Deep-dish Salad Pizza

Deep-dish Salad Pizza Recipe - A Flavorful Fusion of Salad and Pizza

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Deep-dish Salad Pizza is a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining the flavors of a salad with the convenience of a pizza. This recipe features a flaky puff pastry crust topped with a creamy salad dressing, fresh spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, assorted mushrooms, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. It's a perfect dish for a light and refreshing meal.

History

The concept of a salad pizza originated in the United States, where pizza is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The idea of combining the fresh and vibrant flavors of a salad with the comforting and satisfying elements of a pizza has become a favorite among food enthusiasts. This recipe puts a unique spin on the traditional pizza by incorporating a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients

0.5 cup bottled creamy garlic salad dressing
0.13 to 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cup torn sorrel and/or spinach
2 cup cooked ham, chicken, turkey, beef, pork, or lamb, cut into bite-size strips
1 x 6 oz (170 g) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 x 2.25 oz (64 g) can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1 x 17.3 oz (490 g) pkg. (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1.5 cup shredded fontina cheese, provolone cheese, or mozzarella cheese (6 oz (170 g))
1.5 cup shredded muenster cheese or gruyère cheese (6 oz (170 g))
3 cup assorted fresh mushrooms (shiitake, chanterelle, oyster, ya porcini, brown, and/or white)
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

How to prepare

Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together salad dressing and cayenne pepper.
Set aside.

Sorrel mixture

In a large bowl, combine sorrel, desired meat, artichoke hearts, and olives.
Toss lightly to mix.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator while preparing crust.

Pizza

For a 14-inch round pizza, place 1 sheet of pastry on top of the other sheet on a lightly floured surface, staggering corners.
Roll the pastry from the center to the edge, forming a 14-inch circle. (For a 15 x 10-inch rectangular pizza, place the pastry sheets on top of each other without staggering the corners. Roll out the pastry, forming a 15 x 10-inch rectangle).
Wrap the pastry around the rolling pin and unroll it into a 14-inch deep-dish pizza pan (or a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan).
Prick the bottom well with the tines of a fork.
Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown (the pastry may shrink).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine fontina and muenster cheese.
Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the cheese mixture over the warm crust.
Top with mushrooms.
Return the crust to the oven.
Bake for 4 to 5 minutes more or until the cheese begins to melt.
Meanwhile, pour the dressing over the sorrel mixture and toss lightly to coat.
Spread the sorrel mixture over the melted cheese on the crust.
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese mixture.
Return to the oven.
Bake for 4 to 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.
To serve, immediately garnish with tomato slices.
Cut into wedges or squares.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions to ensure it rolls out easily and bakes evenly.

- Prick the bottom of the pastry crust with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up too much.

- Be sure to evenly distribute the cheese and toppings on the pizza to ensure each bite is full of flavor.

- Garnish the pizza with fresh tomato slices just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Deep-dish Salad Pizza with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the puff pastry: Roll the pastry from the center to the edge, forming a 14-inch circle for a round pizza or a 15 x 10-inch rectangle for a rectangular pizza.

- Melting the cheese: Sprinkle the cheese over the warm crust and bake until melted and bubbly.

- Tossing the salad: Pour the dressing over the sorrel mixture and toss lightly to coat before spreading it over the pizza crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Creamy salad dressing: You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade dressing in place of bottled creamy salad dressing.

- Lamb: Substitute cooked chicken, beef, or tofu for the lamb.

- Puff pastry: If you prefer a thinner crust, you can use store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough instead of puff pastry.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad mixture and dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza. The puff pastry can also be rolled out and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the pizza.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Deep-dish Salad Pizza with fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. Serve it on a large platter or cutting board for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Deep-dish Salad Pizza pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Deep-dish Salad Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 22g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Milk

Summary

This Deep-dish Salad Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner option.

Summary

Deep-dish Salad Pizza is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds - the freshness of a salad and the comfort of a pizza. With a flaky puff pastry crust, creamy salad dressing, and a variety of toppings, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it for a light lunch or dinner with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Deep-dish Salad Pizza. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before - a pizza with a crispy crust filled with fresh, colorful vegetables and tangy dressing. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across the recipe for Deep-dish Salad Pizza at a potluck dinner hosted by a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known for her delicious and unique dishes, and this pizza was no exception. As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of flavors and textures was simply irresistible.

I approached Mrs. Jenkins and asked her for the recipe. She smiled and handed me a yellowed piece of paper, explaining that she had received it from her own grandmother many years ago. I thanked her profusely and promised to give the recipe a try.

When I got home, I carefully studied the recipe, taking note of each ingredient and step. The crust was made with a mixture of flour, yeast, and olive oil, rolled out and baked until golden brown. The filling consisted of a variety of vegetables - bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives - tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work. I kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place until it doubled in size. I rolled it out into a large circle and placed it in a greased deep-dish pizza pan, pressing it up the sides to create a crust.

Next, I chopped the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mixed them together in a large bowl. I drizzled the dressing over the vegetables and tossed everything together until well coated. I spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the crust, making sure to pack it tightly.

I popped the pizza into the oven and watched as it baked to a perfect golden brown. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was simply heavenly. When it was done, I carefully removed the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into wedges.

I served the Deep-dish Salad Pizza to my family that evening, eager to see their reaction. They were amazed by the unique combination of flavors and textures, just as I had been. They devoured slice after slice, praising me for my culinary skills.

From that day on, Deep-dish Salad Pizza became a regular feature on our dinner menu. I made it for special occasions, potluck dinners, and even just for a quick weeknight meal. I loved how versatile the recipe was - I could easily customize it with different vegetables or dressings to suit my mood.

As the years went by, I continued to make Deep-dish Salad Pizza, sharing the recipe with friends and family who were equally impressed by its deliciousness. It became a signature dish of mine, something that I was known for in my circle of friends.

I always credited Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to the recipe, and I often thought of her as I made it. I imagined her own grandmother, passing down the recipe through the generations, each cook adding their own unique touch.

To this day, Deep-dish Salad Pizza remains one of my favorite recipes to make. It brings back memories of that fateful potluck dinner and the sense of curiosity that led me to discover something truly special. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and perfect the recipe, and I look forward to passing it on to future generations of cooks in my family.