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Need a few easy sides to go with a pizza party? Here are our top sides for pizza, the most delicious and satisfying ways to complement your favorite pies.
Ready for a pizza night? It can be tricky to find the right sides to go with pizza. Salad is a natural, but it’s got to have the right vibe. Plus, it can’t be so much effort that it takes away from the main event!
Alex and I have pizza nights often, but it can be harder than we think to find the right side dishes to accessorize with our meals. We love to make sides that are vegetable-forward, because we feel more satisfied when we’re done with the meal (and we go through less pizzas!).
Types of sides to pair
Here we’ve combed through our library of thousands of recipes for the best sides for pizza! Salads are the most fitting choice: they’re full of colorful vegetables and you don’t have to use your oven. But we’ve also got a few ideas for sauteed vegetables or even veggie dips that mix up the standard salad. Either way, you won’t be using your oven for any of these side dishes.
You’ll find something for everyone here, from a casual pizza night to a dinner party. If you’re going for a family-friendly with kids, you might want to try our ranch dip with veggies with our cheese pizza. For a fancy night of entertaining, try a classy citrus salad or radicchio salad with a truffle pizza or burrata pizza. Ready to get started?
The recipes: our top sides for pizza!
Number one in our top sides to go with pizza: our best kale salad! Here dark leafy green Tuscan kale is combined with a tangy lemon and garlic dressing. The way the dressing coats the kale helps to mellow its flavor, so it's not bitter at all. Add some shaved Parmesan and this is salad perfection.
Here's another salad with just the right vibe for pizza: this favorite chopped salad! Crunchy romaine lettuce is drizzle in zingy Homemade Italian Dressing, and paired with thinly sliced shallots, cucumber, tomato, and Parmesan cheese. This one is a favorite we've made again and again (we're not just saying that) and it always gets rave reviews.
Strawberries are a natural flavor pairing with the acidity of balsamic vinegar. So for this salad, we used our favorite balsamic vinaigrette dressing to perfectly accentuate the bright red sweet berries. Paired with red onions and toasted almonds, it’s a simple and delicious side everyone loves!
If you want a quick healthy side for pizza that's kid and adult friendly, try this ranch dip. It's seriously full of flavor, and comes together in just 5 minutes. The trick? Using plain yogurt and mayonnaise, which helps to cut on some calories. Serve it with carrot sticks and sliced bell peppers, and the veggies will be gone in no time.
This radicchio salad is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures, and it's the perfect side for pizza! Bitter bright purple radicchio leaves are balanced by the sweetness of ripe pears, the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette that ties it all together.
Sauteed broccoli is a perfect healthy side dish with pizza! This recipe takes 10 minutes to whip up and results in bright green, crispy tender broccoli. Or, try Steamed Broccoli or Boiled Broccoli, then top with a dusting of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Topped with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing and crispy croutons, this classic Caesar salad recipe is one salad you won’t want to stop eating! The dressing is delightfully creamy and the croutons garlicky and crunchy. It makes pizza night complete!
Here’s a fun side for pizza: Caprese Skewers! This easy recipe is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, spearing all the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer. There’s nothing better than basil and tomatoes in summer, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze: you won’t be able to eat just one!
Here’s a salad that’s simply perfection, in our books. This Italian salad is full of all the right flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, crunchy garlic croutons, and zingy pepperoncini. It’s covered in punchy, herby Italian vinaigrette that makes the flavors sing! It can play sidekick to just about anything, but it's best to go with pizza.
Try this endive salad: equal parts refreshing, tangy, bitter, crunchy, and tangy! Bitter endive pairs perfectly with juicy orange and a sweet tart red wine vinaigrette. Top it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine. Each bite is crunchy, sweet, savory and citrusy.
Shred them up into thin slices, toss with Parmesan, garlic and shallots, and cook until browned. It turns out feathery and bursting with savory flavor, contrasting the nuttiness of the sprouts. This is a great side for pizza since it doesn't use the oven!
If we could eat one salad for the rest of time, this one is it: and it's the perfect side for pizza! Crisp tart apple slices pair with pops of pomegranate seeds, creamy cheese, and crunchy, cinnamon spiced pecans. Toss them all over fresh greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing, and it’s truly salad perfection.
Introducing: the simplest arugula salad. It’s quite possibly the easiest salad you’ll make: and it pairs perfectly with pizza! Dress baby arugula simply with olive oil and lemon juice, then add Parmesan shavings and thinly sliced shallots.
Sweet bell peppers need only a few ingredients to make them shine. Combine them with a tangy vinaigrette of white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, then throw in a few handfuls of chopped herbs like parsley and chives. It’s a true rainbow of flavors and it’s quick and simple to whip up!
When it comes to quick and impressive side dishes, this one might be tops: sauteed broccolini! The elegantly long stems of this green veggie make it look fancy, but here’s a secret. You can cook it up in just 5 minutes in a hot skillet. Add a bit of garlic and lemon, and you won’t be able to stop eating these irresistibly large spears.
This pear salad is a celebration of flavors and textures, with juicy fruit , funky cheese, dried cherries, and maple pecans glazed quickly in a skillet. It’s all tossed in our go-to balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and from first bite it will have you wanting more!
If it's the season for it, this classic combination of sweet juice melon and salty cheese is perfect for serving with pizza! This summer salad has grown to massive popularity in recent years, and for good reason: it’s fast and easy to make and full of big flavor. Also try cantaloupe served with prosciutto, another classic Italian pairing.
This garbanzo bean salad is a great side for pizza, packed with protein and filled with zingy, herby and fresh flavors. It's a fun way to infuse vegetables into this traditionally carb and cheese heavy meal, and it's so quick to pull together!
Want a fancier vibe to go with your pizza? This blackberry salad is classic and chic, featuring a balsamic vinaigrette with tangy black berries, creamy goat cheese, and smoked almonds. Served on a bed of baby spinach and arugula, it's perfect for pizza night.
Here’s a refreshingly simple side for pizza that’s just begging to jump on your table: citrus salad! It stars all the beautiful, vibrant citrus: tangy grapefruit, navel oranges, and sweet blood oranges. They’re drizzled with a zingy dressing, then topped with crushed pistachios and fresh mint. It’s so gorgeous that you can’t help but eat it!
The feathery texture of Brussels sprouts makes this the perfect side for pizza. The raw greens aren’t bitter at all: they’re sweet and feathery, with irresistibly tasty flavor. Combine them with a sweet and tangy Djion mustard dressing, apples, and dried cherries,
his delightful fennel salad is one anyone can enjoy with pizza, pairing the shaved raw vegetable with sweet apple, zingy lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. Delicate fennel fronds make a feathery garnish, and each bite is irresistibly crunchy with a pop of acidity.
Looking for a fun side for pizza? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Add a side of fruit dip or use it to end the meal.
This peach and burrata caprese salad is a perfect side for pizza in summer. Layer juicy, succulent ripe peaches and vibrant heirloom tomatoes with burrata, fresh mozzarella cheese filled with shreds of mozzarella soaked in cream. It's heavenly!
Here's one more way to dress up your pizza party: with wedge salad! This one's a unique spin on a classic wedge: it's smothered in smoky ranch dressing and topped with sundried tomatoes and crushed potato chips. Just wow!
More pizza resources
Love a great homemade pizza? Alex and I have got all the resources you need to make your own killer pizza at home: Here are a few more of our favorite pizza recipes:
- Make our classic pizza dough, Kitchen Aid pizza dough, or pizza sauce.
- Go classic with homemade pizza or Neapolitan pizza.
- Try pesto pizza or homemade cheese pizza.
- Try these 25 Popular Pizza Toppings.
- Opt for unique spins like breakfast pizza or taco pizza.
Frequently asked questions
Pizza is delicious on its own, but sides can add variety, texture, and well-roundedness to your meal. They can also help balance the richness of pizza with lighter options or offer a refreshing contrast.
The possibilities are endless! Here are some popular categories to consider:
Salads: A light and refreshing salad balances the heavier flavors of pizza. Opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or get creative with chopped vegetables, fruits, and cheeses.
Appetizers: Finger foods like garlic knots, breadsticks, or mozzarella sticks add a fun and shareable element to your pizza feast.
Veggie sides: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts add essential vitamins and a healthy counterpoint to pizza’s richness.
Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a light and flavorful option.
Grilled vegetables: Grill zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or asparagus for a smoky and healthy side dish.
Arugula salad with shaved parmesan: Arugula’s peppery flavor pairs well with pizza, and the shaved parmesan adds a touch of salty richness.
Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a light honey dressing can cleanse the palate after pizza.
25 Sides for Pizza: Tuscan Kale Salad & More!
The best side to go with pizza is this incredible Tuscan kale salad! A dressing of lemon, garlic and Parmesan cheese transforms kale into tangy goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch Tuscan kale (about 8 ounces)*
- 1 very small or 1/2 medium garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (3 to 4 tablespoons juice, plus zest)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Homemade croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the kale. Then destem and roughly chop the kale leaves.
- Peel and mince the garlic clove. Sprinkle it with the kosher salt, then holding the blunt edge of the knife, scrape the sharp edge of the blade over the minced garlic, holding the knife at an angle and mashing the garlic into a paste.
- Place the paste in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and fresh ground black pepper, and whisk to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
- Toss the dressing with the kale leaves. Serve topped with lemon zest (and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired). If desired, serve with homemade croutons.
Notes
*1 bunch of kale makes a moderate serving size of 4: consider doubling the recipe if feeding hungry eaters.
Adapted from 101 Cookbooks
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