I remember the first time I tried Swedish Pizza Salad. It was a few years ago at a potluck dinner hosted by a friend. I was immediately drawn to its vibrant colors and unique combination of flavors.
The creamy dressing, the crisp vegetables, and the salty, tangy anchovies – it was a flavor explosion in every bite.
I was so intrigued by this unusual salad that I asked my friend for the recipe.

This pizza Salad is a beloved dish in Sweden. It’s a simple yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking by adding or subtracting ingredients.
Inspired by the original recipe, I’ve put my spin on it. I’ve added some extra ingredients that I love, such as red onion and fresh dill.
I’ve also experimented with different types of cheese, including feta and goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!
This Swedish Pizza Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
I often make a large batch of this salad on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for the week. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful salad to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving Swedish Pizza Salad a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
1- Iceberg Lettuce:
This crisp and refreshing lettuce serves as the perfect base for the salad. I love the way it contrasts with the creamy dressing and tangy anchovies.
2- Mayonnaise:
The mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to the dressing. I like to use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
3- Sour Cream:
The sour cream adds tanginess and a slightly tangy flavor to the dressing. It also helps to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise.
4- Vinegar:
A splash of vinegar, such as white vinegar or red wine vinegar, adds a bright acidity to the dressing. It helps to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
5- Sugar:
A touch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
6- Salt and Pepper:
These seasonings enhance the flavor of the salad. I always taste the dressing before adding salt and pepper to ensure it’s seasoned to perfection.

Instructions
Directions
- To make this salad, start by washing and chopping the cabbage. I like to slice the cabbage thinly to avoid any harsh flavors.
- Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Once the dressing is ready, I combine it with the greens in a large bowl. I toss the salad gently to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
- Before serving, I let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become crisp and refreshing. When I’m ready to eat, I plate the salad and garnish it with a few fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley.
Massaging The Cabbage
I like to add a little salt to the cabbage and massage it gently with my hands. This helps to soften the cabbage and draw out some of the moisture. I find that this step makes the final dish much more tender and flavorful.
Unique Recipe Steps
Here are a few unique tips for making the perfect Swedish Pizza Salad:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. I’ve added bell peppers, olives, and even artichoke hearts to my salad.
- For a spicier salad, add a few jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
- If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with capers.
- To make the salad even more flavorful, try grilling the vegetables before adding them to the salad.
- For a heartier meal, you can add cooked pasta or potatoes to the salad.

FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the salad a day or two in advance. However, I recommend adding the anchovies just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While iceberg lettuce is a classic choice, you can use other types of lettuce, such as romaine or spinach. Just be aware that the texture and flavor of the salad may be slightly different.

Swedish Pizza Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or a cheese slicer. Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl with plenty of room to toss.
- Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 teaspoon of salt. Using clean hands, gently massage the salt into the cabbage for a few minutes. This helps to soften the cabbage and release some of its water, making it less crunchy and more flavorful.Set the cabbage aside for 5-10 minutes to allow it to soften further.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, mayonease, sour cream, sugar,black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss thoroughly to coat all the cabbage evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. The salad tastes even better after marinating longer, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.