Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
It doesn’t matter whether you’re Paleo, vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free—virtually everyone loves a good slice. (Hello, that’s what cauliflower crust and nut cheese were made for.) And thanks to some pretty innovative healthy foodies, greasy hands followed by a food coma no longer have to be involved.
And Kola House head chef Jon Feshan is elevating the healthy ‘za game to yet another level. The ABC Kitchen acolyte (he worked under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, NBD) adds out-of-the-box dishes like yellow carrot hummus, eggplant meatballs, and charred broccoli with mint and jalapeno to the New York City restaurant’s menu. But it’s an accidental dish that’s been selling out every damn night: avocado pizza topped with sunflower seeds, radishes, and cilantro.
“When I first started making the avocado pizza, it wasn’t a menu item—I served it complimentary to show my appreciation for diners.”
“When I first started making the avocado pizza at Kola House, it wasn’t a menu item—I served it complimentary to show my appreciation for diners,” Freshan says (yes, he’s totally serious). Needless to say, it went over pretty well. There’s the fact that, as Freshan says, “it’s both light on the palate and deeply satisfying.” Also: avocado.
Before too long, word got out about his off-the-menu, totally vegan offering, and he decided to make it official, serving them up at $18 a pop. But there’s a catch: The restaurant only makes 12 pies a night, meaning that it’s the most in-demand dish at the Chelsea spot, which full-disclosure is PepsiCo’s first eatery. “I like to keep my diners happy, satisfied, and always curious,” Freshan says on why he caps it at a dozen. But if the chef’s proven anything, it’s that he can be a generous guy—which is why he’s revealing exclusively to Well+Good the recipe.
Watch the video above to see how to make Kola House’s vegan avocado pizza and scroll down for the full recipe.
Kola House’s Avocado Pizza
Makes 1 pizza
Ingredients
Cilantro Salsa
2 cups cilantro1/4 diced young onion3 Tbsp diced jalapeno with seeds3 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed2 Tbsp kosher salt
Pizza
1 pizza dough or crust of your choice1 medium size spring onion sliced2 Tbsp cilantro chopped1 Tbsp diced onion1 Tbsp lemon juice1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1. Prep the pizza dough or crust of your choice according to its instructions, including cooking it in the oven until the edges are slightly brown.
2. While the pizza dough is cooking, mix the ingredients for the cilantro salsa in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for five minutes. Then, add the cilantro salsa.
4. Last, add the toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, lemon juice, and sliced avocados.
Kola House, 408 W 15th St., 646-869-8873, New York, New York, kolahouse.com
Each week we spotlight a healthy-delish recipe that’s truly genius (and easy to make) from someone who’s wowed us in the food world. We’re talking buzzy cookbook authors and Instagram foodies to brilliant chefs. You can find more mouthwatering, must-try ideas from the Recipe of the Week archive.
Make it a meal—pair your pizza with these summer sides and the Italian-inspired (and surprisingly healthy) spritz cocktail.
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.
