This Pizza Night Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It’s packed with colorful veggies, zesty pepperoni, and tasty cheese, all tossed together for a fresh, crunchy bite.
If you’ve got leftover pizza toppings, feel free to toss them in! I love adding a little extra cheese on top—who can resist that? It’s the perfect side for a cozy pizza night! 🍕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: A premade crust is quick and easy, but you can use flatbread, pita, or even homemade dough! Cauliflower crust is a great option for a gluten-free twist.
Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni brings that classic pizza flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, try turkey pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage. You could even go meatless with roasted veggies!
Leafy Greens: Mixed greens add freshness and crunch. Romaine is my favorite, but spinach or arugula also work well. Feel free to use whatever greens you have handy.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes or even shredded carrots can give some color and a hint of sweetness.
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its melty goodness, but you can swap in feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor or opt for dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do I Perfectly Dress My Salad Without Making It Soggy?
That’s a common concern when adding dressing to salads! Here’s the best way to keep everything fresh and crunchy:
- Dress your greens just before serving. This prevents them from wilting.
- Toss the salad gently so the dressing coats everything evenly.
- If using leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
With these tips, your Pizza Night Salad will be fresh, vibrant, and ready to enjoy alongside your favorite pizza!
Pizza Night Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 premade pizza crust or flatbread
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
- 2 cups mixed leafy greens (romaine, radicchio, kale, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for crust)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pizza Night Salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 10 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to gather your ingredients, bake the crust, and assemble the salad. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pizza crust gets nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Crust:
Place your pizza crust or flatbread on a baking sheet. Use a brush to lightly coat the top with olive oil. This will help it get a golden color and delicious flavor as it bakes.
3. Add the Toppings:
Arrange the slices of pepperoni evenly over the crust. This way, each bite will have that savory goodness!
4. Bake the Crust:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the edges of the pepperoni start to crisp up.
5. Make the Salad:
While the crust is baking, prepare your salad! In a large bowl, mix together the leafy greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and red onion. This adds a tasty crunch to your salad.
6. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine or balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will give your salad a zesty kick!
7. Assemble the Salad:
Once your crust and pepperoni are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Place the hot pizza crust on a serving plate.
8. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad greens and vegetables, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. You want to make sure every bite is flavorful!
9. Add the Salad to the Crust:
Spread the tossed salad generously over the hot pepperoni pizza crust. Let the vibrant colors show!
10. Top with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a delightful touch of creaminess.
11. Enjoy:
Serve immediately, and enjoy this fresh, crunchy Pizza Night Salad that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect for a light, but satisfying, meal on pizza night!
This Pizza Night Salad is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza while keeping it on the lighter side. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Homemade Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust can enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Just make sure it’s fully baked before adding the toppings and salad mix.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni or sausage and add extra veggies like bell peppers, olives, or artichokes. You can even throw in some chickpeas for added protein!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time by chopping the veggies and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just mix with dressing and add to the crust right before serving to keep it fresh!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and crust separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy within 2 days for the best taste and freshness!