Introduction:
Pizza night is a beloved tradition, but sometimes you want a little more than just a slice (or two) to fill you up. Whether you're hosting a game night with friends, a cozy dinner for two, or a casual family gathering, having a selection of healthy and delicious side dishes can elevate your pizza experience from ordinary to extraordinary. These pizza side dishes can add essential nutrients to your meal, provide refreshing contrasts in flavor and texture to your pizza, and help create a more well-rounded dining experience that satisfies everyone at the table. For example, a light and refreshing salad can help cut through the richness of cheesy pizza, while roasted vegetables can add a satisfying heartiness to your meal. No matter your taste preferences or dietary needs, there's a perfect side dish out there to complement your next pizza night.
20 Best Side Dishes for Pizza:
Choosing the perfect side dish for your pizza night depends on a few factors. Consider the flavors of your pizza, the overall healthfulness of your meal, and the amount of time you have for preparation. With these factors in mind, you can select side dishes that complement your pizza without overpowering it, add essential nutrients, and round out your meal for a satisfying dining experience.
Here are 20 good pizza side dish options to complement your next feast:
salads to go with pizza
1. Arugula Salad with Shaved Vegetables and Balsamic Vinaigrette: This light and refreshing salad is a perfect counterpoint to the richness of pizza. Arugula's peppery bite pairs well with salty cheeses, while shaved vegetables like zucchini and carrots add a welcome crunch.
2. Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad features sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's a simple yet satisfying pizza side dish that complements the flavors of pizza without overwhelming them.
3. Spinach Salad with Berries and Feta: Thisis also the best salad to serve with pizza, which is a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Spinach provides a nutritional boost, while berries add a touch of sweetness. Crumbled feta cheese balances the flavors and adds a creamy texture.
Veggies:
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes them slightly for a deeper flavor. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are all excellent choices. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting.
5. Sauteed Kale: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, and sauteing it with garlic and olive oil is a quick and easy way to enjoy its benefits. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Grilling vegetables infuses them with a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with pizza. Zucchini, eggplant, onions, and peppers are all great options for grilling.
Healthy side dishes for pizza:
7. Minestrone Soup: This hearty Italian soup is a complete meal in itself, but it also makes a satisfying starter for a pizza night. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, minestrone soup is both nutritious and delicious.
8. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish with pizza. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Black beans add fiber and heart-healthy fats.
9. Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It can be served plain or seasoned to complement your pizza.
10. Mashed Cauliflower: Mashed cauliflower is another healthy and delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. It's creamy, comforting, and much lower in carbs.
Other Delicious Sides for Your Pizza Night:
11. Garlic Knots: These fluffy knots of dough brushed with garlic butter are a classic pizzeria staple for a reason. They're soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or leftover pizza sauce.
12. Bruschetta: Toasted bread slices topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs make a simple yet flavorful side dish. You can also get creative and add other toppings like balsamic glaze, mozzarella cheese, or roasted vegetables.
13. Creamy Italian Dressing with Crudités: A platter of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli served with a cool and creamy Italian dressing is a refreshing and healthy option.
14. Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: These crispy bites are a fun and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coating cauliflower florets in a spicy buffalo sauce and air-frying them creates a delicious and satisfying side for pizza.
15. Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts offer a tangy and flavorful side dish. They can be enjoyed whole or chopped and added to salads or pasta dishes.
16. Italian Pinwheels: These colorful pinwheels are made by rolling up deli meats, cheeses, and pesto into a log, slicing it, and securing it with a toothpick. They're a fun and festive finger food that's perfect for parties.
17. Frittata: This savory Italian egg dish can be filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and cured meats. Frittata can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile side dish.
18. Gazpacho: This chilled Spanish soup is made with blended tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It's a light and refreshing option that's perfect for a summer pizza night.
19. Roasted Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and protein-packed side dish. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, spices, and herbs before roasting for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
20. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad is a light and healthy way to end your pizza night. Combine your favorite seasonal fruits for a sweet and colorful side dish.
Conclusion:
No matter your taste preferences, there's a perfect side dish out there to complement your next pizza night. For an extra celebratory atmosphere, consider watching the game at a local sports bar like Real Time Sports Bar, where the energy is electric and the big screens ensure you won't miss a minute of the action. Our party packages include pizza buffets alongside other menu items, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors and find the perfect pizza and side dish combinations to satisfy your entire crew. Here's to a delicious, fun-filled pizza night, complete with cheering crowds and the perfect game-day spread!