
Vegan Pizza Crusts Part 2: Cauliflower & Beyond – Easy Vegan Recipes for Healthy Vegan Meals
Take your plant-based pizza game to the next level with these innovative vegan crust alternatives! Whether you’re looking for low-carb options, gluten-free solutions, or nutrient-dense bases, these easy vegan recipes will help you create healthy vegan meals that satisfy every craving.
From cauliflower crust to lentil flour and sweet potato dough, these creative crusts are perfect for Vegan Brunch, weeknight dinners, or gourmet pizza nights.
1. Crispy Cauliflower Crust
A Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Easy Vegan Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 1 medium pizza):
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (about 1 medium head)
- ¼ cup chickpea flour (binder)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
Method:
- Prep cauliflower: Pulse florets in a food processor until rice-like. Microwave for 5 mins, then squeeze out ALL moisture using a towel.
- Mix dough: Combine cauliflower, chickpea flour, flax egg, and seasonings.
- Shape & bake: Press into a thin circle on parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 mins until golden. Flip halfway.
- Add toppings and broil 3-5 mins.
Why It’s a Healthy Vegan Meal:
✔ Cauliflower = vitamin C + antioxidants
✔ Chickpea flour = extra protein boost
✔ Only 150 calories per crust
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, brush crust with olive oil before baking.
Source: Journal of Functional Foods – Cauliflower Benefits
2. Protein-Packed Lentil Flour Crust
A High-Protein, Easy Vegan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentil flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk (for elasticity)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Method:
- Whisk all ingredients into a batter. Let rest 10 mins (psyllium will thicken it).
- Spread thinly on parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins, then add toppings and bake 10 more mins.
Why It’s a Healthy Vegan Meal:
✔ Lentil flour = 13g protein per serving
✔ Turmeric = anti-inflammatory benefits
✔ Naturally gluten-free
Best For: Toppings like roasted eggplant, tahini, and parsley.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Lentil Protein
3. Sweet Potato Flatbread Crust
A Vitamin A-Rich, Easy Vegan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potato
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Method:
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Roll between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 mins, then top and bake 10 more mins.
Why It’s a Healthy Vegan Meal:
✔ Sweet potato = 400% daily vitamin A per crust
✔ Oat flour = heart-healthy beta-glucans
Perfect For: Vegan BBQ jackfruit or caramelized onion toppings.
Source: Nutrition Reviews – Sweet Potato Nutrients
4. Quinoa & Chickpea Crust
A Complete Protein, Easy Vegan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp rosemary
Method:
- Blend quinoa, chickpea flour, water, and seasonings into a thick batter.
- Spread on a lined tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 mins until firm.
Why It’s a Healthy Vegan Meal:
✔ Quinoa + chickpeas = all 9 essential amino acids
✔ Naturally nut-free and soy-free
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School – Quinoa Benefits
5. Zucchini & Almond Flour Crust
A Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Easy Vegan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Method:
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Press onto parchment and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 mins, flipping halfway.
Why It’s a Healthy Vegan Meal:
✔ Zucchini = hydrating + low-calorie
✔ Almond flour = healthy fats + vitamin E
Source: Journal of Nutrition – Almond Health Benefits
Final Thoughts: Beyond Traditional Dough
These easy vegan recipes prove that pizza crust can be nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and packed with protein—all while tasting delicious. Whether you choose cauliflower, lentil, sweet potato, quinoa, or zucchini crust, these healthy vegan meals will upgrade your pizza night.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a kale Caesar salad for extra greens
- Serve at Vegan Brunch with a side of roasted garlic hummus
Which crust will you try first? Let us know in the comments! 🍕🌱
Sources Recap:
- Journal of Functional Foods – Cauliflower
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Lentils
- Harvard T.H. Chan School – Quinoa
- Journal of Nutrition – Almonds
Pro Tip: Make extra crusts and freeze for quick healthy vegan meals later!
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