People choose to eat vegan for many reasons. It’s a healthy way of living that benefits the planet as well as our animal friends. However, those not well-versed in plant-based nutrition might think a vegan diet is boring and limiting. Thankfully, that’s not the case at all. There is a vegan-friendly version of every dish out there. Even vegan pizza exists. Once you have a vegan pizza crust, there are tons of toppings you can put on it to make a pizza that is delicious and very appealing. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your vegan pizza journey Using Sweet Potatoes The possibilities for pizza toppings are limited only by your imagination. Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A and potassium. Surprisingly, due to their savoury and slightly sweet flavour, they also go great on pizza. Roast and sprinkle them onto your pizza for a unique taste. Don’t forget to add a pinch of garlic salt to amp up the flavour. Customizing an Ordered Pizza If you’re not in the mood to cook your own vegan pizza at home, you can always order out. Depending on where you live, most restaurants don’t have a vegan pie on their menu, but you can customize it yourself with a few of these tips. First, ask whether or not they carry an egg-free or dairy-free crust. Secondly, ask about their sauces—some may contain dairy. Next, ask to omit the cheese and meat and add your favourite vegetables. Using Beans & Salsa For a more protein-packed option, you can replace traditional toppings with beans and salsa. Beans are one of the healthiest superfoods out there. They are packed with loads of protein and fibre. They are also extremely filling and can make for a unique culinary experience. For a Southwestern-inspired pie, add black beans, salsa, guacamole and corn to a vegan pizza crust. For a Mediterranean-inspired pizza, consider adding chickpeas, hummus and wilted kale for a healthy and satisfying option. Utilizing Your Vegan Cheese Options In case you miss cheese and want to add that creamy texture back to your pizza, there are a few alternatives you can use instead. Avocado, hummus, and vegan cashew cream are all healthy and satisfying options. Furthermore, most health stores carry vegan mozzarella that melts just like the real thing. A vegan diet can be just as delicious, filling and healthy as a meat-based one. You just have to get a little creative sometimes. For example, sweet potatoes, beans and salsa are surprising but flavourful toppings you can swap out in the place of meat and cheese. If you’re looking for some good beans to try on your pizza, try one of these options!
