Kara Goucher’s Runners Pizza (Under 30 Minutes!)

If you’ve been looking for a pizza recipe that’s healthy and tasty, then this runner’s pizza recipe is exactly what you need! It’s made with whole wheat naan flatbreads and is topped with tons of veggies for a delicious, guilt-free treat that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!

This recipe is one I was granted permission to share from the Runner’s World Meals On The Run cookbook. 

Let’s be honest, you know I’m not a chef, so I’m always a little skeptical, but the promise of a meal in 30 minutes or less that was geared toward my nutritional needs lured me in like a porch light on Halloween night.

This recipe is all of that and more! It’s incredibly delicious, perfectly healthy, and super easy at the same time! This recipe by superstar inspirational runner Kara Goucher is going to become your next favorite!

Can We Make Pizza Healthier?

Since I know this goes against the grain for many of you to look at pizza and think “Oh that’s a perfect pre-long run meal”, let’s talk.

Do we need to make pizza healthier? Ehhh…I dunno. I think we need to enjoy our food. I think we need to eat A LOT of nutrients (hello, veggies) all day long. I think labeling food as good and bad leads to some big-time problems.

So if you want the deep dish, have a slice. If you love making it a little healthier, go to town. I’m a fan of pretty much all styles, so I’ve been known to go from a sweet potato crust to a meat lover’s pie, what can I say?

Of course, we always know there are ways to make it healthier:

• Thinner crust for less blood sugar spike from carbs (except I love a thick crust)
• Cauliflower crust if you’re really pushing the limits of healthifing
• Kara has been known to make this quinoa crust as well
• Dairy-free cheese (yeah, I’ve found some that’s pretty stellar)
• Loading on the veggies (a great way to sneak them in on kids)
• Blot off excess grease (mostly because I think it’s gross on my hands)

Why Pizza Before Long Runs?

That’s a fabulous question as on the face of it this might sound like a really unhealthy meal.

For me it’s habit. I’ve done it for ages and know that I can have a slice of pizza with a side of veggies and it makes for a light healthy meal with good carbs that also honestly just makes me happy!!! And part of a great run is not going in to it totally stressed out!

I’ve talked to a lot of RD’s who fully support this as a meal before long runs. You’re getting in a good amount of carbohydrates and usually it means that you’re relaxing, which is a big piece of the puzzle.

Of course you need to consider your stomach and maybe for you dairy the night before is not a win. That’s ok! Checkout these fabulous ideas for what to eat night before a long run.

Learning to eat intuitively was a big game changer here as well.

• No more guilt over choosing foods
• No more needing 3 slices because I was depriving myself other days
• A relaxed evening
• Creating a consistent habit that triggers my brain to know tomorrow we utilize these yummy carbs

Why Consider Making Runners Pizza

This recipe is the perfect example of how you can make delicious food easily at home without having to compromise on your health. It’s healthy, tasty, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

The best part is that you can make it from scratch in under 30 minutes! That’s quicker than ordering food and having it delivered at home! 

I also absolutely love how I can easily customize the toppings however I like. It allows me to keep changing things up, and also be able to use any veggies I may have in the fridge. 

Plus, you can also buy loads of wheat naan flatbreads and freeze it till you’re ready to make these delicious runners pizzas. And what’s incredible is that each serving is packed with 30 grams of protein! Trust me, this is going to become your new favorite pizza recipe!

Ingredients to Make Runners Pizza

• Whole Wheat Naan Flatbreads: These serve as the perfect base for our pizza. They are hearty, delicious, and a great source of whole grains. Plus, they save you the time and effort of making your own pizza dough!
• Marinara Sauce: It gives our pizza that classic, tangy flavor we all love. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
• Pesto: It adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor to our pizza. It pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients and gives the pizza a gourmet touch.
• Shredded Mozzarella: This is optional, but if you’re not dairy-free, a sprinkle of mozzarella adds a lovely, cheesy goodness to the pizza.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: It adds a pop of color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Plus, bell peppers are packed with vitamin C!
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add a juicy, fresh element to our pizza. They’re also packed with antioxidants!
• Red Onion: It gives the pizza a slight kick and a crunch. Red onions are also a great source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sliced Mushrooms: They add a lovely earthy flavor and a nice texture contrast. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamins and minerals.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: It’s a great lean source of protein that keeps you feeling satisfied. You can also swap this for your favorite plant-based protein if you prefer.
• Large Basil Leaves: These are optional but if you choose to use them, they’ll add a lovely, fresh, peppery flavor to your pizza. Basil also has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

How to Make Runners Pizza

Making a delicious and healthy runners pizza at home is easier than you think! Here’s how to make it step by step:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven 

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. This is a crucial step as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Flatbreads

Arrange your flatbreads on two baking sheets. This forms the base of your runners pizza.

Step 3: Spread Your Sauce

Apply a thin layer of marinara sauce on each flatbread. The sauce adds flavor and helps the toppings stick to the base.

Step 4: Add Your Toppings 

Now comes the fun part – toppings! Start by spreading pesto on each flatbread. Next, add mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and chicken. Feel free to customize your toppings based on personal preference or dietary needs.

Step 5: Bake Your Pizza

Once you’ve added your toppings, it’s time to bake your pizzas. Bake the flatbreads in your preheated oven for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Your delicious runner’s pizza is ready to serve!

Flavor Variation Ideas

• Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before baking.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat naan flatbreads with gluten-free flatbreads. You’ll still get to enjoy this delicious pizza without worrying about gluten.
• Extra Cheesy: If you love cheese, try adding different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda along with the mozzarella. This will give your pizza a richer and creamier taste.
• Different Sauce: Consider changing up the sauce for a delicious flavor profile. For instance, you can add some BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a sweet and tangy variation.

Tips for Making the Best Runners Pizza

• Choose whole wheat naan: Opt for whole wheat naan flatbreads for a healthier, fiber-rich base for your pizza. This is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
• Use homemade marinara sauce: If you have the time, consider making your own marinara sauce. This way, you can control the amount of salt and sugar in it, making your pizza even healthier.
• Grill your chicken breast: Grilling the chicken breast before adding it to the pizza will give it a nice smoky flavor. Plus, it ensures the chicken is fully cooked before the pizza goes into the oven.
• Don’t skimp on the veggies: Load up your pizza with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms. Not only will these add a ton of flavor, but they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Monitor the baking time: Keep a close eye on the pizza as it bakes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so check it at around 10 minutes to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
• Experiment with different toppings: Don’t feel limited to the ingredients listed. Feel free to experiment with other toppings like spinach, olives, or even pineapple for a fun twist.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers of this runners pizza can be stored in an airtightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

Unfortunately, this particular pizza recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients used as toppings. Freezing could lead to a soggy texture upon reheating.

For the best results, reheat the refrigerated pizza slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Runner Pizza Nutrition

Calories per serving: 506
Carbs: 52 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 30 g
Total fat: 19 g
Saturated fat: 7 g
Sodium: 877 mg

Fuel up like @karagoucher thanks to @runnersworld Meals On The Run Share on X

I modified the recipe to take advantage of the abundance of zucchini in my life right now! Veggies are easy to mix and match so you can keep everyone in the family happy, which is part of what I love.

Ever tried pizza before your long run?

What’s your go to topping??

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