Healthy, Low Carb Pizza Topping Ideas
Pizza Toppings Can Be Fun and Healthy
There’s a reason pizza is a staple in many households: it’s fast, easy, and very adaptable. Pizza gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy, but it doesn’t have to be. Pairing a low-carb pizza crust with healthy pizza toppings makes this a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner option.
How to Make a Healthy Pizza At Home
Low Carb Pizza Dough
A pizza is only as good as its crust, so finding a great dough recipe is a must when trying a new healthy pizza recipe. We love this almond flour pizza crust. Unlike traditional recipes that use white or bread flour and are heavy on carbs, this recipe uses protein-rich almond flour instead.
Begin by whisking 2 cups of blanched finely ground almond flour with 1 tsp. kosher salt, 1 tsp. baking soda, and 1 tsp. garlic powder. Add a large egg, kneading until it forms a smooth, uniform dough. You may need to add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to make the dough moist. Then, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until approximately 10 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes until crispy, then add toppings and put back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Healthy Pizza Toppings
When making a healthy pizza at home, think about the flavors that pair well together. Whereas many pizzerias rely on huge amounts of cheese to provide flavor, thoughtfully choosing vegetables or other toppings can create a pizza bursting with flavor. Also remember not to load your pizza with too many toppings, as this can make the whole thing dense and too moist. Here are some of our favorite ideas for healthy pizza toppings:
Classic Vegetable Pizza
Start with our tasty marinara sauce, made by sauteing 2-3 red peppers, 1/2 of an onion, and 2-3 cloves of garlic until soft. Add 1/2 cup of water and blend until smooth for a delicious and healthy pizza base. Then, add mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced bell peppers, sliced black or green olives, and mushrooms. Sprinkle some slivered basil or spinach over the top for extra vegetables and flavor.
Autumn Butternut Squash Pizza
This fall spin on pizza is perfect when the air gets crisp and cool. Start by roasting and pureeing butternut squash to use as a pizza sauce. Then, add arugula, red onion, and goat cheese as healthy pizza toppings.
Summer Blackberry Honey Pizza
Summer garden bounty means lots of creative options for healthy pizza toppings. For a sweet and savory mix, start with a base of fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into rounds. Then, sprinkle basil and blackberries on top. Finish the pizza with a drizzle of honey.
Mediterranean Pizza
The sauce for this Mediterranean pizza is pesto, which can be store bought or homemade. If making from scratch, use a food processor to blend 1 large bunch of basil, 1 clove garlic, and 1/4 cup pine nuts (or substitute walnuts). Drizzle olive oil until the texture is a loose paste. Spread the pesto on the pizza crust and add red onion, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
Green Garden Pizza
This pizza is packed with healthy green vegetables. Like the Mediterranean pizza, it begins with pesto sauce atop a crispy crust. Add mozzarella, zucchini, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Because zucchini can be very moist and can make a crust soggy, it helps to sautee the zucchini rounds ahead of time before topping the pizza and cooking it in the oven.
Experiment with More Pizza Toppings
Once you start experimenting with your own home pizza recipes, you won’t want to stop. When made with a low-carb crust and healthy toppings, pizza is a healthy option that still feels indulgent. Experiment with your own favorite combinations or adapt our recipes to fit your needs.
Mighty Health has a huge recipe library that contains even more pizza ideas. We’re also here to help you understand how to modify your favorite foods to get the nutrients your body needs to thrive in your 50s and beyond. Join the Mighty Health Family to learn more and to get even more fantastic recipes!