It is a warm summer evening and you want something fresh and light.
This Mediterranean Arugula Pizza is the perfect answer for your busy family. It delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. You will love how the sweet tomatoes pop against the peppery greens.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. You can have a hot, bubbly pizza on the table in under 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients that feel very special together.
The combination of cold, fresh toppings on a warm crust is pure magic. It is fancy enough for a date night but simple enough for kids. You get a healthy dose of greens with every delicious bite.
Simple Method
Making this pizza is incredibly easy and very rewarding. You just bake the cheese and sauce first to keep the crust crisp. Then, you pile on the fresh salad toppings right at the end.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this dough. The high heat of the oven does all the hard work for you. You will feel like a professional chef in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 ball of pizza dough (250g)
- 1/4 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll or stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices and dried oregano over the sauce.
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- While baking, toss arugula and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the pizza and allow it to rest for 2 minutes.
- Distribute the arugula and tomato mixture evenly over the hot pizza.
- Top with shaved parmesan and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pizza while the crust is still warm and crunchy. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine. For a full meal, add a side of roasted chickpeas.
Set the table outside and enjoy the summer breeze while you eat. This is a great dish for a relaxed patio dinner. Your family will keep coming back for more slices.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days. For the best texture, reheat the crust in a hot skillet.
Avoid reheating the arugula in the microwave as it will wilt. You can always add a fresh handful of greens after warming the base. This keeps the pizza tasting brand new.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip preheating your baking sheet for a crispy bottom.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best Mediterranean flavor.
- Avoid over-saucing the dough to prevent a soggy center.
- Stretch your dough at room temperature so it does not shrink.
- Add a handful of fresh summer basil for an extra aromatic touch.
- Buy a pre-made balsamic glaze to save yourself extra time.
- Slice the mozzarella thinly so it melts quickly and evenly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- In summer, use heirloom tomatoes from your local garden.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a boost of protein.
- Use a gluten-free crust to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
- Swap balsamic glaze for honey for a milder, sweet finish.
Common Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly for this quick meal. Just make sure to let it sit out for 20 minutes before stretching. This makes it much easier to handle.
Will the arugula get soggy?
If you add the arugula after baking, it stays crisp and fresh. The residual heat from the pizza wilts it just slightly. This creates a perfect balance of textures.
How do I know when it’s done?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. The edges should look slightly charred and firm to the touch. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
I hope this fresh Mediterranean Arugula Pizza brings joy to your table. It is the perfect way to celebrate a beautiful summer evening with those you love. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Mediterranean Arugula & Cherry Tomato Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough (250g)
- 1/4 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll or stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices and dried oregano over the sauce.
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- While the pizza bakes, toss the arugula and halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
- Distribute the arugula and tomato mixture evenly over the hot pizza.
- Top with shaved parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze before slicing and serving.
