Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza-inspired goodness: This salad combines all the best pizza toppings—pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and more—with fresh, crisp greens, making it both satisfying and healthy.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, Pizza Salad is the perfect no-cook meal for busy days or when you’re craving pizza without the carbs.
- Customizable: Whether you want a vegetarian version, a keto option, or more toppings, this salad is super flexible to suit your preferences.
- Fresh and vibrant: With the addition of fresh veggies and zesty dressing, this salad is a colorful and vibrant twist on pizza.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the salad:
- 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed or mini balls)
- 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup croutons or toasted pizza crust pieces (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette
Directions
1. Prepare the ingredients:
- Wash and chop the lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, red onion, and green bell pepper (if using).
2. Season the salad:
- Sprinkle the salad with grated parmesan cheese and dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Add croutons or toasted pizza crust pieces if you’d like a crunchy texture.
3. Dress and toss:
- Drizzle the salad with Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette, then toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Omit the pepperoni and add roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a pizza-inspired veggie salad.
- Keto version: Skip the croutons, use sugar-free dressing, and choose keto-friendly toppings like grilled chicken, avocado, or olives.
- More toppings: Add additional toppings like mushrooms, artichokes, or pepperoncini for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese swaps: Try adding feta cheese, goat cheese, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Storage
- Storage: Pizza Salad is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crunch.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute the mozzarella with any cheese you like, such as feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free croutons or skip the croutons altogether, this salad will be gluten-free.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! You can swap the Italian dressing with ranch, blue cheese, or even a creamy Caesar dressing for a different flavor.
How can I add more protein?
For extra protein, add grilled chicken, turkey slices, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
Conclusion
Pizza Salad is a delightful and creative twist on your favorite pizza, bringing all the best toppings into a light, refreshing salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or a fun side dish for a gathering, this salad is sure to please. With endless variations and a delicious blend of flavors, it’s a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to fit your preferences!
Pizza Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pizza Salad is a low-carb, healthy twist on the classic pizza, featuring all your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and more, served over fresh greens with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed or mini balls)
1/3 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup croutons or toasted pizza crust pieces (optional)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
1/3 cup Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and chop the lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, red onion, and green bell pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle the salad with grated parmesan cheese and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Add croutons or toasted pizza crust pieces if you’d like a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette, then toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant for a pizza-inspired veggie salad.
For a keto version, skip the croutons and use a sugar-free dressing, adding toppings like grilled chicken or avocado.
Try different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
For extra protein, add grilled chicken, turkey slices, or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
