High-Protein Pita Pizzas with Arugula & Balsamic (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
If you’re craving pizza but also want something that actually supports your energy, strength, and muscle goals… this one’s for you.
These high-protein pita pizzas are one of my favorite lazy-but-intentional dinners. They’re crispy, cheesy, slightly peppery from the arugula, and finished with a balsamic drizzle that makes them feel elite with almost no effort.
This recipe comes straight from The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Healthy Dinners, where every meal is built to be simple, satisfying, and realistic for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Pita Pizza
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Easy way to sneak in plant-based protein
- Crispy, cheesy, and actually filling
- Perfect solo dinner or paired with a salad
- No dough, no mess, no commitment
High-Protein Pita Pizza with Arugula & Balsamic
Ingredients
- 1 whole wheat pita or high-protein flatbread
- 3 tablespoons marinara sauce
- ¼ cup cooked or canned lentils
- ¼ cup chopped vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers)
- ¼–⅓ cup part-skim mozzarella or dairy-free high-protein cheese
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings
- Handful of fresh arugula
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pita on a baking sheet.
- Spread cooked lentils evenly over the pita to create the protein-rich base layer.
- Sprinkle with hemp seeds and a pinch of sea salt.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the lentils.
- Add chopped vegetables and cheese.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pita is crisp.
- Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Slice and enjoy immediately.
Why This Works (From a Dietitian)
Using lentils as the base instead of just sauce adds fiber and protein without changing the vibe of the pizza. Hemp seeds boost protein and healthy fats, while arugula adds freshness and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the cheese and balsamic.
More Lazy, High-Protein Dinners Like This
If this is your kind of meal, you’ll love The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Healthy Dinners. It’s packed with simple, cozy recipes that help you hit protein goals without living in the kitchen.
High-Protein Pita Pizza with Arugula & Balsamic
Ingredients
- 1 whole whole wheat pita
- 3 tbsp marinara sauce
- ¼ cup canned lentils, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup chopped vegetables, I used zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers
- ⅓ cup part-skim mozzarella, or dairy-free high-protein cheese
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 pinch sea salt
Toppings
- ½ cup arugula
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cooked lentils evenly over the pita to create the protein base.
- Sprinkle hemp seeds and a pinch of sea salt over the lentils.
- Spoon marinara sauce on top, then layer with vegetables and cheese.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pita is crisp.
- Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Slice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Protein-forward base: Using lentils under the sauce adds plant-based protein and fiber without changing the pizza vibe. White beans or chickpeas work just as well.
- Cheese flexibility: Part-skim mozzarella keeps it classic, but dairy-free or high-protein cheese shreds are easy swaps.
- Extra crisp tip: For a crunchier crust, bake the pita on its own for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Veggie swap-friendly: Use whatever’s in the fridge, red onion, spinach, broccoli, or artichokes all fit seamlessly.
- Flavor upgrades: Crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or a drizzle of hot honey take this to the next level.
- Best enjoyed fresh: This pizza is meant to be eaten right away while the pita is crisp and the cheese is melty.