If you are a pizza lover but want to avoid the carbohydrate then you must try the pizza salad. It has similar toppings to the pizza, but these are laid on a lettuce bed. In plain terms, it is a combination of pizza and salad.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce – 6 cups
- Tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped
- Pepperoncini – ¼ cup chopped
- Red onion – ¼ cup, sliced
- Mozarella cheese – 4 oz
- Parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons
- Bell pepper – 1, chopped
- Mayonnaise – ¼ cup
- Red wine vinegar – 2 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning – ½ teaspoon
- Oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Pizza crust – crispy flatbread cut into wedges
Ingredients Explained
Romaine lettuce: It has a crunchy base which can be a substitute for pizza crust in this case. It is full of nutrients and healthier than iceberg lettuce.
Pepperoncini: It is a kind of Italian hot chili pepper.
Italian seasoning: It consists of dried basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram.
Flatbread: A substitute for pizza bread in the pizza salad.
Croutons: small toasted pieces of bread
Pizza crust
You can create any crust for this salad. For example, pre-made flatbread. If you already have flatbread in your freezer then you can use that instead of making a new one.
Once the crust is ready prepare the surface of the pizza to add the toppings. For this, you need to brush in oil and sprinkle some herbs or Italian seasoning. For this salad, you don't need a crust. If you don't want to make crust then you can put breadsticks or croutons instead.
Making flatbread for pizza salad at home
Ingredients:
- Plain flour – 2 cups
- Salt – ½ cup
- Unsalted butter – 50 gam
- Milk – ¾ cup
Method for making flatbread
First, melt the butter in milk by heating it on a stove or microwave. Mix the flour and salt. Then add butter and milk. Knead the batter for 2 minutes until it becomes smooth. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Wrap it with cling wrap. Cut dough into 6 pieces. Roll each of the pieces 20 cm thick. Then heat a non-stick pan and put on high heat. Place the flatbed carefully in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes. You will notice that the bottom part of the flatbread has turned yellow. This indicates that the side is done. So, flip to do the other side. Your flatbread will be crispy. When serving you can cut the flatbreads into triangles
Instructions for making pizza salad
- Take a large bowl and mix romaine, pepperoncini, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl combine mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, red pepper, and oregano.
- Put the dressing on the salad.
- Place the croutons or flatbreads on top.
Storing
You can store the pizza salad leftovers in airtight containers inside the fridge. It will stay in good condition for a week.
This dish is best served immediately. You can make the dressing early but don't mix it. You can also cut the vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. But do the mixing before serving to get all the flavors.
Health factors
Pizza salad is healthier than pizza. If you are trying to lose weight and still crave pizza then this dish is a good substitute for you. You get all the taste and flavor of pizza without the carb base. You can customize the salad according to your preference. You can change the veggies as well. It has lots of vitamins, minerals, and protein. This salad will give you energy and support your immune system.
If you find making flatbread or croutons difficult then prepare this salad without them or buy these from the market. The crunchiness of flatbread or crouton tastes awesome. You can enjoy this salad any time of the day.
