Famous Recipe from the Pizza Parlor Tampa FL from the 1980's
The Legendary "Christmas Tree" Salad from Tampa's Pizza Parlor
If you lived in Tampa during the early 1980s, there’s a good chance you remember the cozy pizza spot on Dale Mabry Highway simply known as The Pizza Parlor. While their pies were certainly worth the visit, it was a certain salad—yes, a salad—that truly captured the hearts (and appetites) of locals.
Affectionately known as the "Christmas Tree Salad," this unique and delicious dish was shaped like a little festive tree when served. It became an instant icon, lovingly remembered by Tampa natives for decades. And now, after a little digging and a lot of nostalgia, we've unearthed the original recipe just as it appeared in the Tampa Tribune years ago.
I'm sharing it here not only as a tribute to Tampa’s flavorful past, but because it’s still just as delicious today. Whether you’re hosting a nostalgic dinner party or just want to serve something a little unexpected, this salad will bring both flavor and conversation to the table.
Pizza Parlor Italian Salad
Ingredients:
1/2 head lettuce
1 or 2 tomatoes, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup green olives
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup juice from jar of olives
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
Instructions:
Mix lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese in a bowl.
In a separate container, whisk together olive oil, olive juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, vinegar, and sugar.
Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve immediately.
For an authentic presentation, try shaping the salad into a cone and placing a single olive on top—just like they did back in the day.
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