Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad has become my go-to for a reason – it’s an explosion of fresh flavors and satisfying textures that feels both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly light. I first tried this salad at the famous LA restaurant, and that vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, spicy soppressata, and that tangy, creamy dressing just stuck with me. Recreating that magic at home has been so rewarding, and this Jon Vinnys Salad recipe delivers all those amazing flavors perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Let’s get cooking this fantastic Homemade Vinnys Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of fresh, savory, and tangy flavors that truly capture the essence of the original.
- Quick Prep: You can have this delicious dish ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Healthier Than Dining Out: Enjoy the vibrant ingredients and creamy dressing with more control over what goes into it.
- Budget-Friendly: This Vinnys Salad clone recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Even picky eaters will enjoy the crisp textures and familiar Italian-American taste.
- Satisfyingly Crisp: The combination of fresh greens, zesty toppings, and a perfectly baked crust is simply divine.
- Authentic Flavor Profile: This Vinnys Salad clone recipe is designed to replicate the beloved taste of the original.
Jon Vinnys Salad Ingredients
Gathering the right Jon Vinnys Salad ingredients is key to recreating that iconic dish at home! You’ll need two 10-inch pizza crusts for that perfect crisp base. For the vibrant salad topping, grab two heads of little gem lettuce, roughly chopped, and about half a cup of sweet sun gold tomatoes, halved. We also need 1/3 cup of soppressata, sliced thin, which adds a delightful spicy, savory kick that’s essential to this salad. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of shaved Parmesan for that salty bite, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a little sharpness, and 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoncini for a briny tang. The creamy dressing is made with 1 1/2 tbsp Greek yogurt and 1/2 tbsp mayo for creaminess, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar for that signature tang. Plus, a clove of garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1/4 tsp oregano and 1/2 tsp honey to balance it all out.
How to Make Jon Vinnys Salad
Let’s dive into how to make Jon Vinnys Salad and bring this incredible dish to your table! It’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on your pizza crust package, usually around 400-425°F (200-220°C). Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over each of the two 10-inch pizza crusts. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper over the sauce. Bake until the crust is golden brown and crisp, typically 10-15 minutes. The aroma of the baking pizza will fill your kitchen!
- Step 2: While the pizza crusts are baking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the roughly chopped little gem lettuce, the halved sun gold tomatoes, and the thinly sliced soppressata. Add the shaved Parmesan, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini. Toss everything gently to mix, ensuring the vibrant colors are distributed throughout.
- Step 3: Now, let’s whip up that amazing Jon Vinnys Salad dressing recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise for that perfect creamy base. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar for tang, and a minced clove of garlic. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of honey to balance the flavors. Whisk until everything is smooth and emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour about half of the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy dressing. You want every leaf and piece to have that delicious flavor.
- Step 5: Once your pizza crusts are perfectly crisp, carefully remove them from the oven. Top each baked pizza crust generously with the dressed salad mixture. If you like, add a final sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredible Vinnys Italian chopped salad experience!
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
To truly nail this Jon Vinnys Salad recipe, a few insider tricks make all the difference. They elevate this homemade dish from good to absolutely restaurant-worthy.
- Use little gem lettuce for its crisp texture and slight sweetness, which holds up well to the dressing.
- Ensure your pizza crusts are baked until genuinely crisp; a soggy crust won’t give you that satisfying crunch.
- Don’t skimp on the soppressata; its spicy, cured flavor is a hallmark of this salad.
- Taste and adjust the dressing before tossing – you might want a little more vinegar or honey depending on your preference.
What’s the secret to perfect Jon Vinnys Salad?
The real magic lies in the dressing’s balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet elements, combined with the crisp textures of the fresh ingredients and a perfectly baked pizza crust. This Best Jon Vinnys Salad recipe truly shines when all these components are in harmony.
Can I make Vinnys Italian chopped salad ahead of time?
You can prep the salad ingredients and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and pizza crust.
How do I avoid common mistakes with this Copycat Italian chopped salad?
A common pitfall is over-dressing the salad, which can make the lettuce wilt. Another mistake is using a soggy pizza crust; ensure it’s baked until firm. Finally, don’t over-mix the salad once dressed; gently toss to combine.
Best Ways to Serve Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
This iconic Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few complementary dishes. For a truly authentic experience, consider serving it alongside a simple garlic bread or a classic minestrone soup. You could also think of it as a main course that doesn’t need much else. If you’re aiming for a full Italian-American feast, this salad works wonderfully as a vibrant starter before a pasta dish or a grilled protein. It’s a versatile dish that truly shines, making any meal feel special, just like dining at the restaurant. This Vinnys restaurant salad recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal.
Nutrition Facts for Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
When enjoying this delicious Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad, here are the estimated nutritional details per serving. This recipe is designed to give you that authentic restaurant taste right at home.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Homemade Vinnys Salad leftovers. Once the assembled salad has cooled slightly, transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container. For the best quality, refrigerate the salad for up to 3-4 days. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can technically freeze components separately, but it’s not ideal for the crisp lettuce or pizza crust. If you must freeze, freeze the salad components (excluding the dressed lettuce) and the baked pizza crust separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow frozen components to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For the best texture, gently warm the pizza crust in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until crisp. Then, re-dress the fresh lettuce and toppings separately and add them to the warmed crust just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad
What is Jon Vinnys Salad?
Jon Vinnys Salad is a signature dish from the popular Los Angeles restaurant Jon & Vinny’s. It’s essentially a vibrant, chopped salad served atop a crisp, baked pizza crust. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, a creamy, zesty dressing, and the unique pizza base makes it incredibly popular and a must-try for many food enthusiasts.
Why is Jon Vinnys Salad popular?
Its popularity stems from its delicious and unique flavor profile – a perfect harmony of fresh, savory, spicy, and tangy notes. The crunchy pizza crust base adds an element of surprise and satisfaction. It’s also seen as a more casual, approachable way to enjoy the restaurant’s signature Italian-American flavors, making it a beloved item for both dine-in and takeout.
Can I use different greens for this Copycat Italian chopped salad?
Absolutely! Little gem lettuce is fantastic for its crunch, but you can easily substitute romaine lettuce or even a spring mix. Just ensure your greens are fresh and crisp, as that texture is key to replicating the Authentic Jon Vinnys Salad recipe experience.
What are the best pizza crusts for this Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad?
For the best result, I recommend using pre-made thin crust pizza doughs or flatbreads that bake up nice and crispy. You want a crust that can hold up to the toppings without getting soggy. Many grocery stores carry excellent options that work perfectly for this Homemade Vinnys Salad.
Variations of Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad! Here are a few ideas to personalize your dish.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the soppressata and add marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini for a delicious vegetarian twist. This makes for an equally satisfying Easy Jon Vinnys Salad recipe.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch more crushed red pepper to the pizza sauce, use spicy soppressata, or include some thinly sliced jalapeños in the salad mix.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this a gluten-free meal by using your favorite gluten-free pizza crusts. Just follow the same assembly steps for a fantastic gluten-free Italian chopped salad experience.
- Lighter Dressing: For an even lighter version, reduce the mayo and yogurt slightly, or experiment with a lighter vinaigrette if you prefer.
Copycat Jon Vinnys Salad: Amazing Flavor Under 40 Min
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A copycat recipe for Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza, featuring a crisp pizza crust topped with a vibrant mix of gem lettuce, tomatoes, soppressata, pepperoncini, red onion, and a creamy Parmesan dressing.
Ingredients
- For the Pizza:
- 2 10-inch pizza crusts
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- For the Salad:
- 2 heads of little gem lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup halved sun gold tomatoes
- 1/3 cup soppressata, sliced (about 2 oz)
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- For the Dressing:
- 1 1/2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the pizza crusts and bake according to package instructions.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, soppressata, shaved Parmesan, red onion, and pepperoncini.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey until smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Toss the salad with the dressing until well combined.
- Assemble the Pizza: Once the pizza crusts are done baking, top them with the prepared salad and finish with crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is a copycat of the popular Jon & Vinny’s Salad Days Pizza.
- Feel free to adjust the salad ingredients to your preference.
- Ensure the pizza crust is crisp for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: N/A
