It is no secret that summer is my favorite season. As someone who lives on the east coast, I try to make the most of my summer days. This includes creating delicious snacks that are perfect for hot summer afternoons, like this Mediterranean Watermelon Pizza.
So are you ready for a delicious summer treat that is both sweet and savory? Try making this variation of a watermelon pizza. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty Kalamata olives and feta cheese, while the balsamic vinegar glaze gives this dish extra flavor.
Jump to Watermelon Pizza Recipe
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Whenever I prepare a snack recipe, I aim to include at least one fruit or vegetable to help meet the recommended 5 to 6 servings of produce per day.
I accomplished this by using watermelon as the base for my watermelon pizza. (Bonus: olives are also a fruit!)
Watermelon has an impressive nutritional profile. It contains only 46 calories in one cup. Still, it is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, copper, and beta-carotene (a compound that is turned into vitamin A in the body).
Watermelon is also the best, fresh food source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant responsible for giving watermelon its red color. Lycopene has been linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancers and a lower risk of heart disease.
Additionally, watermelon contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are compounds that are important for eye health.
On top of all that, watermelon is about 91% water, making it a hydrating and refreshing fruit.
How to Make This Watermelon Pizza
This watermelon pizza recipe could not be more straightforward! All that you need is a slice of watermelon (cut from the widest portion of the melon), feta cheese, sliced olives, mint, basil, sea salt, and balsamic glaze. Check out the section below for more information on how to make the glaze.
To assemble the “pizza” simple sprinkle the watermelon slice with the feta cheese, sliced olives, mint, basil, and sea salt. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze to taste.
Note that this dish is best when served immediately after preparation, as the watermelon pizza will absorb the glaze. To save time, you can assemble the watermelon pizza in advance and add the glaze just before serving.
How to Make the Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
Sometimes referred to as a balsamic reduction, the balsamic glaze is easy to prepare in your own kitchen. All that you need is balsamic vinegar, which will be cooked down to form a sweet but tangy drizzle for the pizza.
It has an intense flavor, so begin with a small amount on your pizza and add more as desired.
To make the glaze, start by heating 2 cups of balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Bring the vinegar to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally.
Let the vinegar simmer until it thickens and reduces to about ½ cup (about 20 to 25 minutes). The balsamic vinegar reduction will be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Keep in mind that the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
Once the glaze has cooled to room temperature, you can add a drizzle to your watermelon pizza.
Balsamic glaze is also a great condiment that can be paired with chicken, steak, salad, and pasta, to name a few. You can store any leftover glaze in your fridge for up to a month.
There you have it! Easy, healthy watermelon pizza. I would love to hear from you. What are some other watermelon recipes that you love?
Mediterranean Watermelon Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 slice of watermelon, cut from the widest part of the melon
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 10 Kalamata olives, sliced with pits removed
- 1 tablespoon of fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon of fresh basil leaves
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Bring the vinegar to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let vinegar simmer on low heat until it thickens and reduces to about ½ cup (about 20 to 25 minutes). The balsamic vinegar reduction should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Let cool to room temperature. Store leftover glaze in the fridge.
- Lay watermelon slice on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or pizza tray. Top with the feta cheese, sliced olives, mint, basil, and sea salt. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze.
- Cut the watermelon into 8 slices, as if you are cutting a pizza. Enjoy!
Calories
91.97Fat (grams)
4.92Sat. Fat (grams)
2.95Carbs (grams)
9.34Fiber (grams)
0.48Net carbs
8.86Sugar (grams)
8.38Protein (grams)
3.17Sodium (milligrams)
272.85Cholesterol (grams)
16.79