Pizza Salad

When you’re craving pizza, but trying to eat healthy, this salad has you covered. It replicates all those flavors and textures that you love, yet keeps it light.

Adding your family’s favorite pizza toppings could also get those picky-eating kids to have some salad too!

To top it all off, you can add some parmesan crisps (if looking to be carb or gluten free) or croutons.

Ingredients:

2 cups cherry/grape tomatoes – halved
1/2 tsp salt (and pepper), divided
3 ounces mozzarella pearls, chopped
25 pieces pepperoni, quartered
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red-wine vinegar
1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup croutons (or parmesan crisps)

Optional add-ins:

• chopped olives
• garbanzo beans/chickpeas
• sliced red onion
• mushrooms
• sausage
• mozzarella cheese

Directions:

In a small bowl, sprinkle tomatoes with half the salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, remaining ¼ tsp salt, and remaining ¼ tsp pepper. (Note – If needed/short on time, you can also use any Italian dressing from the store.)

Add lettuce and toss gently to coat.

Arrange lettuce mixture in a serving bowl; top with tomato mixture, cheese, pepperoni, and additional pizza toppings.

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(Can make ahead and let chill in the first.)