Name: Tuna Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil or water (drained and flaked); ½ red onion (thinly sliced); ¼ cup black olives (sliced); 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve ever wanted to shake up your pizza night with something a little unexpected yet incredibly satisfying, let me introduce you to Tuna Pizza. This Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic pizza is loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory flaked tuna, briny olives, and the subtle heat of red onion and oregano. It’s a true flavor adventure that’s lightning-fast to make, deeply comforting, and always a conversation starter at the table. Tuna Pizza is one of those rare dishes that feels both familiar and new, and it’s about to become your next go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tuna Pizza is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to deliver bold, crave-worthy flavors. Each ingredient has a role to play in taste, texture, or color, so choose the best you can find and watch the magic happen!

Pizza dough: A prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) forms the essential chewy, crisp base for all your toppings.
Tomato sauce or pizza sauce: This brings the classic tang and juiciness that makes every bite sing; use your favorite brand or a homemade version for extra flair.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into bubbly, golden perfection and provides that signature pizza pull we all love.
Canned tuna: Go for a high-quality tuna in olive oil or water, drained and flaked; it adds rich, meaty texture and savory depth.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sweet pungency that contrasts beautifully with the cheese and tuna.
Black olives: Sliced for a pop of briny flavor and a striking visual contrast on your Tuna Pizza.
Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle brings out the Italian soul of this pizza with its earthy, aromatic notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, these flakes add a subtle, lingering heat.
Olive oil: A drizzle before baking boosts flavor and helps everything brown beautifully.
Fresh basil or arugula (optional): Toss on a few leaves after baking for a burst of color and a peppery, herbal finish.

How to Make Tuna Pizza

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Surface

Start by preheating your oven to a piping-hot 475°F. This high heat ensures a crisp crust and molten cheese. Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper, which makes it easy to slide your Tuna Pizza on and off and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle (or any shape you fancy) on a floured surface. If the dough springs back, let it rest a few minutes to relax the gluten. Transfer it to your prepared baking surface so you’re ready for toppings.

Step 3: Sauce and Cheese Layer

Spread the tomato or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border for that classic pizzeria look. Next, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce, covering it almost to the edges for irresistibly gooey bites.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Scatter your drained and flaked tuna evenly across the cheese, followed by the thinly sliced red onion and black olives. This combination keeps each slice loaded with flavor and color. A sprinkle of dried oregano (and red pepper flakes, if you like a touch of heat) finishes the layer.

Step 5: Drizzle and Bake

Drizzle olive oil lightly over the top. This step enhances flavor and encourages beautiful browning. Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Slice

Once your Tuna Pizza emerges from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Add fresh basil or arugula for a final flourish, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this Mediterranean masterpiece!

How to Serve Tuna Pizza

Garnishes

For a vibrant finish, top your Tuna Pizza with fresh basil leaves or a handful of peppery arugula just before serving. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a few capers can add a Mediterranean touch and enhance the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a simple tomato-cucumber salad. These sides add freshness and balance to the savory richness of the Tuna Pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the pizza into squares for a fun appetizer tray, or serve mini Tuna Pizzas on individual naan or flatbreads for a party. You can even offer a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their slice to taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuna Pizza keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container to keep the crust from drying out and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months for an easy, grab-and-go meal.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a hot oven (375°F) for about 8 minutes to restore crispness, or pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Absolutely! Grilled or seared fresh tuna can be flaked and added on top, giving your Tuna Pizza a more luxurious, restaurant-quality vibe. Just be sure to season it well and cook it through before topping the pizza.

What other cheeses work well on Tuna Pizza?

While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate tuna flavor.

Is Tuna Pizza good for meal prep?

Yes, Tuna Pizza is a fantastic meal-prep option. Bake the pizza ahead, slice, and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.

How can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread base. All the other toppings are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise flavor.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Feel free to layer on thinly sliced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even spinach before baking. These veggies roast up perfectly and pair well with the savory tuna and cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to try something new that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with Mediterranean charm, Tuna Pizza deserves a spot on your table. Give it a whirl—once you’ve tasted this effortless blend of flavors, you’ll wonder how you ever had pizza night without it!

Tuna Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tuna Pizza recipe offers a delightful Mediterranean twist on classic pizza with a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory flaked tuna topped with red onions and black olives. Easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or casual get-together.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Sauce and Cheese

½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings

1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil or water (drained and flaked)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
¼ cup black olives (sliced)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishing Touches

1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking surface: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Shape the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape, then transfer it onto the prepared baking surface.
Add sauce: Spread the tomato or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave about a ½-inch border around the edges to form a crust.
Layer cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then distribute the flaked tuna evenly across the cheese. Add thinly sliced red onion and black olives on top.
Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the toppings for added flavor and a touch of heat.
Drizzle oil: Lightly drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the entire pizza to enhance moisture and flavor during baking.
Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula if desired. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.