Easy Mediterranean Flatbread with Pesto and Fresh Veggies

The Mediterranean Flatbread is a vibrant, plant-powered dish that brings together bold, fresh flavors and nourishing ingredients for a wholesome meal.

With its base of pre-made pizza dough topped with arugula basil pesto, roasted tomatoes, peperoncini peppers, and crisp arugula, this flatbread offers a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.

It’s an excellent option for those seeking a lighter, veggie-forward meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

This recipe shines nutritionally, delivering plant-based protein from the pesto’s nuts and seeds, fiber from the fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil.

Low in saturated fat and free from animal products, it supports heart health while keeping calories in check.

With just 20 minutes of baking time and minimal prep, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping lunch slices for the next day.

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its longevity-boosting qualities, and this flatbread is a simple, tasty way to enjoy those benefits daily.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pizza Pan

Ensures even baking and a crisp, golden crust every time. A versatile tool for flatbreads, pizzas, or reheating baked goods.

KitchenAid Classic Rolling Pin

Ideal for stretching pizza dough to the perfect thickness without tearing. A must-have for baking breads, pastries, and cookies.

Nordic Ware Aluminum Baking Sheet

Perfect for roasting tomatoes evenly, preventing sticking, and withstanding high heat. Also excellent for roasting veggies or baking cookies.

Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife

Essential for slicing onions, peppers, and tomatoes precisely. A high-quality chef’s knife improves speed, safety, and overall kitchen efficiency.

Cuisinart Mini Food Processor

Makes preparing arugula basil pesto effortless. Beyond this recipe, it’s great for sauces, dressings, and quick chopping needs.

Jessica T. Brown

Vegan Mediterranean Flatbread Bites

This Mediterranean Flatbread combines a crisp, golden crust with flavorful arugula basil pesto, sweet roasted tomatoes, zesty peperoncini peppers, and fresh greens. A quick, nutrient-rich plant-based meal that’s light yet satisfying—ideal for everyday cooking or meal prepping.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Light Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz 1 package ready-made pizza dough
  • ½ cup homemade or store-bought arugula basil pesto
  • ½ pint grape tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 5 peperoncini peppers chopped
  • ¼ medium red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh arugula leaves
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • All-purpose flour for dusting the parchment paper

Equipment

  • 1 Pizza Pan or Baking Sheet
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Food Processor (for pesto)
  • 1 Food Processor (for pesto)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 420°F (215°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with foil and prepare a sheet of parchment paper lightly dusted with flour for the dough.
  2. Bring Dough to Room Temperature: Place the pizza dough on the floured parchment paper and allow it to rest uncovered for 30–60 minutes. This makes the dough soft, elastic, and easier to stretch.
  3. Roast the Tomatoes: On the prepared baking sheet, toss halved grape tomatoes with olive oil and oregano. Spread them evenly and roast in the oven for about 8 minutes, until they soften and release some of their natural juices. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prebake the Flatbread Base: Stretch the dough gently with your hands or a rolling pin to your desired thickness. Transfer it (still on the parchment paper) to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, until the surface begins to firm up and lightly golden edges form.
  5. Add the Toppings: Remove the base from the oven and spread the pesto evenly over the crust. Scatter roasted tomatoes, chopped peperoncini peppers, and thinly sliced red onion on top. Return the flatbread to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the toppings to warm through and flavors to meld.
  6. Finish and Serve: Take the flatbread out of the oven and top it with fresh arugula. Grind some black pepper over the top for a finishing touch. Slice and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Dough Tip: Letting the dough sit at room temperature is key for achieving a chewy, airy crust. Avoid skipping this step.
  • Homemade Pesto: Using homemade pesto adds fresh, bold flavors. You can substitute with traditional basil pesto if arugula is unavailable.
  • Meal Prep: You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the pesto up to a day in advance to save time.
  • Make It Crispy: For an extra-crispy bottom, place the parchment paper directly on a preheated pizza stone or cast-iron pan during baking.
  • Spice Level: Adjust peperoncini quantity to suit your preferred heat level.

Chef’s Secrets for Flatbread Perfection

Creating a Mediterranean flatbread that’s bursting with flavor starts with a few professional tricks.

First, allow your dough to reach room temperature before stretching—it relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape without tearing.

When pre-baking, avoid overcooking the crust on the first bake; a slightly underdone base ensures it stays soft inside while crisping perfectly in the final bake.

Roasting the tomatoes beforehand intensifies their sweetness, adding depth to every bite.

Finally, use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and a homemade pesto when possible—fresh herbs and good fats are what elevate a simple flatbread into something truly unforgettable.

Delicious and Easy Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean flatbread is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with light side dishes or a refreshing beverage.

Serve it alongside a Greek-style salad with cucumber, olives, and feta for a balanced meal.

For a party appetizer, cut the flatbread into small squares and offer it on a serving board with hummus, olives, and marinated artichokes.

It also pairs perfectly with chilled white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or even a light homemade sangria.

For added protein, top the flatbread with roasted chickpeas or plant-based feta before serving for a heartier main dish option.

Proper Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Mediterranean flatbread tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For best results, wrap slices individually in parchment paper before placing them in the container to prevent sogginess. When reheating, avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust chewy.

Instead, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore their crisp texture.

If you’d like to freeze the flatbread, wrap it tightly in foil and store it for up to two months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven for a quick, flavorful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Flatbread

1. Can I use gluten-free pizza dough?

Yes! Gluten-free pizza dough works well with this recipe. Just handle it carefully when stretching, as it can be more fragile than traditional dough.

2. What can I substitute for peperoncini peppers?

If peperoncini are unavailable, try banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños for a similar tangy kick without overpowering heat.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the roasted tomatoes and pesto a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the flatbread just before serving for the freshest flavor.

4. How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly flour your parchment paper and hands before handling the dough. A drizzle of olive oil on your fingertips also helps prevent sticking while stretching.

5. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe is vegan-friendly, you can sprinkle on vegan mozzarella or traditional feta for extra richness without altering the overall flavor profile.

This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by thissavoryvegan. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.

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