Pizza Salad

 Pizza Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of pizza into a salad form. It's a refreshing yet hearty meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)

1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Croutons (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

Wash and chop the greens, and add them to a large salad bowl.

Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion, and add them to the bowl.

Slice the olives and pepperoni, and set aside with the mozzarella cheese.

If you’re using fresh basil, tear the leaves and set them aside for garnish.

Optionally, add croutons for extra crunch.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, basil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar or honey as needed to balance the flavors.

3. Assemble the Salad:

Toss the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Add the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and olives, and gently mix them in with the greens and veggies.

4. Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is well coated.

5. Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Tips:

Add protein: If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon.

Customize with toppings: Feel free to add other pizza toppings like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.

Vegan version: Skip the cheese and pepperoni or use vegan substitutes to make it plant-based.

This Pizza Salad gives you all the delicious flavors of pizza but in a lighter, healthier form. It's perfect for pizza lovers who want to enjoy the taste of pizza without the crust!