Greek Pizza: Spinach, Feta, and Olive Delight

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Skip the plane ticket and head straight to your kitchen! This Greek pizza recipe, featuring a vibrant blend of spinach, salty feta, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza, packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a sophisticated appetizer, this Greek pizza is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love This Greek Pizza

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of spinach, feta, olives, and oregano creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the spinach and olives, this pizza is a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a main course, appetizer, or even a light lunch.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Dough:

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

**Note:** You can also use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Look for fresh dough from your local grocery store or pizzeria for the best results. If using frozen dough, thaw it completely according to the package instructions.

### For the Topping:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (optional)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Additional olive oil for drizzling

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Spinach:** Fresh spinach is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can use frozen spinach if needed. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using.
* **Feta Cheese:** Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Sheep’s milk feta is traditionally used in Greek cuisine.
* **Kalamata Olives:** Kalamata olives are a classic Greek olive with a rich, briny flavor. You can substitute them with other types of olives if desired, such as black olives or green olives.
* **Red Onion:** Red onion adds a nice bite to the pizza. You can substitute it with white onion or shallots if preferred.
* **Sun-dried Tomatoes:** Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami flavor to the pizza. If you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them or substitute them with roasted red peppers.
* **Oregano:** Dried oregano is a key ingredient in Greek cuisine. Use fresh oregano if you have it available.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the pizza. Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional)
* Rolling pin or your hands
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Dough (If Making Homemade)

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the same bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the dough to develop its flavor and texture.

**Tip:** A warm place for rising can be inside an oven that’s been preheated to 200°F and then turned off. Or, place the bowl near a sunny window.

### 2. Prepare the Toppings

1. **Sauté the Spinach:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add Spinach:** Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

**Tip:** Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach after cooking to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

3. **Prepare Other Toppings:** While the spinach is cooling, prepare the other toppings: crumble the feta cheese, halve the Kalamata olives, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes (if using).

### 3. Assemble the Pizza

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Shape the Dough:** Punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired shape and thickness. You can use a rolling pin or simply stretch it with your hands.
3. **Transfer the Dough:** If using a pizza stone, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or flour. Carefully transfer the dough to the pizza peel. If using a baking sheet, simply place the dough on the baking sheet.
4. **Add Toppings:** Spread the sautéed spinach evenly over the pizza dough. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Season with dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the pizza with a little extra olive oil.

### 4. Bake the Pizza

1. **Bake the Pizza:** If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza from the pizza peel onto the hot pizza stone. If using a baking sheet, simply place the baking sheet in the oven.
2. **Bake for 12-15 Minutes:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.

**Tip:** Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking to prevent the crust from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy

1. **Remove from Oven:** Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. If using a pizza stone, use the pizza peel to transfer the pizza to a cutting board. If using a baking sheet, simply slide the pizza onto a cutting board.
2. **Let Cool Slightly:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, if desired.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Greek pizza hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Greek Pizza

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The key to a delicious Greek pizza is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for good quality feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Overloading the pizza with toppings can make it soggy. Use a moderate amount of each topping to allow the flavors to shine through.
* **Preheat the Pizza Stone:** If using a pizza stone, preheating it in the oven is essential for a crispy crust. The hot stone will help to cook the pizza evenly and quickly.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite toppings. Other great additions include artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and grilled chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve as a Main Course:** This Greek pizza makes a satisfying and flavorful main course.
* **Serve as an Appetizer:** Cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve it as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
* **Pair with a Salad:** Serve the pizza with a fresh Greek salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Enjoy with a Glass of Wine:** Pair the pizza with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

## Variations

* **Vegan Greek Pizza:** Substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta cheese alternative or omit it altogether. You can also add other vegan toppings, such as marinated artichoke hearts or roasted vegetables.
* **Gluten-Free Greek Pizza:** Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. You can find gluten-free pizza dough at most grocery stores.
* **Spicy Greek Pizza:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the pizza for a spicy kick.
* **Add Protein:** Top the pizza with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place the pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
* **Reheat:** To reheat the pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the pizza in a microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice, assuming 8 slices per pizza)

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 10-15g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g

**Note:** Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

## Conclusion

This Greek pizza recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. With its vibrant blend of spinach, feta, olives, and herbs, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of Greece in every bite! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary culinary experience. Enjoy the process, experiment with the toppings, and savor the flavors of your homemade Greek pizza!