Pizza Salad Recipe

Name: Pizza Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 head iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces; 0.5 pound salami, cut into strips; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 tomato, chopped; 0.5 cup pitted black olives, halved; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 0.25 cup white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. The original recipe yields 6 servings.

1 head iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
pound salami, cut into strips
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tomato, chopped
cup pitted black olives, halved
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Dressing:

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
cup vegetable oil
cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the torn iceberg lettuce, salami strips, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped tomato, halved black olives, and chopped fresh chives. Toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
In a medium bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the tomato sauce, vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, white sugar, dried oregano, salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour enough of the dressing over the lettuce mixture to coat evenly. Toss gently to combine and ensure the dressing is distributed throughout the salad.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	475	-
Total Fat	41g	52%
Saturated Fat	13g	63%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	1692mg	74%
Total Carbohydrate	9g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	5g	-
Protein	20g	39%
Vitamin C	9mg	9%
Calcium	325mg	25%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	485mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History of Pizza Salad

Pizza salad is a relatively modern dish that draws inspiration from one of the world's most beloved foods: pizza. This inventive recipe takes the classic pizza ingredientscheese, salami, olives, and a tangy tomato baseand reimagines them as a fresh salad. While the dish has roots in Italian-American cuisine, it has gained popularity in the United States, particularly at casual gatherings like picnics and barbecues. The concept of "pizza without the crust" emerged as a way to offer a lighter, yet satisfying, alternative to traditional pizza, while still delivering the familiar flavors.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Though pizza salad doesn't have a specific regional origin in Italy, variations of this dish can be found in different parts of the world. In the United States, it often features ingredients like iceberg lettuce, salami, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, tossed with a zesty tomato-based dressing. Some regional differences include the use of different types of meats (such as pepperoni or Italian sausage) and additional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The dressing also varies from one recipe to another, with some versions incorporating Italian herbs or even a balsamic vinegar base.

How Pizza Salad Differs from Similar Dishes

Pizza salad is similar to other "pizza-inspired" dishes, but it stands out for its emphasis on fresh vegetables and its absence of the dough crust. Unlike traditional pizza, where the focus is on the cheesy, baked toppings, pizza salad highlights the crisp, refreshing qualities of vegetables mixed with the savory, hearty flavors of pizza toppings. The dish is more of a salad than a pizza, despite its familiar ingredients, making it a healthier alternative for those looking to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the carbs from the crust.

Where Pizza Salad is Typically Served

Pizza salad is a popular dish for casual dining, particularly in settings where people want to enjoy a fresh, easy-to-make meal. It is often served at barbecues, picnics, and parties, making it a perfect side dish or even a main course on hot days. Its combination of familiar flavors and its visually appealing mix of colors makes it a crowd-pleaser at events where a lighter, fun alternative to pizza is needed. Some restaurants and pizzerias also offer pizza salad as a starter or a side dish alongside their pizza offerings.

Fun Facts About Pizza Salad

The combination of pizza ingredients in a salad form is thought to be a creative solution for those who love the flavors of pizza but want to avoid the calories and carbs from the crust.
Pizza salad became especially popular in the 1990s and 2000s as more people sought lighter, healthier alternatives to traditional pizza.
While its not an authentic Italian dish, pizza salad is a fun, Americanized take on pizza that still pays homage to classic Italian ingredients like mozzarella, olives, and oregano.
Pizza salad can be customized with different ingredients depending on personal taste. Some people like to add pepperoni, fresh herbs, or even different types of cheese to the mix.

Conclusion

Pizza salad is a delicious and innovative dish that offers all the savory flavors of pizza, but in a much fresher, lighter form. Whether served as a side or as a main dish, its a fun and versatile option for any gathering, from casual picnics to family barbecues. With its blend of cheese, salami, olives, and a tangy tomato dressing, pizza salad offers a tasty twist on a classic favorite, making it a crowd-pleasing hit wherever it's served.

FAQ about Pizza Salad Recipe

Yes, you can store the leftover Pizza Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. However, the salad may become soggy over time due to the dressing, so it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it's recommended to add the dressing just before serving to avoid the lettuce wilting and becoming soggy.

Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce with other types of lettuce such as Romaine or spinach for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste of the salad.

To make the Pizza Salad vegetarian, simply omit the salami and substitute it with a vegetarian protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

It's not recommended to freeze Pizza Salad, especially with the dressing on it. Freezing may cause the lettuce and other fresh ingredients to lose their texture. You can, however, freeze the dressing separately and add it fresh when you're ready to serve.

You can experiment with different types of cheese like provolone, mozzarella di bufala, or even a combination of parmesan and ricotta. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the salad.

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate.

Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil or another neutral oil of your choice. Olive oil will give the dressing a slightly different flavor, while a neutral oil like sunflower oil will keep the flavor mild.

If the dressing is too tangy, you can balance it by adding a bit more sugar or a pinch of salt. Additionally, using a less acidic vinegar or adding a small amount of honey can mellow the tanginess.

Comments

Christopher Miller

11/19/2023 06:57:18 AM

This recipe is simple and fast to assemble. I incorporated green peppers and sliced pepperoni into the mix, and you could also include some sliced onions! The dressing was flavorful, with no overwhelming tomato taste. To complement the salad, I took some Boboli pizza crust, heated it following the package instructions, and then sliced it for serving.

Jason Turner

09/16/2022 05:30:45 PM

Here's a revised version of the review: "This salad is perfect for picnics or barbecues. Personally, I believe it would be even better with 1/4 lb. of salami and 1/2 cup of each cheese. I also took another reviewer's advice and used less oil (about 1/4 cup). It was a big hit at our 4th of July celebration!"

Gary Turner

04/05/2023 04:28:36 PM

I substituted mini pepperoni for salami and threw in some mushrooms for good measure. The dish was tasty, but I believe adding some fresh herbs to the dressing would elevate it and give it a more distinctive flavor. On the second day, I added parsley to the remaining dressing before taking a photo, and it made a significant improvement. I'm now considering adding basil next time for an even better taste.

Steven Davis

12/28/2022 10:38:29 PM

Super fast and simple. I absolutely adored the dressing! It reminded me a lot of the dressing from an Italian restaurant I used to frequent. I threw in some green and red bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms. Thank you for an awesome salad experience!

Scott Baker

07/10/2023 09:54:20 AM

I absolutely adored it! I switched to Romaine lettuce and skipped the cheddar the second time around, and it was still fantastic. Another time, I threw in some pepperoni slices with shredded pizza cheese instead of the mozzarella and cheddar cubes. I believe it's the dressing that truly makes it so delicious!

Gary Hernandez

02/07/2025 07:12:40 PM

Review rewritten: I absolutely loved this salad! Not only did I enjoy it, but my husband and daughter did too. In fact, my husband went back for seconds! I left out the black olives for him since he doesn't like them, but I kept everything else the same. The dressing was the highlight for me - I was worried it would taste too much like tomatoes, but it was pleasantly surprising! The flavor was wonderful and didn't have any overpowering tomato sauce taste. I'm considering trying this salad with romaine lettuce or spinach for added nutrients. I also plan on using the dressing recipe for my other salad creations.

Gary Miller

09/29/2024 12:27:37 AM

This dish truly resembled a pizza without the crust. However, it failed to impress me much. If I were to make it again, I would consider using romaine lettuce instead of iceberg. I wouldn't choose to have this as a meal on its own again, but it could be a nice option to bring to a potluck.

Deborah Collins

08/20/2024 10:35:17 AM

Do not add the dressing too early as the salad tends to get soggy quickly. Good flavor overall.

Thomas Miller

12/05/2022 03:39:29 AM

We absolutely adored this salad! It had a wonderful aroma reminiscent of pizza and captured all the delicious flavors we enjoy in pizza. We will certainly be recreating this dish in the future. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe!

Heather Lewis

12/31/2024 08:19:38 AM

We included mushrooms, green peppers, and freshly picked basil.

Michelle Thomas

07/19/2024 11:35:34 AM

My entire family thoroughly enjoyed this dish. I opted to use seasoned ground beef in place of salami and included mushrooms, but otherwise followed the recipe as written. The kids had fun selecting their own toppings for the salad, and the tomato vinaigrette was a hit with everyone. I will definitely be making this again!

Deborah Torres

10/05/2024 09:14:26 AM

Pizza with no crust claiming to be low in calories? Don't be fooled. Each serving packs a whopping 40.5 grams of fat! With that much fat, skipping the crust won't make a difference!

Jonathan Torres

08/19/2023 08:01:01 AM

I am a member of a cooking club, and for our first theme of the season, we had a Pizza Party. I was in charge of bringing a salad, and this recipe was perfect for the occasion. It was simple to prepare and was a big hit with everyone in the club. Even my daughter loved it so much that she took it for lunch the next day. I will certainly be making this recipe again.

Ryan Johnson

03/15/2024 07:45:09 AM

We absolutely love this recipe! It is incredibly delicious. I didn't make any modifications at all!

Stephen Martin

11/10/2022 08:41:59 AM

The dressing failed to blend properly.

Rachel Brown

12/29/2023 01:06:19 PM

We didn't like this. Thanks for sharing anyway!

Justin Moore

10/24/2023 02:47:33 AM

This salad is fantastic, perfect for a Fourth of July gathering. My guests absolutely adore it. I will definitely be making it again!

Cook Time: 180 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes