Grilled veggie pizzas are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional pizza. They are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of grilled vegetables and hummus on whole wheat pita breads creates a flavorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. For instance, whole wheat pita breads and hummus may not be staples in your pantry. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to check the bakery section for the pita breads and the refrigerated section for the hummus. Fresh basil can usually be found in the produce section.
Ingredients For Grilled Veggie Pizzas Recipe
Zucchini: A versatile summer squash that grills beautifully, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the pizza.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, along with a vibrant color.
Yellow bell pepper: Similar to the red bell pepper, it adds sweetness and a bright yellow hue.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy taste that mellows and sweetens when grilled.
Cherry tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes burst with flavor and add a fresh, tangy element.
Olive oil: Used to coat the vegetables, helping them to grill evenly and adding a rich, fruity flavor.
Whole wheat pita breads: Serve as the base for the pizza, offering a hearty and nutritious alternative to traditional pizza dough.
Hummus: A creamy spread made from chickpeas, adding a rich, savory layer to the pizza.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it adds a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor that complements the grilled vegetables.
Technique Tip for Making Veggie Pizzas
When grilling vegetables, ensure they are cut into uniform slices to promote even cooking. To prevent smaller pieces like cherry tomatoes from falling through the grill grates, use a grill basket or thread them onto skewers. This technique not only keeps the vegetables intact but also makes it easier to turn them for a perfect char.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant has a similar texture and can be grilled to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers offer a similar sweetness and crunch, maintaining the color variety.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers provide a slightly different flavor but still add a nice crunch and color.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be grilled to bring out their sweetness, similar to red onions.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness, making them a good alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, suitable for grilling vegetables.
whole wheat pita breads - Substitute with gluten-free pita breads: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free pita breads provide a similar base for the pizzas.
hummus - Substitute with baba ganoush: Baba ganoush offers a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a great alternative spread.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a different but refreshing flavor, complementing the grilled vegetables.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How To Store / Freeze Your Veggie Pizzas
- Allow the grilled vegetables and pita breads to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the pita soggy.
- Store the grilled vegetables and pita breads separately to maintain the best texture and flavor. Place the grilled vegetables in an airtight container and the pita breads in a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container.
- For short-term storage, keep the grilled vegetables and pita breads in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to store the grilled veggie pizzas for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each pita bread individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped pita breads in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of storage time.
- For the grilled vegetables, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the vegetables to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the grilled vegetables and pita breads in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the pita breads in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill or in a toaster oven.
- Warm the grilled vegetables in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Assemble the grilled veggie pizzas by spreading hummus on the warmed pita breads, topping with reheated grilled vegetables, and garnishing with fresh basil. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled veggie pizzas on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the pita bread from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are warmed through.
For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizzas directly on the rack. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the pita bread doesn't get too crispy.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the pizzas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. Be cautious, as the pita bread can become chewy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizzas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are warmed through and the pita bread is slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizzas in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will keep the pita bread crispy and the vegetables perfectly reheated.
For a grill method, preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the pizzas in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are warmed through.
Essential Tools for Perfect Veggie Pizzas
Grill: Used to cook the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, adding a smoky flavor.
Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling the vegetables on the grill without burning yourself.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion.
Chef's knife: Necessary for slicing the vegetables and chopping the fresh basil.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
Measuring spoons: Helps measure the olive oil accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the cherry tomatoes and hummus.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the hummus evenly on the pita breads.
Serving platter: Ideal for arranging and serving the finished grilled veggie pizzas.
How to Save Time on Making Veggie Pizzas
Pre-chop vegetables: Slice the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-made hummus: Save time by using store-bought hummus instead of making it from scratch.
Batch grill: Grill extra vegetables and store them in the fridge for quick assembly later.
Preheat the grill: Make sure the grill is hot and ready to go before you start cooking.
Assemble ahead: Spread hummus on the pita breads and store them in the fridge, ready to be topped with grilled veggies.
Grilled Veggie Pizzas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 red onion sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
- 1 cup hummus
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
- Spread hummus on pita breads.
- Top with grilled vegetables and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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