Description
This Mediterranean Pizza combines vibrant flavors of fresh tomato, olives, spinach, and feta cheese on a crisp, homemade pizza crust. Topped with mozzarella and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of savory and fresh ingredients, baked to perfection in a hot oven for a beautifully golden crust and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 package pizza dough or homemade dough
Sauce and Cheese
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbles
Vegetables and Toppings
- 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
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomato: Place your pizza stone or pan in the oven and preheat to 525℉. While the oven heats, press the tomato slices between paper towels to absorb excess moisture to prevent sogginess on the pizza.
- Shape the Dough: Follow package instructions for your pizza dough. Roll or press the dough out into a 12-14 inch circle on parchment paper, pressing down in the center to create a slightly raised outer crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread ⅓ cup of pizza sauce over the center of the dough. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Layer the Toppings: Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the cheese. Add ¼ cup each of black and kalamata olives, ½ cup sliced red onions, and ½ cup spinach leaves. Top with ½ cup feta cheese crumbles and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the pizza.
- Add Olive Oil and Optional Herbs: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the finished toppings. Lightly brush the outer crust with a little of the pizza sauce. Optionally, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for extra flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Use a pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or pan. Bake for approximately 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown and the crust is crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven with the peel and let it cool for a few minutes on a rack. Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Patting dry the tomato slices prevents excess moisture and soggy crust.
- You can substitute homemade dough with store-bought for convenience.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet can be used if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of olives and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the cheese to set, making it easier to cut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
