Fresh Summer Pizzas - Cooking Light

Photo: Johnny Autry

The Best Fresh Summer Pizzas

Our recipe for summer entertaining at its best: Invite friends over, scoop up some superfresh ingredients, and throw an easy pizza pie party. Making two different pies for your party means more fun, so select a contrasting pair to keep it interesting. Decide whether you want your pizza saucy, flatbread-like, or creamy; you'll find each type here.

When preparing our first recipe, if you're not in the mood to light up the outdoor grill, cook the vegetables in a grill pan.

View Recipe: Summer Grilled Vegetable Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Three-Cheese White Pizza with Spinach

The higher quality the ricotta cheese, the creamier and more delicious the pizza; we prefer Calabro brand.

View Recipe: Three-Cheese White Pizza with Spinach

Photo: Johnny Autry

Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

If olives are a deal breaker, leave them off; the pizza is still yummy.

View Recipe: Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Prosciutto-Mozza Pizza

For 30 more calories and 1 more gram of sat fat, you can use pepperoni in place of prosciutto.

View Recipe: Prosciutto-Mozza Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Local Farmers' Market Pizza

Allowing the dough to come to room temperature will ease the rolling-out process. We love the combo used here, but feel free to play with other veggies.

View Recipe: Local Farmers' Market Pizza

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Veggie Grilled Pizza

A sprinkling of bright, sweet mint complements the smoky grilled vegetables in this dish.

View Recipe: Veggie Grilled Pizza

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Peach and Gorgonzola Chicken Pizza

Ditch the tomato sauce and give pizza a makeover by topping with fresh peach slices and two types of cheese. A drizzle of tangy balsamic reduction provides the perfect balance to the sweet summer fruit.

View Recipe: Peach and Gorgonzola Chicken Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

BBQ Chicken and Blue Cheese Pizza

For a kid-friendly pie, substitute fresh mozzarella for the blue cheese. This savory pie will be a hit.

View Recipe: BBQ Chicken and Blue Cheese Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Summer Veggie Pizza

This pizza isn't just delicious—it's budget-friendly too! At just $2.49 per serving, your wallet (and your family) will thank you. If you have dough left over, freeze it; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

View Recipe: Summer Veggie Pizza

Photo: Anna Williams

Grilled Pizza with Prosciutto, Arugula, and Lemon

Grilled flatbreads are a delicious base for a light, summery salad. The dough develops a yeastier, more complex flavor from a 24-hour resting period in the refrigerator. You can also use store-bought dough and begin with step 3 in the directions.

View Recipe: Grilled Pizza with Prosciutto, Arugula, and Lemon

Photo: Johnny Autry

Cobb Salad Pizza

Add quick-cooking chicken cutlets and refrigerated pizza dough to a mix of fresh vegetables for a light and lovely superfast meal.

View Recipe: Cobb Salad Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza

Instead of having an arugula salad on the side, put it on top of your pizza for fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato and applewood-smoked bacon pizza toppings.

View Recipe: Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza