Looking for a delicious pizza recipe that won't wreck your diet? Look no further than this 1/3 pizza (104 g) Cornmeal Crust Pizza with Spinach, Kalamata, Feta Cheese & Red Bell Pepper! With just 260 calories, you can indulge in a slice (or two) without any guilt.
But not only is this pizza low in calories, it's also packed with nutrients. The spinach and red bell pepper toppings are especially healthy, providing a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Keep reading to learn more!
In this article, we'll explore everything from the nutritional content of this pizza to tips for making it even healthier. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or an amateur in the kitchen, you're sure to find something useful here.
The ingredients of the pizza
To make this delicious pizza, you'll need the following ingredients: 1/3 cornmeal pizza crust (104 g)
1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped spinach leaves Note: You can easily customize this pizza to your liking by swapping out any of the toppings for your favorites.
Calories in a portion of the pizza
As mentioned earlier, one slice (1/3 of the pizza) contains 260 calories. This is based on the specific ingredients and amounts listed above. If you make any substitutions, the calorie count may be different.
The health benefits of the spinach and red bell pepper toppings
Spinach and red bell peppers are both incredibly healthy toppings for this pizza. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Red bell peppers are also high in vitamin C, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene. Together, these toppings provide a nutritional boost to this already delicious pizza.
The sodium content of the pizza
One potential concern with pizza is its high sodium content. However, this particular recipe is relatively low in sodium, with just under 500 mg per serving. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can further reduce this amount by using low-sodium marinara sauce or omitting the olives, which are a relatively salty topping.
The fat content of the pizza
This pizza is relatively low in fat, with just under 8 grams per serving. The majority of the fat comes from the feta cheese and olives, which are both sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, if you're looking to reduce your fat intake further, you can use reduced-fat feta cheese or omit the olives altogether.
The protein content of the pizza
Each serving of this pizza contains just over 11 grams of protein, thanks primarily to the cheese and olives. Protein is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
The fiber content of the pizza
This pizza is a good source of fiber, with over 4 grams per serving. Most of the fiber comes from the veggies and the crust, which contains whole-grain cornmeal. Fiber is important for digestive health and can also help you feel fuller for longer.
Suggestions to make the pizza healthier
While this pizza is already quite healthy, there are a few things you can do to make it even better for you. Here are some suggestions: 1. Use whole-wheat pizza crust instead of cornmeal crust for an even bigger fiber boost.
2. Choose low-sodium marinara sauce and low-fat cheese to further reduce the sodium and fat content.
3. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or onions to bulk up the nutrient content even more.
4. Serve the pizza with a side salad to increase your veggie intake even further.
How to prepare this pizza at home
Ready to try making this pizza for yourself? Here's how: 1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Place your cornmeal crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle the feta cheese, olives, red bell pepper, and spinach over the sauce.
5. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Alternatives to the toppings used in the pizza
While this pizza is delicious as is, there are plenty of other toppings you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas: 1. Swap out the spinach for kale or arugula.
2. Try using different types of cheese, like goat cheese or mozzarella.
3. Add some heat with jalapenos or crushed red pepper.
4. Experiment with different veggie combos, like broccoli and bell pepper or tomato and mushroom.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Cornmeal Crust Pizza with Spinach, Kalamata, Feta Cheese & Red Bell Pepper
1. How many servings are in a full pizza?
A full pizza weighs approximately 312g, meaning it contains 3 servings of the Cornmeal Crust Pizza with Spinach, Kalamata, Feta Cheese & Red Bell Pepper.
2. Is the crust gluten-free?
No, the crust is made with cornmeal and wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free.
3. Can I customize the toppings?
Unfortunately, the toppings cannot be customized, as this pizza is pre-made and sold as is.
4. Is the pizza vegetarian?
Yes, this pizza is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal products.
5. Is the pizza spicy?
The pizza has a mild level of spice, as the red bell pepper and feta cheese provide some heat, but it is not overly spicy.