Mediterranean Pizza with Olives, Artichokes, and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean pizza offers a delightful mix of fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. With a whole wheat crust topped with olives, artichokes, feta, and vibrant veggies, it’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a 12″ cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Stretch the pizza dough to cover the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the grated garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons of this flavored oil, spreading it all the way to the edges. Toss Kalamata olives in the remaining 1 tablespoon of flavored oil to coat.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2″ to 1″ border around the edge. Layer sliced tomatoes, red onion, and artichokes on top of the cheese. It’s okay if the vegetables overlap. Drizzle with additional olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is browned and the vegetables are tender and just starting to brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with the marinated olives, any remaining flavored oil, crumbled feta, and extra oregano. Cut the zested lemon into wedges and serve alongside the pizza for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the stretched dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Swap mozzarella for fresh burrata for a creamier texture.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula after baking for a peppery bite.
• If you prefer, substitute canned artichokes with fresh marinated artichoke hearts for extra 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 to keep the crust crisp or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pizza dough instead of whole wheat?

Yes, regular pizza dough works well and will result in a lighter crust, but whole wheat adds a hearty flavor and extra nutrients.

Can I prepare the flavored olive oil in advance?

Absolutely. The garlic and oregano olive oil can be made a day ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before brushing onto the dough.

Mediterranean Pizza with Olives, Artichokes, and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

This Mediterranean Pizza features a crisp whole wheat crust topped with a flavorful blend of olives, artichokes, tomatoes, red onions, mozzarella, and crumbled feta cheese. Enhanced with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, this easy-to-make pizza is baked in a cast-iron skillet to achieve a perfectly golden crust and tender vegetables for a deliciously wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough and Oil

• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 lb. store-bought whole wheat pizza dough, room temperature

Seasoning and Herbs

• 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, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved and pitted
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small tomato, sliced into 1/4“-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 skillet: Place a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare flavored oil and dough: In a small bowl, mix finely grated garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stretch the whole wheat pizza dough to cover the bottom of the prepared cast-iron skillet evenly. Brush 2 tablespoons of the flavored oil over the dough surface, spreading it all the way to the edges.
3. Coat olives: Toss the Kalamata olives in the remaining 1 tablespoon of the flavored oil to coat them.
4. Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch to 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the tomato slices, red onion, and quartered artichokes on top of the cheese, allowing some overlap. Drizzle a little olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bake the pizza: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp and the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown.
6. Finish with toppings and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Scatter the marinated olives and any remaining seasoned oil on top, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh oregano leaves. Cut the zested lemon into wedges and serve alongside the pizza for an optional fresh squeeze of citrus.

Notes

• For crispier crust, preheat the cast-iron skillet in the oven before placing the dough.
• Fresh oregano offers a more vibrant herbal flavor but dried oregano works well as a substitute.
• You can substitute whole wheat dough with regular pizza dough if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of mozzarella and feta according to your taste preferences.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in the oven for best texture retention.

Keywords: Mediterranean pizza, whole wheat pizza, cast iron pizza, healthy pizza, vegetarian pizza, easy pizza recipe, homemade pizza