Pepperoni Pizza Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
A salad that eats like your favorite pizza pie, this Pepperoni Pizza Salad is one for the ages – it’s absolutely fantastic and hits all the right notes. Cold and crunchy, warm and decadent, spicy, tangy, and even a little bit sweet. A must try for your next pizza night!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Category: Salads
Ingredients
Units
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For the Salad
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup pepperoni (any kind you like, I recommend “cup” style)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion, or to taste
- 8 ounces sliced button or Cremini mushrooms
- Heaping cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Dressing
- 12 slices bacon, finely chopped into small pieces
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (plus more to taste)
- 3 sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Scant teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove
- Heaping tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for creamier dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon according to package directions, in a large skillet over medium heat, until browned and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but leave the drippings behind in the pan.
- With the heat still on medium, add the pepperoni to the pan and brown/crisp it all over; takes about 4 – 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to the plate with the bacon, leaving the drippings behind.
- In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange the romaine. Top with (arranging how you like) the cooked/drained bacon, pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes, and the oregano.
- To make the dressing, pour the pepperoni-bacon drippings into a blender, along with the olive oil, vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, cayenne/chili flakes, sugar, and garlic. Add the mayo if you like a creamier dressing (like me!). Blend on high speed until well emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. All ingredients can be adjusted to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
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