Pizza Night Salad is a fun and colorful mix of greens, tomatoes, olives, and cheese, all tossed together with a tasty dressing. It’s like having your favorite pizza in a salad form!
I love adding crispy pepperoni to mine for an extra treat. Perfect for a light side or to enjoy on pizza night—who doesn’t want a salad that feels like pizza? 🍕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: A thin crust works best for this salad. If you want a healthier option, consider using a cauliflower crust or even whole wheat pita. Both options keep it light and tasty!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic pizza feel. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan mozzarella. It melts differently, but it still adds a cheesy goodness!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even a creamy avocado can be great substitutes for that added creaminess.
Cherry Tomatoes: These bring sweetness to the salad. Any fresh tomatoes can be used. For an easy alternative, try sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is a fun pizza topping. You can swap it for turkey pepperoni or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian option.
Salad Greens: The mix of lettuce adds color and texture. You can use spinach or kale if you prefer something heartier. Each brings unique flavors!
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds great flavor to the dressing. If you don’t have it, a mix of dried oregano and basil works well too.
How Do You Bake the Perfect Pizza Crust?
Baking the crust right is key to making this salad feel like pizza. Follow these simple steps:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your crust gets crispy.
- Lay out the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you’re using a stone, ensure it’s heated in the oven.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust. This will help hold the salad ingredients in place.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Let it cool slightly before adding salad ingredients. This keeps everything fresh and prevents wilting.
Pizza Night Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pizza crust (thin crust preferred)
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded or crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, radicchio, green leaf lettuce)
- 1/4 cup sliced yellow bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10-12 minutes to bake the crust. Altogether, it’s a quick and fun way to enjoy pizza flavors while keeping it fresh and healthy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is going to give you a nice, crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Pizza Crust:
Take your pizza crust and place it on a baking sheet or a pizza stone. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the crust. This will melt beautifully while it bakes.
3. Bake the Crust:
Put the crust in the oven and bake for about 8-12 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and bubbly. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for just a moment.
4. Prepare the Salad:
While the crust is baking, grab a large bowl. Toss in the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, mini pepperoni slices, and, if you like, the sliced yellow bell peppers and black olives. This is where your salad gets colorful and tasty!
5. Whisk the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended. This dressing is going to bring all the flavors together!
6. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle your dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything. You want all those beautiful ingredients to be flavorful!
7. Add the Feta:
Once your pizza crust has cooled just a little but is still warm, spread the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. This adds a creamy texture to your pizza salad.
8. Pile on the Salad:
Take your prepared salad and pile it high over the cheesy pizza crust. It’s going to look amazing!
9. Finish with Parmesan:
Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire salad for that extra cheese kick!
10. Slice and Serve:
Carefully slice your pizza salad into wedges, just like a pizza! Serve it right away for a fresh, fun dinner that combines the best of both worlds—salad and pizza!
Enjoy your delightful Pizza Night Salad with family and friends! 🍕🥗
Can I Use a Different Type of Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! While a thin crust is preferred, you can use a whole wheat crust, cauliflower crust, or even pita bread as a lighter alternative. Just adjust the baking time as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salad separate from the crust if possible, to prevent wilting.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make the salad and dressing a few hours ahead, but wait to add the salad to the crust until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you could use goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or creamy avocado for a rich, smooth texture. Both are delightful alternatives!
