Name: Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 7
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen pizza dough; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ tsp rosemary; 4 oz pancetta; 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 4 eggs; 2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 bunches arugula

Excite your taste buds with this gourmet-style pizza. The combination of pancetta and arugula brings a delightful balance of flavors, with the saltiness of pancetta complemented by the peppery taste of arugula. The addition of poached eggs adds a rich, creamy texture to the mix, making this pizza a truly indulgent treat.

Photos of Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe

Pancetta, a type of Italian bacon, might not be in your regular grocery list, but it's definitely worth a try for this recipe. It's usually found in the deli section of most supermarkets. Similarly, arugula, a peppery, leafy green might not be a common ingredient in your kitchen. It's usually available in the fresh produce section. Don't forget to pick up a block of parmigiano reggiano, the king of Italian cheeses, for a rich and nutty flavor.

Ingredients for Pizza with Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Pizza dough: A base for our pizza, it brings all the flavors together.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for brushing the pizza and mixing the salad dressing.

Rosemary: An aromatic herb that adds a distinct Mediterranean flavor.

Pancetta: Italian bacon that adds a salty, meaty flavor.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh and tangy taste to the salad.

Eggs: Poached to perfection, they add a creamy texture.

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: A hard, granular cheese that adds a rich and nutty flavor.

Salt and freshly ground pepper: Enhances other flavors.

Arugula: A leafy green with a peppery flavor, it's the star of our salad.

One reader, Fernandina Hackney says:

This pizza pancetta and arugula salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy pancetta, runny poached eggs, and peppery arugula on a golden, crisp pizza crust is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it's a hit every time I make it. Highly recommend!

Fernandina Hackney

Cooking Techniques for Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe

How to prepare the pizza dough: Stretch and roll the pizza dough into a 14-inch round on a lightly floured work surface.

How to poach eggs: Crack the eggs into individual cups and slide them into simmering water. Poach for 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

How to make the arugula salad: In a large bowl, mix olive oil with lemon juice and parmigiano-reggiano. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the arugula.

How to assemble the pizza: Brush the edge of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle on the rosemary. Arrange the pancetta slices on the dough, overlapping them slightly. Mound the arugula salad on top of the pizza and transfer the poached eggs using a slotted spoon. Cut the pizza into 4 wedges and serve immediately.

How To Make Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Level up your pizza game with this Pizza Pancetta recipe made flavorful with pancetta slices, herbs, zesty-cheesy arugula salad, and creamy poached eggs!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbfrozen pizza dough
3tbspextra-virgin olive oil
¼tsprosemary,chopped
4ozpancetta,thinly sliced
2tbspfresh lemon juice
4eggs
2tbspparmigiano reggiano cheese,(parmesan cheese) freshly grated
salt and freshly ground pepper
2bunchesarugula,(½ lb)

Instructions

Set a pizza stone on the bottom of the oven and preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
On a lightly floured work surface, stretch, and roll the pizza dough into a 14-inch round.
Transfer the dough to a floured pizza peel, shaking it to make sure it doesn’t stick.
Brush the edge of the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle on the rosemary.
Arrange the pancetta slices on the dough, overlapping them slightly.
Bake the pizza for 8 minutes, until the dough is golden and crisp.
Meanwhile, bring a deep medium skillet of water to a simmer.
Crack the eggs into individual cups and slide them into the water.
Poach the eggs in the simmering water for 4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
In a large bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil with the lemon juice and the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Season with salt and pepper and toss with the arugula.
Mound the arugula salad on top of the pizza.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to the pizza.
Cut the pizza into 4 wedges and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 358.36kcal
Fat: 17.96g
Saturated Fat: 4.78g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.71g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.25g
Carbohydrates: 35.88g
Fiber: 2.94g
Sugar: 2.25g
Protein: 13.52g
Cholesterol: 103.90mg
Sodium: 593.60mg
Calcium: 202.70mg
Potassium: 389.98mg
Iron: 3.46mg
Vitamin A: 123.62µg
Vitamin C: 11.38mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating This Salad

When poaching eggs, it's important to crack them into a small bowl or cup first, rather than directly into the water. This allows you to gently slide the egg into the water, reducing the risk of the yolk breaking. Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar to the simmering water can help the egg whites coagulate more quickly, resulting in a neater poached egg.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the pizza dough and pancetta in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Multitask: While the pizza is baking, poach the eggs and prepare the arugula salad to maximize efficiency.

Organized workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Use store-bought dough: Save time by using pre-made pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.

Prep ingredients: Chop, measure, and prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smoother experience.

Quick poaching: Use a deep skillet to quickly poach the eggs while the pizza is in the oven to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe

frozen pizza dough - Substitute with homemade pizza dough: Homemade pizza dough can be made using flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. It provides a fresher and more customizable base for the pizza.
pancetta - Substitute with bacon: Bacon can be used as a substitute for pancetta due to its similar smoky and salty flavor, although it may have a slightly different texture.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for arugula, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.

Presentation Tips for Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Elevate the pizza dough: Instead of a traditional round shape, consider shaping the pizza dough into a unique form, such as a rectangle or oval, to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Artful pancetta arrangement: Arrange the pancetta slices in an artistic and visually appealing manner on the pizza, creating a beautiful and appetizing focal point.
Garnish with fresh arugula: Place the fresh arugula on top of the pizza in a delicate and artful manner, ensuring it complements the other elements and adds a pop of vibrant green color.
Egg poaching perfection: Ensure the poached eggs are perfectly cooked with runny yolks, adding a touch of elegance and richness to the dish when they are placed on top of the pizza.
Drizzle with lemon-infused oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of lemon-infused oil over the pizza, adding a burst of flavor and a glossy finish to the dish.
Parmigiano-Reggiano dusting: Grate a fine dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano over the entire pizza, adding a subtle richness and depth of flavor to each bite.
Precision in portioning: Cut the pizza into precise and uniform wedges, ensuring each slice is presented flawlessly and with attention to detail.
Attention to plate placement: Place the pizza on the plate with care, ensuring it is positioned thoughtfully and with an eye for balance and visual appeal.
Final touch - Rosemary sprig: Add a small sprig of fresh rosemary as a final touch, enhancing the overall presentation with a hint of aromatic herbaceousness.
Use of negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate, allowing the pizza to be the focal point while ensuring the plate is not overcrowded, creating a visually stunning presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Pizza stone: A thick, flat stone used to evenly distribute heat and create a crispy crust for the pizza.
Pizza peel: A long-handled tool used to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for poaching the eggs.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquid to pass through while retaining larger solids.
Work surface: A flat, clean surface used for rolling out the pizza dough.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing the arugula salad dressing and tossing the arugula.
Food processor: Optional tool for making the pizza dough from scratch.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the pizza pancetta and arugula salad recipe:

To store leftover pizza, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through and the crust is crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
The arugula salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them separately from the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing may cause the arugula to wilt over time.
To freeze the pizza dough for later use, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
Cooked pancetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the pancetta on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until crispy, about 5-10 minutes.
Poached eggs are best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the eggs in a bowl of hot water for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the pizza pancetta and arugula salad. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza slices on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are warm.
For a quick and easy method, you can use a microwave to reheat the leftover pizza. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the toppings are warm and the cheese is melted. However, keep in mind that the microwave may cause the crust to become soggy.
If you want to maintain the crispiness of the crust while reheating in the microwave, try this trick: Place a microwave-safe mug filled with water next to the plate with the pizza slice. The water will help to absorb some of the excess moisture, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the leftover pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through. This method helps to create a crispy crust while melting the cheese and warming the pancetta and arugula.

Interesting Trivia About Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad

Pancetta is an Italian bacon made of pork belly meat that is salt cured and spiced with black pepper. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the pizza pancetta and arugula salad recipe.

Budget-Friendly: Making This Recipe at Home

This pizza pancetta and arugula salad recipe offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness. The use of simple, readily available ingredients like pizza dough, pancetta, and arugula keeps the overall cost reasonable. The addition of eggs and parmigiano reggiano cheese may slightly increase the cost, but the dish still remains budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pizza pancetta and arugula salad recipe, while delicious, has some elements that make it less than healthy:

The pizza dough is likely high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber
Pancetta is a processed meat high in saturated fat and sodium
The cheese adds additional saturated fat and sodium to the dish
The recipe lacks a significant source of vegetables, apart from the arugula

However, there are some redeeming qualities, such as the use of extra-virgin olive oil, which is a healthy fat, and the inclusion of arugula, which provides some nutrients and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for a whole wheat or multigrain pizza dough to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
Replace the pancetta with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content
Use a reduced-fat cheese or decrease the amount of cheese used to lower the saturated fat content
Add more vegetables to the pizza, such as sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
Serve the pizza with a larger portion of the arugula salad to balance out the meal and provide more fiber and nutrients

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty pizza that is more aligned with a healthy eating plan.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Salad Recipe

The combination of crispy pancetta, runny poached eggs, and peppery arugula on a golden pizza crust creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The use of a pizza stone ensures a perfectly crisp crust, while the addition of rosemary adds a fragrant note. The poached eggs add a luxurious touch, and the lemony arugula salad provides a refreshing balance. Overall, this recipe offers a unique twist on a classic pizza, elevating it to a gourmet level.

Enhance Your Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then roast until crispy and golden brown.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sauté carrots in a honey glaze until they are tender and caramelized, then sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of flavor.

Balsamic Grilled Asparagus: Marinate asparagus in balsamic vinaigrette, then grill until charred and tender, for a smoky and tangy side dish.

Mango Avocado Salad: Combine ripe mango and creamy avocado with a zesty lime dressing for a refreshing and tropical salad to complement the rich flavors of the pizza pancetta and arugula.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoyed This Salad

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the richness of parmesan cheese and arborio rice.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a simple and delicious dish that features juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, perfect for a summer barbecue.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and healthy dessert that combines the sweetness of mango with the creaminess of coconut milk and the nutritional benefits of chia seeds.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory and satisfying, these stuffed mushrooms are the perfect way to start a meal. Filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta: A classic Italian appetizer, bruschetta is a delicious combination of toasted bread, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. Topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of basil, it's a light and refreshing way to kick off a meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping. This classic dessert is best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Why trust this Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience, combining the savory flavors of pancetta and parmigiano reggiano cheese with the freshness of arugula and a hint of rosemary. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice ensures a perfect balance of flavors. The step-by-step instructions and attention to detail showcase the expertise behind this creation, earning the trust of users seeking a delectable pizza and arugula salad recipe.

Want to share your experience making this Pizza Pancetta and Arugula Salad Recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

What is the best way to poach the eggs for this recipe?

The best way to poach the eggs is to bring a medium skillet of water to a gentle simmer and then carefully crack the eggs into individual cups before sliding them into the water. Let the eggs poach for about 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of frozen dough?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pizza dough instead of frozen. Just make sure to stretch and roll the dough into a 14-inch round before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I substitute pancetta with another type of meat?

If you don't have pancetta, you can substitute it with bacon or prosciutto for a similar flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.

How can I tell if the pizza dough is fully cooked?

You can tell if the pizza dough is fully cooked by checking the color and texture. It should be golden and crisp, and the edges should be slightly browned. If you tap the crust, it should sound hollow, indicating that it's fully cooked.

Can I prepare the arugula salad ahead of time?

While it's best to assemble the arugula salad just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the dressing and wash the arugula ahead of time. Keep the dressing and arugula separate until you're ready to toss them together and top the pizza.