This pizza is a flavor-packed blend of Mediterranean ingredients on a light, crispy crust. With tender spinach, flaky tuna, savory olives, and melted mozzarella all layered over a homemade dough and tomato base, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Ideal for family meals or impressing guests, this pizza delivers fresh, balanced flavors in every slice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 pizza (26 cm mold) – Serves 2–3
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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100g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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5g dry yeast
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5g sugar
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3g salt
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100ml lukewarm water
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10ml olive oil
For the Toppings:
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
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A handful of fresh spinach
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3–4 tablespoons tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions
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Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 can of tuna (in oil or water), drained
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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Sliced black or green olives
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Extra olive oil and oregano for finishing
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir together until well mixed. Gradually pour in the lukewarm water while mixing with a spoon or your hand. Once a shaggy dough forms, add the olive oil and knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic. Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 250°C (482°F). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure a crispy crust.
3. Prepare the Pizza Pan
Lightly grease a 26 cm pizza mold with olive oil and dust with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures a golden, crispy base.
4. Stretch the Dough
Once rested, transfer the dough to the prepared mold. Gently stretch or roll it out to fit the mold, pressing it into the edges evenly.
5. Sauté the Spinach
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes until wilted. This removes excess moisture that could make the pizza soggy.
6. Add Sauce and Seasonings
Spread the tomato sauce evenly across the dough. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano for a rich, herbaceous flavor base. Top with chopped green onions.
7. Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the base. Then top with the sautéed spinach, chunks of tuna, sliced onions, and olives. Sprinkle with paprika for extra flavor and color.
8. Final Touches
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and finish with an extra pinch of oregano. This boosts the aroma and creates a golden topping when baked.
9. Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 3 servings)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 17g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Fats: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 550mg
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Sugar: 2g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Mediterranean cuisine has long been celebrated for its fresh, wholesome ingredients and health-focused approach. This tuna and spinach pizza is inspired by coastal Italian and Greek traditions, where seafood and vegetables are staples in everyday meals. The idea of topping pizza with tuna and olives isn’t new—it’s a beloved flavor combination throughout Southern Europe. With its balanced profile of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, this pizza has gained popularity among home cooks seeking healthier alternatives to traditional meat-laden pies.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Quick and easy – the dough rests for just 10 minutes and the entire pizza bakes in under 20.
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Healthier than delivery – made with fresh ingredients and olive oil, it’s nutrient-dense and satisfying.
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Incredibly flavorful – a mix of rich tuna, tangy tomato sauce, salty olives, and melty cheese.
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Customizable – add more veggies, different cheeses, or swap tuna with other proteins.
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Perfect for meal prep – slice and store for next-day lunches or dinners.
Health Benefits
This pizza isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional perks:
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Tuna provides lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
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Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support eye and immune health.
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Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats known to support cardiovascular health.
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Tomato sauce brings lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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Onions and garlic are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and immune-boosting properties.
Together, these ingredients make a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
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As a main meal with a crisp green salad or cucumber yogurt dip on the side.
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Cut into squares and serve as an appetizer at gatherings.
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Pack for lunch the next day—it tastes great cold or reheated!
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Pair with soup, such as minestrone or lentil, for a cozy dinner combo.
Cooking Tips
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Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast—too hot and it may kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate.
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Don’t overload toppings, especially watery vegetables, or the crust may turn soggy.
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Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
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Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow toppings to settle and cheese to firm slightly.
Variations to Try
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Spicy version: Add crushed chili flakes or use spicy tomato sauce.
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Vegetarian: Omit the tuna and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or feta cheese.
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Cheesy crust: Stuff the crust edges with mozzarella for a stuffed-crust experience.
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Whole wheat dough: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat for more fiber and a heartier crust.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based cheese and skip the tuna—jackfruit or marinated tofu are great substitutes.
Conclusion
This Tuna and Spinach Pizza with Mozzarella and Olives is more than just a tasty meal—it’s a balanced, satisfying dish that brings together classic Mediterranean ingredients in a modern way. With minimal prep, wholesome nutrition, and mouthwatering flavors, it’s sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting friends or just cooking for yourself, this pizza delivers every time.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works just fine. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before sautéing. It works well and saves time.
3. What type of tuna is best?
Tuna in olive oil adds more flavor, but water-packed tuna is lower in fat. Either works based on preference.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a gluten-free pizza dough or flour blend designed for baking.
5. How do I keep the crust crispy?
Avoid overloading wet toppings, preheat the oven well, and bake on the lower rack for better bottom heat.
6. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before using.
7. Can I make this without cheese?
You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative—it still tastes great with the other toppings.
8. What other herbs can I add?
Try basil, thyme, or rosemary for different aromatic profiles. Fresh herbs can also be added after baking.
9. How should I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet.
10. Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze baked slices. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.