Fresh Summer Pizza
A fresh summer pizza featuring ripe tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, perfect for warm weather gatherings and casual dinners with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare a pizza pan with olive oil and sprinkle with corn meal.
- Stretch out the pizza dough until very thin.
- Top the dough with a little olive oil.
- Rub crushed garlic powder and oregano over the top of the dough.
- Slice the tomatoes and arrange them evenly on the dough.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the tomatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, try using a pizza stone if you have one. You can substitute the tomatoes with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a twist. If you don't have garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works well. Feel free to add fresh basil or arugula after baking for extra flavor. This pizza pairs beautifully with a side of Low-Fat Pesto pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza hot, straight from the oven, for the best taste. A light salad with vinaigrette or a bowl of minestrone soup complements the pizza well. This dish also pairs nicely with Italian wines such as Chianti or a refreshing Italian spritz. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of Struffoli (Honey Clusters) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the crispiness of the crust, rather than using the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Summer Pizza contains roughly 330 calories, with 4g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before stretching it out.
What type of tomatoes are best for this pizza?
Ripe Roma or heirloom tomatoes are ideal for fresh summer pizza due to their flavor and lower moisture content. This ensures the pizza doesn't become soggy. However, any good-quality ripe tomatoes will work well.
Can I freeze the pizza after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).