Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days pizza is a delicious and unconventional twist on pizza. Topped with a vibrant salad of gem lettuce, tomatoes, soppressata, pepperoncini, red onion, and a creamy Parmesan dressing, all sitting on a crisp pizza crust, this dish is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy pizza and salad together in a new way, this is the dish for you!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 2 10-inch pizza crusts (or your choice of dough)

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• Crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Salad:

• 2 heads of little gem lettuce, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup halved sun gold tomatoes

• 1/3 cup soppressata, sliced (about 2 oz)

• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini

For the Dressing:

• 1 1/2 tbsp Greek yogurt

• 1/2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1/4 tsp oregano

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• 1/2 tsp honey

Directions

1. Prepare the Pizza: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the pizza crusts and bake according to the package instructions.

2. Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, soppressata, shaved Parmesan, red onion, and pepperoncini.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey until smooth.

4. Toss the Salad: Toss the salad with the dressing until well combined.

5. Assemble the Pizza: Once the pizza crusts are done baking, top them with the prepared salad and finish with crushed red pepper if desired.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 2 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Protein: ~14g

• Fat: ~20g

• Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Fiber: ~5g

The Fusion of Salad and Pizza

At first glance, the idea of a salad on top of a pizza might seem strange, but it’s a culinary combination that works beautifully. This pizza takes the elements of a traditional salad—fresh greens, vegetables, and a tangy dressing—and pairs them with the warm, hearty foundation of a pizza crust. The result is a dish that balances comfort food with the lightness of a salad.

The idea of combining salad with pizza is not entirely new, but Jon & Vinny’s has perfected the concept. Their version features crisp pizza dough, topped with a flavorful marinara sauce and finished with a vibrant, colorful salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the delicious combination of pizza and salad, without feeling overwhelmed by heaviness or too many competing flavors.

The Freshness of the Salad

One of the standout features of Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza is the salad itself. The base of the salad is composed of little gem lettuce, which is a smaller, more tender variety of romaine that’s both sweet and crunchy. Little gem lettuce is perfect for this dish because it offers a refreshing bite without being too bitter or tough.

Alongside the lettuce, the salad features halved sun gold tomatoes, which add a burst of sweetness to every bite. These golden tomatoes are rich in flavor, offering a slightly tangy and mild taste that contrasts well with the sharpness of the other ingredients. The addition of soppressata brings a layer of spice and depth to the dish. This dry-cured Italian sausage adds a smoky, savory element that complements the lightness of the salad.

Thinly sliced red onions introduce a mild pungency, while the pepperoncini peppers add a delightful tang and a bit of heat. Each of these ingredients adds its own personality to the dish, resulting in a fresh, vibrant topping that contrasts perfectly with the pizza crust.

The Creamy Parmesan Dressing

What really ties the whole dish together is the creamy Parmesan dressing. This dressing is rich and flavorful but still light enough to allow the freshness of the salad to shine. Made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, the dressing has a creamy texture with a subtle tang. The white wine vinegar brings acidity to balance out the richness, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dressing with fragrant flavors.

Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, umami punch, while a touch of honey rounds out the dressing with a hint of sweetness. It’s a perfect accompaniment to the salad ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the fresh elements. Drizzling this dressing over the salad before it’s placed on the pizza crust ensures that each bite is coated in the perfect amount of creamy, tangy goodness.

The Pizza Crust: A Crisp Foundation

The base of Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza is a simple but delicious pizza crust. The crust provides a warm, crisp foundation for the salad and helps to balance out the freshness of the toppings. It’s important that the crust is baked to perfection, crisping up nicely to support the salad without becoming soggy.

The marinara sauce spread over the crust adds a bit of acidity and depth to the dish, complementing the salad without stealing the spotlight. The red pepper flakes (optional) bring an extra kick of heat for those who like their pizza with a little more spice.

A Unique Dining Experience

What makes Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza stand out is its ability to bridge the gap between two of the most beloved comfort foods: pizza and salad. It offers the satisfaction of a pizza, with the added freshness of a salad on top. The combination of textures—from the crispiness of the pizza crust to the crunchiness of the lettuce and the chewiness of the soppressata—creates an exciting eating experience.

This dish is ideal for people who crave something new and different, but also want to enjoy the flavors they love. It’s perfect for anyone looking to mix up their pizza routine while still enjoying the familiar comforts of cheese, dough, and savory toppings. Whether served as a main dish or a shared appetizer, it’s sure to be a conversation starter at any dinner table.

A Versatile Dish for All Occasions

Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza is the perfect dish for a variety of occasions. It’s ideal for casual gatherings, where you want to offer something a little more adventurous than your usual pizza. The salad topping makes it feel lighter, so it’s perfect for a warm-weather meal or a lunch on a sunny afternoon. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for a more balanced pizza experience, where the fresh ingredients are just as important as the crust and sauce.

This dish also lends itself well to customization. You can adjust the salad toppings to suit your preferences, adding or omitting ingredients as desired. For instance, you could swap out the soppressata for a vegetarian alternative, or use a different type of cheese for the dressing. The basic concept remains the same—fresh salad on top of a pizza—but there’s plenty of room for personal variation.

Conclusion: A Bold Twist on Tradition

Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza is a brilliant and refreshing take on the classic pizza. By combining a hearty pizza crust with a light, flavorful salad and creamy Parmesan dressing, this dish offers the best of both worlds. It’s a unique twist on a favorite comfort food that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time.

For anyone looking to reinvent their pizza routine or for those simply craving something deliciously different, Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a dish that celebrates the balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout choice for any meal. With its combination of savory and fresh ingredients, it’s a delightful way to enjoy pizza and salad together in a new, exciting way.