Chopped Salad Pizza

Chopped Salad Pizza is a fun and fresh twist on two classics—crispy, cheesy pizza and vibrant Italian-style chopped salad. This unique combo delivers the best of both worlds: a hot, golden-brown crust topped with gooey cheese, finished with a cool, crunchy, zesty chopped salad right on top. It’s the ultimate balance of rich and refreshing in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Meets Comfort Food: Warm cheesy pizza base + cold, crisp salad = perfection.
• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite salad toppings or dressing to make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A beautiful, colorful dish that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
• Lighter Than It Looks: Great for those craving pizza with a healthier, veggie-packed twist.

Ingredients

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

For the Pizza Base:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Chopped Salad Topping:

• Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Pepperoncini peppers, chopped
• Salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional)
• Mozzarella pearls or diced provolone
• Kalamata olives, sliced

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
2. Roll and Prep Dough: On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over the surface.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the crust, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for another 5–6 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
7. Assemble: Let the pizza cool slightly, then top generously with the chopped salad.
8. Serve Immediately: Slice and serve fresh to enjoy the warm crust and cool topping contrast.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6 slices
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Caesar Salad Pizza: Swap chopped salad for Caesar with romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
• Greek Style: Use a Greek salad mix with feta, cucumbers, olives, and lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Meat-Free: Leave out the salami/pepperoni or replace with chickpeas or roasted red peppers.
• Different Bases: Try naan, pita, or gluten-free crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store pizza base and salad separately. Salad lasts 2–3 days in the fridge; pizza base up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat crust in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Add fresh salad on top after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza crust?

Yes, pre-baked crusts or flatbreads make this even quicker.

What’s the best cheese for the pizza base?

Mozzarella is ideal, but provolone, fontina, or a blend also work great.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the meat toppings or sub in vegetarian deli slices or beans.

How do I keep the salad from making the pizza soggy?

Wait until the crust has cooled a bit and drain salad well before topping.

Can I grill the pizza crust?

Yes, grill the dough on both sides until lightly charred, then add cheese and close the grill to melt.

What other greens can I use?

Try arugula, spinach, or a spring mix for different textures and flavors.

Can I use bottled dressing?

Yes, but homemade adds a fresh punch. Choose a light Italian or vinaigrette.

What’s the best way to chop the salad?

Keep pieces small and uniform so it’s easy to eat without the toppings sliding off.

Can this be made in advance?

Make the crust and salad separately, then assemble just before serving.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely—kids love the fun of salad-on-pizza and can even help make it!

Conclusion

Chopped Salad Pizza brings together two favorites in one delicious dish. With its crisp cheesy crust and crunchy, refreshing salad topping, it’s a unique, balanced meal that’s as eye-catching as it is satisfying. Whether you’re entertaining or just shaking up pizza night, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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