If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and downright irresistible, Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic is about to become your go-to favorite. This is not your average pizza—between luscious mozzarella, creamy feta, bright lemon, and golden ribbons of garlicky zucchini, every bite absolutely bursts with flavor and sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Celebration of Summer Produce: Zucchini and lemon shine here, turning this pizza into a canvas of beautiful, seasonal flavor.
- Layered Savory Goodness: Luxurious mozzarella melts alongside briny feta, giving you just the right balance of creamy and tangy in every bite.
- Irresistible Garlicky Aroma: Using both sliced and minced garlic infuses the entire pizza with a mouthwatering fragrance that’s impossible to ignore.
- Weeknight Special or Dinner Party Star: Elegant enough for company, simple enough to throw together any night of the week—this recipe checks every box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you—each component in Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic plays a starring role. Fresh, high-quality ingredients truly make all the difference, adding depth, color, and that irresistible contrast of textures and flavors that make this pizza stand out!
- Neapolitan pizza dough (or good store-bought dough): This is the base for that delightfully chewy, crisp-edged crust. Homemade or store-bought, just let it come to room temperature for easy stretching.
- Zucchini: Thin matchstick pieces ensure the topping roasts to tender perfection and melds seamlessly into each slice.
- Fresh garlic (minced & sliced): Two preparations mean double the fragrant punch—garlic weaves its magic throughout the dough and toppings.
- Kosher salt: Used for seasoning, and for drawing excess moisture from the zucchini, which keeps the crust beautifully crisp.
- Fresh mozzarella: Torn and drained, it creates pillowy pockets of melted cheese across the pizza surface.
- Lemon: Thinly sliced and seedless, lemon adds a burst of citrus brightness that absolutely wakes up every mouthful.
- Feta cheese: Use top-notch goat or sheep’s milk feta for creamy tang and a lovely salty finish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A little drizzle before baking enhances every flavor and makes the edges golden and irresistible.
- Scallions: Sliced and sprinkled after baking, they offer a fresh, oniony crunch that finishes the pizza with flair.
Variations
One of the joys of Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic is how delightfully easy it is to tailor to your mood, available ingredients, or dietary needs. Use this as your template then riff away—your tastebuds (and your fridge leftovers) will thank you!
- Swap the Cheese: Crumbled ricotta salata or creamy goat cheese can stand in for feta, each bringing their own personality to the mix.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to share the love with everyone at the table.
- Add a Protein: For more substance, scatter on thin prosciutto, paper-thin pancetta, or roasted chicken before baking.
- Make it Herbaceous: Try finishing with chopped fresh basil, dill, or mint for a burst of green freshness.
How to Make Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Get your Neapolitan pizza dough (or store-bought dough) divided, covered, and resting at room temperature for at least two hours before you want to bake. This rest time is essential—it helps the gluten relax, making the dough easy to stretch and giving you that perfect tender-chewy bite.
Step 2: Salt & Drain the Zucchini
Toss your zucchini matchsticks with minced garlic and a touch of kosher salt, then pile them into a strainer set over a bowl. Let them rest for 30 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this step ensures those zucchini ribbons roast up sweet and concentrated, not watery or bland!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven & Pizza Stone
While the zucchini drains, crank your oven up as high as it goes (500–550°F) with a pizza stone or steel on the top rack, about 6 inches below the broiler. Preheating for a good 45 minutes or more gives your crust that crispy, blistered “wood-fired” effect at home.
Step 4: Shape & Top the Dough
Time for the magic! On a floured surface, stretch a dough ball to about 10–12 inches, keeping the rim slightly thicker. On a floured peel, top with torn mozzarella, artful swirls of lemon, a mound of zucchini, crumbled feta, sliced garlic, a sprinkle of salt, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza onto your searing hot stone and broil, rotating for even caramelization, until the edges are puffed and the underside is crisp and golden—3 to 6 minutes. Watch closely: the difference between perfection and overdone is just a minute or two!
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Rest the pizza for a minute on a cutting board, then shower it with fresh scallions. Slice, admire that gooey cheese and blushing crust, and serve immediately! Repeat the process for the remaining dough and toppings as needed.
Pro Tips for Making Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic
- Max Out That Oven: The secret to pizzeria-level crust is seriously high heat. Let your stone or steel preheat as long as possible to ensure those trademark bubbles and a shatteringly crisp bottom.
- Don’t Skip the Zucchini Squeeze: Removing extra moisture is crucial—otherwise, the liquid could turn your beautiful crust soggy instead of golden.
- Lemon Slices—Go Thin: Slice lemons as thinly as humanly possible; thick slices can overwhelm, but whispery-thin ones melt into the cheese with a bright, tangy pop.
- A Little Olive Oil Goes a Long Way: That final drizzle before baking does wonders for caramelization and flavor—don’t be shy!
How to Serve Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic
Garnishes
Just before serving, a shower of scallions (as the recipe suggests) adds color and a gentle oniony crunch. For extra flair, sprinkle with a few torn basil or mint leaves, a grind of black pepper, or a touch more lemon zest to really amplify all that zesty freshness.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines alongside a crisp, lemony arugula salad, marinated olives, or a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. For a hearty option, consider a bowl of lentil soup or a big Greek salad—the salty feta and lemon on the pizza will echo beautifully in both pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic into squares for a unique party appetizer, or serve whole rounds on wooden boards with extra toppings and drizzle stations. Try topping each slice with a small dollop of whipped ricotta or herbed yogurt as an eye-catching, creamy little flourish for a dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, separate slices with parchment to prevent sticking and sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked pizza slices—just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge for a super convenient lunch or snack.
Reheating
A quick zap in a hot oven (400°F) on a preheated baking sheet brings the crust back to life with crispy edges and gooey cheese. Avoid the microwave if you can—the oven will reward you with truly revived slices!
FAQs
-
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works beautifully in place of zucchini and offers the same tender texture and subtle flavor, making your Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic just as delicious—and even more colorful.
-
Do I have to use a pizza stone or steel?
While a pizza stone or steel gives you that signature crisp, bubbly crust, you can use an inverted heavy baking sheet in a pinch. Just preheat it along with the oven to get it as hot as possible before sliding your pizza on.
-
Is it okay to make the dough in advance?
Yes! Homemade (or store-bought) dough can be portioned and refrigerated a day ahead. Let it come fully to room temperature before shaping for the best oven spring and flavor in your Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic.
-
Can I make this pizza without broiling?
You can bake it at the highest oven temperature your oven allows, keeping an eye out for golden cheese and a well-risen crust. The broiler just helps to mimic a pizza oven’s blazing heat for extra charring, but it’s not essential for great results.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way fresh zucchini, tangy feta, zippy lemon, and a whole lot of garlic come together on Pizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic. I cannot wait for you to taste this bright, bold, and utterly craveable pie—let it become your new obsession, too!
PrintPizza With Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza with Zucchini, Feta, Lemon, and Garlic recipe combines fresh, vibrant flavors on a crispy crust, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Neapolitan Pizza Dough:
- 1 recipe Neapolitan pizza dough, or 2 pounds store-bought pizza dough
Toppings:
- 1 large zucchini (about 12 ounces), thinly sliced and cut into matchsticks
- 8 medium cloves garlic (2 minced, 6 thinly sliced), divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, torn into rough chunks and drained
- 1 lemon, very thinly sliced, seeds removed
- 8 ounces goat or sheep’s milk feta cheese, roughly crumbled
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts only
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Divide dough into four parts and let rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare Toppings: Combine zucchini, minced garlic, and salt. Drain excess moisture from zucchini.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven with a stone or steel for at least 45 minutes.
- Assemble Pizza: Stretch dough, add toppings, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Broil pizza until edges are charred and bottom is crisp, about 3-6 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with scallions, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, try sprinkling red pepper flakes or fresh herbs over the pizza before serving.
- Make sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent a soggy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg