Grilled Mini Caesar Salad Pizzas
These Grilled Mini Caesar Salad Pizzas are a delightful twist on classic Caesar salad, perfect for a party appetizer or casual meal. Using grilled pizza dough as a base, each pizza is topped with a creamy parmesan anchovy dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This recipe is quick to prepare and offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, these mini pizzas are both delicious and fun to share!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (plus 1 tablespoon for rubbing dough)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Canned anchovy fillet
1 (use as is)
Refrigerated pizza dough
1 lb (cut into 4 pieces)
Romaine lettuce
3/4 head (shredded (about 4 cups))
Large tomato
1 (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a food processor, combine the grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and the anchovy fillet. Puree until smooth to create a creamy dressing.
3
Divide the refrigerated pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a baking sheet, rub the dough pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Gently press each piece into a rectangle measuring approximately 4 by 8 inches.
4
Carefully place the shaped dough on the grill. Cover and cook until the underside is golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pieces and grill until fully cooked through, an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
5
Once grilled, brush one side of each pizza with the prepared anchovy dressing. Top the dressed side with the shredded romaine lettuce and coarsely chopped tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Mini Caesar Salad Pizzas?
These are a delightful twist on classic Caesar salad using grilled pizza dough as a base topped with creamy parmesan anchovy dressing, fresh romaine, and tomatoes.
How do I prepare the Caesar dressing?
In a food processor, puree grated parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and an anchovy fillet until smooth.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for cooking the pizza dough.
How do I prepare the dough for grilling?
Divide the dough into four pieces, rub with olive oil, and press into rectangles measuring approximately 4 by 8 inches.
How long does the pizza dough take to grill?
Grill the first side for 3 to 4 minutes while covered, then flip and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked.
What are the main toppings for these mini pizzas?
The pizzas are topped with a homemade anchovy dressing, shredded romaine lettuce, and coarsely chopped tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
While a food processor is best for a smooth dressing, you can finely mince the ingredients and whisk them vigorously by hand.
How many pizzas does this recipe make?
This recipe yields four mini pizzas.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
Romaine lettuce is recommended as it provides the classic crunch associated with Caesar salads.
Is there a specific type of dough to use?
The recipe calls for one pound of refrigerated pizza dough divided into four equal pieces.
How do I assemble the pizzas once the dough is grilled?
Brush the dressing onto the grilled dough, top with lettuce and tomatoes, and drizzle any remaining dressing over the top.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, these mini pizzas are perfect for a party appetizer or a casual warm-weather gathering.
Can I omit the anchovies?
Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version or dislike anchovies, you can omit them, though the flavor profile will change.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the dressing.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the dressing and for rubbing onto the dough.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe suggests using one large tomato that is coarsely chopped with the skin on.
What size should the dough rectangles be?
Each piece of dough should be pressed into a rectangle approximately 4 inches wide and 8 inches long.
Should the grill be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the grill when cooking the first side to ensure the dough cooks through properly.
How much lettuce should I prepare?
You will need about 3/4 of a head of romaine lettuce, which equals roughly 4 cups when shredded.
Can I add other proteins to this pizza?
While the recipe is simple, adding grilled chicken or shrimp would complement the Caesar salad flavors nicely.
How many garlic cloves are in the dressing?
The dressing uses one minced garlic clove.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred, using about half a lemon, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
Is the dough brushed with oil?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to rub the dough pieces before they are placed on the grill.
What makes this a 'Caesar' pizza?
The combination of romaine lettuce and a dressing made of parmesan, lemon, garlic, and anchovy gives it the classic Caesar flavor.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan on a stovetop can be used if an outdoor grill is not available.
How do I serve these pizzas?
They are best served immediately while the crust is warm and the salad topping is fresh.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is grilled until golden brown, providing a slightly smoky and crisp base for the salad.
Can the dressing be made in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pizzas.
How should I prep the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the food processor with the other dressing ingredients.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare and fun to share.