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This easy and healthy Margherita Flatbread is a delicious take on the classic pizza! Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, it's a family friendly meal!
I love a great, simple pizza. When we were in Italy - the Margherita Pizza was one of our favorites! Of course, it's an indulgent meal since it usually has very little fiber (white flour for the pizza dough) and is high in fat (full fat mozzarella + olive oil).
I decided to recreate the recipe at home creating my own Margherita Flatbread by making some healthy substitutions so we could enjoy the taste of Italy anytime!
Whether a weekend treat, or quick weeknight meal, this Margherita Flatbread hits the spot! Plus it's only 175 cals per serving, win-win!
Tools and Equipment You'll Need
How To Make This Healthy Margherita Pizza Recipe - Step By Step
Step 1: Spread the whole wheat dough on a pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees for 5 minutes (until the crust starts to puff up).
Step 2: Brush crust with 1 tsp olive oil, sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the crust.
Step 3: Top with sliced tomatoes until entire crust is covered, leaving a half inch border.
Step 5: Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes (until cheese / crust starts to become golden) .
Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle flatbread evenly with sliced basil.
Step 7: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over flatbread. Cut and serve!
What makes this Margherita Flatbread healthier than the original?
- Whole Wheat Dough: Instead of using a thick white pizza crust, this flatbread uses thin whole wheat dough which is a good source of fiber.
- Lower in Fat and Calories: This Margherita Flatbread is only 190 calories per serving compared to over 300 calories per serving of a regular slice of cheese pizza. Reducing the oil and decreasing the amount of cheese brings the calorie count down. Using a thin crust flatbread also reduces overall calories.
- Antioxidant Rich Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, and has additional health benefits.
- Calcium Rich Mozzarella: Thanks to the mozzarella, this flatbread provides a good source calcium while reducing the overall calories from the cheese.
Will kids enjoy this flatbread?
Kids love pizza, and this flatbread is no exceptions! It's a great way to get some extra veggies on their plate without them noticing. You can omit the balsamic vinegar and basil from their portions, if you want to keep the more 'classic' pizza taste for the little ones.
What's the difference between a flatbread and a pizza?
A flatbread is made with dough that does not rise, hence the name flatbread. It tends to be thinner and crispier than traditional pizza crust, and often comes in a rectangular shape.
A traditional pizza often has a thicker crust that rises, causing the edges to become bubbly and thick. Pizzas often have more sauce than a flatbread, and more toppings too.
What is on a traditional Margherita Flatbread?
Margherita pizza originated in Naples, or Napoli as they say it in Italy. It's made on a thin crust, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to make my own homemade dough?
No! You don't need to make your own dough, but you can if you prefer! My favorite dough for this pizza is the whole wheat pizza dough from Trader Joe's. You can also use a traditional pre-made whole wheat flatbread, a large whole wheat tortilla, a frozen cauliflower crust, or even whole wheat pita bread.
What Kind of Cheese Goes On A Margherita Pizza?
The most popular cheeses used in the preparation of pizza are mozzarella (accounting for about 30%), provolone, cheddar and Parmesan. Emmental, Romano and ricotta are often used as toppings.
What to Serve With This Pizza
An antipasto salad with tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini, is a perfect pairing for pizza. A simple garden salad is also a good option as it's nice and light, and vegetarian-friendly.
Or pair with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like this Steamed Asparagus, or Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts!
Top Tips For This Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Use fresh whole wheat pizza dough for best results. To make it low carb, try using a cauliflower pizza crust!
- Don't use cold dough. Remove dough from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use fresh Roma Tomatoes. Slice thin, pat dry, and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Make sure to preheat your oven!
- Remove from the oven just as the cheese begins to get golden brown.
- Properly stored, leftover flatbread will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
