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Greek Pizza With Tzatziki: A Taste of the Mediterranean

The scent of oregano always transports me back to summer evenings on my aunt’s patio. She lived in a small village nestled in the hills of Greece, and her cooking was pure magic. One evening, she surprised us with a pizza unlike any I’d ever tasted. The crust was thin and crisp, topped with fresh Mediterranean flavors, and a cool, tangy sauce that I later learned was her homemade tzatziki. It was a revelation, a perfect blend of Italian comfort and Greek vibrancy. This recipe is my homage to that unforgettable meal.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 1 pizza
Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted to be gluten-free)

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and medium diced
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 medium avocado, diced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2/3 cup shredded cucumber
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
4 fresh garlic cloves, minced

Equipment Needed

Baking stone or baking sheet
Rolling pin (optional)
Fork
Medium skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowl

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven with a baking stone inside to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a baking stone, a baking sheet will also work. The key is to get it really hot to ensure a crispy crust.
While the oven preheats, prepare your pizza dough. You can either shape it by hand or use a rolling pin to create a thin, even circle. Don’t worry about making it perfectly round; a rustic shape adds to the charm.
Brush the top of the prepared pizza dough with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Then, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Gently pierce the dough all over with a fork. This prevents large air bubbles from forming during baking and ensures a more even cooking surface.
Carefully remove the preheated baking stone (or cookie sheet) from the oven. Sprinkle the surface with cornmeal to prevent the pizza from sticking. This is a crucial step!
Transfer the prepared pizza dough to the hot stone. Be careful, as the stone will be very hot!
Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on it; the high heat can cause it to burn quickly.
While the dough is baking, prepare the chicken. Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot, add the boneless skinless chicken breast to the skillet. Season with 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, the 2 minced garlic cloves, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transfer the cooked chicken from the pan to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Now, it’s time to make the Tzatziki. In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2/3 cup shredded cucumber, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and the 4 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – some like it tangier, others prefer more garlic.
Once the pizza crust is baked, remove it from the oven.
To assemble the Greek Pizza, spread the desired quantity of diced Roma tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and the cooked chicken breast evenly over the prepared crust.
Drizzle generously with the homemade Tzatziki. Serve immediately with additional Tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crispy Crust Secret: Preheating the baking stone is key for a crispy crust. The high heat sears the dough immediately, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Dough Perfection: If you don’t have time to make your own dough, store-bought dough works well. Let it come to room temperature before shaping it for easier handling.
Tzatziki Boost: For an extra layer of flavor in your tzatziki, add a pinch of fresh dill or mint.
Even Baking: Rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Greek Pizza immediately while the crust is still crisp and the toppings are fresh. The contrast between the warm crust and the cool tzatziki is delightful. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp up the crust. The pizza is best eaten fresh, but storing it properly will help maintain its flavor and texture. I do not recommend freezing, as the vegetables will become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	450mg	19%
Carbohydrates	30g	10%
Fiber	3g	12%
Sugar	5g
Protein	20g	40%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for a gluten-free option.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian twist.
Vegan: Use a vegan pizza crust, plant-based feta cheese, and a plant-based yogurt alternative for the tzatziki.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished pizza for a spicy kick.
Seasonal Variation: Replace the tomatoes and cucumber with roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a fall-inspired version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can! While homemade tzatziki offers the freshest flavor, store-bought is a convenient alternative. Look for a brand with a good reputation and quality ingredients.

Q: Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Pizza dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping it.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Preheating the baking stone and piercing the dough with a fork are key to preventing a soggy crust. Also, don’t overload the pizza with too many wet toppings.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While feta is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta. Just keep in mind that they will alter the flavor profile of the pizza.

Q: Can I grill the pizza instead of baking it?
A: Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Place the dough directly on the grill, cook for a few minutes per side, then add the toppings and continue grilling until the cheese is melted.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Pizza with Tzatziki is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey to a sun-drenched Mediterranean patio, filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different toppings, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, share it with the people you love. Pair it with a crisp Greek salad and a glass of chilled white wine for the ultimate Mediterranean feast. Enjoy!

Greek Pizza With Tzatiki Recipe