This Pizza Night Salad is a fun twist on your favorite pizza toppings! It’s packed with fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of cheese—yummy!
I love how this salad takes just minutes to toss together. It’s like a pizza party in a bowl! Perfect for when you want pizza but also want to eat your veggies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: I like using a pre-baked crust for convenience, but you can also make your own or use a flatbread. Gluten-free options are available too if needed!
Salad Greens: Mixed greens are great for variety. If you want more flavor, add arugula or spinach. You can also use any lettuce you have on hand, just make sure it’s fresh!
Mini Pepperoni: If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken pepperoni can work well. For a vegetarian version, try using sliced olives or roasted red peppers.
Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang, but you could replace it with goat cheese or mozzarella. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta cheese alternative.
Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, consider using green onions for a milder flavor or skipping it altogether.
How Do I Properly Toss the Salad Without Making a Mess?
Tossing salad can be tricky! Here are a few tips:
- Use a large bowl to give the greens room to move.
- Add the dressing to the bottom of the bowl first. Go with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Add the greens and toppings, then gently lift and turn the mixture using a fork and spoon, or your hands if comfortable. This way, you mix without crushing the greens.
Remember to taste as you go—adjusting salt, pepper, or dressing as needed makes a difference!
How to Make Pizza Night Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust (10-12 inches)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, red leaf lettuce, radicchio)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and just a few minutes of cooking for the pizza crust. Altogether, you can have a delicious Pizza Night Salad ready in about 15 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Warm the Pizza Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza stone and warm it in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will make it slightly crispy and perfect for holding your salad toppings.
2. Prepare the Salad:
While the crust warms, grab a large bowl. Toss together the mixed salad greens, mini pepperoni slices, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped red onion if you’re using it. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix them all well until everything is nicely coated.
3. Assemble the Salad on the Crust:
Once the pizza crust is warmed, take it out of the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Pile the salad mixture evenly over the top of the pizza crust.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and optional crushed red pepper flakes over the salad. This step adds a nice flavor and a bit of heat if you like it!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Pizza Night Salad is ready to go! Serve it up immediately with a wooden spoon or salad tongs, and let everyone enjoy this fun and delicious mix of pizza and salad. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends!
This fun and refreshing dish includes the crispiness of a pizza crust topped with vibrant salad ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a pizza night with a healthy twist!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! You can use homemade pizza dough, a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option, or even a store-bought flatbread. Just ensure it’s baked or partially cooked before adding the toppings.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To keep this salad vegetarian, simply omit the mini pepperoni. You can enhance the flavors by adding extra toppings like olives, bell peppers, or grilled vegetables instead!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but it’s best to assemble it just before serving to keep the crust crispy and the greens fresh. If you must prep ahead, store the salad in an airtight container and drizzle with dressing right before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the crust may lose its crispness. You can reheat the crust briefly in the oven to warm it up again, then add the salad toppings fresh!