16 Healthiest Pizza Toppings

Pizza toppings can be a surprisingly personal topic. In fact, pineapple alone can turn a peaceful dinner into a heated debate, while some people firmly believe pepperoni on pizza is practically mandatory.

But pizza toppings do much more than determine the flavor of your slice. The right combination can add fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, helping turn pizza night into a more satisfying (and more delicious!) meal.

So, which healthy pizza toppings are actually worth adding to your next pie? From familiar favorites like mushrooms and bell peppers to underrated options like artichoke hearts and arugula, these nutritious, dietitian-approved picks bring both flavor and health perks.

What makes a pizza topping healthy?

There’s no official rulebook for what makes a pizza topping healthy, and one rogue pepperoni slice isn’t going to make or break your meal.

However, the healthiest pizza toppings generally add something useful to your pie — like fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, or minerals — without piling on tons of sodium or saturated fat.

Colorful veggies, lean proteins, fresh herbs, and lighter cheeses all earn points here. They can make your pizza more filling, nutritious, and flavorful, so you’re not relying solely on a mountain of mozzarella to do all the heavy lifting.

Of course, toppings are only one piece of the pie (literally), and the crust, sauce, cheese, portion size, and what you serve alongside it all shape your meal, too.

Healthiest pizza toppings

Ready to give your next pizza night a nutritious upgrade? Here are some healthy pizza toppings that pack plenty of flavor, along with fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and more.

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a savory, meaty flavor to your pizza, making them an especially satisfying swap for pepperoni or sausage. They’re low in calories and provide B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants, while certain UV-exposed varieties also offer vitamin D.

For the best flavor and texture, sauté mushrooms before adding them to your pizza. This cooks off some of their moisture, helping you avoid a soggy slice while also dialing up their rich, umami flavor.

2. Tomatoes

Whether you use fresh slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, or a classic tomato sauce, tomatoes can add a bright color and tangy flavor to your pizza. They’re also a great source of vitamin C and provide lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a long list of potential health perks.

Cooking tomatoes can actually make their lycopene easier for your body to absorb, giving tomato sauce a well-deserved nutrition win. Just check the label on store-bought sauces, since some can sneak in surprising amounts of sodium and added sugar.

3. Pineapple

Love it or hate it, pineapple brings more than controversy to the pizza table. Not only does it sweeten up your slice, but it also delivers vitamin C, manganese, and a small amount of fiber, making it a flavorful way to sneak a little fruit onto your pie.

Pair it with savory toppings like jalapeños or red onion for a sweet-and-salty combo that keeps every bite interesting. If you’re using canned pineapple, choose one packed in juice rather than syrup to keep the added sugar in check.

4. Anchovies

Anchovies might be small, but they definitely pull their weight in the nutrition department. They provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12, plus calcium when eaten with their soft, edible bones.

Their bold, salty flavor means a little goes a long way, which is good news because anchovies can be quite high in sodium. Pair them with tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, or fresh herbs for a fun, Mediterranean-inspired slice.

5. Garlic

Just a few cloves of garlic can ramp up the flavor and nutritional value of your pizza. Beyond its bold taste, garlic also contains anti-inflammatory plant compounds like allicin, which has been linked to benefits for both your heart and brain.

Roasted or sautéed garlic has a milder, slightly sweet flavor, while thinly sliced raw garlic delivers more of a punch. Either way, it’s an easy way to add flavor without leaning too heavily on salt.

6. Onions

From thinly sliced red onions to sweet, caramelized yellow onions, this versatile topping adds plenty of flavor without weighing down your slice. Onions also contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and prebiotic fibers that help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

For a sharper bite, add them raw before baking, or cook them first for a softer texture and sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that caramelized onions soak up whatever they’re cooked in, so you don’t need to go overboard with the oil.

7. Arugula

Arugula is the topping to reach for when your pizza could use something fresh and peppery. This leafy green is low in calories and rich in vitamin K, folate, calcium, and antioxidants.

Add it after your pizza comes out of the oven so it stays crisp instead of wilting. A squeeze of lemon or light drizzle of balsamic glaze helps its bright, slightly bitter flavor shine.

8. Turkey sausage

Next time you’re craving sausage on your pizza, consider opting for turkey sausage instead of pork. Turkey sausage can bring the same savory flavor and satisfying texture as traditional pork sausage, often with less saturated fat. It’s also a good source of protein, which can help turn a basic slice into a more filling meal.

That said, turkey sausage is still a processed meat and can be high in sodium, so it’s worth checking labels and enjoying in moderation. Pair it with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to add more color, fiber, and nutrients to your pizza.

9. Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs are one of the easiest ways to bring big flavor to your pizza without loading up on extra cheese or salt. They’re also low in calories and often contain antioxidant and other beneficial plant compounds.

Add delicate herbs like basil and parsley after baking to keep them fresh and vibrant, while sturdier options like rosemary can go into the oven. Mix and match them depending on your toppings, or simply experiment with whatever you have sitting in your fridge.

10. Broccoli

Broccoli might not be the most conventional pizza topping, but, in my opinion, it definitely deserves a spot in your rotation. It adds fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and a satisfying bite that pairs especially well with garlic, ricotta, or mozzarella.

Consider chopping it into small florets and then blanch, steam, or roast it briefly before adding it to your pizza. This gives it a head start with cooking and prevents crunchy stalks.

11. Bell peppers

Bell peppers bring sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to your pizza, all while sneaking in some extra nutrients. They’re especially rich in vitamin C and also provide fiber and antioxidants, with red, orange, and yellow varieties generally offering more sweetness than green peppers.

Slice them thinly so they soften as the pizza cooks, or roast them beforehand. Pair a few different colors together for a pizza that looks just as good as it tastes.

12. Artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts boast a tangy, slightly nutty flavor that can make even a basic cheese pizza feel a little more sophisticated. They’re also a good source of fiber and contain nutrients like folate, vitamin K, and magnesium.

Canned and marinated artichoke hearts make this topping even more convenient, but they can be a bit high in sodium. Drain and rinse them before adding them to your pizza, then pair them with spinach, tomatoes, olives, or feta for a Mediterranean flair.

13. Zucchini

Zucchini’s mild flavor and tender texture pairs perfectly with just about any topping you throw its way. It’s low in calories and provides vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and a bit of fiber.

Because zucchini is high in water, make sure you slice it thinly and pat it dry before adding it to your pizza. You can also sauté or roast it first to concentrate the flavor and keep your crust from getting soggy.

14. Grilled chicken

If you want to add extra protein to your pizza, consider going for grilled chicken over other meats higher in sodium and saturated fat, like pepperoni or pork sausage. Not only is it high in protein, but its mild flavor also makes it an easy match for everything from classic tomato sauce to pesto or barbecue sauce.

Use leftover grilled chicken or a store-bought option to keep things easy, but check the label since pre-seasoned varieties can be surprisingly salty. Pair it with spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or red onion for a more colorful and balanced slice.

15. Olives

Olives have a salty, briny flavor, so you only need a handful to make your pizza more flavorful. They can also help increase your intake of monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and other healthy plant compounds.

Because olives can be high in sodium, make sure you drain and rinse them before scattering them over your pizza. Many brands also provide lower-sodium options you can opt for if needed.

16. Spinach

Spinach is an easy way to add extra leafy greens to your pizza without changing the flavor too much. It’s also a great source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K, packing plenty of nutrients into a low-calorie topping.

Sauté fresh spinach first or thaw and thoroughly squeeze out frozen spinach to remove extra moisture and prevent a soggy crust.

High-protein pizza toppings

Looking to make your pizza a little more filling? Adding a protein-rich topping can give your slice more staying power and help turn it into a more balanced meal.

Here are a few healthy, high-protein pizza toppings to try:

• grilled chicken
• turkey sausage
• tofu
• tempeh
• nutritional yeast
• chickpeas
• white beans
• eggs
• part-skim mozzarella
• ricotta
• cottage cheese
• plant-based chicken or sausage
• anchovies

Pizza toppings to enjoy in moderation

No pizza topping needs to be permanently banished from your menu, but some are higher in sodium, saturated fat, or added sugar than others. You can still enjoy your favorites, but consider keeping your intake of these toppings in moderation.

Here are some pizza toppings to limit:

• pepperoni
• pork sausage
• bacon
• ham
• extra cheese
• heavily salted olives
• barbecue sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• ranch dressing

Other ways to make pizza healthier

Toppings can give your pizza a nutritional boost, but they’re only one piece of the pie (pun intended). A few simple tweaks to the crust, sauce, cheese, and sides you choose can help you build a more balanced meal without taking all the fun out of pizza night.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Choose a whole-grain crust: Whole-grain dough generally provides more fiber than traditional refined-flour crust, which can make your pizza more filling.
• Go thin when you want something lighter: A thin crust typically contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than a thick, stuffed, or deep-dish crust.
• Stick with tomato-based sauce: Tomato sauce is usually lower in saturated fat than creamy options like Alfredo, although it’s still worth double-checking the sodium and added sugar.
• Use cheese strategically: A little cheese goes a long way, especially flavorful varieties like feta, Parmesan, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
• Pile on the veggies: Adding several colorful vegetables brings more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and texture to your slice.
• Add a source of protein: Beans, tofu, grilled chicken, or another protein-rich topping can make your pizza much more satisfying.
• Watch the extras: Dips, drizzles, and stuffed crusts can quickly add more sodium, saturated fat, or added sugar than you bargained for.
• Round out your meal: Pair your pizza with a salad, roasted vegetables, fruit, or another simple side for extra fiber and nutrients.

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Conclusion

Pizza can absolutely fit into a balanced, well-rounded diet, and a few thoughtful toppings can go a long way. Load up on colorful veggies, add a protein-rich option for extra staying power, and use salty or highly processed toppings more sparingly.

Most importantly, choose combinations you actually enjoy, because pizza night should still be fun and delicious, even if it’s healthy!