A fresh, bright, and healthier dinner choice—this Pepperoni Pizza Salad is a satisfying summer meal the whole family will enjoy. Packed with pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, sweet red pepper, and red onion, it’s tossed in an Italian-style dressing. Fewer calories and carbs but the same great pizza flavors you crave.
On busy nights when dinner still needs to be served and the kids need something filling, a customizable salad full of meat, cheese, and vegetables is a fast, easy option everyone will love.
Tomorrow evening our second son will don his cap and gown and cross the stage to receive his high school diploma.
Turning 18 earlier this year was one thing, but seeing him graduate—well, that’s another level. Time truly does fly.
It feels like just yesterday he was finishing fifth grade, and now we’re closing this chapter. Even though this milestone hasn’t fully sunk in yet, we’re incredibly proud of him.
He’s worked hard to get here—graduating from the county culinary program with honors both years, earning A/B honor roll, holding a job, and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends. We couldn’t be prouder.
We’ve planned a big backyard barbecue on Sunday to celebrate with friends and family. His ceremony tonight starts at 7:30, so we’ll be leaving by 6 pm and might not be back until late. That means I need a dinner that’s quick, filling, and delicious before we head out.
This Pepperoni Pizza Salad is exactly the meal I’ll serve tonight—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and hearty enough for everyone, including the graduate.
A lighter dinner option often means a salad supper, and this one doesn’t skimp on flavor. Crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, sweet red pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded mozzarella are tossed in a zesty Italian-style dressing. It delivers the taste of a pepperoni pizza without the extra carbs.
If you try this PEPPERONI PIZZA SALAD or any other recipe here, please leave a comment to tell me how it turned out—we love hearing from readers. You can also follow along on social media to see more recipes and updates.
Pepperoni Pizza Salad
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Ingredients
For The Salad
- 8 oz pkg chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 6 oz pkg sliced pepperoni, halved or quartered
- 1/2 sweet red pepper, seeds removed & thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Italian seasoned croutons, for garnish
For The Italian-Style Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, minced
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
To Make The Salad
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Place all salad ingredients except the croutons into a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
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Cover and chill for 1–2 hours to let flavors meld.
To Make The Italian-Style Dressing
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Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until well blended.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
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Serve in bowls and top with Italian-seasoned croutons just before serving.