Recipe: Pizza Salad with Tomato Basil Dressing

PIZZA SALAD

FOR THE TOMATO BASIL DRESSING:
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
FOR THE SALAD:
1 Ready to eat pizza bread shell crust (about 1 pound)
3 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup basil leaves, loosely packed
6 cups green leaf lettuce pieces
1 3/4 ounces pepperoni slices (about 28 slices)

Heat oven to 450 degrees F.

TO MAKE THE DRESSING:
Mix tomato, oil, and garlic in small skillet or saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat 5 minutes, breaking apart tomato with spoon.

Transfer to blender. Add vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, and basil. Pulse to blend. Set dressing aside.

Place prepared pizza shell on rack in 450 degree oven.

Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until shell is crisp and lightly browned.

TO MAKE THE SALAD:
Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lettuce and pepperoni in large bowl. Remove pizza shell from oven; slice into bite-sized pieces. Add pizza pieces to bowl; toss with dressing.

Servings: 8
Source: Family Circle; June 20, 2000