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A close-up of a Pizza Crouton Salad in a white bowl, topped with crispy, roasted bread cubes and thin slices of pepperoni. The green salad underneath appears to be chopped lettuce. Two gold-colored utensils rest in the bowl.
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4.75 from 4 reviews

Pizza Crouton Salad

This Pizza Crouton Salad is a fresh take on a classic duo, turning day-old pizza into crispy, golden croutons - proof that leftovers can be thoughtful, delicious, and totally intentional.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: croutons, easy salad, easy salad recipe, pizza
Servings: 2 portions
Author: The Modern Nonna

Equipment

Ingredients

Croutons

  • 2-3 small slices of leftover pizza cold or stale

Salad

  • 2 heads of romaine hearts link to my thinly sliced tutorial

Dressing:

  • ½ cup plain yogurt I used Balkan style
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 teaspoons honey Dijon mustard
  • lemon juice to taste
  • pinch of salt to taste
  • ¼ grated Parmigiano cheese

Instructions

  • Cut leftover or cold pizza slices into cubes.
    A baking sheet covered with parchment paper holds many small, square pizza croutons with various toppings, perfect for making a flavorful Pizza Crouton Salad, all spread out over a wooden surface.
  • Place in the air fryer at 390F (200C) for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, bake pieces in the oven on a parchment lined baking sheet at 425F (220C) for 5 minutes, or until melty and golden.
    A hand holds an air fryer basket containing crispy, golden-brown cubes of tofu, perfect as a protein-packed topping for a Pizza Crouton Salad, displayed on a wooden surface.
  • Thinly slice the romaine hearts, using my How to Shred Lettuce tutorial. Add to a bowl and set aside.
    A white bowl filled with finely shredded green lettuce sits on a light surface with a light blue cloth nearby, perfect for demonstrating how to shred lettuce effortlessly.
  • Add the dressing ingredients to a liquid measuring cup or jar. Combine until smooth using a stick blender or whisk.
    A hand sprinkles salt into a glass measuring cup containing a white liquid, likely cream or milk, on a wooden table with a blurred background of baked goods and what could be ingredients for Pizza Crouton Salad.
  • Note: if the dressing is too thick, I like to thin it out with a touch of water or pickle juice brine. Olive brine or pepperoncini brine both work as well.
  • Toss the dressing with the shredded lettuce and croutons. Serve and enjoy!
    A creamy dressing is being poured from a glass pitcher onto a bowl of shredded lettuce, creating a delicious Pizza Crouton Salad on a wooden table.
  • Note: if you scroll up, you'll find the commonly asked questions, more tips, and other variations.

Video

Notes

  • Pizza Swaps: Garlic bread and focaccia both work well as croutons instead of pizza. 
  • Best Greens: Thin-sliced romaine holds up well and coats evenly with dressing. Check out my tutorial on how to thinly slice romaine. 
  • Oven or Air Fryer: Bake at 425°F (220°C) or air fry at 390°F (200°C), turning once until golden.
  • Crunch Tip: Let croutons cool slightly before tossing so they stay crisp.
  • Dressing Fix: Thin out dressing with water or pickle, olive, or pepperoncini brine.
  • Plant Based: Use your favorite plant-based yogurt and parm for the dressing - or eliminate it altogether and swap yogurt for olive oil 1:1. 
  • Customizable: Use any pizza and add grilled chicken, meatballs, chickpeas, or roasted veggies.
  • Make Ahead: Prep components in advance, but assemble just before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate greens and dressing in separate containers up to 3 days; store croutons at room temp up to 24 hours.
  • How to Serve: Enjoy as a main or side with wine, antipasti, or baked meatballs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portion | Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 10097IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 2mg
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