The BEST Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Have you ever taken a bite of pizza that instantly transported you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean? There’s something magical about the combination of fresh herbs, tangy feta, and vibrant vegetables that makes a Mediterranean pizza not just a meal, but an experience. Today, I’m sharing my favorite homemade Mediterranean pizza recipe that brings those authentic flavors right to your kitchen, no passport required!

This easy Mediterranean pizza recipe balances healthful ingredients with indulgent flavor, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a pizza-making novice, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect Mediterranean masterpiece in under 30 minutes. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your authentic Mediterranean pizza skills!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (3g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml), plus extra for coating
• 1 cup warm water (240ml)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (5g)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Toppings:

• 1½ cups crumbled feta cheese (170g)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (56g)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (60g)
• 1 small bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
• 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Flour: For a more authentic Mediterranean flavor, you can substitute ¼ cup of all-purpose flour with semolina flour. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Cheese: If you’re looking for a milder flavor than feta, try ricotta or goat cheese. For a vegan alternative, use plant-based feta or a cashew-based cheese substitute.

Vegetables: Mediterranean pizza is versatile! Feel free to add artichoke hearts, roasted eggplant, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.

Herbs: Fresh herbs will give your pizza the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well too. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly.

Sourcing Tips: For the most authentic Mediterranean pizza recipe, look for high-quality olive oil and feta cheese at specialty stores or Mediterranean markets. Farmer’s markets are excellent sources for fresh vegetables during summer months. If possible, seek out imported kalamata olives from Greece for that true Mediterranean taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center.
   
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour warm water, olive oil, and honey into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
   
3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
   
4. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size. For a quick version, let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
   
5. Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For an authentic Mediterranean pizza recipe, aim for a medium thickness, not too thin, not too thick.
   

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the edges of your crust with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before adding toppings.

Making the Sauce

1. Sauté garlic: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   
3. Simmer: Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
   
4. Cool: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.
   

Pro Tip: Make a double batch of sauce and freeze the extra portion for your next homemade Mediterranean pizza!

Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
   
2. Prepare the base: Transfer your shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
   
3. Add sauce: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
   
4. Layer the cheese and toppings: Sprinkle half of the feta and mozzarella, then arrange vegetables, olives, and capers. Top with remaining cheese.
   
5. Final touches: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
   
6. Bake: Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
   
7. Finish: Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   

Pro Tip: For a crispy bottom crust, preheat a baking sheet in the oven and transfer your assembled pizza onto it before baking.

Topping Variations & Customization

Greek-Inspired Mediterranean Pizza

• Swap the sauce for a layer of tzatziki
• Add spinach, diced cucumber, and extra feta
• Finish with a sprinkle of dried mint after baking

Italian-Inspired Mediterranean Pizza

• Add thinly sliced prosciutto after baking
• Include marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes
• Finish with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Middle Eastern-Inspired Mediterranean Pizza

• Spread a thin layer of hummus instead of tomato sauce
• Top with ground lamb cooked with cinnamon and allspice
• Add roasted eggplant and pine nuts
• Finish with a drizzle of tahini sauce

Seasonal Topping Ideas

Spring: Asparagus, peas, and fresh mint

Summer: Heirloom tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and fresh basil

Fall: Roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and sage

Winter: Roasted red peppers, preserved lemons, and rosemary

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Salad: Serve with a simple Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal
• Appetizers: Start with hummus, baba ganoush, or marinated olives
• Drinks: Pair with sparkling water infused with lemon and mint, a refreshing cucumber-lime spritzer, or traditional Greek mountain tea for an authentic Mediterranean experience
• Dessert: Follow with baklava or fresh fruit drizzled with honey and mint

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Mediterranean pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers of pizza slices to prevent sticking.

Reheating Tips

• Oven method (best): Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Skillet method: Heat a covered skillet on medium-low for 2-3 minutes for a crispy crust.
• Avoid microwave: While convenient, it will make your homemade Mediterranean pizza crust soggy.

Nutritional Information

Serving size based on 8 slices per pizza

Health Benefits

This authentic Mediterranean pizza recipe incorporates several nutritious ingredients:

• Olive oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Vegetables: Provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Feta cheese: Contains probiotics and calcium
• Herbs: Offer anti-inflammatory compounds and essential oils

Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Emily Wilson

A delicious and easy Mediterranean Pizza topped with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Ready in about 30 minutes, this beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a light lunch. Vegetarian and packed with flavor, it’s a healthy way to enjoy homemade pizza with a Mediterranean twist!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 8 slices

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300g
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 3g
• 1 teaspoon salt 6g
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml, plus extra for coating
• 1 cup warm water 240ml
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar 5g

For the Sauce:

• 1 can 14.5 oz/411g crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

For the Toppings:

• 1½ cups crumbled feta cheese 170g
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 56g
• ½ red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (150g)
• ½ cup kalamata olives pitted and halved (60g)
• 1 small bell pepper red or yellow, thinly sliced
• 1 small zucchini thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers drained
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

 

• Preparing the Dough
  
• Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Add wet ingredients: Pour warm water, olive oil, and honey into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
• First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size. For a quick version, let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
• Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For an authentic Mediterranean pizza recipe, aim for a medium thickness—not too thin, not too thick.

Pro Tip:

• For extra flavor, brush the edges of your crust with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before adding toppings.
• Making the Sauce
  
• Sauté garlic: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer: Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
• Cool: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.

Pro Tip:

• Make a double batch of sauce and freeze the extra portion for your next homemade Mediterranean pizza!
• Assembling and Baking
  
• Preheat oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
• Prepare the base: Transfer your shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
• Add sauce: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
• Layer the cheese and toppings: Sprinkle half of the feta and mozzarella, then arrange vegetables, olives, and capers. Top with remaining cheese.
• Final touches: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
• Bake: Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• Finish: Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tip:

• For a crispy bottom crust, preheat a baking sheet in the oven and transfer your assembled pizza onto it before baking.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg

Keyword easy Mediterranean pizza recipe, homemade pizza, Mediterranean pizza

Let’s Get Creative!

Now that you have mastered this authentic Mediterranean pizza recipe, I’d love to hear your variations! Did you try a different combination of toppings? Maybe you discovered a secret ingredient that takes this easy Mediterranean pizza recipe to the next level?

Leave a comment below sharing your experience and join our community of Mediterranean food enthusiasts. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Looking for more Mediterranean inspiration? Check out our related recipes for Greek Salad, Homemade Tzatziki, and Mediterranean Mezze Platter, the perfect companions to your homemade Mediterranean pizza!

Final Thoughts

Creating an authentic Mediterranean pizza at home is more than just following a recipe, it’s about embracing the Mediterranean approach to food: simple, fresh ingredients treated with care. This homemade Mediterranean pizza recipe brings together the best flavors of the region in a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this Mediterranean pizza offers a taste of sunshine and sea breezes, no matter where you are. So heat up that oven, roll out your dough, and prepare for a culinary journey to the Mediterranean, no passport required!

Frequently Asked Questions