Perfect Paleo Pizza Sauce from Scratch
When it comes to making a truly satisfying Paleo pizza, the sauce is every bit as important as the base and toppings. A well-balanced sauce ties everything together, delivering bold, rich flavour in every bite. This Paleo pizza sauce recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients and skips the unnecessary additives found in most store-bought options.
Whether you're hosting a Friday night pizza party or batch-prepping for the freezer, this simple yet flavour-packed tomato sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to bottled versions again.
With just a few everyday ingredients—like onion, garlic, tomato paste, and dried herbs—you can whip up a pizza sauce that’s full of natural goodness. There’s no refined sugar, no preservatives, and absolutely no grains, making it a perfect match for a Paleo lifestyle.
Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 200 g tomato paste
- 250 ml water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste, water, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a whisk to mix the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare for Use: Spoon the pizza sauce out onto the pizza bases as required.
- Optional Cooking: You don't need to cook the pizza sauce, as you'll be cooking it with the pizza. However, if you prefer a thicker sauce, heat and stir it until it thickens to your liking.
Why Homemade Paleo Pizza Sauce?
Many store-bought pizza sauces are full of hidden sugars, oils, and thickeners that don’t align with Paleo principles. When you make your own sauce, you have complete control over every ingredient. This is especially important if you're following a strict Paleo diet or trying to avoid processed foods.
This recipe celebrates simplicity. It’s proof that you don’t need artificial ingredients to achieve a rich, savoury tomato flavour. You’ll get all the depth you need from naturally sweet tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fresh garlic and onion.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this Paleo pizza sauce:
- Tomato paste: Provides a rich, concentrated base. Be sure to choose one with no added sugar or preservatives.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity. You can grate it or finely chop it, depending on your preferred texture.
- Garlic: Essential for that unmistakable Italian-style flavour. Use fresh cloves for the best taste.
- Oregano and basil: These dried herbs are classic pizza seasoning staples. You can also add thyme or rosemary for variety.
- Olive oil: Helps carry the flavours and gives the sauce a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
You don’t need to simmer the sauce if you're in a hurry, but cooking it briefly can enhance the flavours and help it thicken. If you like a chunkier sauce, you can add chopped fresh tomatoes or even a few sun-dried tomatoes for depth.
Pairing with a Paleo Pizza Base
Of course, the sauce is just one part of the pizza equation. To complete your meal, you'll need a reliable grain-free crust. Fortunately, I’ve created a recipe that ticks all the boxes. Find out how to make my grain-free Paleo pizza base here. It's firm enough to hold your toppings and has a satisfying chew—without any gluten or refined flour.
When paired with this pizza sauce, the combination makes for a truly wholesome pizza that’s free from dairy, grains, and sugar. It’s a brilliant example of how satisfying and flavourful Paleo cooking can be.
Customising Your Paleo Pizza Sauce
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or the toppings you're planning to use. Here are a few ideas to customise your sauce:
- Add chilli flakes for a spicy kick
- Stir in nutritional yeast for a hint of cheesy flavour
- Include a splash of balsamic vinegar to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone
If you’re making a Mediterranean-style pizza, try incorporating olives or capers into the sauce itself for added brininess. If you’re keeping it classic with meat and vegetables, a dash of rosemary or thyme can take the flavour up a notch.
Tips for Making the Best Sauce
Here are a few tips to make sure your Paleo pizza sauce turns out perfect every time:
- Use the best-quality tomato paste you can find. It should be thick and deep red with no added sugar.
- Don’t skip the olive oil. It helps carry the flavours and adds richness.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
- Blend it if you prefer a smoother texture. You can use a stick blender or small food processor.
If you want a thicker sauce (especially helpful if you're using juicy toppings like mushrooms or zucchini), you can simmer it gently for 10–15 minutes before using. This will also concentrate the flavours and reduce excess moisture.
Paleo Pizza Sauce – Storage Tips
This pizza sauce is excellent for meal prep. Make a large batch and store it in small portions, so you always have some on hand. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container and use within 5–7 days.
- Freeze: Portion into small containers or silicone trays. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags. It will last for up to three months.
To thaw, simply place in the fridge overnight or defrost gently in a saucepan over low heat. You can also warm it in the microwave if you’re in a rush—just be sure to stir regularly to ensure even heating.
Choosing the Right Tomato Paste
Be selective with your tomato paste. Many commercial versions include sugar, citric acid, and even preservatives. Look for a product with one ingredient only—tomatoes. If possible, opt for organic brands to avoid pesticide residues.
Some pastes also include herbs or garlic. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it does limit your control over the final flavour. For the best results, choose a plain, unseasoned tomato paste and add your own herbs and spices.
Pizza Night, Reinvented
There's something so satisfying about making your own pizza from scratch—especially when every part of it aligns with your nutritional goals. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet night in, this Paleo pizza sauce helps you enjoy comfort food without compromise.
Experiment with different topping combinations, or keep it simple with tomato, basil, and roasted capsicum. However you dress your pizza, this sauce provides the ideal base to let your ingredients shine.
Have You Tried This Recipe?
If you've given this Paleo pizza sauce a go, I’d love to hear about it. What did you pair it with? Did you add any extra herbs or spices? Your tips and tweaks might just inspire someone else to try a new version!
Drop your comments below or share your creations on social media—I always love seeing your Paleo pizza night successes.
I made this and it was delicious! The only suggestion is to update your recipe with how many pizzas this will cover.