It's hard to say no to pizza. Thankfully, though, this classic dish can be made with nutritious vegan-friendly ingredients. Think tangy cashew cheeze, savory pesto, and a generous helping of fresh spring veggies. The result? A deliciously colorful (and healthy) vegan spring garden pizza. Here's how to make it yourself.
Cashew Cheeze
Things You’ll Need
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1 1/2 cups cashews (soaked in water overnight)
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1/4 to 1/2 cup oat or soy milk
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1/4 cup nutritional yeast
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 tablespoons minced garlic
Tip
For best results, soak the cashews in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 1
In a food processor or high-powered blender, add the soaked cashews, oat or soy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Process all of the ingredients until combined.
Tip
If using a high-powered blender, roughly chop up the cashews first. You may also need to scrape down the sides more often and work in batches.
Step 2
Give the cashew cheeze a taste. If necessary, add more nutritional yeast, lemon juice, or garlic. You can also slowly add more milk for a creamier consistency.
Vegan Pesto
Things You’ll Need
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2 cups basil leaves, packed
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds or nuts of choice
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3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons minced garlic
Step 1
In a food processor or high-powered blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil. Process until combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Tip
Again, if using a high-powered blender, work in smaller batches.
Step 2
Slowly add olive oil and continue blending. Taste the pesto and add more nutritional yeast, lemon juice, or minced garlic, if necessary.
For a "saucier" consistency, slowly add another tablespoon or two of olive oil.
Spring Garden Vegetables
Things You’ll Need
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1 cup baby spinach or kale
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3/4 cup grape tomatoes
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10 to 12 asparagus spears
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1/4 cup canned peas
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Tip
Don't feel limited to this list; these vegetables are only suggestions. Feel free to use your favorite spring veggies from your garden or local farmer's market.
Step 1
To prepare the asparagus, trim away the woody ends and cut into 2 or 3-inch pieces. You can also break each spear by hand; it will naturally snap where the woody part ends.
If you'd like, toss the asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice with a dash of salt and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Slice the grape tomatoes in half, lengthwise.
Vegan Spring Garden Pizza
Things You’ll Need
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Cashew cheeze
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Vegan pesto
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Pizza crust
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Spring garden vegetables
Tip
Use your favorite store-bought pizza crust or dough.
If you'd like to make the crust from scratch, prepare it according to the recipe's directions. You may need to adjust the baking time and temperature of the final pizza, as well.
Step 1
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread the cashew cheeze on the crust. Add a layer of pesto. Top with baby spinach, tomatoes, peas, and marinated asparagus. Finish off with a drizzle of olive oil and dash of your favorite spices.
Step 2
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the veggies are cooked, crispy, and sizzling.
Your mouthwatering vegan creation is ready to serve! Remember, you can customize this recipe as much as you'd like. Other tasty pizza toppings include artichoke, kale, watercress, and radishes.
