With the flavors of pizza, but an easy assembly-only method, this Pizza Salad is a great dinner to share with the kids. Plus, you can prep it ahead or even pack it for lunch!
For years now, my family has loved Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad as an easy meal and I’m so happy to add this Pizza Salad as an equally easy option to the mix! This is so simple to assemble and serve, and it’s been a really fun way for me to serve veggies to my kids.
The beauty of this idea is that everyone can help themselves to the components they like, then either dip everything into a little bowl of dressing or toss the salad together.
You can also cut the veggies into thinner pieces to make them easy for toddlers to chew, which helps ensure this meal works for everyone at the table.
(You may also like my Pizza Rolls, Pizza Muffins, Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough, and Pasta Salad with Chicken as more easy options.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Pizza Salad so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Romaine lettuce: You can buy heads of lettuce or pre-chopped lettuce, as you like, You can also use shredded iceberg lettuce, too.
- Bell pepper: I like to add bell pepper for crunch, color, and to vary the vegetable options in the mix. You can use any color you like.
- Mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella bocconcini balls): It’s fun to use the classic pizza cheese here, so either dice it up or buy small mozzarella balls.
- Black olives: I use sliced canned olives, drained of the juice, to add flavor to the Pizza Salad. Feel free to change the type of olives or to skip this ingredient all together if your family doesn’t care for them.
- Salami (or pepperoni): Look for thinly sliced salami or pepperoni, which will be easiest for little kids to chew.
- Italian dressing: I use bottled Italian dressing to make this easy. Feel free to use a different type, oil and vinegar, or another homemade option.
- Naan bread: Or another type of bread or crackers.
- Oregano, tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, and other assorted pizza toppings as desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Pizza Salad so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Wash and chop the veggies. You can thinly slice raw veggies to make them slightly easier for toddlers to chew.
Step 2. Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing or plan to serve it as a dip. Serve with cut up naan bread, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
You could add rotisserie chicken or any other type of cooked chicken, chicken nuggets, hard-boiled egg, white beans, chickpeas, or cooked Italian sausage.
You can put the components into a lunchbox or small storage container and the dressing in a small dip container. Should be pretty easy!
Try to include some foods in the mix they usually like. Add a flavorful dressing or dip to ensure the veggies taste really good. Thinly slice raw vegetables to make them easier to chew.
How to Store
Prep the vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve with the rest of the ingredients.
Best Tips for Success
- Change up the components as you like based on your family’s preferences as a fun take on pizza night.
- Add thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, croutons, freshly cracked black pepper, oregano, or garlic powder for more flavor.
- Serve with naan, pita crackers, garlic bread, or buttered toast.
- Use a different dressing as you like, such as an Italian vinaigrette, olive oil and vinegar, Caesar, or other dressing you like.
- I find more success with new meals when I give the kids something to do to the food, so in this case I often let them cut some of the veggies with kid-safe scissors or put their dressing into a small dip bowl so they can easily dunk and dip as they like.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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Place all salad ingredients into a large bowl or platter. Toss with the dressing or let everyone serve themselves and add their own dressing. (I prefer to top with oregano, shaved Parmesan, and Italian dressing.)
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Serve with cut up naan bread.
- Prep the vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve with the rest of the ingredients.
- Change up the components as you like based on your family’s preferences.
- Serve with naan, pita crackers, garlic bread, or buttered toast.
Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 1058mg, Potassium: 301mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 5526IU, Vitamin C: 50mg, Calcium: 174mg, Iron: 1mg