Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

| August 29, 2018 | Gluten-Free | 14 Comments

 

 

 

 

{Gluten-Free} Pizza Salad

When I was a kid, our family would visit a hole-in-the-wall pizza restaurant on the outskirts of town. The pizzeria was in a log cabin with videos games and a jukebox. Those kept us entertained while we waited for our food.
This place has some yummy pizza, but my favorite thing to eat there was the chef salad. The salad was a big bowl of iceberg lettuce and some favorite pizza toppings. The pizza toppings included: pepperoni, cold Italian sausage, cheese, black olives, red onions, and green bell peppers.
Oh, it was so good…

 

 

 

 

 

What I love about this salad is how you can customize it any way you would like. You can add any variety of proteins and vegetables. And, you can change up the salad dressing you have with it.

 

 

Gluten-Free Pepperoni

I never would have thought that pepperoni would contain gluten, but apparently there is gluten in everything! There area  few pepperoni products available online that are gluten free. Hormel offers gluten free pepperoni and the brand is widely available.

Hormel Gluten-Free Products

 

 

Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

 

 

 

Gluten-Free Ham, Chicken, & Turkey

Processed meats tend to contain gluten or caramel coloring (which contains gluten). Cured hams often have a glaze which also contains gluten. It’s important to check all labels and read the ingredients and allergy warnings. Here are a few gluten free products:

If you prefer to not use any processed meats like ham or pepperoni, you can use the Italian Sausage and Bacon. Those are typically gluten-free and paleo friendly.

 

Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

 

 

 

Gluten-Free Salad Dressings

The best thing anyone can do is read the labels of the salad dressing. Some say “contains no wheat”, but still may contain gluten from barley and/or rye. If the label doesn’t say “Gluten-Free” it may contain these ingredients. Or, the ingredients may be cross-contaminated with other foods that contain gluten. Some dressing also may contain distilled vinegar that is derived from gluten grains.

Boar’s Head Gluten-Free Deli Dressing

If you have a hard time finding a gluten-free salad dressing, you can make your own. They usually taste better and fresher and keep well in the refrigerator. This salad is fantastic with Italian or Balsamic salad dressing. When I was a kid, my favorite salad dressing was 1000 Island. I always ordered this chef/pizza salad with that dressing. So, even today, I make this with 1000 Island. My favorite homemade recipe is one from Alton Brown found HERE (I leave out the jalapenos).

 

 

 

Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

 

 

 

PRINT OUT THE RECIPE HERE!

If you are making a Paleo version of this salad, use Italian sausage, bacon, and a Paleo-friendly salad dressings. Leave out the cheese ( or use a Paleo/nut based “cheese”). The Paleo diet can include tomatoes and peppers. Tomatoes and peppers (as well as eggplant, potatoes, and hot peppers) are part of the nightshade family of plants. Some people have bad reactions to these (digestion problems, joint pain, and/or migraines) and choose to leave these out of their diet.

 

 

Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

 

 

 

 

You can print out the recipe above and/or PIN this recipe for later! Just click on SAVE on image below:

Pizza Salad {Gluten-Free & Paleo Option}

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About The Author

KristyB

Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)

14 Comments
  1. Arnab Majumdar Reply

    Looks so delicious and healthy too. Thats a rare combination!

    • KristyB Reply

      I know! I love finding flavorful and delicious foods that don’t make me feel bad or have an allergic reaction.

  2. swathi Reply

    Pizza salad looks delicious I love this, great meal and simple ingredients.

    • KristyB Reply

      It is simple and easy and SO good!

  3. madelain Reply

    This looks so healthy and delish. I also love the colors

    Madelain | htttp://www.wheremyheartwanders.com

    • KristyB Reply

      Thanks, Madelain! It is definitely more healthy than greasy pizza (even though I really miss it since going gluten free).

  4. Blair Villanueva Reply

    This is a delicious and healthy paleo salad. My boyfriend would also enjoy it for sure.

    • KristyB Reply

      Yes, guys seem to like this salad since it has all the pizza toppings!

  5. Sara Welch Reply

    Wow, I would love to try one of these. There is so much less grease; it actually looks appetizing.

    • KristyB Reply

      Thanks, Sara! I hope you get to try this soon!

  6. Corinne (@WhatCorinneDid) Reply

    This sure does look healthier than a pizza but just as good! I am trying to eat healthy again so this would be a great start!

    • KristyB Reply

      It is good, Corinne! I love that you get the satisfaction of getting the pizza taste without all the gluten or grease.

  7. Heather Reply

    I just learned I have a sensitivity to mozzarella, so this is perfect for me!

    • KristyB Reply

      I’m sorry to hear that, Heather! I have good and bad days with dairy myself. It can be challenging!

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