Cauliflower Mexican Pizza
Recipes used above:
Pizza, Mexican Food, and the Mediterranean Diet
Is pizza or Mexican food traditionally from the Mediterranean region? Not exactly. And a cauliflower crust certainly didn’t originate along the Mediterranean Sea either 😉
That said, the Mediterranean Diet is about principles, not strict food rules—and this Cauliflower Mexican Pizza fits those principles beautifully.
This recipe is:
-
Plant-forward
-
Rich in fiber and nutrients
-
Made with wholesome, minimally processed ingredients
-
Designed to be enjoyed slowly, together, around the table
Those lifestyle elements—relaxing, sharing meals, and enjoying food without guilt—are just as important as what is on your plate.
(If you want a refresher, you can read more about Mediterranean Diet principles here.)
We love exploring flavors from cuisines around the world, as long as we can do it in a heart-healthy, Mediterranean-style way. This recipe does exactly that, blending Mexican and Italian flavors into a nourishing, satisfying meal.
Is Mexican Pizza Gluten-Free?
Great question—and the answer is usually yes, with one important caveat.
Most pizza toppings—including tomatoes, cheese, vegetables, beans, and sauces—are naturally gluten-free. The key is the crust.
As long as you choose a gluten-free cauliflower crust, this pizza works beautifully for gluten-free eaters. In fact, creating a gluten-free alternative was one of the original reasons cauliflower crust became so popular in the first place.
Just be sure to read ingredient labels carefully, as some store-bought crusts may include added flours.
But… Cauliflower Crust?
Absolutely—but with flexibility.
The Mediterranean Diet fully supports whole grains, and a whole-wheat pizza crust is a fantastic option. We make them often in our house and love them.
That said, cauliflower crust offers a few unique benefits:
-
Adds more vegetables to your meal
-
Works well for gluten-free or lower-carb eating
-
Lets you enjoy pizza in a new, fun way
There are many great store-bought cauliflower crusts available, and if you’re feeling adventurous, making one at home can be very rewarding. Our favorite homemade cauliflower crust recipe can be found at Foodal, and this site also offers excellent tips—because yes, there is a bit of an art to it.
Cauliflower Mexican Pizza
Ingredients
-
Cauliflower pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 cup refried beans (try our homemade recipe below)
-
Chopped tomatoes, as desired
-
Pickled jalapeños, as desired
-
Fresh onions and peppers, as desired
-
Corn, as desired
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or more, to taste)
-
Optional: shredded chicken (see recipe below)
-
Optional: Greek yogurt, drizzled on top in place of sour cream
Directions
-
Prepare the cauliflower crust according to package directions, or make your homemade version in advance.
-
Spread the refried beans evenly over the crust.
-
Top with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, peppers, corn, cilantro, and chicken (if using).
-
Bake according to crust directions, or for about 10 minutes, until everything is warmed through.
-
Remove from the oven and drizzle with Greek yogurt if desired.
-
Slice, serve warm, and enjoy.
This is the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love—it’s about adapting them in ways that nourish your body and fit your life.
