Think pizza toppings are limited to mushrooms and peppers? Think again! This Kale and Sweet Potato Pizza is full of flavor. It’s easy to make, and it is a perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights.
People find it hard to believe, but even I can fall into a cooking rut. I have dozens of cookbooks and stacks of magazines, but sometimes I just don’t know what to make for dinner. On those days, I tend to throw together tacos or a pizza using whatever I have in the fridge. I recently had an uninspired day, so I looked to see what was on hand. I had pizza dough in the freezer, a big bunch of kale, and a sweet potato that was leftover from another recipe. I remembered seeing a recipe for pizza topped with kale and sweet potato in Self magazine several months ago, and a plan started to form.
Sweet potatoes and kale are quintessential winter produce, and they complement each other nicely. They come together with cashew ricotta and a touch of lemon for a deliciously simple pizza. If you know you're going to have a busy day, you can prepare the sweet potato sauce and cashew ricotta ahead of time. Just assemble and bake the pizza in the evening, and dinner will be on the table in no time!
Vegan Kale and Sweet Potato Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 prepared 12”-15” pizza crust
- 1 sweet potato diced
- 1 bunch kale stems removed, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt divided
- 2 – 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for serving, optional
- 1 cup cashew ricotta
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Vegan parmesan for serving optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°. Place the prepared pizza crust on a pizza pan or pizza stone.
- Place the sweet potato pieces in a medium-sized pot with enough water to cover them plus two inches. Boil over medium-high heat until the sweet potato is fork tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- While the sweet potato is cooling, place the kale pieces in a bowl and drizzle on the lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with half a teaspoon of sea salt. Massage the kale until it begins to wilt.
- Add the sweet potato to a food processor or high-speed blender along with 2 tablespoons of the non-dairy milk, ½ teaspoon of salt, the garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Process until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of non-dairy milk.
- Spread the sweet potato puree on the pizza crust, leaving about 2 inches of bare dough around the rim. Dollop the cashew ricotta on top of the sweet potato, and then top with the massaged kale. Sprinkle the lemon zest on top of the kale.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the ingredients are cooked throughout.
- Slice and sprinkle with vegan parmesan and extra red pepper flakes, if using. Serve hot.
Becky Striepe
Yessss I have been waiting for this pizza recipe! It looks so good, Dianne.
Dianne
Thanks, Becky! Enjoy!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love making pizza at home! I'll be making this pizza very soon!
Dianne
I hope you enjoy it, Amy!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
I was looking for a new pizza recipe! Excited to try yours because looks so healthy (and tasty!).
Dianne
Thank you, Mary Ellen! I hope you enjoy it!
Jenn
Love the idea of sweet potato puree instead of tomato sauce! Sounds so good!
Dianne
Thank you, Jenn!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
I love this pizza topping idea! It sounds delicious. Sweet potato and kale are so good together.
Cadry
Oh, this sounds wonderful! I always default to pizza and tacos too when I don't know what to make for dinner. They're so open to whatever leftovers/pantry staples are available. David is a huge sweet potatoes fan. He'd be in seventh heaven with this pizza!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
Yum! This pizza looks awesome Dianne. I love the sweet potato and kale combo. they go so well together.
Dianne
Thank you, Mel!
Dianne
Thank you, Cadry!
Dianne
Thank you, Mel!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Pizza is the best! All kinds! I love ricotta on my pizzas too. And give me extra red pepper flakes!
Alisa Fleming
Such a nourishing topping for winter. This just screams "awesome leftovers for lunch!" to me. It may need to get made.
Dianne
I agree!
Dianne
I hope you get a chance to try it!
Nicole Dawson
For a winter meal, it is so full of color and life. Looks delicious and love how you used those ingredients.
Dianne
Thank you, Nicole!
Sarah
I love sweet potatoes! This looks delicious! And I agree—I often get into cooking ruts which always surprises people 🙂
Dianne
Thanks, Sarah! I have no idea what to make for dinner tonight! 🙂