“Three Great A’s” Pizza

Before Liv was a twinkle in our eyes, we talked about how we would introduce our children to the three great A’s: avocado, artichoke and asparagus.

3 A's

I’ve always wanted to combine them into a dish, but thought they might taste weird together.

But pizza? You can put anything on a pizza.

This combo was RIDICULOUS.

Before we tackled the pizza making, this morning, we went for a run.

Run w liv

It’s funny because whenever I go out for a run, I think to myself “I’m not quite sure if I’m going to finish this.” And then, somehow it happens. It definitely helps to have running buddies for motivation, especially since Liv was singing and babbling the entire time. She loves it.

The Pilot and I took turns pushing the jogging stroller for the 5 miles. Usually he pushes Liv the entire time–I like to think it gives me a better chance of keeping up with him because he’s much taller and faster than me, and for him to keep my stride is tough on his knees. Today, I wanted to run with the stroller as much as possible because I’m hoping I’ll be able to do a couple of 5ks this fall with Liv. I’ll never forget the 5k I did with my friend Meara–she KILLED it while pushing the jogging stroller the entire time. Rock star.

We ran on the River Walk, which is an incredible running/cycling trail in Tucson. It’s flat–a lovely change from the incline of Sabino Canyon–lines the wash, and goes through almost the entire city. No traffic, beautiful scenery,

River walk

even horses along the way.

Horse

And then there was that pizza.

Pizza

 

Artichoke, Asparagus and Avocado Pizza

Artichoke, asparagus and avocado pizza! AKA the "three great A's!" fitnessista.com #pizza #homemadepizza #pizzarecipe

We started with some dough:

wheat for the Pilot,

pizza dough

gluten-free for me (whenever I make dough, I store half in the freezer for when I have a pizza hankering)

and the dough was flipped by a professional chef. NBD.

Kyle tossing pizza dough

(Kyle was here hanging out on his lunch break, so I asked if he would please make the dough nice for me. I have a tendency to make it way too thin or too thick)

Kyle tossing pizza dough

Mad. Skills.

The dough was topped with pesto–you could always do homemade, but I love the Trader Joe’s brand

Pesto pizza

roasted asparagus, chopped artichoke hearts and goat gouda.

3 great A's pizza

After baking, topped with thin, buttery avocado slices.

Slicing the pizza

The Pilot and I have each almost finished off our entire pizzas.

If you make this, I hope you love it as much as we did! What are your fave pizza toppings? Do you like any weird combos? I looooove anchovies.

Have a great night! <3

xoxo

Gina

 

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61 Comments

  1. Elizabeth M. on September 3, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    Gina, you’ve outdone yourself. I am 100% going to make this for lunch one day this week. Sounds so yummy!!

    • RachelG on September 3, 2012 at 10:58 pm

      Ditto! 🙂

  2. Blake @ Blake Bakes on September 3, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    That sounds amazing! I would do it with Daiya, but the three As seem perfect for pizza.

  3. Ali on September 3, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    YUM!!!! We made homemade pizza tonight too! I recently made this savory pizza with a bit of prosciutto, mozzarella, peaches and some gorgonzola…it was so incredible. Like finger licking good 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 3, 2012 at 10:55 pm

      that sounds OUTTA CONTROL

  4. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on September 3, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    That pizza looks and sounds delicious!! I really don’t have a favorite topping, I love almost all veggies and cheeses on pizza!

  5. Mary on September 3, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    Looks amazing! Do you make your gluten free dough from scratch?

  6. Sana on September 3, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    I love the Great A’s! Kyle has awesome dough making skills!

  7. Brittany on September 3, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    My parents used to make the dough. I think it tastes much better. Have you ever put hot sauce or made a spicy pizza? I hear you are a spicy food lover like me!!! I put a ton of crushed red pepper on my pizza. I get weird looks whenever I keep piling it on!!!!

    • Brittany on September 3, 2012 at 11:23 pm

      Looks like Chef Nottingham has some skils!!!!!!!

  8. Julie on September 3, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    This is magical and I have to make it!

  9. j3nn on September 3, 2012 at 11:46 pm

    The three A’s make incredible pizza toppings. I’ve never tried it, but I am positive I’d love it. And goat gouda? OMG. Why don’t we have a TJ’s yet? Cry!

  10. Kristi @ lifesprinkles.com on September 4, 2012 at 12:15 am

    I love anchovies too! I’ve been ordering them on my pizza since I was 5 and I still get weird looks 🙂

    That pizza looks incredible – what a great combo!

  11. Averie @ Averie Cooks on September 4, 2012 at 12:21 am

    The avocado, artichoke and asparagus = my FAVE A’s. I have eaten all three in the last 48 hrs, but not together. I need to make your pizza. GREAT thinking on that one, Gina!

  12. Sarabell on September 4, 2012 at 12:40 am

    This pizza sounds amazing!! I’m trying to find all kinds of fun new veggie combos lately so I’ll definitely have to give this one a try!!

  13. Emily on September 4, 2012 at 1:12 am

    The three A’s…haha, I love it! That pizza looks divine. I must recreate it!
    Congrats on your awesome stroller run! I honestly don’t think I could do that…

  14. Joanne on September 4, 2012 at 3:03 am

    I’m usually pretty boring when it comes to pizza toppings but I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone a bit. I love to add loads of veggies to a spelt pizza base as my children love it. I’m thinking of trying goat’s cheese & roasted red pepper or spinach & feta next

  15. Ksenija on September 4, 2012 at 3:05 am

    Is it strange that I think a guy throwing a pizza dough is darn hot? 😀

  16. Mollie on September 4, 2012 at 6:17 am

    Gina this looks amazing!!

    I have a random question-what kind of sports bras do you wear and which brand/model do you find most supportive for runs and higher intensity workouts?? Thanks so much!!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      the lululemon tata tamer. changed. my. life 🙂

  17. Katie on September 4, 2012 at 6:35 am

    That pizza looks amazing! 🙂

    My go-to pizza toppings are anchovies with jalapenos. Unreal good.

  18. jaclyn on September 4, 2012 at 6:49 am

    finally i know what an avocado pizza is….and i dig it 🙂

    i’m jealous of your running trail, looks great !

    AND. I cannot believe you say “before she was a twinkle in our eyes”… I’ve never heard anyone say that, except for my parents, who have been saying it about me and my sisters our whole lives hahah!!

  19. Simply Life on September 4, 2012 at 6:58 am

    oh that pizza combo does sound incredible!

  20. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness on September 4, 2012 at 7:03 am

    That pizza looks amazing! Nothing better than a professional chef to make the dough for you 🙂 That’s so awesome that Livi likes going for jogs! What great motivation to stick with it!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      exactly- if she hated it, it would be so much harder

  21. Kayla on September 4, 2012 at 7:30 am

    looks so delicious. i never thought to combine those 3 ingredients on pizza.. i would have to use daiya though 🙂

  22. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance on September 4, 2012 at 7:41 am

    anchovies, huh? I’ve never had them, but wouldn’t mind giving them a try. I usually stick to traditional stuff on pizza: lots of veggies like onion, peppers and mushrooms. But I do love the veggies you guys used, so I bet it was fabulous!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      they’re salty and AMAZING

  23. Laura on September 4, 2012 at 7:44 am

    Making this today! What kind of pesto did you use? Basil?

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      yep! let me know how you like it!

  24. Jess on September 4, 2012 at 7:52 am

    I LOVE it! I was a nanny in Germany, and I was surprised that they put all of this on their pizzas too, it was so weird at first, but then I tried it and it was amazing. I want to make some now after seeing your pics!

  25. Jess on September 4, 2012 at 8:44 am

    How did you like running with the stroller? I do it all the time now, but I remember my first time felt like I was pushing a shopping trolley up a hill. It gets easier though!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      i love it! it’s a little heavy, but the extra resistance isn’t too bad and it glides really easily

  26. Meghan @ After the Ivy League on September 4, 2012 at 8:51 am

    Running with a stroller sounds like hard work! Must’ve been a great run. Does Trader Joe’s have a gluten free pizza crust?? I need to find that!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      no they don’t (at least ours doesn’t)- but they should 🙂

  27. Natalie @ FreshLifeFindings on September 4, 2012 at 9:30 am

    This pizza sounds SO good! I made homemade pizza last week with Pesto as the base and Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes and Garlic, so yum!

  28. Rachel on September 4, 2012 at 10:41 am

    oo your pizza looks great! I make one with artichokes, but never thought about adding asparagus.. I love those!

  29. Beverly Aragon on September 4, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I’m a HUGE fan of the three great A’s too! I’ve never had them all together on a pizza before, but absolutely love to top my pizzas with fresh sliced avocado and olive oil. YUM! Will definitely try out this combo soon. 🙂

  30. Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit on September 4, 2012 at 11:05 am

    Haha, I can so relate – I think before or even during every run I also have that thought of, “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to finish this.” My husband is also quite a bit taller than me with much longer legs, so we also have trouble running at a comfortable pace together. Either I’m dying because I’m running my ass off to keep up with even his leisurely pace or he’s struggling to slow it down for my short little legs 😉 haha.

  31. Kim on September 4, 2012 at 11:08 am

    That pizza looks amazing! I would have never thought of that combo for a pizza, but my mouth is def watering… 🙂

  32. Amanda on September 4, 2012 at 11:52 am

    That pizza looks AMAZING! I love mushrooms in my pizza. Maybe I’ll make this and add some mushrooms.

  33. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on September 4, 2012 at 11:57 am

    That pizza looks amazing! I’ve never tried avocado on pizza before… but avocado tastes good on everything, so I know it would be delicious! My favourite pizza combo right now is figs, blue cheese, caramelized onions and prosciutto. The sweet/salty/tangy flavours are amazing together!

  34. theorist on September 4, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    no faves. I am open. yesterday i made jalapeno stuffed green olives & viadalia onion with a bit of feta, parmesan, and mozzarella. not good for portion control efforts!!!

  35. Staci on September 4, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    we made a sweet pizza with TJ’s dough, mascarpone cheese, figs, toasted almonds and grilled it, then topped with honey…WOW!! ya totally amazing.
    BTW, pesto on pizza is great!

    • Fitnessista on September 4, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      whooooaoaaaa..i need to try that!

  36. Brigid on September 4, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    That combination sounds and looks delicious! We made pizza last night, too. I’m going to blog about it today, but essentially it was roasted tomato sauce with tons of garlic and basil, mushrooms, roasted zucchini and eggplant, onion, and Monterey Jack on homemade sourdough crust. It was a life changer.

  37. Dorian on September 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I’m a big fan of salty pizzas. Some of my favorite toppings are spinach, artichokes, black olives, feta, goat cheese, and oddly enough: capers. Mmmmm. I’ll make a zingy and spicy tomato base, and then start layering on veggies and cheese.

  38. Ramani on September 4, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Amazing!! Also Gina, please check your FB msgs when you have a chance? Thank you.

  39. Rebecca on September 4, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    That pizza sounds amazing! I’v never had those three “As” together in one dish, but it sounds really really good! I LOVE artichoke so I feel like anything with artichoke on it would be a win in my book 🙂

  40. Diana on September 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    You can never go wrong with those A’s, especially on a pizza. Looks yummy! I’m liking the blog’s new look!!

  41. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles on September 4, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    I wish I could make pizza dough like that!

    I’m a bit of a traditionalist with pizza…give me Hawaiian or BBQ chicken and I am a happy girl. 🙂

  42. Tammy on September 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    The new blog layout looks awesome!! It was great before, but this is even better!

  43. Savannah on September 5, 2012 at 1:02 am

    Keep an eye on that horse when you next go for a run. He’s SERIOUSLY underweight and the owners might be having difficulty in this economy. No matter the age, you shouldn’t be able to see hipbones or ribs.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2012 at 1:35 am

      that’s good to know- i don’t know a lot about horses but thought he looked very thin. i’ll keep an eye on him. do you know of any way i could help?

  44. Chelsa on September 8, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Wow he does have skills! The pizza looks incredible.

  45. Karissa on March 23, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    I know I’m posting WAY after the fact… but WOOOOOW this looks incredible, hello pizza night!

  46. Rebecca on June 30, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    Hi! I’m responding to this late, like Karissa, but I’m new to your site and just stumbled across this recipe. This looks great! Do you think it would taste as good with marinara sauce instead of pesto? I’m not such a fan of pesto…(I know, I’m weird).

    Thanks for posting this! I’m excited to make more of your recipes!

    • Fitnessista on June 30, 2013 at 11:36 pm

      totally would! thanks for checking out my blog 🙂 xoxo

  47. Beth on January 12, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    how do you make your gluten free pizza crust from scratch??

    • Fitnessista on January 12, 2014 at 11:43 pm

      i follow whatever recipe i find online using brown rice flour. it comes out great!

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