Pizza Salad

15m
Prep Time
10-15m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In


"I love pizza, and I love salad - so why not combine the two. I have had nacho type of salads and never really enjoyed them; the same with pasta salads. So this is a combination of a few recipes. There are a few steps, but nothing difficult and nothing time consuming. And take advantage of store bought items; they are fine for this and really saves you time (balsamic dressing, roasted red peppers, olives pre-sliced, pre-made pizza crust). Also, the cheese and dressing can both be made ahead of time. It is really worth adding all the components to this salad. Great for a potluck, family dinner, picnic, or BBQ. And this really is a main dish, nothing else is needed. If anything, a cup of corn chowder, black bean soup; or maybe a fruit salad would be a nice side. Prep time does not include time to marinate the cheese."

Original is 4-8 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (598.8 g)
  • Calories 649.8
  • Total Fat - 28.7 g
  • Saturated Fat - 9.4 g
  • Cholesterol - 64 mg
  • Sodium - 1342.3 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 59.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 7.6 g
  • Sugars - 25.4 g
  • Protein - 39.5 g
  • Calcium - 305.1 mg
  • Iron - 7.1 mg
  • Vitamin C - 24 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.5 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Lots of Steps ... But one step at a time, and they are not time consuming or difficult. But adding all the ingredients really make this a good salad.

Step 2

Cheese ... Add the cheese, balsamic dressing and red pepper flakes to a pie plate or small dish and toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and set to the side. This is actually better is you marinate it all day - even over night - but at least 1 hour. Longer the better. Note: you can purchase the pre-marinated mozzarella balls, but they are pricey and not nearly as good.

Step 3

Dressing ... Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl, or I like to use a tupperware container and just shake everything, but use whatever you want. Again, make ahead - it is even better when it sets a few hours.

Step 4

Pizza Crust ... Brush the crust with olive oil mixed with the garlic, and oregano. Then sprinkle on the pepper and cheese. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes until golden brown (follow pkg directions; every brands cooking directions are a bit different).

Step 5

Salad ... While your pizza crust is cooking - make your salad. Add to a large bowl or serving platter, the lettuce, onion, pepperoni, ham, red peppers, and olives; toss well. Remove the mozzarella from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add to the salad - you don't want any of the marinade in your salad. Then top with some of the tomato dressing and toss to combine (you probably won't use all the dressing; but it will last up to a week in the refrigerator). You can always add the dressing on the side.

Step 6

Cut the pizza crust with your pizza wheel and add the warm cheesy slices to the salad. You can cut it as small or as large as you want. You can add smaller bites to the salad, almost like croutons - or you can add larger slices, like a garnish. That is up to you.

Step 7

Serve ... A roasted corn or black bean soup would be a nice side; or a fruit salad. As I said, it has a few components, but nothing difficult and it is really worth making. ENJOY!

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When purchasing the pre-made pizza crust, check the ingredients label to make sure it is vegan and/or gluten-free.
  • When purchasing the cheese, make sure it is fresh mozzarella and not pre-shredded as it will not melt as well.

  • Cheese and Marinade: Substitute feta cheese for the mozzarella. Feta is a crumbly cheese with a tangy flavor which adds a unique taste to the salad. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a unique flavor to the salad and gives it a more Mediterranean feel.
  • Tomato Dressing: Substitute tomato juice for the V8 juice. This substitution is beneficial because it is more cost effective and also adds a more intense tomato flavor to the salad.

Vegetarian Pizza Salad To make a vegetarian version of this pizza salad, omit the pepperoni and ham. Instead, add 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of diced mushrooms, and 1 cup of diced zucchini. Also, replace the balsamic salad dressing with an Italian vinaigrette. Finally, top with vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.


Mediterranean Pizza Salad To make a Mediterranean version of this pizza salad, omit the pepperoni and ham. Instead, add 1 cup of diced artichoke hearts, 1 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of diced black olives, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Also, replace the balsamic salad dressing with a Greek vinaigrette. Finally, top with vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.


Roasted Corn and Black Bean Soup: This soup is a great side to the Pizza Salad as it adds a creamy and flavorful element that complements the salad nicely. The sweet roasted corn and the earthy black beans pair nicely with the flavors of the pizza salad. It is also a great way to add a bit of protein to the meal.


Garlic Bread: This garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to the Roasted Corn and Black Bean Soup and Pizza Salad. The garlic flavor and crunchy texture of the bread will add a delicious contrast to the creamy soup and the crunchy salad. It is also a great way to add a bit of carbs to the meal.




FAQ

Q: How long should I marinate the cheese?

A: Ideally, marinate the cheese for at least one hour, but even better if you can let it sit overnight. This will really help to bring out the flavors of the cheese.



Q: What kind of cheese is best for marinating?

A: Soft, mild-flavored cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, ricotta, and goat cheese work best for marinating. Stronger flavored cheeses like blue cheese can also be marinated, but the taste may be too intense for some people.

0 Reviews

You'll Also Love

Fun facts:

The Italian dish pizza was first created in 1889 in Naples, Italy. It was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy and the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella) and green (basil).

This Pizza Salad recipe is similar to a dish served by the famous chef, Wolfgang Puck. He created a “California Pizza” which combined a pizza crust with various ingredients such as smoked salmon, caviar, and crème fraiche.