What Sides Go With Pizza?

Because of its adaptability and taste, pizza is a food that everyone loves. But the ideal accompaniments are what elevate a pizza dinner to a whole new level. If you’re looking to spice up your pizza night, add some flair to your meal, and satisfy your cravings, this article has you covered with a variety of side dishes.

1. Salad: The Fresh Counterpart

a) Healthy and Hearty Choices

To cut through the heaviness of pizza, a salad is the perfect accompaniment. Pick a salad—a traditional Caesar or a crisp garden variety. Incorporate almonds and a mild vinaigrette into a salad of kale, rocket or spinach for a more nutritious take.

b) Dressing it Up

Try different types of dressings. Salads can be elevated to a side dish that rivals the pizza in terms of flavour with the addition of a tart balsamic glaze or a creamy ranch dressing.

2. Garlic Bread: A Flavorful Companion

a) Classic Garlic Bread

When it comes to pizza, garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment. It elevates pizza to a whole new level with its crunchy outside and tender, buttery within, both of which are enhanced with garlic and herbs.

b) Variations to Try

Think about trying out various herbs or incorporating cheese. A touch of Parmesan or rosemary can give this traditional side dish a new spin.

3. Vegetable Sides: The Perfect Pair for Health-Conscious Diners

a) Best Vegetables to Serve

Imagine roasted eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini. These, when roasted and seasoned to perfection, make for a nutritious and delicious pizza side dish.

b) Kid-Friendly Veggie Options

Carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes are great options for a kid-friendly snack. Kids will love eating these because they are both nutritious and entertaining.

4. Italian Side Dishes: Bringing Authenticity to the Table

a) Traditional Italian Sides

The classic Caprese salad and antipasto are two examples of traditional Italian sides. These sides are great with pizza because of the fresh ingredients and minimal seasoning.

b) Creative Twists

Express your imagination without fear. To make your dish more gourmet, try adding some olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Quick and Easy Pizza Accompaniments

a) Simple Yet Satisfying

A simple bruschetta or a bowl of olives are good options for individuals who are short on time for sides. Incredibly simple to make, they bring out the best in pizza.

b) Preparing in Advance

Think about making a few of these sides ahead of time. On nights when you’re short on time, a simple mixture of olive oil, herbs, and chopped tomatoes can save the day.

6. Creative Sides to Pair with Pizza

a) International Twists

Pairing pizza with international side dishes is a great way to explore world flavours. Pizza with a Greek tzatziki dip or some Spanish patatas bravas is a delicious and novel take on a classic dish.

b) Fusion Flavors

A fusion salad, such as Asian-style slaw or Mexican bean salad, is a wonderful complement to pizza since it provides a different flavour profile.

7. Dipping Sauces: Elevating Every Bite

a) Sauce Varieties

The experience of eating pizza can be greatly improved with the help of dipping sauces. You may enhance the taste of every meal by adding sauces such as marinara, ranch, or even a fiery buffalo sauce.

b) Homemade Touch

Making sauces from scratch is an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby. To make the ideal dip, play around with different bases, herbs, and spices, such as yoghurt or mayo.

8. Comforting Soups and Stews

a) Soup Pairings

Pizza pairs unexpectedly well with a hearty pot of stew or soup. To avoid drowning out the pizza, try a lighter broth like tomato basil or minestrone.

b) Seasonal Choices

Choose heartier dishes, such as lentil stew or chunky vegetable soup, during the colder months. With your pizza, these can bring you comfort and warmth.

9. Gourmet Cheese Platters

a) Cheese Selections

Elevate your pizza night with a carefully selected cheese platter. Try a variety of cheeses, from mild cheddar to pungent brie, for a wide range of textures and flavours.

b) Pairing with Condiments

Honey, almonds, and fruit preserves are some of the condiments that go well with cheese. They can complement the cheese and provide a nice difference in flavour for the pizza.

10. Dessert Options for a Sweet Ending

a) Light and Sweet

A refreshing dessert might be just what the doctor ordered after a savoury pizza dinner. Sorbet and fruit salad are light and refreshing dessert options.

b) Indulgent Desserts

Classic Italian sweets such as panna cotta or tiramisu are great options for individuals looking for something a little more decadent. Their velvety smoothness and decadent flavour make them the perfect topping for a pizza night.

11. Beverage Pairings: Completing the Meal

a) Wines and Beers

You may elevate your pizza experience by choosing the perfect drink. You can pair various pizzas with light beers and crisp wines, such as Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc.

b) Non-Alcoholic Options

Some non-alcoholic options include iced tea, sparkling water with a lime or lemon wedge, or other similar beverages. These drinks might help clear your taste buds and complement the pizza and sides.

12. Artisan Breads: A Rustic Touch to Pizza Night

a) Variety of Breads

You can elevate your pizza to the next level by topping it with gourmet breads like focaccia, ciabatta, or sourdough. A variety of textures and flavours are offered by these breads.

b) Serving Suggestions

Toss these breads with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping, or use them as a scoop for all that delicious pizza sauce.

13. Grilled Delights: Adding Smoky Flavors

a) Grilled Vegetables

Asparagus, corn on the cob, and bell peppers are grilled veggies that add a smokiness to pizza that is absolutely delicious. What a delicious contrast—charred edges and delicate insides.

b) Barbecue Meats

Grilling chicken skewers or sausages, for example, would make for a heartier side dish. You may season them to go with whatever pizza sauce you like.

14. Fresh Fruit: A Light and Zesty Companion

a) Seasonal Fruits

Pizza with a variety of fresh fruits on the side is a great way to cool down in the summer. To refresh the taste buds, try some berries, melons, or citrus fruits cut into thin slices.

b) Fruit Salads

To complement the savoury pizza, try topping it with a fruit salad made of a variety of in-season fruits, a touch of mint, or honey for a sweet and tart contrast.

15. Pasta Salads: A Hearty but Balanced Option

a) Versatile Pasta Choices

Because of their filling and adaptability, pasta salads can stand on their own as a substantial side dish. Combine light-dressed pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or orzo), fresh veggies, and parmesan.

b) Flavor Combinations

Toss some pasta salad ingredients with those that go with your pizza toppings and see what happens. A Mediterranean pizza, for instance, might go nicely with a pasta salad that has sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and the like.

16. Rice Dishes: An Unconventional but Delicious Choice

a) Simple Rice Preparations

One interesting and filling pizza side dish is a simple rice dish like seasoned pilaf or light lemon rice. Pizzas with strong or spicy flavours pair well with it.

b) International Rice Variants

Think about trying some mild biryani or Spanish rice, two examples of ethnic rice meals. These are perfect for pizza evenings with a fusion theme and can give a new dimension to your dinner.

17. Crispy Potato Sides: A Comforting Classic

a) Forms of Potatoes

Pizza goes well with potatoes in all their forms; roasted baby potatoes, crispy potato wedges, or plain old mashed potatoes are just a few examples.

b) Flavor Enhancements

To make these potato dishes go well with your pizza, season them with garlic, herbs, or cheese. That way, your pizza and potato dishes will have complementary flavours and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Salad Goes with Pizza?

A fresh garden or Caesar salad is ideal. Consider incorporating nuts and a light dressing for a healthier option.

Healthy Sides for Pizza Night?

Opt for roasted vegetables, a light salad, or carrot sticks. They offer nutritional value without compromising on taste.

Easy Side Dishes for Homemade Pizza?

Garlic bread, a simple salad, or a quick bruschetta are not only easy but also delicious.

Kid-Friendly Sides for Pizza?

Carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, or a simple cheese garlic bread can be great for kids.

Italian Side Dishes for Pizza?

Caprese salad, antipasto, or a simple olive mix can add an authentic Italian touch to your meal.

Final Words

Finally, using the correct accompaniments can elevate your pizza night to a whole new level of deliciousness. The crispness of salads and the savoury depth of garlic bread are perfect accompaniments to pizza, elevating its flavour even more. Keep in mind that each side dish should have its own distinct flavour and textural profile. Here are some delicious sides to go with your pizza night!