Beachside Avocado Pizza with Ricotta and Honey

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 · by Meagan

A fresh take on pizza inspired by the beach, this Avocado Pizza with Ricotta and Honey is creamy and satisfying, yet light and refreshing at the same time. Featuring heart healthy and fiber-packed avocados, this pizza makes the perfect lunch or light dinner for hot weather.

pizza topped with ricotta, fanned avocado, jalapeno and a bundle of cilantro on a white plate

I first tried avocado pizza on a business trip to Miami last fall, and I have been thinking about it ever since. So of course, I had to recreate my own version.

And I know what you’re thinking… avocado on pizza??

I thought the same when I saw it on the menu of the beachside restaurant we were eating at. Tired of the same old burgers and sandwiches, I was craving something fresh and light. And boy did this deliver. The creaminess of the ricotta cheese and avocado is super satisfying, while the pops of fresh jalapeno and lime brighten the dish and add a little zest. Topped off with a drizzle of honey and I’m in sweet-and-savory heaven.

Please just trust me on this one, okay? If you need me I’ll be over here with my eyes closed, imagining the sound of the waves and the smell of the salty ocean air with each and every bite.

Why I Love This Avocado Pizza Recipe (And Why You Will, Too!)

It’s easy! Bake up your favorite pizza crust and layer on the toppings. No complicated ingredients or prep required.
It’s fresh. The crust is baked first then finished off with the fresh ingredients making it a perfect light meal for a hot day.
It’s different (and delicious!). Pizza with avocado is a bit out of the box but so worth trying! This recipe is a delicious combination of creamy, savory, sweet, spicy and refreshing that I just can’t get enough of.

avocado pizza toppings in small wooden and glass bowls arranged on a white plate

Beachside Avocado Pizza Ingredients

For the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Pizza dough. Use your favorite homemade dough recipe or store-bought. I always have extra pizza dough hanging out in my freezer for impromptu pizza nights!
Ricotta cheese. An Italian fresh cheese made from milk whey that is leftover during the production of other cheeses. It is light, fluffy and has a mild creamy taste.
Avocado. Choose one that is not overly ripe so that you can get really thin, clean slices.
Lime. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the creaminess of the pizza. The acidity of limes also hinder activity of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase, slowing down the browning of avocados that occur when exposed to oxygen. Go science!
Jalapeno & Chili Flakes. Omit the chili flakes if you prefer less spicy.
Honey. A touch of sweetness ties the flavors of this pizza together.
Fresh cilantro.
Salt. An important ingredient in the balance of flavors of this recipe. Both the avocado and ricotta are fairly bland on their own and should be seasoned properly before adding other toppings.

Substitutions & Alternatives

Prebaked pizza dough: For less prep, use a prebaked pizza crust, flatbread or naan. I’ve even tried this topping combo as an avocado toast and it is just as delicious.
Make this recipe whole wheat: For homemade pizza dough, sub half of the all purpose flour for whole wheat flour (see more about using whole wheat flour in this post!). Or choose a whole wheat dough ball, prebaked crust or flatbread.
Make this recipe vegan: Replace the ricotta cheese with a vegan version, typically made with soy milk, blended tofu or nuts. You can find it at the grocery store or try your hand at making your own at home. Also, be sure to use a vegan pizza dough and replace the honey with agave or maple syrup.
Make this recipe gluten-free: Opt for a gluten free premade dough or follow a recipe using gluten free flour. Bob’s Red Mill also sells a Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix that could work for this recipe.

overhead shot of avocado pizza on a piece of parchment laying on a counter beside two wedges of lime

How To Make Avocado Pizza

Prepare the crust. Roll out your dough and bake it according to the recipe or package instructions. We want it to be fully cooked so that it is a stable base for all of our toppings. Be sure to let it cool before adding the ricotta.
Add toppings. Spread on the ricotta and arrange the thinly sliced avocado on top. Lay on as many jalapenos as you desire.
Garnish & serve. Finish off your beachside beauty with a sprinkle of chili flakes, drizzle of honey and pile of fresh cilantro. Slice it up and serve with wedges of lime for spritzing.

overshot of avocado pizza with a slice cut out

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is avocado good on pizza?

Surprisingly, yes! The mild avocado goes very nicely with the creamy ricotta and acts as a nice base for the other brighter flavors. It’s not your typical pizza but is quite delicious in it’s own way!

When do you put avocado on pizza?

In this recipe, the avocado is put on the pizza after the crust is baked. This way the avocado is not hot and remains fresh and cool.

Is avocado pizza healthy?

Yes! Avocados are a good source of fiber and monounsaturated fats. Many studies have found a reduced risk of chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes with the consumption of avocados as part of a nutritious balanced diet. One medium avocado contains ~10 grams of fiber or 35% of your daily needs. Along with being rich in fiber, their high content of heart healthy fats provide satisfaction factor to meals and can help you feel full for longer.

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