Corn Free, Egg Free

419 Calories | 15g Protein | 3g Fiber

1 hour | 2 servings

Menopause affects our taste buds and finding recipes that are both nourishing and tastes good can be a challenge, especially when kale is involved. This Kale & Squash Pesto Pizza packs a protein punch and doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

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Kale & Squash Pesto Pizza: A Satisfying Recipe for This Season of Life

OK, so why is this good for those of us in perimenopause or menopause? First, it packs 15 grams of protein per serving, which helps keep you satisfied even when hunger cues are a bit iffy. The combination of mozzarella cheese and the whole grain pizza dough creates a substantial meal that actually fills you up.

Second, the star ingredients, kale and acorn squash, bring important nutrients to the table. Kale, even when cooked, is still loaded with calcium (177mg per cup), which becomes increasingly important as we age and our bone density naturally changes. The acorn squash adds a touch of natural sweetness and provides magnesium, which plays many roles in our body.

The Flavor Story

Beyond the nutritional perks, this pizza is genuinely delicious. The pesto creates a vibrant, herbaceous base that's so much more interesting than traditional tomato sauce. When you layer on thinly sliced acorn squash the edges get slightly caramelized and becomes buttery and tender.

The kale adds a pleasant earthiness and a bit of texture contrast. Unlike some leafy greens that can become bitter when cooked, kale holds up well under high heat, getting slightly crispy at the edges while staying tender where it nestles under the cheese.

And let's not forget the cheese situation. The mozzarella melts into golden, bubbly pools that bind everything together. Each bite gives you that perfect cheesy goodness we all love.

Simple Enough for Busy Lives

This recipe comes together in about an hour, and most of that time is hands-off baking. You're using store-bought pizza dough (no judgment here, we're all busy) and pesto, which means the actual assembly takes maybe 10 minutes.

The recipe makes two servings, which is perfect for a weeknight dinner for two or gives you lunch leftovers for the next day. This pizza actually reheats beautifully. The crust stays relatively crispy, and the flavors seem to meld even more overnight.

Making It Your Own

While the recipe is fantastic as written, there's plenty of room for customization. Some ideas:

• Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage if you want extra protein
• Swap butternut squash for acorn if that's what you have on hand
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Finish with fresh arugula after baking for added freshness
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor dimension

A Few Practical Tips

To get the best results, let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. This makes it much easier to work with and helps create a better texture.

Don't skip the step of slicing your squash thinly, this ensures it cooks through at the same time as everything else. A mandoline makes this super easy, but a sharp knife and a steady hand works just fine too.

Using a cast-iron pan creates an incredibly crispy bottom crust and distributes heat evenly. If you don't have one, a regular baking sheet works, though you might want to bump up the oven temperature by 10-15 degrees and start checking on it 10-15 minutes early.

The Bottom Line

This Kale & Squash Pesto Pizza proves that eating well during menopause doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It's a real meal that happens to contain ingredients that support your body during this transition.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, a partner, or friends, this pizza feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night. And that’s exactly the kind of recipe we all need more of in our lives.

So, grab some pizza dough, preheat that oven, and get ready for a dinner that's as satisfying as it is delicious. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.