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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.