Pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed by many. While it’s often filling on its own, pairing it with tasty side dishes can make your meal even better.

The right sides can balance out the flavors and textures of pizza, creating a more satisfying dining experience.

From fresh salads to crispy garlic bread, there are many options to choose from. These sides can add variety to your meal and help you feel more satisfied.

Whether you’re having a casual dinner at home or hosting a pizza party, knowing some great side dish ideas can come in handy.

1. Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with pizza. You can easily make them at home using pizza dough.

Cut the dough into strips, tie them into knots, and bake until golden brown. While the knots bake, prepare a garlic butter mixture.

Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor. When the knots are done, brush them with the garlic butter.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch. These savory, garlicky bites will complement your pizza and satisfy your bread cravings.

2. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with pizza. The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza.

You can make a simple Caesar salad at home. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, add grilled chicken or shrimp to your salad.

This turns it into a more substantial side dish. Caesar salad is a great option when you want something light to balance out your pizza meal. It adds a fresh element without overshadowing the main course.

3. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that pairs perfectly with pizza. This simple yet delicious salad combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves.

To make a caprese salad, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes. Arrange them on a plate, alternating between cheese and tomato slices. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.

Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This refreshing side dish complements the richness of pizza with its light, fresh flavors.

4. Cheesy Breadsticks

Cheesy breadsticks are a perfect side dish for pizza night. You can make them using store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough if you prefer.

Start by stretching the dough into a rectangle shape. Brush it with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and herbs like oregano and basil.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough. You can also add other cheeses like Parmesan for extra flavor. Bake the breadsticks in a hot oven until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cut them into strips and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. These cheesy breadsticks are quick to make and will be a hit with your family and friends alongside your pizza.

5. 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 the mushrooms with sausage or ground beef. This adds extra protein to your meal. Vegetarian? Use a filling of spinach and ricotta cheese instead.

The creamy texture pairs well with crispy pizza crust.

6. Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto skewers are a tasty and easy side dish for pizza. You can make them in about 15 minutes. Thread colorful ingredients onto wooden skewers for a fun appetizer.

Use items like tortellini, olives, cheese cubes, and cured meats. Mix up the textures and flavors to keep it interesting.

You can also add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil for a caprese-style skewer. Toss the tomatoes and mozzarella in olive oil, oregano, and salt for extra flavor.

These skewers are versatile and can be customized to your liking.

7. Margherita Flatbread

Margherita flatbread is a quick and tasty side dish for pizza night. You can make it in about 15 minutes using naan bread as the base.

Top the naan with pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This creates a delicious Italian-inspired flavor combination.

Margherita flatbread works well as an appetizer or light meal alongside your main pizza. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but flavorful.

For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette. This adds some fresh veggies to balance out the cheesy flatbread.

8. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts and bacon make a tasty side dish for pizza. You can roast them together for a crispy, savory treat.

Cut Brussels sprouts in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook bacon pieces until crispy, then add the sprouts to the pan.

Roast everything in a hot oven until the sprouts are tender and caramelized. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that complements the slightly bitter sprouts.

This side dish brings a nice contrast to cheesy pizza. The crispy texture and rich taste will make your meal more interesting.

9. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites offer a tasty vegetarian twist on classic chicken wings. These spicy, tangy morsels make a great side dish for pizza.

To make them, coat cauliflower florets in a batter and bake until crispy. Then toss them in buffalo sauce for a kick of heat.

Serve these bites with a cool blue cheese dressing for dipping. The creamy sauce balances the spiciness of the cauliflower.

You can adjust the heat level by using mild or hot buffalo sauce. This versatile side dish appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

10. 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. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.

For a twist, try using different pasta shapes like rotini or bow ties. You can also mix in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling.

11. Crusty Italian Bread

Crusty Italian bread makes a perfect side dish for pizza. You can slice it and serve it alongside your pie for a satisfying crunch.

To make your own, mix flour, yeast, salt, and warm water. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for a couple of hours.

Shape the dough into a long loaf and bake it in a hot oven. The result is a golden-brown crust with a soft, airy interior.

You can also use Italian bread to make garlic bread. Slice it, spread with garlic butter, and toast until crispy. It’s a tasty complement to your pizza meal.

12. Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular French fries. They pair wonderfully with pizza, offering a crispy texture and mild flavor that complements the cheesy goodness.

To make zucchini fries, cut zucchini into sticks and coat them in breadcrumbs. Bake or air fry until golden and crispy. You can season them with herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.

Serve your zucchini fries with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They’re a great way to add more veggies to your pizza night. If you’re short on time, frozen zucchini fries are a quick option.

13. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip makes a great side dish for pizza. You can easily whip up this tasty dip at home.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste. Bake it until hot and bubbly. Serve with bread, crackers, or veggies for dipping alongside your pizza.

This creamy, cheesy dip pairs well with most pizza flavors. It adds a nice contrast to the pizza’s textures and tastes.

14. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for pizza. You can easily prepare them in your oven.

Start by tossing carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the carrots until they’re tender and starting to brown.

While they cook, mix balsamic vinegar and honey in a small pot. Simmer this mixture to create a glaze. Once the carrots are done, drizzle them with the balsamic honey glaze.

For extra flavor, you can add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. The sweet and tangy carrots pair well with savory pizza flavors.

15. Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks make a tasty side dish for pizza. These crispy, cheesy treats complement the flavors of your pizza perfectly.

You can buy frozen mozzarella sticks or make them at home. To make them, coat string cheese in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.

Serve mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce pairs well with both the sticks and your pizza.

For a fun twist, try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack. You can also add herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

16. Bruschetta

Bruschetta makes a tasty side dish for pizza night. You can easily prepare this Italian favorite at home.

Start with slices of crusty bread, toasted until golden brown. Top the bread with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic.

Drizzle some olive oil over the mixture for added flavor. The combination of crisp bread and juicy tomatoes provides a nice contrast to your pizza.

Bruschetta offers a lighter option alongside heavier pizza slices. Its fresh ingredients can help balance out the richness of cheese and meat toppings. You can customize your bruschetta with different herbs or add a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

17. Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw makes a great side dish for pizza. Its cool, crunchy texture contrasts nicely with hot, cheesy pizza.

To make it, shred cabbage and carrots. Mix with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.

The tangy flavor of coleslaw helps cut through rich, heavy pizza toppings. Its crisp vegetables also add a refreshing element to your meal.

You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge. This makes it an easy side to serve with pizza for parties or family dinners.

18. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted red pepper hummus is a tasty twist on classic hummus. You can make it easily at home with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and roasted red peppers.

To prepare, blend these ingredients until smooth. Add lemon juice for brightness and cumin for a warm, earthy flavor. For extra kick, toss in a jalapeno.

This dip pairs perfectly with pizza. Its creamy texture and smoky-sweet pepper taste complement the savory cheese and tomato sauce.

Serve your hummus with pita chips, veggie sticks, or spread it on pizza crust. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pizza sides and adds Mediterranean flair to your meal.

19. Parmesan Asparagus

Parmesan asparagus makes a tasty side dish for pizza. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal.

To prepare it, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange asparagus spears on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Roast for 10-12 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. The cheese will melt and create a savory crust on the asparagus. This side dish pairs well with many pizza flavors.

20. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes offer a delicious twist on a classic side dish. To make them, you’ll roast a whole head of garlic in the oven until it’s soft and golden.

While the garlic roasts, boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes. Add butter, milk, and seasonings. Mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency.

The roasted garlic adds a rich, mellow flavor that pairs wonderfully with pizza. These creamy potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to crispy pizza crust.

21. Herbed Polenta

Herbed polenta makes a tasty side dish for pizza. You can prepare it by mixing cornmeal with hot water and herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano.

Cook the mixture until it thickens, then spread it on a baking sheet. Let it cool and firm up. Cut the polenta into squares or triangles.

You can serve the herbed polenta pieces as-is or lightly fry them for a crispy exterior. The creamy texture and herb flavors complement pizza nicely.

Try topping the polenta with some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This side dish offers a unique twist on traditional pizza accompaniments.

Nutritional Considerations

Pizza side dishes can boost the nutritional value of your meal. The right choices add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to balance out the pizza.

Balancing Macronutrients

Pizza is high in carbs and fat. Pick sides that add protein and fiber to round out your meal.

Lean meats like grilled chicken or turkey slices work well. A bean salad or hummus dip ups the protein and fiber.

Veggie sticks with low-fat dip are a light option. They’re low in calories but high in nutrients. Whole grain breadsticks offer more fiber than regular ones.

For healthy fats, try a small serving of nuts or avocado slices. These fats help you feel full and absorb vitamins better.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Many pizza sides fit vegetarian and vegan diets. A mixed green salad with vinaigrette is quick and easy.

Add chickpeas or tofu cubes for extra protein.

Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts are tasty choices. Season them with herbs and a bit of olive oil.

Fruit salad brings natural sweetness and lots of vitamins. Try a mix of berries, melon, and citrus fruits.

For vegan protein, serve edamame or a lentil-based dip. These options are filling and nutrient-dense.

Flavor Pairings

Pairing the right flavors with pizza can take your meal to the next level. The right combinations enhance the taste of your pizza while adding variety to your plate.

Enhancing Pizza Flavors

Try adding a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze to your pizza. These simple toppings can boost the flavors of your toppings and crust.

For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

If you like sweeter flavors, try a honey drizzle on pepperoni pizza. It adds a nice contrast to the salty meat.

For veggie pizzas, a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors.

Complementary Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your pizza. Basil is a classic choice that pairs well with margherita or vegetable pizzas.

Oregano and thyme are great for meat-topped pizzas.

For a unique twist, try sprinkling some za’atar or sumac on your pizza. These Middle Eastern spices add a tangy, earthy flavor.

Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic can boost the savory notes in your pizza.

Remember to use herbs and spices sparingly. You want to enhance the pizza’s flavors, not overpower them.