Are you craving a delicious yet healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This pizza and salad recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dinner, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a fantastic option for a weeknight meal, impressing your family or friends without sacrificing your time or health. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and even beginners can master it. Let's dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (12 inches) – saves time for a quick dinner!
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite toppings)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
For the Salad:
- 5 oz mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Place the pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it to your desired shape.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange your pepperoni (or chosen toppings) on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil (optional) and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Making the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips for the Best Pizza and Salad:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings! Mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives are all great options.
- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.
- If you don't have pre-made pizza dough, you can easily make your own using a simple recipe found online. Many delicious and easy recipes are available.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pizza: Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach.
- Spicy Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for a little kick.
- Different Salad Dressings: Experiment with different dressings, such as ranch, Italian, or Caesar dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is a rough estimate for a serving of pizza and a portion of the salad.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Enjoy this simple yet satisfying pizza and salad recipe! It's a perfect example of a healthy meal that's also quick and easy to prepare. It's a great quick dinner idea for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. This recipe is a testament to delicious dishes being achievable even with limited time. It's among the best recipes for its ease and flavour combination.