Mediterranean Garden Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Cornmeal or flour for dusting
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted Mediterranean-inspired toppings:
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Sliced black olives
  • Sliced red onions
  • Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • Sliced artichoke hearts
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 475-500°F (245-260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
3. Sprinkle cornmeal or flour on a pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the peel or baking sheet.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Arrange the Mediterranean toppings on the pizza, distributing them evenly for a colorful presentation. Start with the cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onions, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach leaves.
7. Crumble feta cheese over the pizza.
8. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the toppings and pizza crust. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning if desired.
9. Place the pizza into the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone. Otherwise, place the baking sheet with the pizza in the oven.
10. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
11. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness.
13. Slice the pizza and serve hot.

This Mediterranean Garden Pizza captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with its combination of fresh vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Enjoy the delightful taste and colorful presentation of this delicious pizza! Adjust the toppings according to your preference and taste.