Energizing Italian Slim Crust Pizza & Citrus Basil Spritz

About this meal

A classic Italian-inspired slim crust pizza topped with spicy turkey sausage, blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, baby spinach, fresh mozzarella, and spicy-sweet Calabrian chili honey drizzle. Served alongside a refreshing citrus basil spritz made with fresh orange, lemon, and sparkling water.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour — 1 1/2 cups
• Active dry yeast — 1 tsp
• Warm water — 1/2 cup
• Extra virgin olive oil — 2 tbsp
• Sea salt — 1/2 tsp
• Fresh mozzarella cheese — 3 oz (sliced)
• Spicy turkey sausage (casing removed) — 2 oz
• Cherry tomatoes (halved) — 1/2 cup
• Roasted red bell pepper (sliced) — 1/3 cup
• Fresh baby spinach — 1 cup
• Fresh garlic (minced) — 2 cloves
• Calabrian chili paste — 2 tsp
• Raw honey — 1 tbsp
• Fresh basil leaves — 1/4 cup
• Black pepper — to taste
• For Citrus Basil Spritz: —
• Fresh orange juice — 1/3 cup
• Fresh lemon juice — 2 tbsp
• Sparkling water — 1 cup
• Fresh basil — 3-4 leaves (torn)
• Ice cubes — as needed

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. To make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add whole wheat flour, olive oil, and sea salt. Knead until smooth, cover, and set aside for 30 minutes.
3. Stretch dough thinly onto a baking sheet or stone.
4. Spread minced garlic evenly on dough. Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, and roasted red pepper. Scatter cooked spicy turkey sausage and mozzarella slices.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crisp and cheese bubbles.
6. Meanwhile, blend Calabrian chili paste with raw honey to create a spicy-sweet drizzle.
7. Once the pizza is done, finish with a drizzle of Calabrian chili honey, lots of fresh basil, and cracked black pepper.
8. For the Citrus Basil Spritz: Muddle basil leaves in glasses. Add orange and lemon juice, fill with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir.