• 2 large flatbreads (about 10–12 inches each): The foundation of our pizza, flatbreads offer a crisp yet slightly chewy texture that’s perfect for holding our colorful toppings. You can choose your favorite type – whole wheat flatbreads for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, or regular flatbreads for a lighter, more traditional taste. Look for sturdy flatbreads that won’t become soggy under the toppings. Pre-baked naan bread, pita bread (halved), or even store-bought pizza dough rolled thin can also be excellent alternatives if you can’t find pre-made flatbreads. Consider the size and shape of your flatbreads when planning your toppings to ensure even coverage and a balanced pizza in each bite. If you are gluten-free, there are now many delicious gluten-free flatbread options available in most supermarkets.

For the Flavorful Sauce:

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce: A good quality marinara sauce is the heart of our pizza’s flavor profile. Choose a sauce that you enjoy on its own, as its taste will be prominent in the final dish. Look for marinara sauces with simple ingredients, low sodium, and no added sugars if you are health-conscious. For an extra layer of depth, consider using a roasted garlic marinara or a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own marinara sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. Homemade marinara offers unparalleled freshness and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors completely.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil not only adds richness to the sauce but also helps to lightly crisp up the flatbread edges in the oven. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and health benefits. It’s also beneficial for helping the vegetables roast slightly and become tender while baking. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with another neutral oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

For the Rainbow Veggie Toppings:

This is where the magic happens! We’re aiming for a vibrant spectrum of colors and a variety of textures and flavors. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. The key is to have a good mix of colors to truly create a “rainbow” effect.

• Red Bell Pepper (1 medium): Adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful bright red hue. Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Slice them thinly into strips or dice them into small squares for even cooking and easy eating. Roasting red bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness even further.
• Orange Bell Pepper (1 medium): Continuing our color journey, orange bell pepper offers a slightly milder flavor than red and another dose of Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Prepare them similarly to the red bell pepper, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
• Yellow Bell Pepper (1 medium): Yellow bell pepper brings a sunny color and a slightly fruity flavor to the pizza. Like its red and orange counterparts, it’s rich in vitamins and adds a pleasant crunch when slightly roasted.
• Green Bell Pepper (1 medium): Adding a slightly more savory and slightly bitter note, green bell pepper balances the sweetness of the other peppers and contributes to the rainbow spectrum. Green bell peppers are also a good source of Vitamin K and fiber.
• Purple Onion (1/2 medium): Thinly sliced red onion (often labeled as purple onion) adds a sharp, slightly pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers. It also contributes a beautiful deep purple color to our rainbow. Red onions become sweeter and milder when cooked, adding a pleasant caramelized note to the pizza.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): Halved cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness when roasted, adding a delightful tang to the pizza. They also contribute vibrant red pops of color throughout the dish. You can also use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes diced into smaller pieces if cherry tomatoes are not available.
• Broccoli Florets (1 cup): Small broccoli florets add a slightly earthy, slightly bitter flavor and a good source of fiber and vitamins. Ensure the florets are small and evenly sized so they cook through properly and are easy to eat on the pizza. You can lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets before adding them to the pizza if you prefer a softer texture.
• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Sliced mushrooms, such as cremini or white button mushrooms, add a meaty texture and an umami flavor that enhances the overall savory taste of the pizza. Sautéing the mushrooms lightly before adding them to the pizza can help to remove excess moisture and intensify their flavor. Portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a mix of wild mushrooms would also be delicious additions.
• Black Olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Sliced black olives offer a salty, briny flavor that adds depth and complexity to the pizza. They also contribute a contrasting dark color amidst the rainbow of vegetables. Kalamata olives or green olives can be substituted based on your preference, each offering a slightly different flavor profile.
• Optional: Fresh Spinach or Arugula (1 cup): Adding fresh spinach or arugula after baking (or in the last few minutes of baking) brings a fresh, slightly peppery green element and an extra boost of nutrients. These leafy greens wilt slightly from the heat and add a delicate, fresh flavor that complements the roasted vegetables.

For the Cheesy Finish (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese provides that classic pizza cheese pull and a mild, milky flavor that binds all the ingredients together. Part-skim mozzarella is a healthier option if you are watching your fat intake. You can also use fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn, for a creamier texture.
• Optional: Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, grated): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich finish to the pizza. It enhances the overall flavor and adds a nice savory note. Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese could also be used for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative (for vegan option): For a vegan version, use your favorite shredded vegan mozzarella-style cheese. There are many excellent vegan cheese options available now that melt and taste very similar to traditional mozzarella. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on top for a cheesy, umami flavor.

Fresh Herbs for Garnish (Optional but Adds a Touch of Freshness):

• Fresh basil leaves (a few sprigs): Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet, and peppery aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the Italian-inspired flavors of the pizza. Chiffonade basil leaves (thinly sliced ribbons) are perfect for garnishing.
• Fresh oregano leaves (a few sprigs): Fresh oregano offers a slightly more robust and earthy flavor than basil, adding another layer of herbal complexity. Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves over the finished pizza for a fragrant and flavorful garnish.
• Fresh parsley (a few sprigs, chopped): Fresh parsley provides a clean, fresh, and slightly peppery flavor that brightens up the pizza. Chopped parsley can be sprinkled over the pizza for a fresh and vibrant garnish.