Here’s how to make yourself a pizza salad

With tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan, you’ve got many of the elements of a simple pizza, except the crust, writes Joe Yonan

You can interpret the ‘pizza salad’ name any way you like (For The Washington Post)

If you're a fan of the convenience and versatility of canned beans but you've thought they could use a flavour boost, I've got two words for you: marinate them.

Beans can soak up the flavours in a simple combination of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, basil and red-pepper flakes – and they can do it even more quickly with the application of a little heat. The following use of this idea comes from Jenny Rosenstrach's new book, The Weekday Vegetarians (Random house USA, 2021), which is full of her ideas for eating meatless five days a week and then being free for carnivorous splurges on two. Rosenstrach calls for marinating the beans in the refrigerator for as little as 15 minutes and as long as five days. She doesn't call for warming, but I knew – and verified in testing – that it jump-starts the whole affair so effectively it's worth incorporating into the method.

Marinated beans have all sorts of uses, from simple side dish to grain-bowl topping, but Rosenstrach tosses them into what she calls “pizza salad.” The brilliant thing about it is that the beans' marinade becomes the salad dressing; unlike with meat marinades, there's no need to worry about any food-safety issues in the reusing.

By the way, you can interpret the “pizza salad” name any way you like here. Rosenstrach calls it that because it reminds her of her family's tradition of topping tomato pizza with salad. And this would work beautifully for that – or on the side. I like the name because with tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan, you've got many of the elements of a simple pizza, except the crust. Add some croutons, if you like, and you'd get even closer.

Pizza salad with marinated white beans

This recipe proves that even canned beans can take on a ton of flavour from a marinade, which does double duty as the dressing. To make it vegan, substitute baked tofu for the mozzarella and leave out the parmesan, or choose a vegan version.

Make ahead: The beans can be refrigerated for up to 5 days before assembling the salad.

Serves: 6

Active time: 15 mins | Total time: 45 mins (or up to overnight for marinating beans)

Ingredients

For the marinated beans:

80ml extra-virgin olive oil

60ml red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, halved

Fine sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 fresh basil leaves, chopped, or 1 rosemary sprig, left whole

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

425g cooked white beans, such as cranberry, cannellini, or great northern, or two cans, rinsed and drained

For the salad

140 glettuce, such as bibb, little gem or baby greens of your choice

1 pint quartered or sliced tomatoes, preferably grape or ripe heirlooms

1 large shallot, thinly sliced

170g bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) or 1/2-inch cubes fresh mozzarella

60g shaved parmesan cheese

8 large fresh basil leaves, chopped

Method

Make the marinated beans: In a small skillet over medium heat, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper, basil and red pepper flakes. Toss in the beans, bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl, and let come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. (If desired, cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 5 days.)

Make the salad: In a large shallow bowl, toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, shallot, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil. Toss in the beans with their marinade and serve.

Nutrition: Per serving | Calories: 357; Total Fat: 21 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Cholesterol: 23 mg; Sodium: 226 mg; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Dietary Fibre: 7 g; Sugar: 3 g; Protein: 18 g

This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian's or nutritionist's advice.

Adapted from “The Weekday Vegetarians” by Jenny Rosenstrach (Random House USA, 2021).

© The Washington Post