizza Recipe right is all about using simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a perfect harmony of taste and color. Each element plays its part in building that irresistible Mediterranean vibe you’re after.

Pizza dough (1 package or homemade): The foundation for your pizza, providing a crispy crust and chewy texture.
Pizza sauce (⅓ cup): Adds a tangy base layer that complements the fresh toppings perfectly.
Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups shredded): Melts beautifully to create that classic cheesy pull everyone loves.
Large tomato (1, sliced): Adds juiciness and a fresh burst of flavor.
Pitted black olives (¼ cup, halved): Brings a mild salty punch.
Pitted kalamata olives (¼ cup, halved): Offers a deeper, fruity olive taste.
Red onion (½ cup, sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and sharpness.
Spinach leaves (½ cup): Provides a fresh, leafy texture and vibrant green color.
Feta cheese (½ cup crumbles): Introduces a salty, creamy tang.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled on top for richness and that signature Mediterranean flavor.

How to Make Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by placing your pizza stone or pan in the oven and preheat it to 525℉; this ensures a super-crispy base. Meanwhile, press the tomato slices between paper towels. This simple step removes excess moisture so your pizza won’t get soggy and instead stays delightfully crisp.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Follow the instructions on your pizza dough package or prepare your homemade dough. Shape it on parchment paper, pressing down the center while leaving the edges slightly raised to form a 12-14 inch circle. This raised crust will hold all those delicious toppings perfectly.

Step 3: Layer the Base

Brush ⅓ cup of pizza sauce evenly in the center of the dough. This saucy base adds tang and moisture. Then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring an even layer that will melt and bind everything together.

Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings

Start layering your tomato slices on top of the cheese, followed by ¼ cup each of black and kalamata olives, halved for easy bites. Add ½ cup of red onion slices and ½ cup of fresh spinach leaves. These toppings offer a mix of freshness, spice, and texture that’s essential to the Mediterranean essence.

Step 5: Top with Feta and Season

Sprinkle ½ cup of feta cheese crumbles over the assembled ingredients. The feta’s creamy, tangy flavor complements the mozzarella beautifully. Then add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to enhance the natural flavors. Finally, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to finish the flavor profile with a hint of richness.

Step 6: Optional Seasoning and Bake

Lightly brush the outer crust with some pizza sauce for color and flavor, and if you like, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for added aroma and depth. Use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza to your preheated stone or pan and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove the pizza carefully with the peel and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to set, making it easier to slice into 8 mouthwatering pieces that will impress anyone you share them with.

How to Serve Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Mediterranean Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate the Mediterranean Pizza Recipe further, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze also adds a sweet tang that pairs beautifully with the salty feta and olives.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple Mediterranean-inspired sides like a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives or a chilled tzatziki dip served with warm pita bread. These sides complement the pizza’s fresh ingredients without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve your Mediterranean Pizza Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra olives, feta, and herbs sprinkled around. Guests will love the vibrant, communal style that invites sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain most of their original flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze your Mediterranean Pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza will last up to 2 months and can be quickly reheated for a convenient meal.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Mediterranean Pizza Recipe slices is in a hot skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Mediterranean Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and is a convenient option if you want to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What kind of olives are best for this recipe?

This recipe uses both black and kalamata olives because they offer contrasting flavors—black olives are milder, while kalamatas have a rich, fruity taste that adds depth.

Is feta cheese necessary for this pizza?

While feta adds a wonderful tangy creaminess characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine, you can leave it out or substitute it with goat cheese if you prefer a milder option.

Can I add other vegetables to the Mediterranean Pizza Recipe?

Definitely! Vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even zucchini would complement the flavors beautifully. Just be mindful of moisture to keep the crust crisp.

How do I prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy?

Pressing tomato slices between paper towels before adding them helps remove excess moisture, and preheating the pizza stone ensures a crisp crust. Also, avoid overloading toppings to maintain balance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors home with minimal fuss, this Mediterranean Pizza Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s loaded with fresh ingredients that pack big flavor while offering a lovely balance of textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with friends and family—it’s truly pizza elevated to delicious new heights!