Topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and artichoke hearts, this Mediterranean pizza is the perfect addition to your meal rotation.
Just because you choose to follow a Mediterranean diet, does not mean that you have to give up your favorite meals such as pizza. Can you eat pizza following a Mediterranean diet?
YES!
Based on the Mediterranean diet food pyramid, this pizza fits into many of the Mediterranean food groups. This includes dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and herbs. I love this Mediterranean diet pizza because it is the perfect blend of healthy ingredients that you are sure to love. And it comes together so quickly, that it solves your weeknight dinner solution!
What Is A Mediterranean Pizza?
A Mediterranean diet pizza is just as delicious as your traditional pizza, but it is packed with healthy ingredients that follow a Mediterranean diet way of eating.
The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, dairy, legumes, and poultry. This pizza is colorful and delicious while still containing a blend of Mediterranean-inspired pizza ingredients.
What’s On A Mediterranean Pizza?
The choice is yours! There are so many different Mediterranean pizza toppings that you can include, but the more vegetables the better. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Artichoke hearts
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Mushrooms
- Arugula
- Basil
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Jalapeno
- Feta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pesto
The Health Benefits Of A Mediterranean Pizza
This pizza is packed with nutritious ingredients such as a variety of vegetables and herbs, whole wheat crust, and feta cheese. Vegetables are an essential component of the Mediterranean diet because they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols.
The fiber in vegetables can also help reduce cholesterol and support balanced blood sugar levels. The whole wheat crust provides a high intake of fiber and protein, while the feta cheese acts as a healthy source of dairy.
Is Feta Cheese Good On Pizza?
Yes! We love topping off our pizza with delicious feta cheese. Feta Cheese melts perfectly in the oven and enhances the flavors of the other Mediterranean pizza toppings. Feta Cheese is a beneficial source of dairy because 1 oz. of feta cheese provides 4 grams of protein. We love including it in our recipes any chance we get because of the high nutrient content.
The Mediterranean Diet Pizza Is A Heart-Healthy Pizza
Just when you thought that following a heart-healthy diet meant that you would have to limit your pizza consumption, worry no further. Avoiding a delicious pizza can be hard. However, this pizza is sure to make your heart happy.
Incorporating healthy fats (like olive oil), and colorful vegetables, and using spices, seasonings, and herbs to season your food instead of salt are easy and practical ways to boost your heart health. Check out more beneficial tips to improve your heart health by implementing a Mediterranean lifestyle.
How To Prepare This Mediterranean Pizza Recipe
Place your pizza crust on a large pan and cover with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings (artichoke hearts, peppers, onion, olives, jalapenos, and feta cheese). Add seasonings (salt, pepper, dried oregano, red chile flakes) on top.
Place the pizza on the parchment paper inside the oven and bake. The crust should be a light, golden brown with melted cheese. Lastly, sprinkle parmesan cheese across the top and garnish with arugula.
Easy Substitutions
If you don’t eat one or more of the main ingredients, here are some easy substitutions we recommend:
- Crust: Try cauliflower crust if gluten or dairy-free
- Cheese: Try dairy-free cheese if vegan or dairy-free
- Pizza sauce: Try your favorite marinara or maybe even pesto
- Kalamata olives: Try green olives
- Red onion: Try white onion
- Jalapeno: More red pepper flakes
- Oregano: Try basil or Italian blend seasoning
How Long Does It Take To Prepare?
Preparing homemade pizza might sound like a lot of work, but they’re actually quite simple to cook. This Mediterranean pizza recipe is quick and easy to make in just under 30 minutes
Mediterranean Pizza with Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red Pepper and Feta
Equipment
- Pizza stone, or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 whole wheat pizza crust
- ½ – 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can artichoke hearts drained, quartered, and sliced thin
- 1 jar roasted red peppers chopped
- ½ red onion sliced thinly
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives halved
- 1 small jalapeno sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried oregano
- Red chile flakes
- Parmesan cheese
- Arugula or greens
Instructions
- Preheat the pizza stone if using in the oven at 450F. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, the results are still delicious!
- Place pizza crust on a sheet of parchment paper. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and top with the remaining ingredients: artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, red onion, olives, jalapeno, and feta cheese. Salt and pepper to taste and season with dried oregano.
- Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and arugula.
- Enjoy!
Looking for Ideas to Pair With This Mediterranean Pizza?
Try one of these easy, colorful, and veggie-packed options.
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