Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Salad combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a refreshing, lighter form. With crisp romaine lettuce, tangy pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is perfect for those who crave pizza but want something more wholesome. It’s quick to assemble and great for lunch, dinner, or as a fun side dish for gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoessliced pepperonifresh mozzarella ballsblack olivesred onionItalian seasoninggrated parmesanfresh basilikosher saltblack pepperolive oilred wine vinegargarlic powdercrushed red pepper flakes (optional)croutons (optional, for crunch)

directions

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, red onion in thin strips, and black olives into rounds.

Add the sliced pepperoni, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, onion, and olives to the bowl.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine all ingredients.

Top with freshly grated parmesan, torn basil leaves, and croutons if using.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni for a leaner protein.

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggie content.

Swap romaine for baby spinach or mixed greens.

Try a balsamic glaze drizzle for a sweet-savory kick.

Make it vegan by omitting cheese and using plant-based pepperoni.

storage/reheating

Store any undressed leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Dressed salad should be consumed the same day to prevent sogginess.Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing gives fresher, more customizable flavor.

What’s the best lettuce for Pizza Salad?

Romaine is ideal for its crisp texture, but iceberg or mixed greens also work.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Prep ingredients and dressing separately; combine just before serving.

Is Pizza Salad keto-friendly?

Yes, just skip the croutons and watch the carb content in your dressing.

How do I make it more filling?

Add cooked pasta or quinoa for a heartier salad.

What kind of mozzarella works best?

Fresh mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella both work well.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s a fun way to serve salad with familiar pizza flavors.

Can I use a different dressing?

Ranch, Caesar, or balsamic vinaigrette are tasty alternatives.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes—store all components separately and assemble before eating.

Conclusion

Pizza Salad is the ultimate fusion of flavor and freshness, bringing the satisfaction of pizza into a wholesome, easy-to-make salad. It’s a versatile and fun dish perfect for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll want it on your regular meal rotation.