As an Italian, this is a sensitive topic for me. Making a veggie pizza means that we will step away from the rules. Still, some things are allowed. I understand people sometimes want to make their favorite slice healthier.
Pineapple won’t do it, just so you know! But some vegetables can represent an interesting twist on pizza. And even though I am not so much of a favorite, I will tell you some combinations that can be both healthy and delicious.
Artichokes
They’re low in fat but packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When you cook with artichokes, they bring a unique, slightly nutty flavor that adds a special touch to your meals. They go well with different types of cheese and also mix great with other veggies.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe idea:
- Start with a pre-baked pizza crust.
- Spread a thin layer of your favorite tomato or cream-based sauce on top.
- Next, place some drained and quartered canned or marinated artichoke hearts over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top for that perfect melty goodness.
- Pop it in the oven and bake until the cheese is all bubbly and the edges turn a nice golden brown.
Spinach
It’s packed with iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. You can use it fresh or quickly cook it with garlic and olive oil before adding it to your pizza.
To make a spinach pizza, start with a whole wheat dough. That’s the way to make it really healthy after all.
Spread a thin layer of low-fat ricotta cheese mixed with a pinch of nutmeg as your sauce. Top it off with the cooked spinach, some crumbled feta cheese, and a few slices of red onion for extra flavor.
Put it in the oven and bake until the edges get crispy and the cheese turns golden.
Kale
To prepare kale for your pizza, lightly sauté it in olive oil to soften its texture and bring out its earthy taste. Start with a thin crust dough. Spread a layer of basil, garlic, and pine nut pesto for a rich and flavorful base. Add the sautéed kale, chunks of goat cheese, and a handful of pine nuts.
The combination of the pesto and kale creates a pizza that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor.
Bell Peppers
If you want a colorful and nutritious pizza, grab some red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Spread a layer of basic tomato sauce all over the dough, and don’t skimp on the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Now, it’s time to get creative. Arrange those bell pepper slices in a beautiful pattern on top, and add some sliced black olives and diced red onion for extra flavor and texture.
Onions
Start by slowly cooking sliced onions in olive oil over low heat until they turn golden and sweet. Spread a thin layer of white sauce on your prepared pizza dough. Add the caramelized onions, crumbled blue cheese, and thin slices of pears. And I’ll be honest, I love onions on pizza. My favorite solution is to leave the whole circles over the top.
If you want to try the same, just pick some smaller onions, and combine both red and white.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Thinly slice the zucchini and yellow squash and lightly sprinkle them with salt to remove excess moisture. Arrange the slices on a pre-baked crust brushed with olive oil and a light layer of garlic puree. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Bake until the vegetables become tender and the crust turns golden.
Broccoli
To prepare, roast small broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. As for the pizza itself, start with a stretchy pizza dough base. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce mixed with a hint of mustard. Sprinkle the roasted broccoli, slices of cheddar cheese, and a touch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it, some healthy options to help you feel better when eating pizza. I still think there is nothing wrong with a classic Capricciosa or Quattro Stagioni. As long as you are having a slice or two as a meal, you have nothing to worry about. And if you switch to all those veggie options, you will desire a classic slice even more.
