This Pizza Night Salad is a fun twist on your favorite pizza toppings! It’s packed with fresh veggies, cheese, and savory flavors that make every bite satisfying.
It’s like having a pizza party on a plate! I love adding a bit of Italian dressing for extra flavor. Perfect for a cozy movie night with friends and family! 🍕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed salad greens: I love using a blend of romaine, spinach, and radicchio for a variety of textures and colors. If you prefer, you can substitute with any greens like arugula or kale, depending on what you have on hand.
Cherry tomatoes: These add a pop of sweetness. Grape tomatoes work just as well, or even diced regular tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas can be great substitutes, keeping that crunch intact.
Crumble cheese: Feta is my go-to for its tangy flavor. If you want something different, try goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella for a more classic pizza vibe.
Red pepper flakes: They bring a bit of heat. If you prefer milder flavors, you can skip this or use black pepper instead. It still tastes great!
How Do You Make a Perfect Italian Dressing?
Making Italian dressing from scratch brings freshness right to your kitchen. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with olive oil and red wine vinegar as the base. This combo gives a balanced flavor.
- Add in minced garlic, honey, and dried oregano. These ingredients give it a nice depth and sweetness.
- Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to your taste, as everyone’s preference varies!
Whisk everything together until it’s blended well. You can make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, just remember to give it a good shake before using!
Pizza Night Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, radicchio)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 3 slices of crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza dough, baked and cut into bite-sized pieces or flatbread pieces (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Italian Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. Once everything is mixed together, your salad will be ready to enjoy right away. Perfect for a quick meal or a great side dish for pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Set the dressing aside so the flavors can meld together.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the crispy bacon until it’s nice and crunchy. Once done, drain the excess fat on paper towels and chop it into smaller pieces once it’s cooled.
3. Bake the Pizza Dough (if using):
Roll out your pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes until it’s golden brown. Let it cool, then cut or tear it into bite-sized pieces or strips.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, add the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced green olives, red onions, and the chopped crispy bacon. This is where it starts to look colorful and delicious!
5. Add Cheese and Pizza Pieces:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. If you made the baked pizza dough, toss that in as well for a fun twist!
6. Dress and Toss:
Pour the Italian dressing over your salad. Gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly for full flavor.
7. Finish with Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to incorporate the seasoning.
8. Serve:
Transfer your delicious salad to a serving platter or bowl and serve it right away. This fresh, pizza-inspired salad is sure to be a hit—enjoy!
Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main dish, it’s a delightful way to bring pizza flavors to your healthy meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Greens for the Salad?
Absolutely! If you want to mix it up, feel free to use any salad greens you prefer—arugula, kale, or even just a classic iceberg lettuce work well. Just make sure they’re fresh!
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute crispy bacon with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You’ll still get a satisfying crunch!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping the veggies and cooking the bacon. Just wait to dress the salad until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness!