Pizza Salad With Pepperoni (Printable Recipe)
A crisp salad packed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and tomato vinaigrette inspired by classic pizza flavors.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pepperoni and Bread Crumbs
01 -
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
02 -
2 ounces pepperoni slices, cut into thin strips
03 -
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
2 teaspoons dried oregano
06 -
Salt, to taste
07 -
Red-pepper flakes, to taste
→ Tomato Vinaigrette and Salad Base
08 -
1 beefsteak tomato
09 -
1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine, plus more to taste
10 -
Granulated sugar, as needed
11 -
1 large head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
12 -
1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini, drained
13 -
1/3 cup sliced black olives
14 -
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
15 -
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add pepperoni strips and cook, stirring frequently, until rendered and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
02 -
Return the skillet with rendered fat to medium-low heat. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and toasty, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in garlic powder and crumbled oregano, then mix in reserved pepperoni and any fat from the plate. Season with salt and red-pepper flakes.
03 -
Grate the tomato on the large holes of a box grater into a bowl, discarding the skin. Whisk in 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, sugar, and more brine as needed.
04 -
Add romaine, sliced pepperoncini, black olives, and red onion to the bowl with vinaigrette. Toss thoroughly to combine.
05 -
Divide salad onto plates. Tear mozzarella over the top and sprinkle with pepperoni bread crumbs. Serve immediately.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Pepperoni bread crumbs can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for future use on pasta, eggs, or roasted vegetables.