No Longer a Guilty Pleasure: How to Make Your Pizza ‘Clean’

You don’t have to give up pizza to eat cleaner and healthier. That’s right, for those of you who seem to fail miserably because a warm, gooey pizza is your weakness, look no further. There are so many ways to make your pizzas exponentially better for you than what you are probably used to. You can indulge in those wonderful flavors and feel good about it. All it takes is a little extra time and effort, but in the end, you’ll be satisfied and you won’t feel guilty. Here are some ways to make your pizza “clean.”

>> Check out this recipe: Ultimate Pizza Quesadilla

CLEAN CRUST

Cauliflower Crust: This is probably one of the sneakiest ways to eat healthier. It’s simple, gluten-free and low in carbs. The texture is a little different than your traditional pizza, but it’s flavorful and not as greasy. You will not regret opting for this substitute. Click here for the recipe for a cauliflower crust!

>> Click here for more ways to cook with cauliflower!

Quinoa Crust: Here is another gluten-free option that also fits into a vegan diet. It’s easy and full of protein! Oatmeal With A Fork offers a recipe that is soft in the middle, crunchy on the edges and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings.

Chickpea Flour Crust: The chickpea flour crust is another gluten-free version that The Colorful Kitchen claims can be put together in the time it would take to order a pizza.

Spinach Crust: Healthy, gluten-free and low-carb, this green version of your pizza base isn’t quite as pretty and has a slightly different consistency, but it’s so delicious and full of all the heart-healthy benefits of spinach. Check out this version of a spinach crust from Jo and Sue.

CLEAN SAUCE

Homemade Tomato Sauce: Store-bought tomato sauce can have a lot of added sodium and sugar. Opt for homemade sauce for your pizza so you can control the calories. Also, creating something with more flavor will help avoid adding excess amounts of cheese because you won’t need it. This homemade tomato sauce from Wellness Mama is a good place to start.

Garlic Coconut Sauce: Pizza sauce doesn’t have to be red to be oh-so delicious. Try a white sauce, like this coconut and garlic sauce that packs a flavor punch while still achieving your clean eating goals. Vegan Family Recipes has a great recipe for this white sauce option.

>> Read more: 10 Totally Awesome Ways to Cook With Tomatoes

Pesto Sauce: Basil pesto sauce is a unique but flavorful alternative to traditional pizza sauce. It pairs well with so many different veggies. Click here for a pesto sauce recipe from The Kitchn.

Hummus: That’s right. Just spread your favorite hummus flavor and top with some protein and veggies and you’re good to go. This Skinny Buffalo Hummus would go great with some grilled chicken and peppers!

CLEAN TOPPINGS

Meat: Think beyond traditional pepperonis and get creative with your protein. Try grilled chicken, chicken sausage, tofu and turkey pepperoni for some great alternatives for your meat lover’s pizza. You can even try some grilled salmon.

Beans: Make your pizza with a Mexican food twist. Add black beans, corn, lettuce and drizzled hot sauce. Use one of the crust alternatives for this Black Bean Pizza recipe from Fitness Magazine.

Vegetables: Add every variety of vegetables to your pizza like peppers, onions, asparagus, zucchini, spinach, kale, peppers, squash and artichokes. The options truly are endless and will provide a healthy source of nutrients that make every bite worth it.

Getting creative with your pizza could be the ticket to sticking to a clean diet. Pizza doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure! Try putting together a pizza bar with all your toppings laid out and tailor your recipe to all of your favorite flavors. You can even try making personal pizzas so everyone is happy. For more healthy pizza recipes, check out this article with 15 Healthy Homemade Pizza Recipes.

>> Try this recipe: Cauliflower and Quinoa Pizza Sticks