Hey food lovers! If you’re in the mood for a crispy, cheesy dinner that’s both refreshing and satisfying, then this Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza is the perfect choice for you! It combines the best of both worlds with your favorite Caesar salad and a cheesy pizza, all in one bite. You can even add chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or follow my lead and double the cheese for double the joy! Let’s dive in and get cooking.
Method
Prepare the Salad
Start by preparing the Caesar salad according to the package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, add the Caesar dressing, and toss everything together until it’s well-coated. Once the salad is prepared, set it aside while you focus on the pizza.
Make the Garlic-Herb Oil
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix it together to create a fragrant garlic-herb oil. This oil will infuse the pizza crust with delicious flavor, so set it aside to use later.
Preheat the Oven
While you prepare the other ingredients, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your pizza crust becomes crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
Prepare the Pizza Crust
Once the oven is preheated, brush the garlic-herb oil generously over the prepared pizza crust. Be sure to spread the oil evenly so that every bite of the crust has that flavorful seasoning. After brushing the crust with the oil, top it with 1 cup of shredded whole milk fresh mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated or shaved fontina cheese. This combination of cheeses will give the pizza a rich, creamy melt. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake it for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Add the Salad
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Now comes the fun part topping the warm, cheesy crust with the prepared Caesar salad. The cool, crunchy salad pairs beautifully with the warm, melted cheese and crispy crust, giving you a perfect balance of textures. Be sure to spread the salad evenly over the pizza for a delicious bite in every slice.
Serve and Enjoy
After topping the pizza with the salad, slice it up and serve immediately. The combination of the crispy, cheesy pizza with the refreshing Caesar salad will make your taste buds dance with joy. Enjoy your Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza as a fun, satisfying meal!
Necessary Tools
- Large bowl (for salad)
- Small bowl (for garlic-herb oil)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Brush (for garlic-herb oil)
- Cheese grater (for fontina, if not pre-grated)
- Oven
Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza
Cuisine: Mexican, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 chopped Caesar salad kit (or homemade chopped Caesar salad)
1 plain pizza crust (I like using @eatyough or @eatbanza)
1 cup whole milk fresh mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup fontina, shaved or grated
Optional Garlic-Herb Oil:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Directions
- Prepare the Salad:
Start by preparing the Caesar salad according to the package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, chop the lettuce, add the Caesar dressing, and toss everything together. Once done, set it aside and get ready for the pizza! - Make the Garlic-Herb Oil:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried basil, oregano, and smoked paprika to make your garlic-herb oil. This will add a delicious, aromatic layer of flavor to the crust. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This ensures your pizza gets perfectly crispy and bubbly when it’s in the oven. - Prepare the Pizza Crust:
Brush the garlic-herb oil onto your prepared pizza crust, spreading it evenly. Then, top the crust with shredded mozzarella and fontina cheese. Place the pizza in the oven and bake it for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy. - Add the Salad:
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. Now, top the warm, cheesy crust with your prepared Caesar salad. The cold, crunchy salad pairs perfectly with the warm, melted cheese and crispy crust. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza and enjoy it right away. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and refreshing.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the crust. Make sure to bake the pizza crust just until the cheese melts and the crust becomes golden and crispy. You don’t want to dry it out.
- Be gentle when topping with salad. Adding the salad while the pizza is hot gives the perfect contrast in textures, but be careful not to wilt it too much by letting it sit on the hot pizza for too long.
- Use a non-stick surface for the crust. If you’re using a pizza stone or baking sheet, make sure it’s either non-stick or well-greased to prevent the crust from sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crispy roasted vegetables or some garlic bread to make it even more satisfying. For those who love a bit more protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a delicious twist!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Caesar salad was invented in 1924 by an Italian-American chef named Caesar Cardini? He created the salad in his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, and it quickly became a hit!
Conclusion
This Chopped Caesar Salad Pizza is a fun, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. It brings together the best of Caesar salad and pizza in one crispy, cheesy dish. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner or adding extra protein, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, next time you’re craving pizza, try this fresh twist and enjoy every bite!
