Locations:
Search IconSearch

Recipe: Pizza With Arugula, Sautéed Veggies and Goat Cheese

As an appetizer or the main course, this pizza will please

Whole arugula, veggie and goat cheese pizza, with one piece cut, with asparagus in background

Craving pizza? Look no further than this delicious and heart-healthy pizza recipe. It’s a perfect appetizer to serve to guests or it’s an easy meal to dish up for the family. You can feel confident that you’re not only creating a mouthwatering dish, but you’re also helping keep hearts healthy!

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1/3 pound asparagus, tough ends removed, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cremini mushrooms, very thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 ounces baby arugula
  • 1 10-ounce prepared thin whole-wheat pizza shell
  • 5 ounces reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled
  • Olive oil cooking spray

Directions

  1. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500 F or preheat oven according pizza shell package.
  2. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, asparagus and mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the vinegar and cook over medium-high heat for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Mound the arugula on the pizza shell, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Spread the cooked vegetables over the arugula. Drizzle with the vinegar remaining in the pan. Top with goat cheese and coat with cooking spray.
  4. Carefully place the pizza on the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or according to the package, until the crust is crisp and the cheese begins to soften. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes.
  5. Slice into wedges and serve.

Advertisement

Ingredient health benefits

  • Extra virgin olive oil: This cooking oil hardly needs an introduction these days. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is loaded with fat-soluble vitamins that support essential aspects of your health, like your eyes and bones. It’s also an excellent source of heart-helpful unsaturated fats that raise your “good” (HDL) cholesterol and reduce your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. EVOO may even have properties that help protect your cells from diseases like cancer as part of a well-balanced eating plan.
  • Onions: Behind all those papery layers is a treasure trove of nutrition for any meal! Onions are full of prebiotics and fiber to support your digestion by feeding your “good” gut bacteria and helping to keep things “on schedule.” These common kitchen alliums are also full of flavonoids that lower inflammation to protect your cells from damage and potential disease. A flavonoid called quercetin, in particular, supports your heart health and may fight bacteria that can make you sick.
  • Garlic: Another exceptional allium, garlic is so beneficial, that it’s often considered a superfood. It may help boost your immunity as part of a nutritious eating plan, and it has natural compounds that may kill bad bacteria. And that’s not all! Eating garlic on the regular might also help lower your blood pressure.
  • Red bell pepper: That satisfying crunch comes with a lot of perks. Red bell peppers have anthocyanins, natural pigments that give the peppers their delectable red and can support your heart and brain health. There are also important vitamins like vitamin B6, vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients go a long way in promoting good vision, a thriving immune system and happy blood cells.
  • Asparagus: On a pizza? You bet! This stalky vegetable is loaded with fiber to help support your gut microbiome, as well as antioxidants that help fight harmful free radicals. Asparagus is even an unexpected source of copper, folate and iron, and it’s high in vitamin K to help keep your bones and blood cells in top shape.
  • Mushrooms: This popular pizza topping isn’t just good for your taste buds, you know. Mushrooms are packed with minerals that promote immunity and healthy blood pressure — like selenium, potassium and zinc. These fantastic fungi also have B vitamins, like vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), that keep your metabolism on track.
  • Cheese: You may be pleasantly surprised to find cheese on this list. Rest assured, calcium isn’t the only benefit you get from this delightful dairy product! Cheese has two main proteins, casein and whey, that promote strong muscles. They’re also complete proteins, meaning that when it comes to getting all the amino acids you need, they got your back. Casein may even protect your oral health from nasty microbes that can cause a host of problems for your teeth and gums. And who can say no to some head-to-toe-healthy omega-3s?

Nutrition information (per serving)

Serving = 5

Calories: 240
Fat: 7 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Sodium: 440 mg
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Sugars: 0 g
Dietary fiber: 5 g

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Rugged plate of mexican rice pilaf with fork on wooden table
August 29, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Whole-Grain Mexican Pilaf

Ready in 15 minutes!

Two tofu-stuffed manicotti displayed on a bed of sliced tomatoes
August 27, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Tofu Manicotti With Spinach and Cheese

Enjoy a lighter option of this classic Italian fare

Small bowl of salsa, with chips, peppers, lime and garlic around bowl
August 22, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Red and Green Pepper Salsa

A colorful combo of veggies that complements more than just chips!

A plate stacked with grilled pork chops and grilled peaches
August 15, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Sweet and Savory Pork Chops With Grilled Peaches

Deliciously lean, with lots of flavor

Black bean noodles with mixed veggies on top in a black bowl with chopsticks
August 2, 2024/Recipes
Recipe Adventure: A Healthy Reimagining of Pasta Meals

From noodles to zoodles, you’ve got nutritious options galore to make taste buds happy

Cabbage bowl with ground turkey
August 1, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Cabbage Cups With Gingery Ground Turkey

Makes a delicious light lunch!

Strawberries and cream between homemade biscuits
July 30, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Shortcakes With Orange-Infused Strawberries and Whipped Cream

You don’t have to give up desserts to be heart-healthy

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad