Test Kitchen: Strawberry Basil Pizza and Green Smoothie

Mia Sugarman, SAR, Dietetics ’22
Patricia Orus-Deya, SAR, Dietetics ’23

The Sargent Choice Test Kitchen is going virtual for Fall 2020! Join us throughout the semester on Wednesday evening Zooms!

Sargent Choice Sweet and Savory Strawberry Basil Pita Pizza
Recipe modified from A Mindful Mom
Yield: 1 Serving

Ingredients:
1 whole-wheat pita pocket
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons feta cheese
1 cup strawberries, stems removed, sliced into ¼ inch-thick rounds
1 tablespoon chopped basil ribbons
Optional: balsamic vinegar, honey

Simple Green Smoothie
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
Remaining strawberries
1 cup liquid of choice (milk or milk alternative, coconut water, water)
1 cup spinach
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Optional: tropical fruit to sweeten (banana, pineapple, mango) – can be fresh, frozen, or canned, coconut flakes

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Top pita with mozzarella cheese, feta, and a single layer of strawberries. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Watch carefully so the pizza doesn’t burn, as oven times vary.
3. While pizza is baking, add remaining strawberries to a blender with leafy greens, chia seeds, and liquid of choice. If you like a sweeter smoothie, consider adding a tropical fruit (banana, pineapple, mango), in addition to the strawberries. Blend to combine and pour into a glass.
4. Remove pizza from the oven. Add chopped basil ribbons, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and honey, if desired.

What we liked…

  • The combination of strawberries and cheese cultivated a surprising, unique sweet-and-savory combination.
  • The recipe was easy to make, and can be made in either an oven or a microwave.
  • This recipe can be made vegan by substituting in a dairy-free alternative cheese.
  • This recipe can be easily altered. For example, instead of using strawberries, you can use pears or figs. This will bring another type of sweet taste to the pizza.
  • The smoothie that went along with the pizza is a quick and nutritious accompaniment.
  • The ingredients in the smoothie can be easily adjusted according to preferences.

What we might modify…

  • The smoothie requires a blender – those without a blender could cut up the fruit, and sprinkle with chia seeds and coconut flakes.
  • Whilst the strawberry and cheese combination went well together, it was felt that the optional ingredients of either balsamic vinegar or honey were necessary in order to create the perfect flavor combination.

Suggestions:

  • Add peanut butter or yogurt to the smoothie for extra protein.
  • One of the main ingredients for the smoothie, chia seeds, can be used in many other ways – try chia seed pudding by mixing the chia seeds with milk and leaving it in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Other pizza toppings such as smoked salmon, an egg, and/or other fresh vegetables can be added.

Nutritional value:

  • The whole-wheat pita pocket base of the pizza contains fiber.
  • The cheese contains calcium and protein to help support growth as well as bone health.
  • The strawberries are a source of vitamin C.
  • The spinach contains iron and magnesium.
  • Chia Seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.