Pizza Bean Salad with Hot Honey Oregano Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Bean Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the hearty texture of giant white beans with classic pizza flavors like pepperoni, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Tossed in a zesty hot honey oregano dressing, it’s perfect for a refreshing meal that’s both easy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups cooked giant white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped red onion
• ⅔ cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 ¼ cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• ¼ cup packed sliced basil

Hot Honey Oregano Dressing:

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp hot honey (or honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper)
• 4 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add all your salad ingredients (beans, green bell pepper, red onion, pepperoni, jalapeño, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) to a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl or glass, whisk together the dressing ingredients—garlic, Dijon mustard, hot honey, champagne vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and salt—until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve either room temperature or chilled for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Optional: Sprinkle a little extra oregano and crushed red pepper on top before serving for added aroma and heat.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Use fresh mozzarella balls for a creamier texture, or shredded mozzarella if preferred.
• Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat level to your taste.
• Try adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean twist.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may meld and intensify over time. Serve chilled or let it come to room temperature before eating. Avoid freezing as the texture of the beans and cheese may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?

You can use regular honey mixed with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to replicate the spicy-sweet flavor of hot honey.

Pizza Bean Salad with Hot Honey Oregano Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This vibrant Pizza Bean Salad combines hearty giant white beans with classic pizza-inspired ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella balls, and fresh vegetables. Tossed in a zesty hot honey oregano dressing, this flavorful salad is perfect as a light meal or a refreshing side dish served at room temperature or chilled.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 2 ¼ cups cooked giant white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped red onion
• ⅔ cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 ¼ cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• ¼ cup packed sliced basil

Hot Honey Oregano Dressing

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp hot honey (or honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper)
• 4 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked and rinsed giant white beans, chopped green bell pepper, red onion, pepperoni, jalapeño, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil into a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or glass, whisk together minced garlic, Dijon mustard, hot honey, champagne vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and salt until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared hot honey oregano dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve: Serve the salad either at room temperature or chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional oregano and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Notes

• Use hot honey or regular honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper to achieve the desired spicy-sweet flavor.
• This salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 2 days for flavors to meld.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and consider adding roasted red peppers or olives for extra flavor.
• Make sure beans are well rinsed and drained to avoid excess liquid in the salad.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño or crushed red pepper to control the heat level.

Keywords: pizza bean salad, white bean salad, pepperoni salad, mozzarella salad, hot honey dressing, no-cook salad, easy salad recipe, quick meal salad