The Ultimate Pizza Pairing Guide: 17 Delicious Side Dish Ideas and Expert Tips

Ditch the classic margherita pizza and try pairing your favorite pie with some creative vegetarian options. Roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and red bell peppers add a burst of flavor and texture to your meal. For a more substantial option, try eggplant parmesan – a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply slice the eggplant into rounds, bread and fry them, and top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve alongside your favorite pizza for a match made in heaven.

For a lighter option, consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette. The tangy dressing and crunchy veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza. And don’t forget to add some croutons or cheese for extra texture and flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, there’s a vegetarian option to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

When it comes to gluten-free side dishes, the options can seem limited. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Cauliflower rice is a game-changer – simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, then sauté with garlic and olive oil. It’s a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional rice that’s sure to please. Another great option is zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles. Simply spiralize a zucchini and sauté with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite sauce. The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more substantial option, try making cauliflower gnocchi. It’s a bit more involved, but the result is well worth the effort. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs, then mix with egg and parmesan cheese. Roll out the mixture into a log shape and slice into individual gnocchi. Boil or pan-fry until golden brown and serve alongside your favorite pizza. The result is a delicious and gluten-free side dish that’s sure to impress.

Pizza can be a rich and indulgent meal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t balance it out with some healthy side dishes. Salads are a great option – simply mix together your favorite greens, veggies, and nuts, and top with a homemade vinaigrette. For a more substantial option, try steaming some broccoli or asparagus. The result is a tender and flavorful side dish that’s packed with nutrients. And don’t forget to add some cheese or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

For a more substantial option, try making a hearty vegetable soup. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, then add in your favorite veggies and broth. Simmer until the veggies are tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside your favorite pizza for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Pizza and seafood may seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. Try pairing your favorite pizza with some grilled shrimp or scallops. The result is a delicious and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for a summer evening. For a more substantial option, try making a seafood salad. Simply mix together your favorite seafood, veggies, and nuts, and top with a homemade vinaigrette. The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s packed with nutrients.

For a more indulgent option, try making some seafood-stuffed mushrooms. Simply fill some mushroom caps with a mixture of sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese, and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for pizza night. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and indulgent, there’s a seafood side dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Low-carb diets can be tough, but pizza doesn’t have to be off-limits. Try pairing your favorite pie with some low-carb side dishes that won’t disappoint. Cauliflower crust is a game-changer – simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs, then mix with egg and cheese. Roll out the mixture into a circle and top with your favorite sauce and cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve alongside your favorite pizza.

For a more substantial option, try making some zucchini boats. Simply hollow out some zucchinis and fill with a mixture of sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve alongside your favorite pizza. The result is a delicious and low-carb side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. And don’t forget to add some cheese or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and indulgent, there’s a low-carb side dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Pizza night is always more fun with some appetizers to get the party started. Try making some bruschetta – simply toast some bread, top with diced tomatoes and basil, and drizzle with olive oil. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for pizza night. For a more substantial option, try making some spinach and artichoke dip. Simply mix together some cream cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts, and serve with some crackers or pita chips. The result is a delicious and indulgent appetizer that’s sure to please.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some caprese skewers. Simply alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil on skewers, and drizzle with olive oil. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and indulgent, there’s an appetizer to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

When it comes to pizza, the right beverage can make all the difference. Try pairing your favorite pie with some classic Italian drinks like Peroni or Moretti. The result is a refreshing and crisp pairing that’s perfect for a summer evening. For a more substantial option, try making some sangria. Simply mix together some red wine, fruit, and liqueur, and serve over ice. The result is a delicious and indulgent drink that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some iced tea. Simply brew some tea, then sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and Italian or light and refreshing, there’s a beverage to pair with your favorite pizza.

Pizza night is always more fun with some kid-friendly side dishes to please the little ones. Try making some mac and cheese – a classic comfort food that’s sure to please. For a more substantial option, try making some chicken tenders. Simply bread and fry some chicken strips, then serve with some dipping sauce. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some carrot sticks with ranch dressing. Simply slice up some carrots and serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a kid-friendly side dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Pizza night is always more fun when you make your own side dishes at home. Try making some homemade garlic knots – simply mix together some flour, yeast, and garlic, then shape into knots and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for pizza night. For a more substantial option, try making some homemade pizza sauce. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, then add in some canned tomatoes and herbs. Simmer until the sauce is thick and flavorful, then serve alongside your favorite pizza.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some homemade salad dressing. Simply mix together some oil, vinegar, and herbs, then serve over a bed of greens. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a homemade side dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Pizza night is always more fun when you try something new. Try making some unique side dishes like grilled pineapple or prosciutto-wrapped melon. The result is a delicious and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for a summer evening. For a more substantial option, try making some stuffed mushrooms. Simply fill some mushroom caps with a mixture of sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese, and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some caprese skewers. Simply alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil on skewers, and drizzle with olive oil. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a unique side dish to try with your favorite pizza.

Pizza night is always more fun when you serve dessert as a side dish. Try making some classic Italian desserts like tiramisu or cannoli. The result is a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for a special occasion. For a more light and refreshing option, try making some fruit salad. Simply mix together your favorite fruits, then serve with a dollop of whipped cream. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

For a more substantial option, try making some brownies. Simply mix together some flour, sugar, and eggs, then bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for pizza night. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a dessert side dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Pizza night is always more fun when you try international side dishes. Try making some Korean-style BBQ tacos – simply marinate some chicken or beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then serve in a taco shell with some kimchi slaw. The result is a delicious and spicy side dish that’s perfect for a summer evening. For a more substantial option, try making some Indian-style naan bread. Simply mix together some flour, yeast, and spices, then shape into a ball and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some Mexican-style street corn. Simply grill some corn on the cob, then slather with butter, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s an international side dish to spice up your pizza night.

Pizza night is always more fun when you get creative with your toppings. Try making some unique pizza combinations like pineapple and prosciutto or artichoke and sun-dried tomato. The result is a delicious and refreshing pizza that’s perfect for a summer evening. For a more substantial option, try making some loaded pizza – simply top your favorite crust with a mixture of sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, then drizzle with olive oil and serve. The result is a delicious and indulgent pizza that’s perfect for pizza night.

For a more light and refreshing option, try making some white pizza – simply top your favorite crust with a mixture of ricotta cheese, garlic, and herbs, then drizzle with olive oil and serve. The result is a delicious and easy-to-make pizza that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a unique pizza topping to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.