vegetarian pizza recipe
Mediterranean Veggie Pizza brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast right to your dinner table. This vegetarian pizza recipe combines the classic comfort of pizza with the fresh, healthy ingredients characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you’re craving something delicious yet wholesome.
What sets this pizza apart is its colorful array of roasted vegetables, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. Unlike traditional pizza recipes that often rely on heavy meats, this version celebrates plant-based ingredients while delivering incredible flavor and texture. The combination creates a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, or simply looking for a delicious pizza variation, this Mediterranean Veggie Pizza is sure to become a favorite. It’s versatile enough for family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Veggie Pizza
- 🍽️ Flavor explosion: Roasted vegetables, tangy feta, and briny olives create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that dance on your palate.
- ⏱️ Quick assembly: Using pre-made dough and simple vegetable prep means you can have this delicious pizza ready in under 30 minutes of active time.
- 💰 Budget-friendly: Seasonal vegetables and pantry staples make this an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the colorful presentation and familiar pizza format, making it a great way to introduce more vegetables.
- ✨ Customizable base: Easily adapt it to gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb preferences by swapping the crust, cheese, or vegetable selections.
Mediterranean Veggie Pizza
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Let the pizza dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the seasoned vegetables, cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts evenly over the cheese. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone. Otherwise, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
💡 CHEF’S SECRET: For extra flavor, roast the vegetables for 10 minutes at 425°F before adding them to the pizza. This concentrates their sweetness and prevents the pizza from getting soggy.
📊 Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
🎨 Variations
This Mediterranean Veggie Pizza is wonderfully adaptable. For a vegan version, substitute vegan cheese or use a creamy hummus base instead of tomato sauce. Try a gluten-free crust made from cauliflower or gluten-free flour blends for dietary restrictions. Add roasted eggplant or sun-dried tomatoes for deeper umami flavors. For a protein boost, include chickpeas or white beans among the toppings. Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme instead of oregano.
📦 Storage
Store leftover Mediterranean Veggie Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness (microwaving will make it soggy). For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pizza directly in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
❓ FAQ
Can I make Mediterranean Veggie Pizza ahead?
Yes! Prepare the vegetable toppings up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for a month. Assemble just before baking for best results.
What pairs well with this?
This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic hummus with pita chips, or a chilled gazpacho soup. For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon, iced herbal tea, or a non-alcoholic sangria.
How do I know when it’s done?
The crust should be golden brown on the bottom and edges, the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly with some golden spots, and the vegetables should appear tender but not burnt. Lift an edge with a spatula to check the bottom crust color.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Veggie Pizza proves that vegetarian pizza recipes can be just as satisfying and flavorful as their meat-based counterparts. With its colorful presentation, balanced flavors, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or whenever you crave something deliciously different.
💬 Comment below with your favorite vegetable combinations! More Pizza inspiration on Pinterest
