Description
A wholesome and guilt-free healthy pizza recipe made with whole wheat dough, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat cheese. Quick to prepare and customizable to suit various dietary needs, this pizza offers a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Base
- Whole Wheat Pizza Dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
- Tomato Sauce (no-sugar-added or homemade, about 1/2 cup)
Cheese
- Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese (about 1 cup shredded)
Vegetables
- Bell peppers (1 medium, sliced)
- Fresh spinach (1 cup, roughly chopped)
- Mushrooms (1/2 cup, sliced and pre-sautéed)
- Tomatoes (1 medium, sliced)
Protein
- Grilled chicken breast (1/2 cup, diced) or turkey pepperoni slices or chickpeas (choose one)
Herbs and Spices
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- Dried oregano (1 tsp)
- Minced garlic (1 clove)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your whole wheat pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking and good topping support.
- Spread the Tomato Sauce: Generously and evenly spread the no-sugar-added or homemade tomato sauce over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Layer your fresh vegetables—bell peppers, spinach, pre-sautéed mushrooms, and tomatoes—followed by your chosen lean protein (grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, or chickpeas).
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle the pizza with fresh basil, dried oregano, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two after baking, then slice and serve. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or more chili flakes for added flavor.
Notes
- Do not overload toppings to avoid sogginess and to maintain a crisp crust.
- Pre-sauté water-heavy vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a pizza stone or steel to achieve a crispier crust.
- Homemade tomato sauce reduces added sugars and preservatives, enhancing flavor and health benefits.
- Fresh herbs added after baking brighten flavors and add a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg