This vegan pizza recipe is a delicious, plant-based alternative that is packed with nutrients, fiber, and flavor. With a colorful assortment of fresh veggies and a creamy cashew-based cheese, this pizza is low in saturated fats and offers plenty of vitamins A, C, and K. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, making it a lighter, guilt-free option for pizza lovers looking to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on taste.
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 4 (8 slices)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 vegan pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup cashew cheese (or vegan mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to warm up. Roll out the vegan pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Let it rest for a few minutes for easier handling.
Step 2: Layer the Sauce and Cheese
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Spread the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spoon small dollops of cashew cheese or sprinkle vegan mozzarella evenly across the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and spinach leaves on top of the cheese layer. Feel free to add or reduce the amount of each vegetable to your preference.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Drizzle a little olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Carefully transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve while still hot.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Pizza
When making vegan pizza, experiment with a variety of vegetables for added color and taste. Cashew cheese is a great alternative to traditional cheese, as it provides a creamy texture that complements the crunch of the vegetables. Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet will help achieve a crispy crust, especially if you prefer thin-crust pizza. You can also add toppings like mushrooms, artichokes, or even jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
Feel free to make small additions or omissions to suit your personal taste.
