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4 Healthy Pizza Recipes to Make this Summer

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To me, pizza is pretty much the perfect summer food. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or having a girls night, pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always the healthiest option. It can be difficult to enjoy when you’re not sure what kinds of ingredients were used, and it can be especially depressing after you read the nutrition facts. In addition, if you have dietary restrictions, finding the perfect and healthy pizza becomes even more difficult.

Luckily, making your own pizza is not only easy, it’s also fun! We’ve rounded up a few delicious and healthy options that are easy to make, and also use summer’s best produce. So the next time you’re tempted to dial the takeout place, consider trying one of these great recipes, and enjoy pizza night without feeling guilty.

The Basics

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. It can be fun to invest in a pizza stone like this one, and you should also make sure you have salt and pepper on hand.

Healthy pizzas also start with great bases, and today there are a ton of options for alternative crusts. Whether you prefer your crust gluten-free, whole wheat, or vegetable based, there are ways to tailor your pizza to your unique dietary needs.

When it comes to sauce, using fresh tomatoes can be a great alternative to jar sauces, or you can simply brush your crust with olive oil (we love using cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to add flavor and provide additional healthy monounsaturated fatty acids).

Recipes

No matter your preferences, there’s a great pizza out there for you. These recipes range from classic to alternative (we’ve even included a breakfast pizza!), so there’s something perfect for every occasion.

Pizza Margherita

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If you’re more of a traditionalist, there’s nothing better than the classic Margherita pizza. In addition to the calcium in mozzarella, the tomatoes provide vitamins A, C, and K among other nutrients, and the basil offers beneficial vitamins as well. Designed to mimic the colors of the Italian flag, by using fresh mozzarella, basil, and organically grown tomatoes for sauce, you can create a colorful and healthy meal that’s also delicious. (image and recipe at Saveur).

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza

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If you’d like a little more protein, consider this delightful spinach and artichoke chicken pizza. The spinach in this recipe is an excellent source of nutrients and vitamins, and artichokes help support detoxification. You can use free-range, sustainably farmed chicken, or substitute with one of these natural meat brands. (image and recipe at Savory Nothings).

Peach, Basil, Mozzarella, and Balsamic Pizza

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One of the more creative ways to use summer produce is by incorporating fruit into your next pizza night. While using fruit as a topping may seem odd, stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines can be a perfect complement to mozzarella and balsamic. Peaches are not only a fantastic summer fruit, they’re also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, (and others) and are a great source of dietary fiber. The balsamic vinegar provides an excellent source of antioxidants that may fight cell damage. This peach, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar pizza has that perfect balance of sweet and savory! (image and recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod).

Cauliflower Crust Breakfast Pizza

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Finally, who says pizza has to just be for dinner? We love this recipe for breakfast pizza that uses cauliflower crust and fresh eggs for a healthy start to your day. This crust is also a great alternative if you’re gluten-free (plus cauliflower is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K). Using fresh, organic, and free-range eggs provides a great source of protein to keep you energized, and may help you feel fuller for longer. (image and recipe at brit.co).

Do you have any favorite recipes? We’d love to read about them in the comments!