Main Dish
Pickle & Dill Pizza with Garlic Sauce
Best to enjoy freshly made. Health Benefits: Pickle Pickles are vegetables, most commonly cucumbers, that are preserved in a vinegar-based brine containing water, salt, and seasonings. Because they are fermented or vinegar-pickled, they offer both flavor and functional nutrition benefits. Pickles are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a useful addition for people managing diabetes. The vinegar used in pickling contains acetic acid, which has been shown in clinical studies to slow gastric emptying and reduce the spike in blood glucose that often follows higher carbohydrate meals. This slower digestion helps carbohydrates enter the bloodstream more gradually, supporting steadier post-meal blood sugar levels. Research in individuals with type 2 diabetes also suggests that consuming vinegar with carbohydrate-rich meals may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. Including a small portion of pickles can add brightness and crunch while supporting overall glycemic control. Nutrition Tip: Pickled Foods for Blood Sugar Control Adding pickled vegetables to meals can do more than boost flavor. Pickled foods such as red onions, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage offer both flavor and functional benefits by adding a vinegar containing component to the meal. Research in people with type 2 diabetes also shows that vinegar taken with carbohydrate‑rich meals can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post‑prandial hyperglycemia, making the body more efficient at using glucose. Adding a small amount of pickled vegetables is an easy strategy to brighten meals while supporting blood sugar control. They can be used in a variety of ways such as topping tacos, grain bowls, salads, avocado toast, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, bean dishes, and even mixed into a salsa or slaw to boost flavor without spiking blood sugar. Just keep in mind that pickled foods can be high in sodium, so moderation is key. References: Johnston CS, Buller AJ. Vinegar and peanut products as complementary foods to reduce postprandial glycemia. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105(12):1939-1942. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.09.015. Johnston CS, Steplewska I, Long CA, Harris LN, Ryals RH. Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults. Ann Nutr Metab. 2010;56(1):74-79. doi:10.1159/000272133. Are Pickles Bad for Diabetics? The Pros and Cons. Biology Insights. Published August 22, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2026. Vinegar Aids Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Journal of Plant Medicines. Athens University Medical School randomized clinical trials. Accessed March 13, 2026.
Source: Live Tula Meal Planner
1 steps, about 50 minutes
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01Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, dill, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the crushed garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, dill, and black pepper. Set aside. 4. Roll the pizza dough into two 8 1/2-inch rounds and place it on the prepared baking tray. 5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each dough round. 6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, then add the chopped pickles. 7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. 8. Serve warm with the garlic sauce and enjoy.
Best to enjoy freshly made. Health Benefits: Pickle Pickles are vegetables, most commonly cucumbers, that are preserved in a vinegar-based brine containing water, salt, and seasonings. Because they are fermented or vinegar-pickled, they offer both flavor and functional nutrition benefits. Pickles are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a useful addition for people managing diabetes. The vinegar used in pickling contains acetic acid, which has been shown in clinical studies to slow gastric emptying and reduce the spike in blood glucose that often follows higher carbohydrate meals. This slower digestion helps carbohydrates enter the bloodstream more gradually, supporting steadier post-meal blood sugar levels. Research in individuals with type 2 diabetes also suggests that consuming vinegar with carbohydrate-rich meals may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. Including a small portion of pickles can add brightness and crunch while supporting overall glycemic control. Nutrition Tip: Pickled Foods for Blood Sugar Control Adding pickled vegetables to meals can do more than boost flavor. Pickled foods such as red onions, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage offer both flavor and functional benefits by adding a vinegar containing component to the meal. Research in people with type 2 diabetes also shows that vinegar taken with carbohydrate‑rich meals can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post‑prandial hyperglycemia, making the body more efficient at using glucose. Adding a small amount of pickled vegetables is an easy strategy to brighten meals while supporting blood sugar control. They can be used in a variety of ways such as topping tacos, grain bowls, salads, avocado toast, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, bean dishes, and even mixed into a salsa or slaw to boost flavor without spiking blood sugar. Just keep in mind that pickled foods can be high in sodium, so moderation is key. References: Johnston CS, Buller AJ. Vinegar and peanut products as complementary foods to reduce postprandial glycemia. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105(12):1939-1942. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.09.015. Johnston CS, Steplewska I, Long CA, Harris LN, Ryals RH. Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults. Ann Nutr Metab. 2010;56(1):74-79. doi:10.1159/000272133. Are Pickles Bad for Diabetics? The Pros and Cons. Biology Insights. Published August 22, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2026. Vinegar Aids Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Journal of Plant Medicines. Athens University Medical School randomized clinical trials. Accessed March 13, 2026.
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