I am through and through an American Girl with typical American taste buds. I like my pizza. I like my potatoes. I like my meat. Is that my American gene talking or is it just the country girl in me weaseling out?
One of my favorite go-to-meals at home is pizza! It is somehow always the default answer to the never ending question of, “Sooo…whatcha wanna dooo for dinna?”
Instead of just the usual (yet delicious!) turkey sausage, onion and cheese toppings, we opted to add an Arugula salad on top. Probably the best decision that was made. Can I say FANTASTIC?! Definitely. Here is the situation…
Ingredients:
– 1 Pizza Crust – I like the Pillsbury Thin Pizza Crust
– 1 lb Turkey Sausage – if in the casing be sure to remove before cooking!
– 1/2 Yellow Onion – about the size of your fist
– 14 oz Jar of Pizza Sauce – can also use marinara, tomato or any pasta sauce you like
– 1 Bag Italian Blend Low-Fat Shredded Cheese
DIRECTIONS: Pre-bake pizza crust according to directions. Meanwhile, cut onion in slivers and saute in pan a smidge below medium heat. Brown turkey sausage in another pan on medium-high heat. Take pizza crust out of the oven and top with sauce, onions, turkey sausage and cheese. Pop back into the oven until cheese in melted and crust is brown (directions will tell you!). I love my toppings, but can also make a meal out of condiments…so make sure you adjust to your liking!
...wait, it gets better!
Arugula with Balsamic Dressing:
1/2 Bag Arugula – tear with hand, easier to eat!
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Sugar, about a large pinch – if you like less bitter add a little more sugar
1/2 teaspoon Spicy Brown Mustard, about a good squirt – I use Gulden’s, it’s really not that spicy!
1 pinch Salt
1 pinch Pepper – I like to use the McCormick Grinders Pepper and Garlic mix
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice, about a good squeeze – this is optional meaning I don’t always have it on hand
DIRECTIONS: Mix oil through lemon juice ingredients in a bowl. If you don’t have a whisk, use a fork and beat like you would an egg. Toss in arugula. When pizza is fully cooked, remove from oven and top with arugula mixture! I suggest to pull the arugula out of the bowl instead of dumping it onto the pizza, you don’t want the extra dressing to make the pizza soggy!
Now, time to eat!
salad on TOP of pizza, who would've thunk?!
Wait, let me rub your nose in it…
YUM!
Sorry, just had to!
Yum!!!! A restaurant near my office has a killer arugula pizza with a balsamic reduction drizzled on top …. oh, it’s so good.
Oooo…balsamic reduction. That’s a great idea!
Thanks for this suggestion. It sounds and looks delightful, and gives that same-ole pizza a different and interesting spin.
Talk to me about b
alsamic reductions…..
Balsamic reductions is a potion of genius. Basic recipe:
– 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar (depending how much bite you like from the vinegar)
Bring vinegar to a boil, add sugar and let simmer until reduced by half. Should be able to coat a spoon.
Some recipes don’t even call for sugar, but I like to cut that vinegar taste. Up to you!
You could also make a bigger batch and then put it in a dispensable bottle, keep it in the refrigerator. You’ll literally want to put it on everythinggg 🙂
Looks so delicious court! We get an arugula pizza from a restaurant around here but yours looks like it’d give them a run for their money!