Pizza is one of those perfect comfort foods—cheesy, crispy, and satisfying. Honestly, it can totally stand alone as a meal. But let’s be real: sometimes, slices of pizza taste even better when you pair them with a great side dish.
Whether you’re planning a casual pizza party or just making dinner for the family, adding a few pizza side dishes is an easy way to make your pizza dinner more exciting and well-rounded. Today, I’m sharing the best sides to serve with pizza—some homemade, some store bought options, and all of them are easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
What Sides to Have With Pizza
Let’s dive into the best tasty sides to serve with your next pizza night!
Classic Caesar Salad
A classic caesar salad is one of the best sides for pizza. It’s crisp, refreshing, and balances out the richness of melty cheese and meats. I love that it adds texture and freshness to your plate without taking too much effort.
Why it works: That creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and sharp parmesan are bold enough to stand next to pizza but still keep things light.
Garlic Breadsticks
There’s something about soft, buttery breadsticks that just belongs next to slices of pizza. They’re brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Why it works: Breadsticks match the vibe of a pizza party and feel just indulgent enough. Bonus: You can grab a great store bought version at any grocery store.
Roasted Broccoli with Red Onions
Want a vegetable side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought? This roasted broccoli and red onions dish is one of my go-to pairings. It’s crispy, a little sweet, and pairs so well with a cheesy pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets and red onions with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3:
Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet.
Step 4:
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 5:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan (optional). Serve warm with your pizza!
Caprese Salad
This fresh salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze is a light and beautiful pizza side dish.
Why it works: The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella complement any style of pizza, while the basil and balsamic bring a pop of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt & pepper
- Balsamic glaze (drizzle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1:
Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating each.
Step 2:
Tuck fresh basil leaves between each slice.
Step 3:
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Step 4:
Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Antipasto Skewers
Perfect for any pizza party, these bite-sized skewers bring in the flavors of Italian meats and cheeses.
Why it works: It’s portable, colorful, and super customizable. Plus, they’re great as a no-cook option.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls
- Salami or pepperoni slices
- Black olives
- Artichoke hearts (optional)
- Fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1: Thread each ingredient onto wooden skewers in a fun pattern.
Step 2: Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or room temp.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Looking for something spicy and savory? These buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely addictive.
Why it works: These are an excellent vegetable side with a kick, and they pair great with ranch dip.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet.
Step 2:
Mix flour, water, and garlic powder. Toss cauliflower in batter.
Step 3:
Place battered cauliflower on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 4:
Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss baked cauliflower in the sauce.
Step 5:
Return to oven for 10 more minutes. Serve with ranch!
Mozzarella Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These low-carb zucchini boats are cheesy, herby, and loaded with flavor.
Why it works: It’s a vegetable side that still gives that gooey, cheesy satisfaction, and they’re baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2:
Scoop out the centers of the zucchinis to form boats.
Step 3:
Brush with olive oil, season, and place on a baking sheet.
Step 4:
Spoon marinara into each and top with mozzarella.
Step 5:
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet, crispy, and easy to grab as a store bought option or homemade, sweet potato fries are one of my favorite sides to serve with pizza.
Why it works: That bit of sweetness contrasts perfectly with spicy or cheesy pizza flavors.
Italian Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad is perfect for warm weather and complements pizza beautifully with zesty flavors and crunchy veggies.
Why it works: It’s filling but fresh, and you can make it ahead of time for an easy pizza night win.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Soup and pizza? Trust me—it works. Especially creamy tomato soup. Perfect for dipping crusts and warming up on cold nights.
Why it works: It gives total comfort food energy and adds a rich, velvety contrast to crisp pizza crust.
Parmesan Garlic Knots
These are next-level breadsticks, baked until golden and brushed with garlic butter and parmesan.
Why it works: They’re ultra savory and make your pizza party feel like a full Italian feast.
How To Choose Side Dishes For Pizza
Choosing the right pizza side dishes is all about balance and pairing. Here’s how to find the perfect match for your next pizza night:
Add Freshness
Adding something fresh like a classic caesar salad or Caprese helps balance out cheesy, hearty pizza. Look for sides with crunchy textures or citrus notes.
Contrast Textures
If your pizza is soft and chewy, contrast it with a crunchy side like breadsticks or roasted veggies. It makes your pizza dinner more exciting and enjoyable.
Balance Flavors
A spicy or meat-loaded pizza pairs well with a milder side, while a simple Margherita goes great with a bold, flavorful side like buffalo cauliflower.
Keep It Simple
Sides don’t have to be complicated. Store bought salads, dips, and veggies from the grocery store can be just as satisfying—especially when you’re short on time.
Think of the Whole Meal
Mix hot and cold dishes for balance. A warm side like garlic bread pairs well with a chilled classic caesar salad to round out your pizza party table.
Quick Store Bought Side Ideas
If you’re short on time, try these store bought options that are easy to grab from your grocery store and serve with minimal prep:
- Caesar salad kits
- Frozen garlic knots or breadsticks
- Italian deli antipasto mix
- Pre-roasted veggie trays
- Spinach dip with crackers
- Bagged sweet potato fries
Don’t Miss These Other Sides
Looking for more meal inspiration? Check out these roundups:
- Planning wings too? Here are some good sides for wings
- Craving something hearty? These side dishes for sloppy joes are a must!
Final Thoughts
Pizza may be the star of the show, but great side dishes can totally transform your pizza dinner. From crispy veggies and bold buffalo bites to creamy salads and skewers packed with flavor, there are so many ways to upgrade your slices of pizza.
Whether you make something from scratch or grab it at the grocery store, don’t skip the sides—especially when it’s pizza night.
Save this post for your next family pizza night!
