Grab a Slice for National Pizza Day!

This year National Pizza Day is February 9 — the day we celebrate all its indulgent, cheesy, melty, goodness. But while you might think of pizza as an overindulgence, the very first pizzas made during the 10^th century in Naples, Italy were simple. Just a crisp crust, herbs & spices, and a variety of fresh toppings — a world away from the overtopped, overstuffed pizzas you see today. 

By creating your own pizza with fresh veggies, lean meats, and homemade crust and sauce, you can enjoy all the deliciousness without the food coma. 

Here’s a few of our favorite ‘za recipes to get you started!

Mediterranean Cauliflower Pizza: If you’re gluten-free or just watching your carbs, pizza made with a cauliflower crust is an excellent option. Plus, it’s high in vitamin C, helps strengthen immunity, and it’s low in calories. Try this version with black olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Broccoli Rabe & Chicken White Pizza: Bring on the broccoli! (Or broccoli rabe! Or broccolini!) Loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, iron, and potassium, broccoli also has more protein compared to other vegetables. Paired with white meat chicken on top of a whole wheat crust and topped with ricotta, it’s as tasty as it is healthy.

Thin-Crust Tomato-Mozzarella Pizza: A thin lavash crust and fresh tomatoes, onions, and basil make this recipe reminiscent of authentic Italian pizza. And it’s just as colorful on your plate as it is in nutrients like folate, vitamin C, and potassium. Ricotta combined with mozzarella give it a creamy, melty touch.

Crispy Kale and Egg Pita Pizza: Pizza and eggs? Absolutely. These individual pizzas are perfect for breakfast, but they’re so tasty, you might snack on them all day long. Eggs provide an extra pop of protein, while kale is packed with vitamin C and is known to improve heart health, protect against disease, and aid in weight loss.

Spring Pizza: Did someone say asparagus on a pizza? It’s not only low in calories, it’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as folate, and vitamins, A, C, and K. Made with a whole wheat crust, it provides plenty of fiber to help you feel full and satisfied. (For extra immune health, add extra garlic!)

Shrimp and Red Pepper Pita Pizzas: Shrimp is low in calories yet high in protein, plus it can boost heart, thyroid, and brain health. Make these individual pizzas as your entrée or surprise your guests with a unique and healthy appetizer at your next gathering.

Sausage, Pepper, & Mushroom: Swap out traditional sausage for lean Italian turkey sausage, and you’ll drastically cut down on fat, calories, and sodium. Topped with fresh green bell peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella, this recipe is as flavorful and tempting as the real thing.

Try one of the recipes above or be creative and create your own unique pizza. Serving up a personalized pizza you don’t have to feel guilty about is definitely a reason to celebrate any time of the year.