Bushra Griffith
Veggie pizza is a delicious and healthy meal option, but is it still nutritious without cheese? The answer is yes! Removing cheese from veggie pizza creates room for more whole plant foods rich in nutrients and flavour. This option is also perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. You can add various vegetables, herbs, and spices to your pizza, such as spinach, bell peppers, artichoke, basil, and oregano. So, if you're looking for a fun and creative way to eat healthily, veggie pizza without cheese is an excellent choice.
Is veggie pizza without cheese healthy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthy | Yes, veggie pizza without cheese is healthy. It is a great option for those with dietary restrictions and can be loaded with fresh, colourful vegetables. |
| Customizable | Yes, you can mix and match as many herbs, spices, and veggies as you like. |
| Quick and easy | Yes, it can be made in 20 minutes or less, making it perfect for meal prepping or a quick weekend meal. |
| Nutritional value | Veggie pizza without cheese can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre, depending on the toppings used. |
| Dairy-free | Yes, veggie pizza without cheese is dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. |
| Taste | Opinions vary on the taste of cheese-less pizza. Some people enjoy it, while others find it less delicious than pizza with cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Veggie pizza toppings
A pizza loaded with vegetables is a healthier option than a traditional pizza. The veggies add fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meal. Plus, they are low in calories, making them a perfect addition to your pizza if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
There are many vegetable toppings to choose from that can complement your pizza. Here are some ideas for veggie pizza toppings:
Spinach
Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it can be added to pizzas with a variety of other toppings. It goes well with mushrooms and pesto sauce.
Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are a classic option for a veggie pizza. They are full of flavour and can be combined with other toppings like basil.
Peppers
Bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or jalapenos can add a burst of colour and flavour to your pizza. They go well with BBQ sauce and onions.
Artichokes
Artichoke hearts add a tangy, briny flavour to pizzas and pair well with peppers and onions.
Onions
Red onions are a common choice for veggie pizzas as they add a sweet flavour when cooked. You can also add quick-pickled red onions for a tangy flavour.
Other Topping Ideas
Some other healthy veggie toppings include broccoli, mushrooms, olives, basil, arugula, kale, eggplant, and almonds.
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Nutritional value
A veggie pizza without cheese can be a healthy meal option, especially when topped with nutrient-rich vegetables and served in appropriate portions.
The nutritional value of a veggie pizza without cheese depends on the ingredients used, including the type of crust, sauce, and toppings. A typical veggie pizza may include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and artichokes. These vegetables contribute to a healthy diet by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. For example, bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, while spinach is rich in iron and calcium.
When cheese is omitted from veggie pizza, it creates an opportunity to include a greater variety and quantity of vegetables, thereby enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish. Additional toppings such as arugula, kale, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes can further boost the vitamin and mineral content of the pizza. Moreover, opting for a whole-grain or gluten-free crust can increase the fibre content and make the pizza more nutritious.
While cheese adds protein and calcium to a pizza, it is also high in fat and calories. Vegan cheese alternatives, such as those made from plant-based oils, may be lower in cholesterol but are still highly processed and not necessarily beneficial for cardiovascular health. Therefore, a cheese-less veggie pizza can be a healthier option, especially for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake or follow a plant-based diet.
Preparing a veggie pizza at home allows for greater control over the ingredients and their nutritional value. Homemade pizzas can be customised with various herbs, spices, and vegetable toppings to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Additionally, using minimal oil and choosing low-fat sauces can further enhance the nutritional profile of the pizza.
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Vegan cheese alternatives
Vegan cheese is a great alternative to dairy cheese, as it is made from wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, or beans. While it may not have replicated the taste and texture of dairy cheese 100%, it is a good option for those who are vegan or dairy-free. Here are some vegan cheese alternatives that you can use on your veggie pizza:
Nut-Based Vegan Cheeses
Some people recommend nut-based vegan cheeses over those made with coconut oil. Cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are commonly used in vegan cheese.
Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative
Kite Hill Foods offers an almond-based vegan cream cheese with a subtle tang. It is made with wholesome ingredients and can be used in recipes or spread on a bagel.
Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative
This vegan feta cheese has a rich, savory flavor and a creamy texture. It can be used in pasta salads, baked with vegetables, or crumbled on top of a Greek salad.
Miyoko's Creamery Cheese Wheels
Miyoko's Creamery offers spreadable cheese wheels made with wholesome ingredients. They can be enjoyed on baguettes, crackers, or crudites.
Babybel Plant-Based Cheese Rounds
Babybel's plant-based cheese rounds have received positive reviews for their taste and convenience. They can be eaten as a snack or spread on bread.
Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles
Follow Your Heart's feta crumbles are a good option for those who want a vegan feta that melts well. It is also allergen-friendly and can be used in pasta salads or on oven-baked flatbread.
In addition to these options, there are other vegan cheese alternatives available in the market, including hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and cheese spreads. You can also get creative and use avocado, guacamole, or tahini as cheese alternatives on your pizza.
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Pickled toppings
Pickles are a great way to add a playful, crunchy, and tangy twist to your veggie pizza. The briny flavour and crunchy texture of pickles can elevate your pizza experience, and the best part is that you can use a variety of pickles, not just dill cucumber pickles. Try experimenting with pickled red onions, spicy mango pickles, kimchi, giardiniera, or even pickled lemons!
If you're a pickle lover, you can also add a tiny bit of the brine to your pizza for an extra kick. You can also add a creamy element to your pizza by using a garlic sauce as your base and topping it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some protein like ham or Canadian bacon.
When using pickles as a topping, it's best to slice them thinly so they don't weigh down your pizza. You can also chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If you're making a cheese-less pizza, pickles are a great way to add that salty, tangy flavour without the cheese.
So, if you're looking to add a unique twist to your veggie pizza, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pickles. You might just find your new favourite pizza topping!
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Pizza dough
Pizza is a delicious comfort food that can be made healthier by substituting some of its ingredients. The pizza dough is a crucial component, and there are several ways to make it healthier without compromising on taste.
Firstly, let's talk about flour. The type of flour used can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the pizza dough. Traditional pizza dough is made with white flour, which is highly processed and stripped of many essential nutrients. A healthier alternative is to use whole wheat flour, which retains the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat grain, offering more fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Whole wheat flour also has a lower glycaemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it's important to note that whole wheat flour may not rise as high as white flour, resulting in a denser pizza base. For those who prefer a lighter and fluffier texture, white whole wheat flour is an option that provides the benefits of whole grains without an overpowering wheat flavour. Additionally, some people may choose to use gluten-free flour, such as a blend of rice and potato flour, to cater to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Another innovative option for pizza dough is Greek yoghurt. This type of dough is made by combining Greek yoghurt with flour and requires no yeast or rise time. Greek yoghurt provides a good dose of protein and results in a tasty and healthier crust. It's a quick and easy option for those who want to enjoy a more nutritious pizza without spending too much time in the kitchen.
When it comes to making pizza dough, it's essential to consider the role of yeast. Yeast is a microorganism that feeds on sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that causes the dough to rise. The type of yeast used can impact the flavour and texture of the dough. Active dry yeast, for example, is a common choice that needs to be activated in warm water before use. Instant yeast, on the other hand, can be mixed directly into the flour, making it a more convenient option. Fresh yeast, also known as cake yeast, has a higher moisture content and provides a more robust rise, but it can be harder to find in stores.
Lastly, let's talk about the process of making pizza dough and some tips to ensure a delicious and healthy outcome. Making homemade pizza dough allows you to control the ingredients and their quality. It's important to measure the flour accurately, and the "spoon and swoop" method is recommended. This involves gently stirring the flour with a spoon to loosen it, spooning it into the measuring cup, and then levelling it off with a knife. Over-handling the dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough texture, so be gentle when kneading and shaping the dough. Additionally, allowing the dough to rest for a short period after mixing can make it easier to roll out. For whole wheat dough, a longer rest time of about 3 hours is recommended to allow the grain to absorb the liquid fully and develop a better texture.
In conclusion, there are several ways to make pizza dough healthier. Using alternative flours like whole wheat or white whole wheat, incorporating Greek yoghurt, and paying attention to the type of yeast and measuring techniques can all contribute to a more nutritious and delicious pizza base. By making informed choices and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create a healthier pizza dough that suits your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, veggie pizza without cheese is healthy. Removing cheese from pizza gives room for more whole plant foods that are full of healthy nutrients and flavour.
Some veggie pizza topping options without cheese are bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, olives, red onions, artichokes, broccoli, almonds, arugula, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
Some alternatives to cheese on veggie pizza are dairy-free cheese, plant-based cheese, vegan mozzarella, and vegan cheese sauce.
