Sometimes, the most memorable meals arise from combining two classics in an unexpected way. That’s exactly what this Caesar Salad Pizza is—a fun and delicious fusion that has become a staple in my kitchen. Instead of traditional heavy pizza dough, this recipe uses soft naan bread as the base, creating a lighter meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
The true genius of this dish lies in the delightful contrast between warm and cold. You begin by brushing the naan with garlic-infused olive oil, topping it with mozzarella and sautéed mushrooms, and baking it until the cheese bubbles and melts. Then, you top the hot pizza with a crips, cold Caesar salad tossed in a ridiculously easy and flavorful homemade dressing. It’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes or less.
The Perfect Crust: Using naan bread is a fantastic shortcut. It gets brushed with a garlic-infused olive oil, topped with cheese, and baked until crispy and golden.
Homemade Dressing: Forget the store-bought stuff! This homemade Caesar dressing is incredibly simple to make and tastes so much better.
Completely Customizable: This recipe is a great starting point. You can use as much or as little of the toppings as you like - it’s all about your personal preference.
Get Creative: Alternative Combinations
While the mushroom and cheese version is a personal favorite, here are a few other ideas to make this recipe your own:
Add Protein: Chicken is a great addition. Toss some grilled, shredded chicken onto the naan before adding the cheese for a heartier meal.
Switch Up the Veggies: Feel free to sauté sliced red onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Artichoke hearts would also be a delicious topping.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking, or sneak it into the dressing.
Extra Cheesy: While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of Asiago or a provolone blend for a different flavor profile.
Caesar Salad Pizza
A recipe that combines the fresh crunch of a Caesar salad with the warm, cheesy goodness of a pizza, all on a convenient naan break crust.
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pizza
2 naan flatbreads
2 portobello mushrooms (cleaned & sliced)
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
2 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Salad & Dressing
1 romaine heart (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp water (optional, to thin dressing)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine half of the minced garlic and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Set aside.
Place the naan bread directly on the oven rack and toast until lightly browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
While the naan is toasting, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
Once the naan is done, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the bread liberally with the garlic and oil mixture. Top with the mozzarella cheese, then sautéed mushrooms, and half of the parmesan cheese.
Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the pizza bakes, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, the remaining minced garlic, and the remaining parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add about a teaspoon of water.
Once the pizza is done, add the chopped romaine and halved tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
Transfer the finished pizza to a cutting board or work surface. Top it with the ceaser salad mixture.
For easier handling, you can cut the pizza first, transfer it to a plate, and then top it with salad.
Enjoy immediately!