If you want to have a guilt-free pizza you should:
- choose a healthier pizza crust (for example whole-wheat pizza crust);
- avoid stuffed crust;
- use a homemade tomato sauce;
- top it with anything you want as long as it is healthy.
So it’s possible to have a delicious pizza as a nutritious dinner. Check out our list of healthy pizza toppings.
Veggie toppings
Veggies are very healthy pizza toppings. You can’t go wrong with any veggie topper because it has dozens of fewer calories and usually no fat.
Here is a list of veggies you may add to your pizza along with their benefits and method of cooking.
Garlic
Garlic is a common element in a variety of pizza toppings. It adds a lot of flavor to pizza and goes well with several other ingredients that are typically used as pizza toppings.
It can give your pizza a fiery, pungent kick that complements the sweetness of tomato sauce, the saltiness of cheese, and the savory flavors of meat toppings.
Including garlic in your pizza toppings is an excellent method to increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Garlic is a healthy ingredient because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It comes with a lot of heart-healthy benefits. Garlic also promotes good cholesterol levels and decreases your risk of heart disease.
Crushed garlic can add a lot of flavor as a pizza topping and it does not add many calories. It is a versatile ingredient that may be used in a variety of ways. To flavor your pizza toppings, use fresh garlic cloves, roasted garlic, or garlic powder.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are low in calories and high in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. They’re also high in antioxidants, including lycopene, which gives tomatoes their distinctive color and has been linked to a variety of health advantages, including a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
If you enjoy white or pesto pizza, you will most likely enjoy sliced tomatoes as a topping. Even if your pizza has tomato sauce, adding fresh, sliced tomatoes will boost the nutritional value of the meal.
Peppers
Peppers contain vitamins, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories and high in nutritional value. All types are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber.
The form of vitamin A found in orange and red peppers is beta carotene, which the body turns into active vitamin A. The orange and red hue of these peppers is due to beta-carotene.
It makes no difference which type of bell pepper you use as a topping. Red peppers have a rich, sweet flavor. Although red peppers are the most popular, other types such as green, yellow, and orange offer significant nutrients as well.
Onions
Onions have a deep, powerful flavor that not only enhances the flavor of your pizza but also provides numerous health advantages. They aid in the reduction of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Because of their high Vitamin C and fiber content, these veggies can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms provide flavor and nutrition to your pizza while adding a few calories. They are high in protein and are recommended to help men avoid prostate cancer. Mushrooms also have a high selenium content, which helps to protect the body from free radicals.
What kind of mushrooms do you use on pizza? Any type of fresh mushroom will work here, but not canned.
Spinach
Spinach is high in antioxidants and contains zeaxanthin, lutein, and iron. Zeaxanthin and lutein protect your eyes from macular degeneration, while iron helps your blood to build. Spinach also has 13 different flavonoid chemicals that can prevent cancer. With all of these nutrients, spinach is possibly the healthiest pizza topping available.
Cook the spinach before adding it to the pizza. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add garlic and cook until it is light golden. Sauté the spinach until it has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You’ve probably heard claims like “never reheat cooked spinach.” This is not true as long as you store your spinach pizza in the fridge. Check this article for more information on this topic.
Olives
Olives contain a lot of vitamin E and other antioxidants. According to research, they are healthy for the heart and may help prevent osteoporosis and cancer.
Eggplant
Eggplant is an easy and delicious addition to any healthy pizza. It is low in calories, carbohydrate, and protein while being high in fiber and minerals. Therefore, eggplant is advised for lowering caloric intake and body weight to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Thinly slice eggplant into rounds. Then, on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper, arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Brush the eggplant rounds with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake until soft, then remove from oven.
Tofu
Tofu is high in protein and fat while being low in calories. It also has a lot of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and manganese.
Tofu can be cubed or sliced. In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the tofu. Cook until the mixture turns a light brown color.
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in antioxidants, such as vitamins C, K, and A. It also contains vital minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and the reduction of inflammation.
Steam the broccoli florets in a large skillet. Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Watch out for overcooking the broccoli. You can steam the broccoli if you have a vegetable steamer basket, or you can use roasted broccoli. After draining, season with pepper and salt.
Pineapple
Perhaps one of the more disputed toppings available, and certainly not for pizza purists, but a rich source of vitamin C and manganese for those looking to add a sweet accent to their pizza. Instead of something sweet to end your meal, consider pineapple on your pizza. This delicious fruit might assist you in controlling your sugar cravings.
Poultry
Chicken is a great source of low-fat protein. Make use of grilled chicken or diced chicken.
This will not only supply more protein but will also add a delicious flavor. Shredded white meat chicken is low in fat and high in protein, iron, zinc, and potassium.
Minced meat
Meat provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as all of the essential amino acids, making it a good source of protein.
To prepare your minced meat topping, sauté the meat in a little grease and add a little bit of water and seasoning.
Seafood
Seafood is an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein that is readily absorbed. A 3.5-ounce meal of seafood has about half of an adult’s daily protein requirements while only containing 100 to 200 calories. Seafood is high in essential vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and salt.
Natural low-fat cheeses
Cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Choose natural cheeses such as feta, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or low-fat, low-sodium cheeses wherever possible. Alternatively, try a cheese-free pizza.
Mozzarella is the ideal cheese for a healthy pizza. One ounce of it contains only 70 calories.
Like other cheese, mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium and contains phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for optimal health.
Mozzarella has less fat, including saturated fat, than other forms of cheese. Use fresh mozzarella, which is lower in salt. Avoid processed, pre-shredded mozzarella.
You can also easily make your mozzarella cheese at home.
What’s your favorite pizza topping? Share with us in the comment section. Add any idea you think and tell us why it’s suitable
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I love pizza but I have been feeling guilty when I have any. After reading this article, I feel inspired to make healthier pizzas. Thank you!