- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Guiding Stars: Pizza Night, Reimagined https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1323171?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1323171?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1323171?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Guiding Stars: Pizza Night, Reimagined&body=News from Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1323171?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Health & Healthcare](/categories/health-healthcare) # Guiding Stars: Pizza Night, Reimagined ##### by Allison Stowell Oct 29, 2026 9:30 AM ET Campaign: [Guiding Stars blog: Kitchen Smarts](/news/campaign/guiding-stars-blog-kitchen-smarts) ![Pizza night reimagined. Whole pizza shown.](https://3blcdn.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/2026-09/Pizza%20Night_Guiding%20Stars_9.25.26_1790357028.png) [Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News](https://guidingstars.com/kitchen-skills/pizza-night-reimagined/?utm_source=3BL&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=Guidingstarsblogpromotion&utm_content=upperfunnel-prospecting-evergreen-blog-promotion-v1-newsletter&utm_term=) Pizza is often seen as an indulgence. Traditional pizza dough tends to be high in sodium, and toppings may add other attributes we aim to limit, like saturated fat. But pizza night can be reimagined with crusts, sauces, toppings, and sides that earn Guiding Stars to build a high-fiber, nutritious plate. Simple choices can turn a familiar favorite into a balanced meal. ## **Begin With the Crust** Let’s look beyond the usual pizza crust and make a more nutritious slice. Choose Guiding Stars-earning [thin crust](https://food.guidingstars.com/#/itemdetails/478536/2340208710) pizza, [whole wheat dough](https://food.guidingstars.com/#/itemdetails/697673/68826719433), or [pita bread](https://food.guidingstars.com/#/itemdetails/865509/5149728223). Or reconsider the crust altogether with an alternative made from [cauliflower](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/cauliflower-squash-pizza/), a [waffle](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/pizza-waffles/), or even a [portobello mushroom.](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/portobello-pizzas/) ## **Sauce Update** Choose [pizza sauce](https://food.guidingstars.com/#/itemdetails/693620/8131992274) made with little or no sodium. Or make your own simple sauce using herbs and no-salt-added canned tomato products. For something different, replace tomato sauce with another sauce, spread, or dip, trying different sauce and topping combinations that appeal to you. For example, [hummus](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/simply-smooth-hummus/) works well with roasted veggies or as a [cold pizza](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/cold-hummus-pizza/). Alternatively, consider [pesto](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/pesto-sauce/) combined with fat-free ricotta cheese to create a unique base for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza. ## **Toppings Redone** Traditional pizza toppings can be high in saturated fat and sodium. However, if we top a pizza with veggies, [chicken](https://recipes.hannaford.com/recipes/267724/chicken-pita-pizzas), or lean ground turkey, along with part-skim cheeses, we can minimize this. Leftover shredded rotisserie or cubed breaded chicken works well too. Or use vegetables from something prepared earlier in the week, like a [sheet pan](https://guidingstars.com/nutrition-and-wellness/sheet-pan-meal-ideas-for-busy-seasons/) meal. Pizza becomes a cost-effective, affordable meal when toppings include kitchen staples (no-salt-added canned goods and frozen veggies). Or take advantage of the end-of-summer harvest to make a pizza finished with grilled zucchini, tomatoes, and other veggies. ## **Pizza Bar** Set up a DIY pizza bar. Roll out small, individual pizzas or use [store-bought](https://food.guidingstars.com/#/itemdetails/478537/2340208715) options. Then provide different sauces or spreads, cheeses, and a balanced mix of toppings. This is a great way to try new pizza combinations. It’s also helpful when you have different leftovers from a week of cooking but aren’t sure how to use them. Turning them into pizza toppings reduces waste and may introduce you to a new flavor combination too. ## **Salad, With a Side of Pizza** The best way to reimagine pizza night is to shift your plate. Usually pizza is at the center, with a small salad on the side. But if you move your salad to the center, and pizza to the side, you’ll have a fiber-rich, filling meal. If salad isn’t on the menu, consider sliced colorful veggies along with a Greek yogurt-based [dip](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/curried-red-pepper-dip/). Give your next pizza night an upgrade with unique recipes: Image ![Provencal pizza](https://3blcdn.com/2026-10/Pizza%20Night_Guiding%20Stars_1_1792084391.png) [**Provencal Onion Pizza, 1 out of 3 Guiding Stars**](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/provencal-onion-pizza/) Image ![Roaster Pepper Pizza](https://3blcdn.com/2026-10/Pizza%20Night_Guiding%20Stars_2_1792084446.png) [**Roasted Pepper Pizza, 1 out of 3 Guiding Stars**](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/roasted-pepper-pizza/) Image ![Black Bean Pizza](https://3blcdn.com/2026-10/Pizza%20Night_Guiding%20Stars_3_1792084484.png) [**Black Bean Pizza**](https://guidingstars.com/recipes/black-bean-pizza/) [**About Guiding Stars**](https://guidingstars.com/?utm_source=3BL&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=Guidingstarsblogpromotion&utm_content=upperfunnel-prospecting-evergreen-blog-promotion-v1-newsletter&utm_term=) Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet [transparent nutrition criteria](https://guidingstars.com/about/) earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in [more than 2,000 grocery stores](https://guidingstars.com/store-finder/), in [Circana' Attribute Marketplace](https://www.circana.com/post/circana-launches-attribute-marketplace-to-elevate-client-market-insights "https://www.circana.com/post/circana-launches-attribute-marketplace-to-elevate-client-market-insights"), and through the [Guiding Stars Food Finder](https://food.guidingstars.com/) app. [![Guiding Stars logo](/sites/default/files/2026-08/Guiding-Stars-Round-Logo-Aug-2026.png)](/profiles/guiding-stars-licensing-company-llc) ### More from Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC ###### [Guiding Stars: 3 Steps to Help You Evaluate AI Nutrition Information](/news/guiding-stars-3-steps-help-you-evaluate-ai-nutrition-information) Oct 27, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Balanced Meals on a Budget](/news/guiding-stars-balanced-meals-budget) Sep 23, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Boost Your Breakfast Flexibility](/news/guiding-stars-boost-your-breakfast-flexibility) Sep 17, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Cooking With Limited Equipment](/news/guiding-stars-cooking-limited-equipment) Sep 14, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: The Most Underrated & Simple Balanced Meal? A Sandwich](/news/guiding-stars-most-underrated-simple-balanced-meal-sandwich) Sep 10, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: An Easy Protein for Low-Effort Meals: Tinned Fish](/news/guiding-stars-easy-protein-low-effort-meals-tinned-fish) Sep 8, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Fast Food at Home](/news/guiding-stars-fast-food-home) Sep 2, 2026 10:00 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars - Berry Season: A Simple Way To Add More to Your Day](/news/guiding-stars-berry-season-simple-way-add-more-your-day) Aug 27, 2026 10:00 AM ET