This Pizza Night Salad is a fun twist on your favorite pizza toppings, all tossed together in a bowl! You’ll find crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pepperoni, and melty cheese.
It’s like having pizza but without all the guilt! I love to enjoy this salad with a slice of garlic bread on the side. Perfect for a cozy movie night! 🍕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust or Flatbread: A medium pizza crust is perfect, but you can also use naan, pita, or even a cauliflower crust for a healthier option. I love using flatbread for its nice crunch!
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is best for that gooey texture. Consider substituting it with provolone or even a dairy-free alternative if you want a lighter version.
Romaine and Radicchio: This combo gives a nice crunch and color. You can swap radicchio with spinach or arugula for a different flavor. Both options work wonderfully!
Artichoke Hearts: They bring a unique taste to the salad, but if you can’t find them, you can use roasted red peppers or even chopped bell peppers.
Bacon Bits: I enjoy crispy bacon here, but turkey bacon or even cooked chickpeas are great alternatives for a lighter, vegetarian dish.
Cheeses: Feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. If these aren’t available, try using ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture.
How Do You Perfectly Combine Warm and Cool Ingredients?
The key to a balanced Pizza Night Salad is to layer warm and cool ingredients properly. Start by baking your crust to get it nice and crispy, which warms it up and makes it delicious. While the crust bakes, chop the salad ingredients so they’re fresh and crisp when you add them. Here’s how:
- Once the crust is baked, let it cool for a couple of minutes. This keeps the salad from wilting.
- Layer your chopped lettuce and veggies directly onto the warm crust.
- Finish with cool toppings like avocado and cheese so they contrast nicely with the warmth of the crust.
This method creates a tasty mix of temperatures and keeps everything fresh and appealing!
Pizza Night Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 medium pizza crust or flatbread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Salad Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup radicchio leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 3-4 slices prosciutto or thinly sliced deli ham
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or dressing of choice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pizza Night Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake the crust. In total, you’ll be ready to serve this yummy salad in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Crust:
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s heated, place your pizza crust or flatbread on a baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the crust, making sure every part gets a cheesy layer!
2. Bake the Crust:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a crust that’s lightly golden and cheese that’s bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t over-bake!
3. Prepare the Salad Toppings:
While the crust is baking, grab a large bowl and combine all the fun salad ingredients: chopped romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bacon bits, sliced olives, diced avocado, and prosciutto. Mix them well to ensure all the flavors blend together.
4. Assemble the Salad:
When the cheesy crust is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a couple of minutes. Then, generously top the warm crust with the salad mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for that creamy twist. Then, drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off, sprinkle shaved or grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over everything for a lovely presentation. Cut into slices and serve immediately, enjoying the mix of fresh, vibrant flavors atop your warm cheesy crust. Enjoy your Pizza Night Salad! 🍕🥗
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza crust works great for this salad. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions on the gluten-free crust packaging for the best results.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and prosciutto. You can replace them with extra veggies, like bell peppers or roasted mushrooms, or add some chickpeas for protein!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep your salad ingredients ahead of time! Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad on the baked crust just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy later, just reheat the crust slightly in the oven or microwave, and then add fresh salad toppings as desired!
