Pizza is often seen as an indulgence, a guilty pleasure not compatible with a healthy lifestyle. The good news is that doesn’t have to be the case! With an array of healthy pizza toppings to choose from, your pizza night can be both satisfying and nutritious. Read more about some of the best healthy pizza options that can turn a traditional pizza into a nutrient-dense meal.
A few favorites often come to mind when it comes to the most popular healthy pizza toppings. Fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach are always a hit due to their high vitamin content and low calories. In terms of proteins, lean options like chicken, turkey, or plant-based proteins such as black beans, and heart-healthy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or feta are widely popular.
The Health Benefits of Homemade Pizza
Making your own pizza is an easy way to control what goes into your food. Homemade pizza recipes allow for the use of whole grains in the pizza dough, or alternative bases like cauliflower crust or almond flour, which are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.
Using homemade pizza sauce, like tomato sauce, rather than store-bought varieties can reduce the amount of hydrogenated oils and hidden sugars in your meal. Additionally, using olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, instead of butter or margarine can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
To read more about healthy pizza bases and sauces, head over to Pizza Toppings List.
50 Healthy Pizza Toppings
When we think of healthy foods, pizza toppings may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, here are 50 healthy toppings that can add much flavor and nutritional benefits to your homemade pizza recipe:
- Olive Oil
- Red Peppers
- Tomato Sauce
- Red Onions
- Mozzarella Cheese (in moderation)
- Lean Proteins like Chicken or Turkey
- Fresh Basil
- Whole Grains (as a base)
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Black Olives
- Green Peppers
- Cauliflower (as a base or topping)
- Lean Meat (Turkey, Chicken)
- Balsamic Glaze (in moderation)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Sweet Potato
- Whole Wheat Flour (as a base)
- Fresh Veggies like Spinach, Arugula, Broccoli
- Artichoke Hearts
- Pine Nuts
- Turkey Pepperoni
- Black Beans
- Goat Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Oregano)
- Almond Flour (as a base)
- Refried Beans
- High Protein Cheese like Ricotta
- Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Avocado
- Tofu
- Quinoa (as a base)
- Beets
- Feta Cheese
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Jalapenos
- Pumpkin
- Walnuts
- Asparagus
- Blueberries
- Provolone Cheese
- Egg (Cooked)
- Kale
- Pumpkin Seeds
As you can see, the best part about making your own pizza is the sheer variety of healthy pizza toppings available to you. Not only do these ingredients taste great, but they also provide a host of health benefits.
For a deep dive into how each topping can influence the nutrition of your pizza, check out Can You Eat Pizza On A Diet?
Why Choose Healthy Toppings?
The vitamins and minerals found in the above toppings can boost your immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, and even aid weight loss. Toppings rich in Vitamin C, such as red peppers and tomatoes, help combat free radicals and are an excellent source of vitamins. Lean proteins and high protein pizza toppings such as chicken or turkey pepperoni can satisfy your pizza cravings without the high fat content of traditional pizzas.
Opting for a thin crust pizza can lower the calorie count, while using fresh mozzarella rather than processed cheese can decrease sodium intake. A drizzle of heart-healthy olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh basil can add a strong flavor without resorting to excess cheese or salt.
Questions Answered
What are the healthiest toppings on pizza? The healthiest pizza toppings are fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and herbs. They add nutrients without contributing too many extra calories. Examples include bell peppers, red onions, spinach, lean turkey, and fresh basil. Read more about healthy topping combinations at Best 2 Topping Pizza Combinations.
What are the healthiest protein toppings on pizza? The healthiest protein toppings on pizza are lean meats such as chicken or turkey. Other high-protein options include tofu, black beans, and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
What veggies are healthy on pizza? Any fresh veggies are healthy on a pizza. Some great options include bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, arugula, and red onions.
What is the lowest calorie pizza topping? Vegetables are the lowest calorie pizza toppings. Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes add lots of flavor without adding many calories.
What style of pizza is healthier? Thin crust pizza, especially when made with whole wheat flour or other whole grains, tends to be healthier than thick crust pizza as it contains fewer carbs and calories. Opting for a pizza laden with fresh veggies and lean proteins over one heavy on cheese and fatty meats also makes for a healthier choice.
To find out if your favorite Supreme Pizza can be a healthy choice, visit Is Supreme Pizza Healthy For You?.
Conclusion
You don’t have to give up your favorite food to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With these healthy pizza toppings and some conscious choices, you can enjoy your Friday night pizza without the guilt. So, the next time you’re thinking about pizza, remember that the healthiest pizza is the one you make yourself. With endless combinations of healthy ingredients, every pizza night can be a new adventure in flavor and nutrition.