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What to Serve With Pizza and Salad: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your pizza and salad spread with a range of delectable side dishes that bring both flavor and excitement. Cheesy garlic bread and mozzarella sticks offer comforting, savory bites. Try stuffed mushrooms for an elegant touch or bruschetta for vibrant Italian flair. Caprese skewers add a fresh burst of flavor, while buffalo chicken wings bring a spicy kick. Meatballs, fried calamari, and garlic knots provide hearty choices. For something creamy, spinach artichoke dip or tomato basil soup are perfect. Jalapeño poppers and parmesan zucchini fries add unique twists. Each of these options elevates your meal experience. Discover more delicious combinations ahead.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

deliciously comforting garlicky treat

Cheesy garlic bread is a classic and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements both pizza and salad.

This delicious treat features a buttery crust topped with a rich cheese blend that melts in your mouth. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Whether served warm and crispy or soft and gooey, cheesy garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser.

Mozzarella Sticks

tasty fried cheese appetizer

Another delightful accompaniment to pizza and salad is mozzarella sticks. These crispy treats, with their golden breadcrumb coating, are a hit at any gathering.

Paired with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch, they add both texture and flavor to your meal. Their gooey, melted cheese center complements the savory notes of pizza, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Stuffed Mushrooms

delicious appetizer with mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms make an elegant and flavorful addition to any meal featuring pizza and salad. With countless stuffing varieties like cheese, garlic, and herbs, they cater to diverse tastes.

For serving tips, consider arranging them on a platter with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Bruschetta

delicious tomato and basil

Bruschetta, with its vibrant flavors and crisp textures, offers a delightful complement to pizza and salad. Originating from Italy, this appetizer traces its history to ancient Roman times.

Traditional versions feature garlic-rubbed toast topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Today, topping variations abound, including combinations like mozzarella and balsamic glaze, making bruschetta a versatile and appealing choice.

Caprese Skewers

delicious tomato mozzarella appetizers

Caprese skewers are a visually appealing and delightfully rejuvenating option to pair with pizza and salad. They are classic Italian appetizers made with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, these skewers offer a burst of flavor and a revitalizing contrast to heartier dishes.

Their simple yet elegant presentation makes them a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Antipasto Platter

tasty italian starter spread

An antipasto platter offers a diverse and flavorful array of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, making it an excellent companion to pizza and salad.

This versatile dish can be tailored to various tastes, with platter variations showcasing different regional specialties.

Pair it with suitable wine pairings to elevate your meal, ensuring a delightful and sophisticated dining experience for all.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and delicious dish

Roasted vegetables provide a nutritious and flavorful complement to pizza and salad, offering a satisfying balance of textures and tastes.

To achieve perfect results, consider grilling tips like preheating the oven and cutting vegetables evenly.

Seasoning options such as rosemary, thyme, or a simple mix of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors, making them a delightful addition to your meal.

Garlic Knots

delicious garlic infused bread

Garlic knots, with their soft, fluffy texture and rich garlic flavor, are a classic and irresistible side dish to serve alongside pizza and salad.

A homemade recipe guarantees they're fresh and delicious. Pair them with a savory dipping sauce like marinara or garlic butter for added delight.

These knots enhance any meal, making them a surefire hit with everyone.

Jalapeño Poppers

spicy cheese filled appetizers

Adding a touch of spice to your meal, jalapeño poppers offer a flavorful contrast that complements the more traditional elements like garlic knots.

These spicy appetizers, stuffed with rich cream cheese, provide a delightful kick that enhances any pizza and salad spread.

The creamy interior balances the heat of the jalapeño, creating a harmonious blend that is both exciting and satisfying for your taste buds.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

delicious crispy zucchini snack

Parmesan zucchini fries offer a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional French fries, making them a perfect addition to your pizza and salad meal.

Coated with parmesan cheese and baked to perfection, they provide a delightful crunch. Pair them with healthy dipping sauces like marinara or yogurt-based options.

Experiment with alternative coatings, such as panko breadcrumbs, for added texture and taste.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

creamy and flavorful dip

Why not elevate your pizza and salad meal with a creamy, savory spinach artichoke dip that pairs perfectly with a variety of dippable sides?

The creamy texture of this dip offers a delightful contrast to crunchy chips or warm bread.

With flavor variations that can include garlic, cheese, and spices, it adds a rich and satisfying element to your dining experience.

Buffalo Chicken Wings

spicy tangy saucy delight

Buffalo chicken wings bring a spicy and tangy kick to your pizza and salad meal, offering a flavorful complement that excites the palate.

The buffalo sauce, known for its bold taste, beautifully coats the wings, while the chicken marinade guarantees they are juicy and tender.

These wings provide a delightful contrast, enhancing your dining experience with their zesty and savory notes.

Meatballs

comfort food for all

Complementing the spicy zest of buffalo chicken wings, savory meatballs offer a hearty and satisfying addition to your pizza and salad spread.

Classic meatballs, with their rich, meaty flavor, or Italian meatballs, seasoned with herbs and Parmesan, both bring a comforting taste to the table.

Their robust profiles enhance the overall meal, making them a delightful choice for any gathering.

Fried Calamari

tasty seafood appetizer option

Fried calamari, with its crispy exterior and tender interior, provides a delightful seafood option to accompany your pizza and salad.

The squid preparation involves coating the rings in seasoned flour before frying them to golden perfection.

Pair this dish with tangy dipping sauces like marinara or aioli for an extra burst of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Pizza the Same as for Regular Pizza and Salad?

When it comes to the best side dishes for breakfast pizza, the options may differ from those for regular pizza. While a fresh fruit salad can complement both breakfast and regular pizza, popular choices for breakfast pizza sides include scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon.

Tomato Basil Soup

warm comfort in winter

For a warm and comforting addition to your meal, tomato basil soup offers a rich and flavorful complement to both pizza and salad.

The creamy texture of the soup, combined with fresh herbs like basil, creates a delightful harmony of tastes.

This combination not only enhances the dining experience but also provides a satisfying and soothing contrast to the crispness of salad and the heartiness of pizza.