Looking to lighten up pizza night without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction? This Healthy Zucchini & Chia Pizza Crustis here to save the day. Made with fresh grated zucchini, chia seeds for binding, and almond or oat flour, this gluten-free crust is crisp around the edges, sturdy enough to hold toppings, and full of feel-good ingredients.
Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-sensitive, or just looking to sneak in more veggies, this recipe is a keeper.
Why I Love This Recipe
Pizza is one of those foods that’s hard to give up—but with this veggie-powered crust, you don’t have to. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and gives off that same golden, satisfying bite as traditional pizza bases. I love how the chia seedsnaturally bind everything together (no eggs needed!), and the zucchini keeps the crust moist while adding nutrients.
Plus, it’s flexible: top it with anything from classic marinara and cheese to fresh veggies or even a fried egg.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 5 tablespoons water
- ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Swaps and Notes
- Almond Flour: For nut-free, use oat flour or even quinoa flour.
- Parmesan-Free: Omit for dairy-free, or sub with nutritional yeast.
- Chia Seeds: Flax seeds can work, but you may need to adjust water.
- Zucchini Tip: Be sure to squeeze out the moisture—it’s the key to a non-soggy crust.
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the dough for extra punch.
How to Make Zucchini & Chia Pizza Crust
1. Prep the Zucchini
- Grate 2 cups of zucchini, then place in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You want it dry to avoid a soggy crust.
2. Make the Chia “Egg”
- In a small bowl, mix chia seeds with water and let sit for about 10–15 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
3. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, chia mixture, almond (or oat) flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon more flour.
4. Shape and Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Press the dough into a thin circle or rectangle (¼-inch thick), shaping the edges to form a “crust.”
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and edges are firm.
5. Add Toppings and Finish
- Remove from oven, add your favorite toppings (sauce, cheese, veggies), and return to oven for another 5–10 minutes until toppings are bubbly and the crust is crisped to your liking.
Tips for Success
- Dry the zucchini well—this step can’t be skipped.
- Bake directly on parchment for even browning.
- Use a pizza stone or hot pan for a crispier bottom.
- Let the crust cool slightly before slicing to help it firm up.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This crust is the perfect base for healthy pizza creations, but it also works well as a flatbread or snack! Try pairing it with:
- A light side like Tangy Chicken Salad with No Mayo.
- For breakfast pizza vibes, top with a cracked egg and serve with 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies.
- Serve alongside One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a brunch-worthy spread.
- Keep it snacky with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls for post-meal fuel.
- For a cozier, crowd-pleasing option, serve it with Chicken Enchiladas and a green salad.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover crust or topped pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked, un-topped crusts between parchment layers for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more wholesome, easy-to-make meals and snacks? Check these out:
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake
- Tangy Chicken Salad (No Mayo)
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Chicken Enchiladas
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Zucchini & Chia Pizza Crust proves that clean eating and craveable comfort can absolutely go hand in hand. It’s easy to make, nutrient-rich, and completely customizable to your flavor mood. Whether you’re going meatless, gluten-free, or just want to enjoy pizza night with a little less guilt, this recipe delivers big satisfaction with better ingredients.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and share your favorite topping combos—we can’t wait to see your healthy pizza creations!
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