Easy, Healthy Pizza Recipe

I hesitated on putting this recipe up because honestly, it's really not much of a recipe! But one of the things I hear all the time from my clients and followers is that you want more recipes that are fast and simple—and that I shouldn't assume any basic level of cooking skills, and putting it down in the form of a recipe helps! So here we go...

When I first started advertising that I had a healthy pizza recipe, I got reactions of shock and surprise—like how was it even possible??

The truth is it's not that hard. All it takes is a few simple tweaks: healthier carbs (whole grains for more vitamins and fiber), added veggies (either on the pizza or on the side), and plenty of protein (go for lean meats instead of high-fat sausage and pepperoni).

Yes, you can still have cheese! Just keep an eye on the quantity. Even though the pizza isn't smothered in it, I bet you'll find it every bit as satisfying.

So without further ado, here's the recipe. Just keep in mind that there are a million different modifications and you don't have to make it this exact way. I've put a bit of tomato sauce on the pizza before (look for no added sugar and an olive oil base). Sometimes I put the veggies right on the pizza (zucchini is great for this since you can cut it into flat slices and it bakes quickly.) I love to add olives for some healthy fats. Sometimes I use a nitrate-free turkey pepperoni for the meat, and sometimes I use ground beef. Don't be afraid to experiment!

EASY, HEALTHY PIZZA RECIPE

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb ground turkey breast

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp ground cumin

Cayenne pepper (optional)

4 mini whole grain pizza crusts or 1 large whole grain pizza crust (look for crusts with about 150 calories per serving; I like the sprouted whole wheat crusts from Angelic Bakehouse)

1 c shredded mozzarella

1 head red or green leaf lettuce

1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 375F.

Heat half of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add ground meat and stir occasionally until cooked through. Add oregano, cumin, a dash of cayenne (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/4 c water to skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until liquid cooks off.

Divide the spiced meat evenly between your four pizza crusts (or spread it over the single larger crust). then top with mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and begins to brown slightly.

To make salad, tear lettuce and toss with vinegar and the remaining olive oil.

Makes 4 servings. Container counts per serving: 1 red, 1 yellow, 2 green, 1 blue, 1 orange, 1 tsp