21 Savory Side Dishes to Pair Perfectly with Pizza
Side dishes for pizza complement this beloved main with bold flavors and creative combinations. These recipes bring balance to your meal, offering refreshing contrasts to rich and cheesy slices.
Whether light and crisp or hearty and savory, they cater to every preference. Easy to prepare yet impressive, they transform casual pizza nights into full culinary experiences.
From fresh salads to indulgent accompaniments, these dishes add variety to your spread. Pair your favorite pizza with more tasty side dishes in these 21 perfect recipes:
21 Side Dishes to Serve with Pizza for a Complete Meal
Pair your pizza with 21 creative side dish ideas. Perfect for rounding out your dinner with flavors and textures.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots serve as an ideal side dish that enhances the pizza experience with their rich flavors. Crafted from pizza dough, these enticing bites are shaped into delightful knots and generously brushed with a savory garlic butter blend.
Making them involves cutting the dough into strips, knotting them up, and then enveloping each piece in a mixture of melted butter infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Baking at 400°F for approximately 12 minutes yields golden bottoms and lightly toasted tops, just right for enjoying fresh out of the oven.
A final touch of garlic butter adds depth to every bite, making these warm treats an irresistible addition to your meal alongside any pizza selection.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad serves as a refreshing accompaniment to pizza, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Italy. With ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella at its core, this dish highlights fresh basil leaves that elevate each bite.
Creating it involves simply slicing juicy tomatoes alongside soft mozzarella before arranging them with fragrant basil on a plate. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze introduces depth, while a sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance the overall taste experience.
Opting for cherry tomatoes paired with mini mozzarella balls adds an appealing twist that keeps things interesting beside your favorite slice. The crispness of Caprese salad provides a delightful contrast to the richness found in cheesy pizzas you enjoy together.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a delectable Italian starter that pairs beautifully with pizza. Grilled bread, infused with garlic and drizzled in olive oil, forms the perfect base for an array of toppings like diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, or creamy mozzarella.
The crunchy bite of bruschetta enhances the tender crust of your favorite pizza while its fresh ingredients cut through any richness from cheese and meats. For a simple version, toast baguette slices then top them off with a mixture of chopped tomatoes and herbs finished off with olive oil to create a delightful accompaniment alongside your meal.
This dish effortlessly brings freshness to every gathering.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a delightful accompaniment that enhances your pizza experience with their rich and savory profile. These bite-sized delights can be filled with an array of ingredients, including cream cheese, sausage, or pepperoni to echo the flavors of your favorite pie.
Adding garlic and fresh herbs elevates the taste, creating a mouthwatering contrast between creamy filling and tender mushroom caps. When baked to perfection, they develop a crispy golden exterior while remaining soft inside, ideal for balancing out the texture of pizza crusts.
Placing these alongside your main dish transforms any meal into something memorable that guests will surely appreciate.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic accompaniment that perfectly contrasts the rich flavors of pizza with its crisp romaine and tangy dressing. The addition of savory parmesan enhances each bite, while crunchy croutons introduce delightful texture.
Preparing this salad at home offers simplicity, or you can conveniently order it from many pizzerias to complement your meal. Adding grilled chicken transforms this dish into a heartier option, providing extra protein and making it even more satisfying alongside your favorite slice.
This combination not only balances out indulgence but also brings freshness to your dining experience.
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers are a delightful addition to your pizza spread, offering an exciting mix of flavors and textures. Assembled in just about 15 minutes, these vibrant bites feature an assortment of ingredients such as tortellini, olives, cheese cubes, and cured meats threaded onto wooden skewers.
Adding elements like artichoke hearts or fresh basil elevates the experience even further. Preparing them ahead of time is effortless; simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
A drizzle of Italian dressing or balsamic glaze enhances their taste beautifully while bringing that authentic Italian flair right to your table.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a delightful accompaniment to pizza that stands out with their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center. Offering an engaging experience, these appetizers create a satisfying stretch of melted mozzarella with every bite.
Pairing them with marinara sauce introduces a zesty flavor that enhances both the sticks and your favorite pizza, while switching to pesto adds an aromatic freshness that's hard to resist. Their shareable nature makes mozzarella sticks ideal for gatherings or relaxed meals where good food brings everyone together.
You’ll find they enhance any occasion perfectly, making each gathering memorable through simple yet enjoyable bites.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing side that complements pizza beautifully, offering a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy slices. The simplicity of shredded cabbage and carrots allows for easy preparation while inviting various dressings to suit your taste preferences.
You might opt for the classic mayo-based dressing or experiment with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist; both enhance its flavor profile. Incorporating chopped apples or raisins adds delightful sweetness and texture, making each bite interesting.
This light accompaniment not only balances out the heaviness of pizza but also boosts your vegetable intake effortlessly during mealtime. Leftovers pair perfectly together, creating an enjoyable combination you’ll appreciate long after dinner ends.
Greek Salad
Greek salad delivers a crisp and invigorating counterpoint to the indulgence of pizza. Featuring a medley of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and savory olives, this dish refreshes your palate with every bite.
To prepare it, simply chop ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, zesty red onions, and vibrant bell peppers before tossing them together with kalamata olives and cubed feta. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil paired with a sprinkle of dried oregano enhances the flavors beautifully.
The crunchiness alongside the bright notes makes Greek salad an ideal complement that lightens up any meal while allowing for personal ingredient preferences to shine through.
Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are a deliciously inventive side dish that offers a healthier twist on the classic pizza experience. These bite-sized treats deliver bold flavors while keeping things light and satisfying.
Preparing them is straightforward; simply grate cauliflower into fine crumbs, microwave until soft, and remove excess moisture before mixing in eggs, cheese, and herbs. Shape the mixture into small rounds and bake until they turn golden brown for that perfect crunch.
Feel free to enhance these bites with various cheeses or your favorite ingredients to match your preferences. Ideal as a snack or an appetizer alongside pizza, they add variety to any meal setting without compromising taste.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip serves as a delightful accompaniment to pizza. This creamy concoction is crafted from simple ingredients like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and savory seasonings mixed with tender spinach and artichoke hearts.
Once baked until bubbling hot, the blend of tangy flavors pairs seamlessly with your favorite pizza slices for dipping. For an exciting variation, consider spreading this luscious dip on pizza crust before baking it topped with extra cheese for a unique take that elevates your meal experience.
Sharing this dish alongside your main course adds a flavorful touch that’s hard to resist.
Parmesan Breadsticks
Parmesan breadsticks are a delightful accompaniment that perfectly complements pizza. Crafted from basic ingredients, they offer a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Begin by shaping pizza dough into a rectangle and coating it with an aromatic blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan over the surface before slicing the dough into slender strips; twisting them adds an appealing touch to their presentation.
Once baked until golden brown, these breadsticks emerge crispy outside while remaining tender within, ideal for dipping or enjoying solo alongside your favorite slice.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a crunchy and satisfying alternative to traditional potato fries, bringing a touch of healthiness without sacrificing taste. Crafted by slicing zucchini into sticks and coating them in breadcrumbs before baking or air frying, they achieve a delightful golden-brown finish.
These crispy treats complement pizza beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of cheese and sauce. Pairing them with marinara or ranch dipping sauces enhances their appeal while adding an extra layer of flavor.
Incorporating these veggie-packed fries into your meal not only lightens up your plate but also keeps it deliciously fulfilling.
Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad is a refreshing Italian dish that beautifully complements pizza with its rustic charm. Featuring day-old bread cubes, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables, it transforms leftover ingredients into something extraordinary.
Toasting the bread until golden creates a satisfying crunch that balances well against juicy cucumbers and zesty red onions. A drizzle of olive oil and vinegar enhances the flavors while allowing the bread to absorb all those delicious juices from the veggies.
This vibrant side not only adds more greens to your plate but also offers an exciting contrast in texture alongside warm slices of pizza.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are a crunchy delight that make an excellent accompaniment to pizza. These crispy snacks start with dill pickles sliced into chips or spears, which you can easily prepare at home.
After dipping the pickle slices in a seasoned flour and egg mixture, they get coated in breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch when fried until golden brown. Pair these treats with ranch dip or zesty remoulade sauce for an extra kick of flavor; their tangy profile contrasts beautifully with your favorite pizza toppings.
Having fried pickles on the side not only adds variety but also offers a fun way to enhance your meal experience.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad offers a refreshing complement to pizza, bringing a peppery zing that balances the dish’s savory flavors. Quick and simple to prepare, this side features fresh arugula leaves paired with shaved Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
A light dressing made from lemon juice and olive oil enhances its taste while allowing the natural ingredients to shine through. For those looking to elevate their salad, cherry tomatoes or pine nuts add delightful texture and flavor contrasts.
This vibrant option makes for an enjoyable pairing that cuts through the richness of your favorite slice effortlessly.
Baked Potato Wedges
Baked potato wedges offer a scrumptious and healthier option to traditional fries, enhancing your pizza night experience. To create these golden treats, slice potatoes into wedges, coat them in olive oil along with seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, then bake until they reach a crispy perfection.
This cooking method ensures you enjoy the satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Less greasy than their fried counterparts yet packed with flavor, these wedges pair wonderfully with dips such as ketchup or ranch dressing for an extra kick.
Both children and adults will appreciate this uncomplicated side that complements any pizza beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts serve as an excellent accompaniment to pizza, adding a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. Preparing these greens is straightforward; while your pizza bakes, simply trim and halve the sprouts before tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Once you spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, they develop a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with their tender interior. Elevating their taste can be achieved by incorporating garlic powder or red pepper flakes prior to roasting.
For added richness post-cooking, consider drizzling balsamic vinegar or sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the top; both enhance the savory profile without overshadowing your favorite pizza toppings.
Buffalo Cauliflower
Buffalo cauliflower delivers a bold and spicy flavor, making it an exciting addition to your pizza night. Tossing fresh cauliflower florets in zesty buffalo sauce and roasting them creates a satisfyingly crispy texture that complements any meal.
Adding ranch seasoning before serving enhances its taste, providing that familiar kick reminiscent of classic buffalo wings without the meat. These fiery bites can also double as a topping for your favorite pizza; simply layer them over cheese on dough and bake until golden brown.
This versatile dish not only elevates the experience but brings an energetic flair that pairs beautifully with rich savory flavors of pizza.
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a comforting companion that pairs beautifully with pizza. The robust taste of ripe tomatoes mingles effortlessly with fragrant basil, creating an inviting flavor profile that enhances your meal.
Serving it hot or cold allows you to tailor this dish to suit the season and your mood. For a creative touch, consider using small cups for dipping; this playful approach makes enjoying crusts even more delightful.
If time is short, convenient pre-made options are widely available in grocery stores, just heat and serve alongside your favorite pizza for a satisfying combination.
Cheesy Bread
Cheesy bread serves as a delectable companion to pizza, offering gooey goodness that enhances your meal experience. Using either homemade pizza dough or store-bought bread makes preparation simple and quick.
A generous layer of garlic butter followed by an irresistible blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering topping. Baking at high heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly while achieving those desirable golden edges.
Cut into sticks for easy sharing, this warm treat complements every slice of pizza beautifully.