My Gladitarian Pizza Journey

I spent over 15 years working at Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizza, where I learned the art of pizza from a dear friend—a semi-retired chef who had run his own pizzeria for decades. He worked at Bertucci’s not for the paycheck, but for the freedom: they let him return to Greece every summer to care for his parents, who were well into their 90s. His love for food was matched only by his love for family. And he taught me the secret to making truly excellent pizza at home.

When I make pizza at home—which is often twice a week—my husband and I always say “DOH!” like Homer Simpson when I prep the dough. It’s part of our rhythm, our joy, our Gladitarian groove. I used to make my own dough from scratch—if you go that route, a bread machine on the dough cycle is your best friend. But now I use Boston Original Pizza Dough. It’s vegan, tastes amazing, and scans beautifully on the YUKA app. With 4 grams of fiber and clean ingredients, it’s a Gladitarian win.

🍞 Dough: The Foundation of Flavor

Here’s how I prep it:

Smooth into a ball

Place on a floured board, flour the top of the dough and cover with a tea towel

Let it proof on the counter or in a warm oven set on the proof setting until it expands.

As the oven heats up, I stretch the dough and lay it onto a cookie sheet misted with avocado oil. Then it goes into the freezer for a quick five-minute chill—not to freeze, just to firm. Cold dough stretches beautifully, and the shock of hot oven against chilled crust creates that glorious rise you’d expect from a brick oven. While it sets, I prep my toppings—raw veggies, vibrant and seasonal, ready to shine.

🍅 Sauce with Soul: Skip the Salt, Keep the Flavor

Most people focus on cheese and toppings, but pizza sauce is often the stealthiest source of sodium. A standard jarred sauce can pack 300–500 mg of sodium per ¼ cup, and most pizzas use double that. That’s before the cheese even hits the crust.

I use Francis Rinaldi No Salt Added Marinara—it’s the only jarred sauce I’ve found with truly low sodium. Then I spice it up with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, basil,dash pink salt (omit salt if your blood pressure is high) and a dash of date syrup or allulose sweetener and nutritional yeast for that B12 boost and cheesy flavor. I mix it in a large glass measuring cup with a handle—easy to stir, easy to pour. I use a 1 cup measuring cup to scoop out the sauce.

🛠️ Two Gladitarian Sauce Strategies

Homemade Tomato Blend Start with crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes. Add garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened. It’s low in sodium, high in antioxidants, and bursting with flavor.

Jarred Low-Sodium Marinara (Spiced Up) Look for brands with under 150 mg of sodium per serving and no added sugar. Sauté garlic in olive oil, stir in the sauce, and add your own herbs, citrus zest, or a splash of balsamic. You’re ready to rock and roll in minutes—with flavor and integrity.

🔥 Oven Secrets from the Brick Oven Days

This is key: Blast your oven to 500°F and preheat for at least 10 minutes, this mimics the brick oven effect—crispy bottom, fast cook, flavor lock

Then it’s go time: Take the dough from the freezer, top with sauce and raw veggies. Pop into the oven on middle rack. Bake for less than 10 minutes—watch it like a hawk!

Once it’s out, I transfer it to a large cutting board and top it with a blend of low-fat mozzarella and cheddar. The residual heat melts it just right. No grease puddles. No food coma. Just joy.

🌿 Gladitarian Living Invites You to Reimagine

Gladitarian pizza flips the script. It’s rooted in whole ingredients, vibrant flavors, and plant-forward swaps that support your energy and align with your values. This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about elevation. Pizza becomes a canvas for your values. You can layer flavor, color, and texture in ways that support your body and delight your senses.

🥦 Gladitarian Veggie Toppings + Nutrition Benefits

• Zucchini Low in calories, high in vitamin C and potassium. Supports hydration and digestion.

• Red Onion Rich in antioxidants like quercetin. Anti-inflammatory and supports heart health.

• Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange, Green) Packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber. Boosts immunity and skin health.

• Cherry Tomatoes High in lycopene and vitamin A. Supports heart health and reduces oxidative stress.

• Mushrooms (Button, Cremini, Shiitake, Portobello) Contain B vitamins, selenium, and ergothioneine. Support immunity and cellular repair.

• Spinach Loaded with iron, folate, and vitamin K. Supports energy, bone health, and detoxification.

• Arugula Peppery and rich in glucosinolates. Supports liver function and digestion.

• Broccoli Florets High in fiber, vitamin C, and sulforaphane. Supports detox and anti-inflammatory pathways.

• Kale Dense in vitamins A, C, and K. Supports eye health, immunity, and bone strength.

• Olives (Green, Black, Kalamata) Rich in healthy fats and polyphenols. Support heart health and reduce inflammation. Dont use too many they are very high in sodium!

• Artichoke Hearts High in fiber and antioxidants. Support liver health and digestion.

• Corn Kernels Provide fiber and B vitamins. Add natural sweetness and support energy metabolism.

• Roasted Garlic Cloves Contain allicin and sulfur compounds. Support immune function and cardiovascular health.

• Jalapeños or Banana Peppers Contain capsaicin. Boost metabolism and support circulation.

• Shredded Carrots High in beta-carotene and fiber. Support eye health and digestion.

• Beets Rich in nitrates and betalains. Support blood flow and detoxification.

• Cauliflower Low in carbs, high in vitamin C and fiber. Supports gut health and inflammation balance.

• Leeks or Scallions Contain prebiotics and sulfur compounds. Support gut microbiome and immune health.

• Fresh Basil Anti-inflammatory and aromatic. Contains vitamin K and antioxidants.

  So next time the craving hits, skip the delivery app. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and build something beautiful. Your body will thank you. Your wallet will too.