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Pizza Night doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating goals when you make your own pizza at home. While pizza is often thought of as junk food, it can be part of a nutritious meal when paired with the right healthy side dishes. Elevate your next pizza night with these delicious side dishes.
Each one of these delicious pizza sides is sure to be a crowd pleaser, so skip the usual fried sides and opt for fresh, flavorful options that add nutrients and balance. (If you are looking for a great appetizer for your pizza dinner, I have a separate post to help you put together the best meal.)
Besides the usual parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and homemade ranch for dipping your pizza crust, there are so many great pizza side dishes that are both satisfying and healthy. (Dump Ranch is my favorite homemade ranch dressing!)
Healthy Sides for Pizza
Here are delicious and healthy side dish ideas to serve alongside your favorite pizza at your next pizza party – there are enough options that you will be sure to find something that the entire family will enjoy:
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Easy Side Salads for a Pizza Dinner
A salad is the perfect pizza side dish. It’s also one of the best healthy sides to serve with pizza. Load it up with simple, fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables with oil and vinegar or a homemade balsamic dressing, and it will be the perfect side dish for a slice of pizza. Salad is a great way to balance out a cheesy pizza, and it is delicious and easy to make.
Simple Green Salad
Topped with vinaigrette, a simple salad is always a great idea. Fill it with leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for extra nutrition. Add chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein. Top with fresh veggies like tomatoes, carrots, red onion, and bell peppers.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A fruit salad made with berries, melons, pineapple, and citrus makes the perfect sweet counterpoint to savory pizza. Toss fruit with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning, and you have a fresh and easy salad to serve as a side dish with pizza.
Caprese Salad
Tomato, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil are a match made in heaven. Layer sliced tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an easy Italian-inspired salad.
Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad
A lightly marinated cucumber and tomato salad adds moisture and brightness and is an easy side dish. Toss sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in a vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
The cooling cucumber salad is a great balance to cheesy pizza, and it is such a versatile side dish.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is a creamy and refreshing side dish made with simple ingredients, that pairs perfectly with pizza.
Best Side Dish to Serve at a Pizza Party
If you’re having a pizza party, I would opt for easily sharable foods and foods that are easy to just grab and walk away, like baked wings or a huge fresh salad.
You can create a simple salad, then lay out small bowls of toppings. Then, let your gets build their own salad. The perfect salad to serve is one that everyone will enjoy, and everyone enjoys different things. Leave out a few different bottles of dressing, and you can even make a few of your own. Salad is the perfect side to balance out your favorite slice of pizza.
Pasta Salad Recipes (Pizza Dinner Side)
Antipasto Salad
An antipasto pasta salad is a great side dish for pizza. It’s a simple Italian salad that comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with a pizza.
Zesty Quinoa Salad
Zesty Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and protein-packed option. It brings a burst of flavors, thanks to the vibrant vegetables and herbs. It adds a wholesome and refreshing element to your pizza meal, but it’s really a great side dish for any meal.
Pasta Salad with Whole Wheat Pasta
An easy pasta salad with whole wheat pasta offers a hearty and fiber-rich side dish. It’s a balanced choice, providing complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It complements pizza by adding variety and texture to your meal.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Pizza
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are one of the best side dishes to serve with pizza since most pizza doesn’t include vegetables. Vegetables are the perfect healthy side dish for pizza.
Roast Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Asparagus, or any in-season veggies to bring out their natural sweetness. Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Roast at 400°F until tender and caramelized.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a low-calorie, fiber-rich option that provides a satisfying crunch. It’s a great choice for adding texture and a hint of smokiness to your pizza meal.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli offers a burst of vitamins and minerals. It’s high in fiber, aiding digestion, and its crispy edges make it a delightful and nutritious side.
Roasted Squash
Roasted squash, such as zucchini or butternut, is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Its natural sweetness pairs well with pizza, and roasting enhances its flavor.
Sautéed Squash
Sautéed squash is a quick, light option. It’s low in calories and can be seasoned to add extra flavor without overpowering the pizza.
Baked French Fries
Baked fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones. They offer a satisfying crunch and are lower in fat, making them a balanced choice with pizza.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries provide a crispy texture and a boost of vitamins. Baking them reduces calorie content while still delivering that satisfying fry experience.
Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans are a simple, nutritious choice. They offer fiber, vitamins, and a pleasant crunch, adding a touch of green freshness to your meal.
Onion Rings Cooked in the Air Fryer
Air-fried onion rings are a healthier take on a classic favorite. They’re crispy and flavorful, with fewer calories and less oil, making them a guilt-free accompaniment to your pizza.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Green Beans are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried sides. They retain their natural crunch while being lightly seasoned and cooked with minimal oil. These crispy green beans are a fantastic addition to your pizza meal, adding a touch of green freshness and nutrition to balance the flavors.
Healthy Protein Packed Sides to Serve with Pizza
If you want to add some protein on the side of your pizza, here are some good side dishes to choose from:
Baked Pepperoni Chips
Baked pepperoni chips are a flavorful, protein-rich option, and the great thing is that they are such an easy recipe to make. They provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory taste that complements the pizza perfectly.
Baked Chicken Wings
Baked chicken wings are a leaner alternative to deep-fried wings. They offer a delightful mix of tender meat and crispy skin, and you can season them to match your pizza’s flavor profile.
Air Fried Chicken Wings
Air-fried chicken wings are a healthier spin on a classic favorite. They maintain the crispy texture you love while using significantly less oil, making them a great pairing with your pizza without excessive calories.
Looking for a Homemade Pizza Recipe to Make?
Fire up your pizza oven and get baking! Here are some of our favorite homemade pizza recipes that are simple to make and taste delicious:
Your pizza night deserves an upgrade from the usual fried sides. Any of these fresh, antioxidant-packed salads and veggies make the perfect pairing for your pizza.
They provide balanced nutrition while letting the pizza shine as the main event. Please let me know what your favorites are!
