Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato
A simple yet flavorful grilled pizza featuring fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil, capturing the summer essence of Phoenix’s vibrant pizza scene. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 25 minutes pairs pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, medium, sliced thin ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 350 g pizza dough
- 150 g fresh mozzarella
- 2 medium, sliced thin ripe tomatoes
- 12 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1, minced garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F (230°C), and lightly oil the grates.
- Step 2: Roll out 350 g of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Step 3: Brush one side of the dough with 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and place it oil-side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the dough firms up.
- Step 4: Flip the dough and quickly brush the top with 1 tbsp of olive oil mixed with 1 minced garlic clove; then immediately layer 150 g torn fresh mozzarella and 2 thinly sliced medium tomatoes evenly over the surface.
- Step 5: Close the grill lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom crust is golden and charred in spots.
- Step 6: Remove the pizza from the grill and scatter 12 fresh basil leaves on top. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomato?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my husband's birthday—everyone raved about how authentic it tasted.
- ★★★★★
Simple ingredients, perfect results. Grilled crust was golden and crispy every time.
- ★★★★★
The fresh basil made this pizza taste like a real Italian pizzeria! My kids asked for seconds.