Pizza night just got a major makeover, thanks to this Zucchini & Carrot Crust-less Veggie Pizza! Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy pizza without the heavy carbs or gluten, this plant-based, low-carb alternative offers all the delicious flavors you crave but with a nutritious twist. Using spiralized or shredded zucchini and carrots as the base, this pizza is not only vibrant and full of color, but it’s also a great way to sneak in more veggies while enjoying a comforting meal.
This crustless veggie pizza is a real game-changer. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based goodness, it’s a dish you can feel good about eating. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can add any vegetables you like to the mix and make it your own.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free or vegan diet, or you’re simply trying to cut down on carbs, this recipe is here to provide you with a healthier, lighter option without compromising on taste. Let’s take a deep dive into why you should try making this vibrant veggie-packed pizza tonight!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Crustless: This pizza skips the carb-heavy crust, making it perfect for anyone who’s low-carb or gluten-free. No need for dough—just fresh veggies that get a crisp, golden finish in the oven.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is completely gluten-free thanks to the absence of traditional flour. Instead, chickpea flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour) is used, providing a light but firm base.
- Packed with Fiber & Color: With zucchini, carrots, and red onions, this pizza is loaded with fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are great for overall health.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to really make it your own. You can even top it with vegan cheese or any other toppings of your choice.
- Vegan Comfort Food: Comfort food that’s plant-based and nourishing—this pizza offers the best of both worlds!
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps that will get this pizza on your table.
Ingredients:
For this easy and delicious pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup zucchini, spiralized or julienned
- 1 cup carrot, spiralized or grated
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chickpea flour (besan) (or all-purpose gluten-free flour for a different option)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), for garnish
- Optional: Vegan cheese shreds for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep
First things first, get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a pizza pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This will be the base where your veggie pizza will come together, so make sure it’s ready to go.
2. Make the Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable batter that will coat the vegetables and hold everything together. If you prefer a more substantial texture, you can add a little more flour or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Chickpea flour gives this pizza base a light yet firm consistency while also providing protein and fiber. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, making it a perfect dairy-free alternative.
3. Combine the Veggies
Now, in a large mixing bowl, add your spiralized zucchini, grated carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. These three vegetables form the base of your pizza and provide an abundance of nutrients. Pour the batter you made earlier over the veggies and toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated with the batter. The batter should evenly coat the veggies, ensuring that when baked, everything holds together into a cohesive “crust.”
4. Bake the Pizza
Next, transfer the veggie-batter mixture to your prepared pizza pan and spread it out evenly to form a pizza base. You’ll want it to be about ½ inch thick. If you like, sprinkle a small handful of vegan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness. However, if you’re going for a completely dairy-free option, it’s not necessary, as the nutritional yeast already gives it a cheesy flavor.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center becomes firm to the touch. Depending on your oven, you may want to check it after about 20 minutes to make sure it’s cooking evenly. The aroma will be incredible, and soon enough, you’ll have a perfectly cooked crustless veggie pizza.
5. Slice & Serve
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the pizza firm up and make it easier to slice. After a slight cool down, slice the pizza into wedges and garnish it with some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even some fresh basil for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your gluten-free, vegan, and healthy pizza!
Why This Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Pizza Is Perfect For Your Diet:
If you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a lighter, healthier meal, this recipe has you covered. Let’s break down the benefits of some of the key ingredients:
Zucchini:
Zucchini is a low-calorie, low-carb vegetable that’s rich in water and fiber. It helps hydrate your body while providing essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Zucchini is also a great source of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Carrots:
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. Additionally, carrots provide a good dose of fiber and potassium, both of which contribute to digestive health.
Chickpea Flour (Besan):
Chickpea flour is made from ground chickpeas and is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to regular flour. It’s high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate. The flour helps give structure to the pizza while also adding a subtle nutty flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
Nutritional Yeast:
Nutritional yeast is a vegan-friendly ingredient that mimics the taste of cheese. It’s packed with B-vitamins, especially B12, which can sometimes be lacking in a plant-based diet. It also provides an umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s packed with curcumin, a compound that helps reduce inflammation in the body and may provide pain relief. Plus, turmeric adds a lovely golden hue to the pizza and a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Customizing Your Pizza:
While this pizza recipe is perfect as it is, feel free to get creative with your toppings and ingredients. Here are some ideas for making it your own:
- Add More Veggies:
Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted tomatoes. This recipe is very flexible, and you can customize it to your taste preferences. - Add Protein:
Want to make the pizza even more filling? Consider adding some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a handful of crumbled vegan sausage on top before baking. - Spicy Option:
If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the pizza before serving. - Cheesy Topping:
While the pizza is already “cheesy” thanks to the nutritional yeast, feel free to top it with some shredded vegan cheese or even a drizzle of cashew cream for a richer texture.
Conclusion:
This Zucchini & Carrot Crust-less Veggie Pizza is the perfect solution for those looking for a lighter, healthier pizza option that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to enjoy a delicious and guilt-free meal, this crustless veggie pizza is bound to become a new favorite.
Try it tonight and give your taste buds a treat while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Happy cooking! 🍕🌱
