This is definitely one of the “weirder” recipes I’ve posted on my website (and no, I didn’t forget the word “and” between “Pizza Salad” – this is literally pizza in salad form.

I was inspired to recreate a healthified version of this Pizza Salad after attending a family get together where we ordered the "Abruzzo Special Salad" from a place called Abruzzo Pizza.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a salad lover and not just because they might be seen as being healthier, “low carb” or associated with weight loss – none of that. I see salads as super refreshing, exciting in every bite and filling, but the secret is to mix a whole bunch of things into your salad instead of just iceberg lettuce and a Kraft dressing and calling it a day. I guess that’s where being a holistic nutritionist comes in handy, as I know to emphasize a balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein in my salad to make it a super satiating meal.

I also know that eating this way makes me feel really good (i.e. energized and less bloated) which is something I encourage my clients to focus on instead of worrying about how many calories are in a meal.

And so came this Pizza Salad! I do want to make it very clear that I don’t have anything against pizza. In fact, if I straight up want pizza, I will give myself full permission to do that and I’ll enjoy every bite. While you might think the worst thing you can do for your health is to eat the pizza, you actually might be doing more harm by restricting yourself and forbidding it.

The truth is that when we do this, we build a novelty around it, so much so that we can’t stop thinking about it and as a result, we want it more than anything. Some might resist it for a while and eventually give in which leads to a super elevated experience of pleasure to the point where it’s hard to stop and determine when we’re actually full. Others may do everything in their power to resist it in fear of eating this “bad” food – they’ll snack on crackers and hummus in insurmountable amounts, chocolate, chips, bread, rice cakes, to the point where they might as well just had the one or two slices of pizza.

So, yes – even as a holistic nutritionist, I’m telling you to simply eat the pizza. But I’m also challenging you to tune into your body’s signals.

What is it trying to tell you?
What does it need?
Does it need the pizza?
Or does it need the pizza salad?
What emotions are you experiencing right now that are driving your cravings and encouraging you to gravitate towards food to fill a void?

Food for thought :) In the meantime, let's make some pizza salad, shall we?!

Pizza Salad

Ingredients

3 cups mix of romaine and iceberg lettuce (for crunch factor!)
1 organic grass-fed cooked sausage (take it out of casing and saute if you'd like)
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
4 mushrooms, sliced
2-3 tbsp black olives
2-3 tbsp banana peppers
sprinkle of shredded goat cheddar

Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
sea salt to taste

Directions

Prepare all ingredients as directed and place into large bowl
Mix dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and pour all over salad
Enjoy!