What Side Dish Goes with Pizza?

Pizza is great on its own. But figuring out what side dish goes with pizza can turn a regular dinner into something your family actually talks about the next day.

After making homemade pizza nearly every week for over a decade, I’ve tested dozens of sides. Some worked. Some didn’t. The ones that stuck are the ones that bring contrast, whether that’s a crisp salad cutting through melted cheese or garlic knots soaking up leftover marinara sauce.

This guide covers the best pizza side dishes that actually belong on the same table as your pie. From quick Caesar salads and roasted vegetables to chicken wings and bruschetta, you’ll find easy options for pizza night, game day spreads, and everything in between.

What Side Dish Goes with Pizza

Pizza night doesn’t need much help. But after years of making homemade pizza every single week, I’ve learned that the right side dish changes everything.

A good pizza side brings contrast. Something fresh against all that melted cheese. Something crunchy next to that soft crust. Maybe something tangy to cut through the grease from a loaded pepperoni slice.

The sides below are the ones I keep coming back to. They’re easy, they actually taste good next to pizza (not just in theory), and most of them take less time than it takes your oven to preheat.

Caesar Salad

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

There’s a reason every pizzeria in America has Caesar salad on the menu. The crisp romaine lettuce, the creamy Parmesan cheese dressing, the crunch from croutons. It all works against a hot, cheesy slice.

The acidity from the lemon juice in the dressing cuts right through rich toppings. Your mileage may vary, but for me, a Caesar next to a Margherita pizza is one of the best dinner combos that exists.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Keep it simple. Chop romaine, toss with store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing, and top with shaved Parmesan and croutons. Done in five minutes.

If you want to make your own dressing (and you should, at least once), blend together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovy paste. Took me forever to figure out that the anchovy paste is what makes restaurant Caesar dressing taste so good.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

• Margherita or plain cheese pizza
• Pepperoni pizza
• Thin-crust pizza with lighter toppings
• White pizza with ricotta and garlic

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Grab a bagged Caesar salad kit from the grocery store. Seriously. The ones from Trader Joe’s or Taylor Farms are solid. Add a few extra Parmesan shavings and nobody will know.

Pro Tip

Dress the salad right before serving. Soggy Caesar is a sad Caesar. And if you have kids who won’t touch anchovies, just leave the paste out and add extra Parmesan instead.

Garlic Knots

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Yes, it’s more bread with your bread. I get it. But garlic knots hit differently than pizza crust.

They’re soft and pillowy on the inside, golden and slightly crispy outside, and absolutely drenched in garlic butter and herbs. Dipped in marinara sauce, they’re the kind of side that disappears before the pizza even comes out of the oven.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Use store-bought pizza dough. Cut it into strips, tie each one into a loose knot, and bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

While they bake, melt butter with minced garlic, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and salt. Pull the knots out, toss them in the butter mixture, and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

The whole process takes maybe 20 minutes.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

• Any pizza, honestly
• Works best alongside delivery or frozen pizza when you want something homemade on the table
• Great with mushroom or veggie pizza

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough unrolls into a perfect rectangle. Cut it, knot it, bake it. Four ingredients, no yeast proofing, no waiting. Some pizzerias will sell you raw dough for a couple bucks too.

Pro Tip

Toss the knots in the garlic butter while they’re still hot. That’s when they absorb the most flavor. And make the knots loose because they puff up quite a bit during baking.

Chicken Wings

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Chicken wings and pizza is the classic combo for a reason. It’s the go-to order for game day, pizza parties, and honestly any Friday night when you just want to go all in on comfort food.

Wings add protein to a carb-heavy meal. The saucy, sticky texture of a good wing is completely different from pizza, so you’re not just eating the same flavors over and over. If you’re curious about pairing sides with chicken wings themselves, that’s a whole other conversation.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Bake wings at 425 degrees F for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss them in your sauce of choice.

Popular sauce options:

• Buffalo (Frank’s RedHot + melted butter)
• BBQ (sweet, smoky, always a crowd pleaser)
• Garlic Parmesan (keeps the Italian theme going)
• Honey sriracha (sweet and spicy, surprisingly good with pepperoni pizza)

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

Buffalo wings pair best with a simple cheese pizza. BBQ wings work well alongside a meat lovers pie. Garlic Parmesan wings? Those go with literally everything.

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Frozen wings from the air fryer. Toss them in for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F, sauce them up, and you’ve got crispy wings without the deep fryer mess. Tyson and Perdue both make decent frozen options.

Pro Tip

Pat wings dry with paper towels before baking. That’s the secret to crispy skin without frying. Also, set out ranch dressing and blue cheese. People have strong opinions about which one goes with wings.

Roasted Vegetables

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Look, sometimes you need something green on the table. Roasted vegetables bring a nice balance to a meal that’s mostly cheese, bread, and processed meat.

The caramelized edges on roasted veggies add a sweetness that works surprisingly well next to a salty, savory slice. Plus, it takes about 10 minutes of actual hands-on work.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast at 425 to 450 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Best vegetables for pizza night:

• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Asparagus

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

Heavy, rich pizzas. Think deep dish, meat lovers, or anything with a lot of cheese. The roasted veggies help balance the heaviness.

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Buy pre-cut vegetable medley bags from the produce section. Dump on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, season, roast. Some grocery stores even sell pre-seasoned oven-ready vegetable trays.

Pro Tip

Don’t crowd the pan. Vegetables steam instead of roast when they’re piled on top of each other. Use two sheet pans if you need to. And roast at high heat for those crispy, caramelized edges.

Garlic Bread

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Another bread-on-bread situation, and I’m not sorry about it. Garlic bread is the side dish that turns pizza night into an event. There’s something about warm, buttery, garlicky bread that just makes people happy.

It’s also great for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate. The flavor profile matches Italian cuisine without competing with whatever toppings are on your pizza.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Split a French baguette or Italian loaf in half. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread generously on the cut sides. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.

Want cheesy garlic bread? Add mozzarella on top during the last 3 to 4 minutes of baking.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

• Works with any pizza style
• Especially good alongside thin-crust pizzas that leave you wanting more
• Great with pizza delivery when you want a homemade touch

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Frozen garlic bread from the store works fine. The Texas Toast brand is popular for a reason. Seven minutes in the oven and you’re done. If you’re already making sides for lasagna during the week, garlic bread pulls double duty.

Pro Tip

Use both fresh garlic and garlic powder in the butter. Fresh gives you that sharp, strong garlic flavor while the powder adds a mellow, even distribution across the whole slice.

Mozzarella Sticks

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Fried mozzarella sticks are basically pizza’s best friend. Crispy breading on the outside, gooey melted cheese on the inside, dunked in marinara sauce. It’s comfort food on top of comfort food.

They’re a hit at pizza parties, game days, and any time kids are involved. Actually, they’re a hit every time, period.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Cut mozzarella string cheese in half. Dip in flour, then beaten egg, then seasoned breadcrumbs. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes (this is the step most people skip, and that’s why their cheese melts out everywhere). Fry in oil at 375 degrees F for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

Pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza, or any classic American-style pie. They also work well as an appetizer before a homemade pizza dinner.

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer. Six to eight minutes at 390 degrees F. Farm Rich and TGI Friday’s brands are the most common options. They come out surprisingly crispy.

Pro Tip

If making from scratch, do a double breading. Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice. The coating holds up much better during frying and you get that extra crunch.

Caprese Salad

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Fresh tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, torn basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Caprese salad brings a clean, fresh contrast to hot, cheesy pizza. The flavors are Italian at their core, so everything just belongs on the same table.

It’s also one of those dishes that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into rounds of similar thickness. Alternate them on a plate, tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.

Season with salt and pepper. That’s it.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

• Margherita pizza (they share ingredients, and it just works)
• Veggie pizza
• Thin-crust or Neapolitan-style pizza

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Use cherry tomato and mozzarella pearl skewers for a faster, finger-food version. Some delis sell pre-made Caprese platters too.

Pro Tip

Only make this when tomatoes are in season. A good Caprese salad depends entirely on ripe, flavorful tomatoes. In winter, cherry tomatoes tend to be the best option since they hold their flavor better than out-of-season beefsteaks.

Pasta Salad

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Pasta salad is the side that stretches a pizza dinner to feed a bigger crowd. It’s filling, it can be made hours ahead, and it sits happily in the fridge until everyone shows up.

The cool, tangy flavors from the Italian dressing balance out hot, heavy slices of pizza. This is one of those sides that works for everything from casual family dinners to a full spaghetti night spread.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Cook rotini or penne, drain and cool. Toss with Italian dressing, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, cubed salami or pepperoni, and cubed mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

Make it at least an hour before serving so the pasta absorbs the dressing.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

Honestly, any pizza. Pasta salad is one of those universally good pizza side dishes that never feels out of place. But it’s especially useful at pizza buffets and parties.

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Deli counters at most grocery stores carry Italian pasta salad by the pound. Just scoop and serve. Add a few fresh cherry tomatoes to make it look homemade.

Pro Tip

Pasta salad dries out as it sits. Add a splash of extra Italian dressing right before serving. And always slightly undercook the pasta since it continues to soften in the fridge.

Bruschetta

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Bruschetta brings the freshness that pizza sometimes lacks. Diced tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, and a good olive oil on top of toasted bread. It’s light, bright, and the acidity from the tomatoes wakes up your palate between heavier bites of pizza.

It works as an appetizer before the pizza hits the table, or as a side sitting right next to your slices.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

Dice Roma tomatoes and mix with minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors come together.

Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden. Spoon the tomato mixture on top right before serving.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

• Meat lovers or heavily topped pizzas (bruschetta adds freshness)
• White pizza
• Grilled pizza

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Whipped cream cheese spread on crostini, topped with jarred bruschetta topping. Takes about 3 minutes to put together and tastes better than it has any right to.

Pro Tip

Don’t put the tomato topping on the bread too early. It makes the toast soggy fast. Assemble right before people eat, or set out the components separately and let everyone top their own.

French Fries or Potato Wedges

Why It Pairs Well with Pizza

Is it the healthiest option? No. Is it the most satisfying? Probably. French fries and potato wedges are the side that turns pizza night into a full-on feast. Crispy, salty, starchy goodness alongside melted cheese and sauce.

Kids love it. Adults love it. Nobody has ever complained about fries being on the table.

How to Make It for Pizza Night

For oven fries, cut russet potatoes into wedges or sticks, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a sheet pan in a single layer and bake at 425 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway.

For seasoned wedges, add smoked paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne to the mix.

Best Pizza Styles to Serve It With

Deep-dish pizza, hamburger pizza, or any casual pizza night where you’re going for maximum comfort. Also pairs well with delivery pizza when you want to add something homemade. If you’re feeding a crowd with pulled pork sandwiches and pizza, fries cover both.

Quick Shortcut or Store-Bought Option

Frozen fries in the air fryer. Fifteen to twenty minutes at 400 degrees F. Ore-Ida and McCain are reliable options. Shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness.

Pro Tip

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This removes excess starch and makes them way crispier. Dry them completely before tossing in oil.

FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Pizza

What is the best side dish for pizza night?

Caesar salad is the most popular choice. The crisp romaine and tangy Parmesan dressing balance out the richness of melted cheese. Garlic knots and chicken wings are close runner-ups, especially for bigger gatherings.

What healthy sides go with pizza?

Roasted vegetables, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or a fresh Caprese salad. These options add fiber and nutrients without making the meal feel heavy. Roasted broccoli and zucchini work especially well.

What side dishes go with pizza for a party?

Chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, and a large pasta salad are the go-to pizza party sides. They’re easy to make ahead, feed a crowd, and pair well with any pizza style.

What salad goes best with pizza?

Caesar salad is the classic pick. But a Greek salad with feta, olives, and cucumber works great too. Arugula salad with Parmesan and lemon dressing is another solid option for lighter meals.

What sides go with pizza for kids?

French fries, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, and corn on the cob. Kids tend to prefer familiar finger foods. Fruit salad also works if you want something a bit healthier on the table.

Do breadsticks go well with pizza?

Yes. Breadsticks with marinara sauce or ranch dressing are a classic pizza companion. They’re basically pizza crust with extra seasoning. Homemade or store-bought, they always disappear fast at pizza dinners.

What Italian side dishes go with pizza?

Bruschetta, Caprese salad, antipasto platters, and garlic knots all fit the Italian theme. A simple arugula salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar keeps things authentic without adding much prep time.

What dipping sauces go with pizza?

Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are the two most popular options. Garlic butter, blue cheese dressing, and honey drizzle also work well. Most pizza lovers keep at least two dipping options on the table.

What goes with pizza besides salad?

Chicken wings, potato wedges, onion rings, stuffed mushrooms, and meatballs. If you want something warm and filling alongside your slices, these are the sides that people reach for most often.

Can soup be a side dish for pizza?

Absolutely. Minestrone soup and tomato soup pair well with pizza, especially during colder months. A warm bowl of soup with a slice or two makes for a satisfying and balanced weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Picking what side dish goes with pizza doesn’t need to be complicated. The best options are the ones that add something your pizza doesn’t already have, whether that’s crunch, freshness, or a bit of protein.

A quick antipasto platter or some onion rings can round out a weeknight meal in minutes. For pizza parties, go with a mix of warm sides like potato wedges and something cool like coleslaw or a Greek salad.

Don’t overthink it. Match lighter sides with heavy, loaded pizzas. Pair heartier options like meatballs or stuffed mushrooms with simpler pies.

The goal is balance. Try a few combinations from this list and you’ll figure out what works best for your crew pretty quickly.