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Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

4.9 from 105 reviews

This Mediterranean Pizza recipe features a flavorful whole wheat crust topped with a mix of vibrant ingredients like Kalamata olives, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, and crumbled feta cheese. Infused with garlic, oregano, and lemon zest, this easy-to-make pizza baked in a cast-iron skillet offers a deliciously fresh and hearty meal perfect for any pizza lover craving a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough and Base

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 lb store-bought whole wheat pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus more for serving
  • 1 lemon, zested, divided
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved and pitted
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 small tomato, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
  • 1/3 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup canned quartered artichokes, drained
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 450°F. Lightly grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure an evenly crisped crust.
  2. Stretch Dough and Make Flavored Oil: Stretch the whole wheat pizza dough to evenly cover the bottom of the prepared skillet. In a small bowl, combine grated garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush 2 tablespoons of this flavored oil over the pizza dough all the way to the edges. Toss the Kalamata olives in the remaining 1 tablespoon of the flavored oil to coat them well.
  3. Add Cheese and Vegetables: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough surface, leaving a 1/2 to 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Layer the tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and drained artichoke quarters on top of the cheese, allowing the vegetables to slightly overlap. Drizzle the pizza with additional olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  4. Bake the Pizza: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the vegetables are tender and starting to brown slightly, indicating they are cooked through and caramelized for extra flavor.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with the marinated Kalamata olives, any remaining seasoned olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, and additional fresh oregano leaves. Cut the lemon into wedges and serve alongside the pizza for an added burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Notes

  • Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust and even baking. If unavailable, a pizza stone or baking sheet can be used but may yield a different texture.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice on the pizza just before serving in addition to the lemon wedges.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh mozzarella for the shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture.
  • This pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
  • You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Keywords: Mediterranean pizza, whole wheat pizza dough, cast-iron skillet pizza, vegetarian pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, artichoke pizza, feta cheese pizza