Pizza is a beloved meal that brings people together. Whether you’re ordering takeout or making it at home, pizza can be even better with tasty side dishes.
The right sides add variety and balance to your pizza feast.
You can pair many different foods with pizza to create a complete meal. From fresh salads to roasted veggies to breadsticks, there are lots of options.
Good sides complement the flavors of your pizza while adding new tastes and textures to enjoy.
This article will give you ideas for over 20 delicious side dishes to serve with pizza.
1. Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a delicious side dish for pizza. You can make them easily with pizza dough.
Shape the dough into small knots and brush with garlic butter. Bake the knots until golden brown.
The result is soft, fluffy bites bursting with garlicky flavor. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Garlic knots complement pizza well. The garlic flavor pairs nicely with most pizza toppings.
Their chewy texture contrasts with crispy pizza crust. You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Some recipes add herbs like parsley too. Serve garlic knots warm alongside your pizza for a tasty meal.
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that goes great with pizza. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy pizza.
The crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing make a nice mix of textures. Croutons give an extra crunch that pairs well with pizza crust.
The tangy, garlicky dressing helps cut through the richness of the pizza. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties the flavors together.
You can make Caesar salad quickly at home or buy it pre-made. Either way, it’s an easy and tasty side to serve with your pizza night.
3. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a tasty and refreshing side dish for pizza. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
The bright flavors of Caprese salad go well with the rich, savory taste of pizza. It adds a light, fresh element to your meal.
You can make Caprese salad quickly and easily. Just slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, arrange them on a plate with basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or some cracked black pepper. This simple side dish will round out your pizza night nicely.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make a tasty side dish for pizza. These savory bites offer a nice contrast to the cheesy, saucy pizza flavors.
You can fill mushroom caps with a mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Bake them until golden and serve alongside your pizza slices.
For a heartier option, try stuffing larger portobello mushrooms. These work well as a substantial side dish or even as a vegetarian main course.
Stuffed mushrooms add variety to your pizza night. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized with different fillings to suit your taste.
5. Bruschetta
Bruschetta makes a great side dish for pizza. You can serve it before the main course or alongside your pizza slices.
To make bruschetta, toast slices of crusty bread and top them with diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.
The crisp bread and fresh toppings offer a nice contrast to hot, cheesy pizza. The tomatoes and herbs in bruschetta also complement popular pizza toppings.
For variety, try different toppings on your bruschetta like mozzarella, olives, or roasted red peppers. This versatile appetizer pairs well with many pizza styles.
6. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a great side dish for pizza. You can add variety to your meal with this Italian-inspired appetizer.
Pick items like olives, marinated artichokes, and pickled vegetables. Add some cured meats such as salami or prosciutto. Include cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Fresh tomatoes and crisp bell peppers add color and crunch. Serve with crusty bread or breadsticks on the side.
This no-cook option is easy to put together. It lets guests nibble while the pizza arrives or cools down.
7. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar make a tasty side for pizza. The sweet and tangy flavor complements the cheese and sauce.
Try roasting a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper before baking.
The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The balsamic adds a nice depth of flavor.
This side dish gives you a serving of veggies to balance out your pizza meal.
You can easily customize the veggie mix based on what’s in season or your favorites. Roasted vegetables are a simple yet delicious pizza pairing.
8. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Parmesan roasted broccoli makes a tasty side dish for pizza night. It’s quick and easy to prepare.
Cut broccoli into florets and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt and form a crispy crust.
This roasted broccoli has a nice crunch and savory flavor that pairs well with pizza. The crispy edges and cheesy topping add great texture.
9. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a tasty side dish for pizza. You can make it with cold pasta tossed in pesto sauce.
Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
This salad brings a fresh, herby taste that goes well with pizza. The cool pasta provides a nice contrast to hot pizza slices.
It’s easy to make ahead of time and serve chilled.
For the best results, use a short pasta shape like fusilli or penne. This helps the pesto stick to the pasta.
You can also add some olives or roasted red peppers for more variety.
10. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is a perfect match for pizza. You can make it at home easily.
Start with a loaf of French bread cut in half lengthwise. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture on the bread halves.
Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake the bread in a hot oven until it’s golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The result is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Slice it up and serve alongside your pizza. It’s great for dipping in marinara sauce too.
11. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip makes a tasty side for pizza. You can serve it warm with bread for dipping.
It’s creamy and full of flavor from the spinach, artichokes, and cheese.
To make it, mix artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, and spices in a bowl. Add some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Bake until hot and bubbly.
For a fun twist, try spinach artichoke dip pizza. Spread the dip on pizza crust and bake. The result is like combining two favorite foods in one dish.
12. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus makes a tasty side dish for pizza. It’s easy to prepare and adds a healthy touch to your meal.
To make it, wash and trim the asparagus spears. Spread them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the asparagus in a hot oven for about 10-15 minutes. The spears should be tender and lightly browned.
You can add flavor by squeezing lemon juice over the roasted asparagus. Grated Parmesan cheese is another tasty topping option.
Serve the roasted asparagus alongside your pizza for a balanced meal. The crisp-tender texture and earthy flavor complement the pizza well.
13. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a tasty option to serve with pizza. This hearty soup has small meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth.
The savory flavors of the soup complement pizza well. You can serve it as a starter before the main pizza course.
For a lighter meal, pair a small bowl of Italian wedding soup with a slice of pizza. This combo gives you a mix of textures and flavors.
You can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it easy to prepare for parties or big gatherings.
14. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup makes a great side dish for pizza. This hearty Italian vegetable soup adds variety to your meal.
It’s packed with veggies, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth.
The soup’s light acidity balances out the richness of cheese and meats on pizza. You can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat it when serving pizza.
For extra taste, top your minestrone with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it in small cups or bowls alongside pizza slices. This combo gives you a filling meal with both comfort foods.
15. Margherita Flatbread
Margherita flatbread is a tasty twist on traditional pizza. It’s a lighter option that still packs plenty of flavor.
You’ll love the crispy thin crust topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The simple ingredients let each flavor shine through.
Margherita flatbread works great as a side dish or appetizer with your main pizza. It adds variety to your meal without being too heavy.
Try making it at home for a fun cooking project. Or pick one up from your local pizzeria as an easy addition to pizza night.
16. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters make a tasty and unexpected side dish for pizza. These crispy, savory bites offer a nice contrast to the cheesy, saucy pizza.
You can easily whip up zucchini fritters with grated zucchini, parmesan cheese, an egg, and a bit of flour. Pan-fry them until golden brown for a delightful crunch.
Serve your zucchini fritters warm alongside pizza slices. They’re especially good with a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
For added flavor, try mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano. This will complement the pizza’s Italian flavors nicely.
17. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon is a simple yet elegant side dish for pizza. It offers a sweet and salty contrast that complements pizza flavors well.
To make it, cut cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece with a thin strip of prosciutto. The salty ham pairs perfectly with the juicy melon.
You can serve these on a platter or skewer them for easy eating. For extra flavor, add a small mint leaf before wrapping.
This refreshing side takes just minutes to prepare. It’s a light option that balances out heavier pizza toppings.
18. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread makes a tasty side dish for pizza night. This Italian flatbread has a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Its dimpled surface holds olive oil and herbs for extra flavor.
You can serve focaccia plain or topped with ingredients like rosemary, olives, or cherry tomatoes. Cut it into squares for easy sharing alongside pizza slices.
Focaccia’s texture complements pizza well. It soaks up sauce and provides a different bread experience.
You can also use focaccia to make mini sandwiches with leftover pizza toppings.
For a fun twist, try making pizza-flavored focaccia. Top the bread with cheese, tomatoes, and other pizza ingredients before baking.
19. Arancini Balls
Arancini balls make a tasty side dish for pizza. These Italian rice balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re filled with cheese, meat, or veggies.
You can serve arancini as an appetizer before the pizza arrives. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior pairs well with pizza’s textures.
Try dipping your arancini in marinara sauce for extra flavor. The tomato-based sauce complements both the arancini and pizza. This combo creates a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
20. Truffle Fries
Truffle fries offer a luxurious twist on regular french fries. You’ll love the rich, earthy flavor of truffle oil paired with crispy potatoes.
These fries make an excellent side dish for pizza. The savory truffle taste complements the cheese and toppings perfectly.
To make truffle fries at home, toss hot fries with truffle oil and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with salt and fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
Serve your truffle fries immediately while hot and crispy. They’re great for sharing at pizza parties or casual gatherings.
21. Eggplant Involtini
Eggplant involtini makes a tasty side dish for pizza. To make it, you slice eggplant thinly and roll it up with a cheese filling.
The rolls are then baked in tomato sauce until tender. Common fillings include ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs like basil.
You can serve eggplant involtini as an appetizer or side. It pairs well with pizza, offering a contrast to the bread and toppings.
This dish brings Italian flair to your meal. The soft eggplant and creamy cheese complement a crispy pizza crust nicely.
22. Lemon Herb Quinoa
Lemon Herb Quinoa is a tasty and healthy side dish that goes well with pizza. It’s made with quinoa, fresh lemon juice, and herbs like parsley and basil.
To make it, you cook quinoa in water with lemon juice, zest, and seasonings. After about 20 minutes, the quinoa will be tender and fluffy.
This dish is packed with protein and flavor. It’s also gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with dietary restrictions.
You can prepare Lemon Herb Quinoa ahead of time, which is handy for busy nights. It’s a light and refreshing complement to rich, cheesy pizza.
Understanding Complementary Flavors
Pizza is tasty on its own, but the right side dishes can make it even better.
Picking foods that go well with pizza is all about balance. You want flavors and textures that add to the pizza without overpowering it.
Balancing Taste and Texture
When choosing sides for pizza, think about contrasts.
Crisp salads pair nicely with gooey cheese. Tangy wings can cut through rich toppings. Garlic bread adds crunch to soft crust.
Try mixing up flavors too. A fresh Greek salad brings bright, zesty notes to a meaty pizza. Spicy buffalo wings work well with milder cheese pizzas. Roasted veggies add earthy flavors to complement tomato sauce.
Don’t forget about drinks. Cold beer or soda helps wash down greasy slices. For wine lovers, a crisp white or light red can enhance pizza flavors.
The key is variety. Aim for a mix of hot and cold items, crunchy and smooth textures, and bold and subtle tastes. This creates a more interesting meal than just pizza alone.
Nutritional Considerations
Picking good side dishes can make your pizza meal healthier. You can add nutrients and balance to your pizza dinner with smart choices.
Incorporating Vegetables and Greens
Add a simple salad to your pizza meal. Mix lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light dressing. This gives you fiber and vitamins.
You can also try roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini. These are tasty and full of nutrients.
Veggie sticks are another easy option. Cut up carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Serve them with a low-fat dip. This adds crunch and color to your plate.
Protein-Packed Side Options
Boost your protein intake with smart sides.
Grilled chicken skewers are a good choice. They’re lean and filling. You can season them to match your pizza flavors.
Bean salads are another protein-rich option.
Mix different beans with a vinaigrette dressing. This adds fiber and protein to your meal.
Greek yogurt with herbs makes a great dip for veggies or pizza crust.
It’s high in protein and calcium.
You can also try hard-boiled eggs as a simple protein side.