Healthy Pizza Base That Balances Taste and Nutrition

Pizza is classified as fast food, and some types of pizza are not good to consume in large portions or too often because they can have a negative impact on your health. However, not all pizza is unhealthy. If you use a healthier version of pizza that undergoes the proper process and utilises healthy ingredients, you will actually reap numerous nutritional benefits for your body. Here is an explanation of how to create a healthy pizza base that supports your dietary needs while still tasting delicious.

What Makes a Pizza Base Healthy?

Start with a healthy crust

The base ingredients of pizza are the dough and crust, and they are one of the determining factors of whether your pizza is healthy or not. There are several ingredients that make pizza dough more nutritious, such as using whole grains like wheat, which are gluten-free options. Unlike regular flour, they provide many additional nutrients, such as high fibre, which aids digestion and offers longer-lasting energy, ensuring you don't feel sluggish after your meal.

Get cheesy (in moderation)

Pizza and cheese are the best combination for a flavorful taste. The chewy texture of cheese also makes it more interesting and fun to eat. However, you can have cheesy pizza and still be healthy if you use the right amount. Using too much cheese will make your pizza very high in calories. Moreover, it would be better if you use lighter cheeses such as part-skim mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.

Pick lean proteins

You can add nutritional content like protein to your pizza to make it even healthier. Generally, healthy pizza options use ingredients or lean meats like chicken, lean cuts of beef, and turkey to get higher protein content. These ingredients also have a low fat content. If you're looking to cut down on calories, using a smaller portion of protein or opting for plant-based alternatives is a great way to go.

Be smart about sauce

Sauce is also often considered an unhealthy ingredient, especially when consumed in large quantities. However, not all pizza sauces are unhealthy; it depends on how the sauce is prepared and the ingredients it contains. You can make homemade traditional pizza sauce using tomatoes, along with other ingredients like salt, pepper, or your preferred seasonings, to suit your taste. Making pizza sauce the traditional way is much healthier than buying sauce from the store, which contains preservatives and other additives.

Pile on the veggies

One of the best ways to boost the nutrition of your pizza is by piling on the vegetables. Vegetables not only add great flavour and texture but also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Try toppings like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes. These veggies are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them perfect for a healthy pizza. They'll help fill you up without adding excess calories. So don't be afraid to load your pizza with greens, reds, and yellows.

Popular Types of Healthy Pizza Bases

Sweet Potato Pizza Base

Using plant-based ingredients is one of the most effective ways to make healthy pizza options. You can use sweet potatoes as your pizza base and crust. Sweet potatoes are known for their delicious, soft taste and offer many nutritional benefits to the body. Using them as a base ingredient is a wise choice, making it an ideal option for those with dietary restrictions.

Zucchini Pizza Base

Zucchini is also an ingredient that goes very well with pizza! It is versatile and blends well with pizza dough and other ingredients. Moreover, its fresh taste, similar to basil, makes it perfect for consumption anytime, anywhere! With many nutritional benefits, such as vitamins, including vitamin C and potassium, it is an excellent option for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. 

Cauliflower Pizza Base

If you're looking for a healthy, low-carb, high-fibre pizza, try a cauliflower pizza base. This type of pizza is loved by people who are dieting and watching their calorie intake because it is low in calories but also meets nutritional needs.  It's also rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.

Eggplant Pizza Base

Pizza with cheese or pepperoni is a classic pizza that can be found anywhere. However, for people who want to try a new and more unique flavour, eggplant pizza base is one of the best options. Not only is it a unique type of pizza, but it is also rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium. Eggplant aids digestion and can improve heart health. This makes it a healthy pizza that also provides a fun experience for those who eat it.

Quinoa Pizza Base

Quinoa is also a good choice for a pizza base ingredient. It is also suitable for individuals who enjoy exercising, as it is high in protein. It is also an appropriate choice for those with gluten sensitivities. You also get a unique and different pizza flavour because quinoa adds a nutty flavour to pizza!

Topping Suggestions for a Nutritious Pizza

Protein

Meat

Pizza is a very versatile food and can be combined with many ingredients as toppings. Using healthy ingredients will make your pizza healthier, too! You can add meat like grilled chicken, turkey, or lean beef to get higher protein content. These options provide you with the necessary protein while keeping the fat content lower than that of traditional high-fat meats, such as pepperoni or sausage.

Tofu

Tofu can also be a topping option that makes the texture of your pizza softer in every bite. It has a smooth and silky texture, and is also suitable for seasoning with various spices. To enhance the overall flavour of your tofu pizza, consider marinating or grilling it. Moreover, it is also a very healthy ingredient because tofu is low in calories but high in protein. 

Beans

Another ingredient that can boost the nutritional content of your pizza is beans, which can also be a vegetarian pizza option. They are high in protein and fibre, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Beans also come in various types and shapes, allowing you to be more creative in crafting your pizza according to your preferences. You can use black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans as toppings for your pizza. 

Veggies

Roasted veg

The key to making a healthy pizza is adding some veggies that are rich in minerals and vitamins. However, to maintain a unique and smoky flavour, you can use roasted vegetables instead of fresh ones, as their texture and taste will be different. Moreover, you can combine various roasted veggies for a colourful and flavour-packed topping that will make your pizza both nutritious and satisfying.

Greens

Greens can also be a good option to add as toppings to your pizza. Greens that are commonly used in toppings are spinach, kale, or arugula, which contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your overall health. For the best results, you can add leafy greens after the pizza is baked to get a fresher taste.  

Fruit

Pineapple

Adding some fruit to your pizza can make it look more colourful and appealing! However, it not only offers visual appeal, but it can also be a nutritional boost to your pizza. You can use pineapple as a topping to get vitamin C, which supports immune health, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Eating pineapple pizza is not only refreshing and unique, but it also provides many health benefits.

Pear

Pears are an excellent fruit topping for a more sophisticated pizza. The sweetness of a pear complements rich cheeses like gorgonzola or brie and works wonderfully with roasted nuts and herbs. Moreover, ears are a great source of fibre and antioxidants, which help support digestive health. Slice them thinly and scatter them on top of your pizza for a light, refreshing, and nutritious topping that adds a new dimension to your pizza.

Avocado

To achieve a creamy texture on your pizza, avocado is one of the fruits and ingredients that works well as a topping. Not only does it add texture to your pizza, but it is also packed with healthy fats, keeping you full longer than other types of pizza. They also contain potassium and fibre, making them a nutritious addition to any pizza.

Cheese

Goats Cheese

Goat cheese is a lighter alternative to traditional cheeses like mozzarella. It's creamy and tangy, adding a unique flavour to your pizza. Goat cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses and provides a good source of protein. Its slightly tart flavour pairs well with vegetables, herbs, and even fruits like figs or pears. Use goat cheese in moderation for a creamy, indulgent topping that's still relatively healthy.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a fresh, creamy cheese that works wonderfully on healthy pizzas. It's lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses and offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour. Ricotta is packed with protein and calcium, which help promote strong bones and muscles. You can try ricotta in your pizza. Spread a thin layer of ricotta on your pizza or use it as a base for other toppings, such as spinach or mushrooms. It's a light yet satisfying cheese that complements a variety of pizza recipes.

A healthy pizza base can be both nutritious and delicious when you choose the right ingredients. Whether you're opting for a sweet potato, cauliflower, or quinoa base, there are plenty of options to keep your pizza light and satisfying. At Piccolino, they also offer gluten-free pizza bases to cater to all dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a tasty, healthy pizza. Ready to try a healthier pizza? 

Head to Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta and explore their menu for a pizza that's both good for you and full of flavour!