Seasonal Toppings for Summer Pizzas

When the temperature rises and farmers' markets overflow with colorful produce, it's the perfect time to lighten up your pizza game. Summer pizzas featuring seasonal ingredients not only taste better but also support local agriculture and provide the nutritional benefits of fresh, ripe produce. In this guide, we'll explore the best summer toppings that will transform your pizza into a seasonal celebration.

Why Seasonal Toppings Matter

Before diving into specific ingredients, let's consider why seasonal toppings make such a difference:

• Peak Flavor: Ingredients harvested at their natural peak have more intense flavors and often require less seasoning
• Nutritional Value: Fresh, locally-grown produce typically contains more nutrients than items shipped long distances
• Environmental Impact: Seasonal eating reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation
• Cost Efficiency: Ingredients in season are usually more abundant and therefore more affordable
• Culinary Creativity: Seasonal limitations actually inspire creativity and help develop unique flavor combinations

Early Summer Harvest (June)

Early summer brings a transition from spring greens to more substantial offerings:

1. Fresh Herbs

Summer is when herb gardens explode with growth. Instead of dried herbs, consider:

• Basil: The quintessential summer herb pairs perfectly with tomatoes
• Mint: Try it with feta, watermelon, and a light drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory pizza
• Tarragon: Its anise-like flavor complements chicken and mushroom toppings
• Chives: Add these at the last minute for a mild onion flavor and pop of color

2. Spring Onions and Garlic Scapes

These early alliums offer a milder, fresher flavor than their mature counterparts:

• Char spring onions slightly before adding to pizza for a sweet, smoky flavor
• Blend garlic scapes with olive oil and a pinch of salt for a vibrant green pizza sauce
• Pair with creamy cheeses like ricotta to balance their brightness

3. Early Zucchini and Summer Squash

These summer staples start appearing in June:

• Slice very thinly and arrange in overlapping patterns for even cooking
• Marinate briefly in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before topping your pizza
• Combine with blooming squash blossoms for a beautiful visual effect

Peak Summer Bounty (July-August)

Mid-summer brings the ingredients most associated with the season:

1. Heirloom Tomatoes

Nothing says summer like perfectly ripe tomatoes:

• Use a mix of varieties for a range of colors, flavors, and textures
• For very juicy tomatoes, slice and salt them briefly to draw out excess moisture
• Try a "raw" approach: bake your crust, then top with fresh tomatoes after cooking
• Pair with buffalo mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and flaky sea salt for a summer margherita

2. Sweet Corn

Fresh summer corn adds sweetness and texture:

• Cut kernels directly from the cob for the freshest flavor
• Try briefly charring the corn for a smoky dimension
• Pair with creamy cheeses and spicy elements like jalapeños for contrast
• For a Mexican-inspired pizza, combine with black beans, avocado, and cilantro

3. Stone Fruits

Don't limit fruits to dessert! Stone fruits make wonderful savory pizza toppings:

• Peaches: Grill slices to caramelize their sugars before adding to pizza
• Nectarines: Pair with prosciutto and arugula for a sweet-salty balance
• Plums: Their slight tartness works well with rich cheeses like gorgonzola
• Apricots: Try with honey, thyme, and ricotta for a sophisticated flavor profile

4. Summer Berries

Berries can create surprising and delightful dessert pizzas or sweet-savory combinations:

• Strawberries: Pair with balsamic glaze and mascarpone cheese
• Blackberries: Their deeper flavor stands up well to goat cheese and rosemary
• Blueberries: Try with lemon zest and ricotta for a bright flavor combination

Late Summer Treasures (August-September)

As summer begins to transition into fall, these ingredients shine:

1. Bell Peppers

Late summer peppers reach their sweetest point:

• Roast and peel for a smoky-sweet addition to any pizza
• Use a variety of colors for visual appeal
• Combine with caramelized onions and goat cheese for a flavor-packed combination

2. Eggplant

This versatile vegetable makes a substantial pizza topping:

• Slice thinly, salt to remove bitterness, then grill before adding to pizza
• For a Middle Eastern twist, combine with tahini, yogurt, and za'atar
• Pair with robust tomato sauce and smoked mozzarella for depth of flavor

3. Figs

Late summer to early fall brings fresh figs:

• Quarter or halve, depending on size
• Pair with honey, goat cheese, and prosciutto for a classic combination
• Try with blue cheese and walnuts for a sophisticated flavor profile
• Add a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar after baking

5 Summer Pizza Combinations to Try

Here are some specific combinations that showcase summer's best:

1. Mediterranean Summer

• Base: Olive oil and minced garlic
• Cheese: Feta and a light sprinkle of mozzarella
• Toppings: Heirloom tomatoes, zucchini ribbons, kalamata olives
• Finish with: Fresh oregano, lemon zest, drizzle of quality olive oil

2. Sweet Corn Fiesta

• Base: Pureed avocado with lime juice
• Cheese: Monterey Jack
• Toppings: Charred corn, black beans, thinly sliced jalapeños
• Finish with: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, crema

3. Summer Orchard

• Base: Ricotta mixed with honey and thyme
• Cheese: Fontina (light layer)
• Toppings: Grilled peaches, thinly sliced red onion
• Finish with: Prosciutto, arugula, balsamic reduction

4. Garden Harvest

• Base: Classic tomato sauce with fresh basil
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella
• Toppings: Roasted bell peppers, eggplant, summer squash
• Finish with: Fresh basil, chili flakes, shaved Parmesan

5. Berry Dessert Pizza

• Base: Mascarpone mixed with a touch of vanilla
• Toppings: Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• Finish with: Drizzle of honey, mint leaves, toasted sliced almonds

Preparation Tips for Summer Toppings

1. Manage Moisture: Summer vegetables and fruits often contain high water content. For tomatoes and zucchini, consider salting them and blotting away excess moisture before adding to your pizza.
2. Precook When Necessary: Dense vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers benefit from precooking. Grill, roast, or sauté them before adding to your pizza.
3. Consider Placement: Put high-moisture ingredients on top of cheese rather than underneath to prevent a soggy crust.
4. Don't Overload: Summer pizzas should feel light. Use a restrained hand with toppings to let each ingredient shine.
5. Fresh Finishes: Reserve some ingredients to add after baking—fresh herbs, delicate greens, and certain fruits maintain their integrity better this way.

At Murmur Forest Lane, we embrace the bounty of each season, and summer offers perhaps the most vibrant palette of flavors for our pizzas. Visit us to taste our seasonal specialties or experiment with these ingredients in your home kitchen. The joy of summer pizza-making lies in the freedom to create bright, fresh combinations that celebrate the season's best offerings.