Ultimate Vegan Margherita Pizza: Creamy Cashew Tahini Mozzarella & Gluten-Free Chickpea Crust

Discover the joy of homemade vegan pizza with our exquisite Vegan Margherita, featuring luscious Cashew Tahini Mozzarella and a wholesome, homemade chickpea crust, topped with vibrant tomato and fresh basil. Perfect for an unforgettable date night dinner right at home!

Have you ever found yourself meticulously planning a delightful home-cooked meal, only to realize at the last minute that you’re missing that one crucial ingredient? Just a few weeks ago, my partner M and I were excitedly anticipating our plant-based pizza night. However, a quick glance into the fridge revealed a disheartening truth: we were completely out of our go-to vegan mozzarella.

The thought of a hasty trip to the grocery store for *just one* item felt inconvenient, but M, ever the pragmatist, suggested we simply enjoy our pizza cheese-less. While I appreciate minimalism in many areas of life, my heart was set on a truly cheesy and satisfying pizza experience. I was determined to achieve that perfect gooey, melty texture.

As fate would have it, that unexpected shortage of cheese turned out to be a blessing in disguise! It ignited a creative spark, propelling me into the world of homemade vegan cheese, and ultimately inspiring this very recipe. I immediately dove into research, exploring various techniques for crafting plant-based cheese at home. After some initial experimentation, I decided to venture into making a homemade vegan cashew tahini mozzarella from scratch.

The outcome was nothing short of spectacular. We were absolutely delighted by the homemade cashew cheese; in fact, we liked it *so* much that it has now become an indispensable staple for all our pizza nights. Its rich flavor and creamy texture far surpassed any store-bought alternative we had ever tried.

This Vegan Margherita Pizza with Cashew Tahini Mozzarella is more than just a meal; it’s an elevated culinary experience designed for a special plant-based pizza night at home. For the ultimate indulgence, I wholeheartedly recommend pairing it with a glass of Barbera wine, which beautifully complements the robust flavors of the pizza, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Essential Steps for Your Vegan Margherita Pizza Journey

To embark on your delicious pizza-making adventure, begin by setting a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Pour yourself a glass of wine to get into the culinary mood – a good Barbera, as suggested, can truly enhance the experience even before the first slice is cut. This is about enjoying the process as much as the final product.

Preheat your oven to a steady 450°F (230°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your pizza crust bakes evenly and prevents any sticking. Take a moment to clear your kitchen counters, gather all the necessary ingredients, and put on some inspiring music. With your kitchen organized and your spirits high, you’re perfectly primed to create an extraordinary Vegan Margherita Pizza, complete with our signature Cashew Tahini Mozzarella!

Crafting the Creamy Heart: Homemade Cashew Tahini Mozzarella

The true standout of this Vegan Margherita Pizza is undoubtedly the homemade cashew tahini mozzarella. This plant-based cheese is not only incredibly flavorful but also achieves a remarkably creamy and slightly stretchy texture that rivals its dairy counterpart. Preparing this mozzarella first ensures it’s perfectly set and ready to crown your pizza masterpiece.

Key Ingredients for Luscious Cashew Mozzarella:

• Cashews: These form the creamy base of our mozzarella. Quick-soaking raw cashews in boiling water for about 10 minutes is crucial. This softens them considerably, allowing them to blend into an incredibly smooth, lump-free cream.
• Filtered Water: Used to achieve the ideal blending consistency and overall richness of the cheese.
• Tahini: A rich, nutty sesame paste that adds a wonderful depth of flavor and contributes to the mozzarella’s luxurious creaminess, complementing the cashews beautifully.
• Arrowroot Starch: This is the secret ingredient for texture! Arrowroot starch acts as a natural thickener and is responsible for creating that desirable stretchy, meltable quality in our vegan mozzarella.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the cheese with a warm, savory aroma and flavor that’s universally loved.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: A fundamental seasoning that brings out all the subtle flavors and balances the richness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice is essential for brightness. It mimics the slight tanginess found in traditional mozzarella, adding a crucial layer to the flavor profile.
• Miso: This fermented soybean paste is a powerhouse of umami. Just a small amount adds a profound savory, almost “cheesy,” depth that elevates the entire flavor profile of the mozzarella.

These carefully selected ingredients work in harmony to create a truly irresistible vegan cheese that will transform your pizza night.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Achieve Perfect Cashew Tahini Mozzarella

Creating this rich and creamy vegan mozzarella is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to ensure a flawless result:

1. Blitz to Creaminess: Combine all the cashew mozzarella ingredients – the quick-soaked cashews, filtered water, tahini, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, Himalayan sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and miso – into your high-speed blender or food processor. Blend vigorously until the mixture is exceptionally smooth and creamy. There should be no grainy bits of cashew remaining. The consistency at this stage might be a little thinner than you expect, but that’s perfectly normal.
2. Thicken on the Stovetop: Once blended, transfer the creamy mixture into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat. This is where the magic begins, as the cheese starts to take on its characteristic texture.
3. Constant Stirring for Perfection: Heat the mozzarella for approximately 5-8 minutes, or until you observe it visibly thickening and starting to bubble. The arrowroot starch will activate with the heat, transforming the liquid into a more cohesive, gooey “cheese.” It is absolutely crucial to stir the mixture frequently, almost continuously, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. I find that dragging a spatula from the sides towards the center, much like you would when making scrambled eggs, helps ensure even heating and prevents scorching.
4. Observe the Doughy Ball: The cashew mozzarella is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the skillet and comes together to form a single, soft, and doughy ball. It should have a slightly sticky, pliable texture, similar to a soft dough. This indicates it has reached the ideal consistency for melting beautifully on your pizza.
5. Cool Down and Prepare: Once your vegan mozzarella has formed its doughy ball, remove the pan from the heat. Set the cheese aside to cool down slightly. As it cools, it will firm up a bit more, making it easier to dollop onto your pizza crust. While it rests, you can focus on preparing your chickpea crust and other delicious toppings.

Building the Foundation: Crafting Your Wholesome Vegan Chickpea Crust

While convenience sometimes calls for a pre-frozen crust, there’s immense satisfaction in crafting your own pizza base. For those truly adventurous at heart, our homemade vegan chickpea crust is a game-changer! It offers a unique flavor and texture that perfectly complements the Margherita toppings. Whether you choose to make your own or opt for a store-bought alternative, the journey to a delicious pizza is assured.

Making a homemade pizza crust with chickpea flour (also known as gram flour or besan) is surprisingly easy and offers numerous benefits. Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, contributing to a more wholesome and satisfying pizza. The resulting crust is wonderfully crisp on the edges and tender in the center, providing a sturdy yet delightful foundation for your toppings. This simple recipe proves that eating plant-based and gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture!

Essential Ingredients for Your Wholesome Chickpea Pizza Dough:

Creating this delicious, gluten-free chickpea pizza crust requires only a handful of pantry staples. Their simplicity belies the incredible flavor and texture they produce:

• Chickpea Flour: The star ingredient, providing a robust, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense base. Its unique, slightly earthy flavor adds character to the crust.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: A touch of salt is essential to enhance the flavors of the flour and the overall crust.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the dough with an aromatic savory note, building a flavorful foundation from the ground up.
• Avocado Oil: This healthy fat contributes moisture to the dough and helps achieve a desirable crispness once baked.
• Filtered Water: The liquid component that brings all the dry ingredients together, creating a smooth, pourable batter.

It’s truly remarkable how these basic ingredients combine to form such a delightful and versatile pizza crust, perfectly suited for our Vegan Margherita.

Effortless Mastery: How to Prepare Your Vegan Chickpea Pizza Dough

Making your chickpea pizza dough is a surprisingly simple and rewarding process that comes together quickly:

1. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the chickpea flour, Himalayan sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Once dry ingredients are mixed, add the avocado oil and filtered water. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth, pourable batter. The consistency should be similar to a slightly thick pancake batter – fluid enough to spread, but with enough body to hold its shape. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water; if too thin, a tablespoon of chickpea flour can help.
2. Spread on the Baking Sheet: Carefully pour the batter onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a spatula, gently spread the batter outwards from the center to form a large, thin, and as even as possible, circular crust. The key to a good chickpea crust is spreading it thinly and uniformly to ensure it bakes up firm and crispy. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; the rustic charm adds to the homemade appeal!
3. Initial Bake for Firmness: Place the baking sheet with your raw crust into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. During this initial bake, the batter will undergo a magical transformation, firming up into a tangible, sturdy, and slightly golden crust. This par-baking step is essential for creating a stable base that can support your delicious toppings without becoming soggy.

Once this initial bake is complete, your chickpea crust will be perfectly prepared and eager to receive its classic Margherita toppings, ready to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece.

The Final Flourish: Delicious Toppings for Your Vegan Margherita Pizza

While your wholesome chickpea crust is par-baking in the oven, it’s the perfect time to prepare your vibrant toppings. For an authentic and irresistible Vegan Margherita Pizza, we stick to the beloved trifecta: a rich tomato sauce, our luscious homemade vegan cashew tahini mozzarella, and thinly sliced fresh tomatoes.

However, if you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to personalize your pizza, feel free to “go rogue”! This is your culinary canvas, so add any additional vegetables or plant-based ingredients that tantalize your taste buds. Think roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just remember not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings can sometimes lead to a soggy crust.

Assembling Your Margherita Masterpiece:

1. Sauce the Crust: Once your chickpea crust has completed its initial 10-minute bake and is golden and firm, carefully remove it from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of your favorite tomato sauce over the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
2. Arrange the Tomatoes: Artfully arrange your thinly sliced fresh tomatoes over the tomato sauce layer. To ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture, try to lay the slices without too much overlap.
3. Dollop the Mozzarella: Now, for the star of the show! Generously drop spoonfuls of your creamy homemade vegan cashew tahini mozzarella over the layer of tomatoes. Don’t stress over perfect placement; the beauty of homemade pizza lies in its rustic charm, and the cheese will melt wonderfully to cover the surface.
4. The Grand Finale Bake: Gently place your fully topped pizza back into the preheated oven for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This final baking stage allows the mozzarella to melt into a gooey, savory layer, the tomatoes to soften and intensify their flavor, and the crust to become beautifully crisp and golden brown along the edges. Keep a close eye on it to achieve your desired level of browning.

While your pizza finishes its bake, take another unhurried sip of your Barbera. The delightful aromas filling your kitchen are a promise of the deliciousness to come!

The Perfect Pairing: Barbera Wine and Sustainable Choices

No truly elevated pizza night is complete without a thoughtfully chosen wine pairing. For this vibrant Vegan Margherita Pizza, I wholeheartedly recommend a glass of Barbera. This Italian red wine is celebrated for its rich, dry profile, often boasting delightful notes of cherry, plum, and subtle spices. Its bright acidity and moderate tannins make it a superb complement to the bold flavors of tomato, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the creamy richness of our savory vegan cashew cheese, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying culinary experience.

Beyond taste, I’ve developed a significant interest in natural, organic, and vegan wines, prioritizing not just the palate but also ethical and environmental considerations. It’s truly inspiring to explore options that align with a plant-based lifestyle and sustainable practices. Luckily, there’s a fantastic local shop near me called RED that curates an exceptional selection of earth-friendly wines. I thoroughly enjoy the process of browsing their shelves, confident that every bottle has been meticulously vetted for its sustainability and quality.

The commitment at RED is impressive: every single wine they offer is either made from organically grown grapes, produced biodynamically, or farmed using strictly sustainable practices. This dedication to environmentally conscious winemaking perfectly complements a vegan lifestyle, allowing for a truly guilt-free indulgence.

The 2020 Barbera from Paolo Marcarino, which I recently discovered at RED, has quickly risen to the top of my personal favorites. It perfectly embodies what I look for in a wine: it’s vegan, sustainably produced, organic, and notably, has no added sulfites. Its robust yet approachable character, with its fruit-forward notes and balanced acidity, creates an exquisite synergy with the fresh, vibrant flavors of this homemade Vegan Margherita Pizza. It truly enhances every single bite, making the entire meal a celebration of flavor and mindful consumption.

The Grand Finale: Finishing Touches and Serving Your Masterpiece

You’ll know your Vegan Margherita Pizza has reached peak perfection when the edges of the chickpea crust are beautifully golden brown and the homemade cashew tahini mozzarella has melted into a glorious, bubbly layer, showing just a hint of browning along its perimeter. The irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen will be your ultimate cue!

Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two. This brief resting period is important as it helps the cheese set slightly, making for cleaner and more defined slices. Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice your magnificent pizza pie into your desired portions and serve it immediately. Be cautious, as the cashew tahini mozzarella retains heat remarkably well, so take your time to avoid burning your tongue in your eagerness!

For an extra burst of freshness and a vibrant pop of color, I absolutely adore garnishing my pizza with a generous sprinkling of fresh basil leaves. Their sweet, peppery aroma provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese. A final grating of vegan parmesan cheese also adds another layer of salty, umami goodness, elevating the entire experience and leaving you craving more.

Serving Suggestions & Practical Storage Tips

Present your delightful Vegan Margherita Pizza with Cashew Tahini Mozzarella with pride! For an optimal dining experience, enjoy it alongside a chilled glass of Barbera, as previously recommended. Alternatively, feel free to visit RED to hand-pick a red wine that perfectly suits your personal preference and palate. The joy of pairing is in the discovery!

This pizza stands as a shining example of plant-based comfort food that refuses to compromise on quality ingredients or magnificent flavor. Each bite is a testament to the richness and satisfaction that wholesome, homemade vegan meals can offer. It’s a dish that truly nourishes both body and soul.

Reheating Leftovers:

One of the many wonderful attributes of this pizza is how splendidly it reheats! Should you have any delightful leftovers (a rare occurrence, perhaps!), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to savor them again, you can quickly warm them in the microwave for a speedy meal. For those who prefer a crisper crust, reheating in a toaster oven or conventional oven until heated through will restore its fresh-baked glory.

Cheers to delicious, wholesome, and joyfully homemade vegan pizza!

Explore More Delicious Vegan Pizza Recipes

If this Vegan Margherita Pizza has captured your heart and palate, we invite you to explore our wider collection of plant-based pizza creations. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic and diverse vegan pizza recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish:

• Butternut Squash Pesto Pizza

• Veggie Lover’s Flatbread Pizza

• Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Zucchini Crust Pizza (Vegan & Gluten-Free!)

• Flatbread Tortilla Pizza

• BBQ Tofu Pizza

• Vegan Zucchini Pizza Poppers

• Cauliflower Crust Pizza

We’d Love to Hear From You! Your Feedback Matters!

Your culinary experiences are invaluable to us! If you decide to try your hand at this delightful Vegan Margherita Pizza with Cashew Tahini Mozzarella recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your results. We are genuinely excited to hear how it turned out for you!

We kindly ask you to leave a comment, rating, and review below. Your feedback is a tremendous help, not only for us to continually improve our recipes and create more delicious content but also for other home cooks looking for inspiration. Every piece of feedback helps our community thrive!

We’d love to see your plant-based masterpieces! Give us a shout on Instagram. Be sure to tag @flora_and_vino and use the hashtag #floraandvino when you share your stunning vegan pizza creations. We love to admire and celebrate your kitchen successes!

For more inspiring plant-based recipes, creative culinary ideas, and beautiful food photography, be sure to check out our Pinterest page. It’s a treasure trove of deliciousness, perfect for pinning recipes like this one to make later or whenever a craving strikes.

Loved this post and craving even more delicious plant-based content? Don’t miss out! Head over to our homepage and subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll receive fresh recipes, helpful tips, and exciting updates delivered directly to your inbox, ensuring you stay connected with the vibrant world of plant-based eating!

XO Lauren

Print

This post is made in partnership with RED, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!