Heart Healthy Spinach Pizza with White Beans & Garlic

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/12/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Spinach Pizza
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Embrace the goodness of leafy greens with this heart-healthy spinach pizza. While many white pizzas rely on heavy cream or high-sodium sauces, this version uses protein-rich cannellini beans and a touch of Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously creamy texture without the extra saturated fat. Using a store-bought whole-wheat crust makes this a perfect 30-minute weeknight dinner. It’s a satisfying, fiber-packed option that fits perfectly into a heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly lifestyle.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
2
Calories
323

What Makes This Heart Healthy Spinach Pizza with White Beans & Garlic Healthy

This recipe redefines healthy pizza by swapping traditional heavy toppings for nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients. By combining iron-rich spinach with high-fiber white beans on a whole-wheat base, you get a balanced meal that supports heart health while satisfying those comfort food cravings.

Key Health Highlights

  • Plant-Based Protein: Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and a boost of plant-based protein to keep you full longer.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: We use heart-healthy olive oil as the base instead of butter or heavy cream-based sauces.
  • Fiber-Rich Crust: Utilizing a whole-wheat pizza crust increases the fiber content, which helps manage blood sugar and supports digestion.
  • Antioxidant-Packed Greens: Fresh baby spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and potassium.
  • Low Sodium Focus: Rinsing the beans and using a measured amount of Parmesan keeps the sodium levels in check for a heart-friendly profile.

FAQs About Heart Healthy Spinach Pizza with White Beans & Garlic

It depends on the toppings! While traditional white pizza can be high in fat from heavy sauces, our version is healthier because it uses olive oil and fiber-rich white beans instead of cream.

Yes, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out every drop of excess moisture first. Frozen spinach holds a lot of water which can make your pizza crust soggy.

Absolutely. White beans (like cannellini) are high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and maintain steady blood sugar.

Garlic is the star here, but basil, oregano, and even a little fresh thyme pair beautifully with the earthiness of the spinach and beans.

More Healthy Pizzas

These easy, flavorful recipes make it simple to have a healthy and satisfying pizza night at home.

Vegetarian Sides & Salads

Enhance your meal with these zesty salads and sides that pair beautifully with pizza.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 2 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°.

  2. Step 2

    Place pizza crust on a baking sheet. Brush pizza crust with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Evenly spread garlic, fontina or mozzarella cheese and beans over pizza crust. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. In a large bowl, toss the spinach with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and black pepper to taste.

  3. Step 3

    Spread the spinach leaves in the center of the pizza, leaving a border around the rim. Bake the pizza for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 pizza

323
Calories
11
g
Fat
18
mg
Cholesterol
488
mg
Sodium
37
g
Carbs
4
g
Sat. Fat
7
g
Fiber
12
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Air Fryer Method: You can cook "personal" versions of this pizza in an air fryer. Cook at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
  • Grilling: For a smoky flavor, place the prepared pizza directly on a preheated grill over medium heat. Close the lid and cook for 5–8 minutes.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • How to Serve: Serve hot right out of the oven. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of dried oregano can enhance the flavors without adding sodium.
  • Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Best Reheating Method: To keep the crust crispy, reheat slices in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the spinach and crust soggy.

Topping Variations:

  • Mediterranean Style: Add sliced kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of dried basil for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Extra Veggie: Layer on thinly sliced bell peppers, red onions, or sautéed mushrooms to increase the volume and nutrients.
  • Spicy Garlic: Double the minced garlic and add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the olive oil before brushing the crust for an extra kick.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find whole-wheat, a cauliflower crust or a gluten-free crust works well for those with specific dietary needs.

Swap part-skim mozzarella for a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast to make this recipe completely vegan.

If cannellini beans aren't in your pantry, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) offer a similar protein boost and a nice nutty flavor.

Chopped kale or arugula can be used in place of baby spinach if you prefer a heartier or more peppery green.

More Recipes Like Spinach Pizza