Pull this crispy Flatbread Salad Pizza with Pesto, Shaved Asparagus, Mushrooms and Feta together in 15 minutes flat! So good and so easy! Vegetarian. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Earthbound Farm. Thank you for supporting brands that help support Vanilla And Bean.
I’ve been struggling with Sunday evenings. Knowing the alarm clock is just around the corner doesn’t excite me. Mondays are hard. Hard because weekends are soooo great and all I want is to have an extended weekend every weekend. I’m not asking too much, right?
Every now and then, the idea of a four day work week pops up in the news, but it never really seems to gain enough traction for nationwide change.
It doesn’t help when connecting with InstaFriends from other countries on Instagram who seem to be on a bank or other holiday regularly. Much more-so than we take time off for rest, travel, friends and family….. caring for ourselves, here in the U.S. This infographic has some data for comparison’s sake.
Working towards feeling a sense of acceptance rather than resistance hasn’t been easy for me in this area. I tend to get a bit grumpy come Sunday evening.
I think the big thing contributing to this resistance is that it’s Spring.
Spending time outdoors in beautiful places is all I want to do. I get a bit of cabin fever during our short Winter-gray days, so when the skies clear, and the temperatures warm, I want to spend as much time as I can outside walking, hiking, exploring, looking for Spring migrants or pulling weeds and planting in the Garden of Weedin’.
Lounging on the patio with a good book is on the agenda too. I’m determined to make this happen more often. After all it’s taking me three months to get to chapter four of Big Magic.
As much as I love being in the kitchen, creating, photographing and writing… it’s so gorgeous out, it’s hard to focus.
Are you with me?
When Earthbound Farm asked how me how I could incorporate a not-so-everyday salad on Sunday evenings that would allow last-minute weekend freedom, I started thinking more about Sunday evening priorities and how I’ve been feeling. Since our long Winter days have passed, for now, I needed a nudge to get me thinking differently about Sunday evening dinner.
An easy flatbread pizza recipe I’d been making for years came to mind but with a salad twist!
Perhaps a surprising salad, did you know you can have salad on your pizza? The only rule for a salad pizza is making sure a substantial pile of those nourishing greens get on top. This is not the time to skimp.
Crispy Flatbread Salad Pizza with Shaved Asparagus, Mushrooms and Feta comes together in no time. Prep is quick with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients for a satisfying dinner packed with seasonal veggies.
Here’s the deal. To get that flatbread pizza to the crispy, sublime pizza experience it’s designed to be, it takes a hot oven. Heat the oven to 550F (287C) with a baking sheet, cast iron skillet or pizza stone on the top rack.
Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and built the pizza, slide the flatbread on to the hot pan/skillet/stone and in five minutes, you’re tossing gorgeous greens on top with a handful of cherry tomatoes, a few dots of feta, a drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.
Is your mouth watering?
#SaladSunday is lookin’ quite tasty.
How do you incorporate salads for dinner on Sunday evenings that help you extend weekend play time? Please share and drop a link below in the comments.
Flatbread Salad Pizza with Pesto, Shaved Asparagus, Mushrooms and Feta
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs Olive Oil virgin, unrefined
- 1 1/2 C Cremini Mushrooms stems removed, sliced, 86g
- 2 Pieces of Naan or Flatbread
- 1/4-1/3 C Your favorite Pesto 50g-72g
- 1 C Shaved Asparagus loosely packed with leftover stem sliced thin, stem tips in tact, 100g
- 1/4 C Kalamata Olives quartered, 28g
- 1/8 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/8 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 C Mozzarella Cheese 52g
- 1/2 C Feta Cheese 35g
- 1 1/2 C Spinach Arugula Mix loosely packed (I use Earthbound Farm) 38g
- 2 Hand fulls of Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
- Balsamic Vinegar for Drizzling
Instructions
Set a oven rack on the highest position in the oven. Slide in a sheet pan, pizza stone or cast iron skillet and peheat oven to 550F (287C).
- Heat oil in saute pan until shimmering. Add the mushrooms and stir only occasionally for five minutes. We want the mushrooms to sear as this will bring out their flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
To build the pizza, place each piece of Naan on a sheet of parchment paper. Dividing the ingredients between the two pizzas, spread the pesto over the flatbread, almost to the edges. Layer the asparagus, mushrooms, kalamata olives, a pinch of red pepper and oregano, mozzarella and a few pieces of feta (save some feta for the top later).
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer the pizza to the pan. If using a cast iron skillet, you'll need to bake one at a time. Bake on the top rack for five minutes. Remove from oven and transfer pizza to a cutting board. Place a generous hand full of salad mix on top of the pizza, add a bit of feta, a few sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Slice with a pizza wheel and serve immediately.
- Serve with sea salt and red pepper flakes.
Sue says
July 24, 2017 at 8:50 amSuch a tasty pizza and so easy to put together. Thoroughly enjoyed all the flavours. This is a favourite for sure. Thanks Traci
Traci says
July 24, 2017 at 9:24 amThank you for your note, Sue! Tasty and easy… I love it! I’m thinking I’ll throw this on the grill (just got one) next time I make it… no heating up the house. Thank you again!
Kay says
June 20, 2016 at 6:58 pmNewbee to your sight as I’ve been trying to improve my diet. So far I have cut out red meat and dairy. Your Veggie burger drew me in! This pizza looks and sounds awesome. I feel stupid asking, but would you explain how to shave the asparagus? And do you include the tips? And what do you think would be a good substitute for the feta? This kills me, because I love feta, as well as all cheeses. Daiya is a big disappointment. Had a pizza at Mellow Mushroom with Daiya and wished it had no cheese at all!
Traci says
June 20, 2016 at 7:11 pmHi Kay! Thank you for your note. Congratulations on your dietary shift. Yeah, the fake cheeses are not really worth the money or effort. The only one I’ve tried and liked is made with cashews.. I’m working on a homemade version :D . As far as feta, take a look at Evi’s recipe http://greenevi.com/vegan-tofu-feta-cheese-new-and-improved/ I’ve not tried it, but trust her recipes. The asparagus: trim the tips about an 1″ down, then holding the base, use a veggie peeler to shave the asparagus length wise. You’ll get wide ribbons. I hope this helps. Thank you for sharing, Kay! :D
Taylor @ The Girl on Bloor says
June 1, 2016 at 8:16 amOMG this pizza is absolutely beautiful!! I can never pile on too many veggies on a pizza and that shaved asparagus is making me swoon. I must make this pizza this summer!!!
Traci says
June 1, 2016 at 8:58 amThank you Taylor! It tastes sooo good and you won’t believe how easy it is to pull together! I hope you love it! :D
Shumaila says
May 23, 2016 at 9:58 pmLove quick and easy healthy meals. This looks delicious Traci !
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
May 21, 2016 at 4:45 pmI am totally with you, Traci! When it finally starts to get warm outside I want to be out and about, not stuck inside working (even though I genuinely enjoy my work). I love the sound and look of this gorgeous salad pizza, so fresh and delicious!
Tessa | Salted Plains says
May 18, 2016 at 6:55 pmI’m SO with you. Sunday evenings make me slightly anxious (I’m a worrier, I think). You are definitely on to something with this salad pizza – an easy, fun meal that makes you feel good can change your whole evening mindset! These photos and that gif are so lovely, Traci! Hope it’s been a good week so far for you. xo.
Traci says
May 18, 2016 at 7:27 pmAwh, Tessa… thank you! The struggle IS real! Pizza does help with regards to a change in my mindset.. Much needed on a Sunday night. :D
Caroline says
May 18, 2016 at 5:56 pmAhhh…I am SO with you on this. I’ve been feeling it as well. In fact, so funny, but I rely so much on Earthbound Farm greens and make loads of salads for lunches and dinners. This yummy pizza would make a great easy dinner! Really loving the bold flavors you’ve combined! Lovely images…as always!
Traci says
May 18, 2016 at 7:25 pmGreens are the best, Caroline. I really love EBF greens when our farms aren’t producing lettuce or I don’t make it to the Farmer’s Markets. They’re always fresh and delicious! The bold flavors are well balanced with the flatbread and greens. So much going on here, but so easy to pull together… esp when I need a shift in mindset! xo
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
May 17, 2016 at 11:28 pmOh man! I think this salad pizza is going to be my new favorite thing! I go to this place nearby that makes this amazing focaccia bread in a stone oven, and they serve it with these big salads. I LOVE that combo of all those veggies and greens with the bread, so this recipe is right up my alley! And I’m totally with you on the 4 day work week. We NEED to change the way we work and prioritize our time better. I am trying to get in time to read my latest find as well, and its hard!
Traci says
May 18, 2016 at 7:22 pmFocaccia bread in a stone oven? Oh my! Divine! No wonder you love it so much! You know, Beeta, we could just move to France?! LOL! xo
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
May 17, 2016 at 11:09 amTraci, not sure how I got here, but I just found Vanilla and Bean! Looking forward to checking out more of your beautiful vegetarian recipes.
Traci says
May 18, 2016 at 7:21 pmHello, Jean and welcome! I’m so happy you made it here! :D
Izzy says
May 17, 2016 at 9:20 amI don’t work on Monday’s so Sundays are a fun day for me, but then Monday comes which is not so fun because I have to work on Tuesday, lol! Too bad everyday isn’t a weekend day :) This flatbread looks amazing, Traci!! I’m the kind of person who is always piling my salad on top of my pizza so this sounds perfect!
Traci says
May 18, 2016 at 7:20 pmHurray for Monday’s off, Izzy! What a gift! xo
Julia says
May 16, 2016 at 6:00 pmOh, I’m right there with you when it comes to Sunday evenings–although I’m happy to report that I hate them much less than I did as a kid! This looks like the perfect way to cheer up on a Sunday. I am a huge fan of making flatbread pizzas and am so inspired by this one! That beautiful pesto, the mushrooms and asparagus, the gooey cheese and crisp lettuce on top…I love absolutely every ingredient! It’s such a genius way to incorporate whatever veggies you have on hand, too. I usually do a side salad, but this looks like way more fun :)
Traci says
May 17, 2016 at 4:50 amHaahaa! Were you the kid throwing a fit come Sunday night because you didn’t want to go to school the next day?! LOL, Julia! The ingredients come together so well in this Flatbread Salad Pizza.. and the pesto really makes it extra flavorful. Eating it this way means no side salad! Pile on the greens! :D
MB @ Bourbon and Brown Sugar says
May 16, 2016 at 7:23 amI’m one of the lucky few who has managed to score a 4 day workweek, and it’s pretty darn dreamy :) Having said that, I do feel your Sunday pain! Love the pizza – seems to make good sense to plan a gorgeous dinner like this to get you through!! Happy Monday Traci!
Traci says
May 17, 2016 at 4:48 amHooray for a 4 day work week MB! That’s the beeest!:D
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
May 15, 2016 at 2:55 pmI remember spending too much time thinking about the dreaded Monday and not living in Sunday Funday. These days Monday will hit me when it’s time and not grab my weekend away from me! As for this beauty, I love the simplicity AND the ingredients mix. Not ever pizza needs a red sauce and the pesto is great. Thanks for the fun writing, beautiful photos and reminding me to be present. Time to go take the dogs out while the sun is shining Traci. :)
Traci says
May 17, 2016 at 4:44 amThank you for your note, Kevin and reminder! :D Being present is something I’m working on too and you’re SO right. Spending time worrying or thinking about things we cannot change is not a good way to start the week. I’m certain your fur babies appreciate this with time spent with them!
Alison @ Alison's Allspice says
May 13, 2016 at 2:50 pmI am in the middle of moving to a new house and quick recipes are a must right now! I love all the fresh flavors you incorporate. I’ll enjoy this pizza on my new deck while soaking up some spring, Thanks!
Traci says
May 14, 2016 at 7:20 amThank you Alison! Enjoying this quick salad pizza on your deck sounds like the perfect way to enjoy your new home and this beautiful Spring-time weather! :D
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
May 13, 2016 at 5:45 amI’ve always been a fan of salad, but salad on pizza sounds even more amazing! I’m DROOLING over all the flavors!
Traci says
May 14, 2016 at 6:47 amYou’ll love this Bethany.. and the ease in which it comes together! :D
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
May 12, 2016 at 6:06 pmYes, I totally get the Sunday evening blues too! They were worse when I hated my day job, but I agree, why can’t it be the weekend all the time? And Big Magic is totally on my list to read soon, Elizabeth Gilbert kind of changed my life with Eat, Pray Love. Meanwhile, this pizza is stunning. This would brighten up any Sunday (or any day!).
Traci says
May 14, 2016 at 6:47 amI get it, Meghan. When I was teaching, I stated feeling stressed early on Sunday because I knew I wasn’t prepared for Monday. I almost always worked on Sunday just to get ready. I’m so grateful I’m past that and can now enjoy my weekends without work. I didn’t read Eat, Pray, Love but know it was a treasured book. Big Magic sucked me right in! :D
Rebecca @ NOURISHED. the blog says
May 12, 2016 at 12:08 pmI love everything about this! All the veggies here look so wonderful and fresh pesto on pizzas is the best. I think this Salad Pizza could quite possibly be my new favourite thing!!
Traci says
May 14, 2016 at 6:44 amThank you so much, Rebecca! I love how it’s packed with greens too and the best thing about it is how easy it is to pull together. :D
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
May 12, 2016 at 9:16 amYes, my mouth is watering! And I’m totally with you – it’s been so hard to focus recently with the stunning weather we’ve been having! And speaking of stunning – this flatbread salad has everything I’ve been craving and the flavors are just amazing! That’s one of the many things I love about your blog – you don’t compromise on flavor to keep things healthy and fresh!
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 11:44 amHooray for mouth water Kathleen! hehe! Thank you for your sweet words my dear.. I love how the flavors come together in this recipe too! :D
Chris G says
May 12, 2016 at 9:12 amSunday is the day our two grandbabies that live up north spend the whole day with us, and I just realized as I typed this that a lot of our day with them revolves around food! We start with homemade blueberry pancakes (did you know a pancake can hold 1/4 of a pint of blueberries?), and then in the afternoon we start preparing Sunday dinner for all the extended family here, plus usually a spare or two! LOL I used to feel the Sunday blues, but since my two wee fiends (presently aged 6 and 4.5) spend the day with us, those old feeling ps are long gone. Part of that could be pure exhaustion by the end of the day, but seeing my little angels becoming more capable and confident in the kitchen is worth EVERYTHING! This recipe looks like something that they would go bananas over! We make our own homemade everything pizzas now, but the salad is normally on the side; I will either be the coolest Grandma ever or they will think to themselves “Oh dear, the old girl has lost it!” :D
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 11:43 amhehe! Thank you for sharing Chris! How wonderful to have those little ones in your life to share with and teach. Learning how to cook is such an important skill to pass on to kiddos.. something that’s not always taught, so yay YOU!! I hope you and your granddaughters enjoy this! :D
[email protected] says
May 12, 2016 at 8:00 amOMG Traci I love this so so much. And you made it on a naan??? That is so crazy good girl! I love everything about this.
You know you should move to Europe, it is mostly so relaxed here and so very good for if you want flex timing at work. And this post is pinned! :)
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 11:41 amHooray!! Yes, Rakhee, that is homemade Naan! You’d be proud of me! I’m addicted too.. it’s sooo good and Rob loves it! We’ve talked about moving to Europe before, but not completely seriously. Learning about lifestyles of Europeans is intriguing and something Rob and I admire. I love a good relaxed feel.. and I know I would love your country, Rakhee. I hope to visit someday! xo Thank you for your pin!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
May 12, 2016 at 6:24 amLove love love salads as a pizza topping! One and done kind of a situation. I dig that. This is just gorgeous, Traci. Those beautiful, fresh Earthbound Farm leaves are calling my name! Also, me and Sunday nights are not friends. And we never have been. My whole life I’ve gotten a case of the “Sunday night blues”, as my Mom calls them, every Sunday starting around 4 or 5pm. It’s just the anticipation of the week ahead I guess. I try to do something nice for myself on Sunday evenings to try and combat those feelings. But it’s a struggle!
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 11:38 amI like that, Liz, “one and done!” Yaaas! Glad to hear I have some company in the Sunday night camp. It’s a good idea to do something nice.. I think my attempting to still cook, yet spend less time in the kitchen is going to help me get through these feelings of Sunday night grumps. Especially if it looks this good! :D
Aysegul says
May 12, 2016 at 5:33 amWOW! just WOW! You took it to another level with this post Traci! Especially with that GIF!
Seriously, so beautiful and delicious. Perfect for summer. <3
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 11:28 amWhy thank you Aysegul! :D
[email protected] says
May 12, 2016 at 5:32 am#saladsundayisindeedlookingquitetasty! Is that too long of a hashtag? Only problem is I don’t know if I want to eat it or look at it! I like this idea for Sunday nights…we usually think of Friday night for pizza…that’s a thing, right? Anyway – we’d be thrilled to see Sunday evening arrive if this were on the menu! Thanks for sharing, Traci!!
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 10:41 amI like that ###, Annie! Use it my dear! Why not pizza both nights!? One a regular pizza and the other a quick salad pizza! Let’s do both! Can we make that a thing? :D
Liz says
May 12, 2016 at 3:14 amOhhh this is the BEST way to eat salad! Especially on a Sunday night– when you’ve got the whole week looming over head. Definitely will be trying this soon!
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 10:40 amYou’re going to love it Liz! :D
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
May 11, 2016 at 9:49 pmThis beautiful weather does make it so hard to sit inside! I always contemplate taking my computer outside to edit pictures but then I can’t see the screen, lol. Plus when I’m outside I just want to be outside, if you know what I mean.
On the bright side, this pizza is a fabulous way to celebrate the season. I love the idea of shaved asparagus. It makes it so much easier to eat. That GIF is amazing too! ;)
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 10:39 amI’ve tried working outside too… the screen is hard to see and I can’t seem to make it work good enough even in the shade. At least my doors can be wide open! :D I like shaved asparagus for that very thing.. it cooks faster and it is easier to eat! :D
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
May 11, 2016 at 4:52 pmI just happened to click on to your site and look what I found! How gorgeous and delicious at the same time. Those toppings Traci… I’m salivating over here ;o/ I think you’ve been getting some beautiful weather lately in Seattle… I share the pull. Nothing perks me up quite like a walk in the sunshine with my dog or curling up with a good book in the grass. It’s spring after all! Time to expand, grow and rejuvenate. Sometimes we just have to create those spaces for ourselves (that has to be one of the greatest blessings of running your own biz). Happy hump day :)) x
Traci says
May 12, 2016 at 10:36 amYou make me smile every time! Thank you for the nudge, Mamma! I needed to hear that.. you know how I get. Work, work woooork!! I need to stop and smell the roses.. I’m working on that :D . Beautiful, indeed! Hot, almost too hot.. but it’s still somewhat cool on the Island. A good book in the grass sounds lovely… but lets have a pizza with that book! xo
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
May 11, 2016 at 8:15 amGosh, won’t a 4 day work week be wonderful. I’ve been working extra long hours lately and so your thoughts are ringing true for me. I love a good flatbread pizza, Traci – and this one’s a winner. Such a great idea of topping it with a salad mix – love all the other ingredients too, especially the pesto – that’s a great alternative to regular sauce. Love everything about this!
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:54 amNo doubt, Geraldine. We could ALL use it. The thought of a four day work week makes working a full time job seem more attractive. I’d even go for 4, 10 hour days rather than 5, 8s. You’re going to love this Geraldine. It’s *almost* as quick as your flatbread recipe that my PInterest Followers LOVE! The pesto gives it a fabulous flavor boost that I adore. I’ve been using garlic scape pesto and basil parm pesto. They’re over the top garlicky! xo
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
May 11, 2016 at 5:52 amI’m with you Traci! The weekends are always too short! Mondays roll around way too quickly. This salad pizza…hello!! Yes, my mouth is totally watering! Count me in for more than one! I’m in love with ALL the ingredients you’ve included!
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:51 amI know, two right? It’s so filling though.. two slices usually does it for me. That way I can leftovers! xo
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife says
May 10, 2016 at 11:12 pmBeauuuuutiful Traci!!!! This pizza is beyond! I feel you on the Sunday thing… Mondays are brutal, no matter what your Monday work schedule entails. If my daughter and I want a quick Sunday salad, we usually go for a cobb. Nary a week goes by when the fridge does not have leftover roast chicken, boiled eggs and homemade ranch. Simple. So satisfying!! So glad I popped over…gorgeous. xox
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:47 amOhhhh.. you like it? Thank you Rebecca! I’ll have you know, I whipped up my own Naan for this too, using bread and spelt. It’s sooo easy and soooo delicious! My favorite! I love the idea of a cobb salad.. I often forget of this fabulous salad and need to give it a go! Thank you for sharing Rebecca! xo
Claudia | The Brick Kitchen says
May 10, 2016 at 9:38 pmALL for 4 day weeks! And yes, the US does have less holidays – crazy, but it actually leads to less productive workers having people who are more burnt-out and less rested. Here in NZ we have 4 weeks leave per year, and is it 2 weeks in the US?
Gorgeous pizza though! So perfect for spring, and so many lovely flavours, especially with the pesto base. Love the gif of you making it too! x
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:45 amHey Claudia! Thank you so much! The pesto is such a great boost to this pizza – I love it! Agreed about less productivity, exhaustion, and burn out. It’s too much! There you go! 4 weeks is fabulous… I’m really happy for you and fellow NZlanders. There is no requirement/standard for vacation here in the US. If you are *fortunate* enough to work for an employer who provides a vacation benefit, then sometimes it’s 2 weeks with pay. Others offer vacation with no pay, some offer a bit of vacation with pay. Vacation is under the discretion of the employer. Holidays are also at the discretion of employers as well.. some with paid benefits, others not. Perhaps someday this will change?
Sarah | Well and Full says
May 10, 2016 at 6:21 pmLet’s implement a four-day workweek, I’ll be right there with you, girl! I hear you on the “outdoors are calling” thing too – it’s so hard to be inside over a hot stove when there’s a beautiful spring breeze outside. Oh well, just got to keep pushing on!! ;)
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:37 amAgreed, Sarah! I’m thinking salads, ice cream, sippers and popsicles for the months of June – August is in order. No or very little cooking involved! :D
Medha says
May 10, 2016 at 5:31 pmThis pizza is so stunning! I love those pretty tomatoes and that pesto base- pinning :)
Traci says
May 11, 2016 at 9:36 amThank you Medha! The pesto is quite fabulous in this recipe. I’m attempting to clean out my freezer from last Summer’s abundance of herbs in the form of pesto! hehe! Thank you for your pin! :D