The Ultimate Pizza Pairing Guide: 15 Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Favorite Meal

When it comes to pairing vegetarian options with pizza, the possibilities are endless. Consider the humble portobello mushroom, its meaty texture and earthy flavor making it a natural match for rich, savory sauces. Alternatively, try roasting eggplant and zucchini to bring out their natural sweetness, then top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For a more substantial option, whip up a batch of lentil or chickpea salad, flavored with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

Gluten-free diets don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Cauliflower gnocchi, made by pulsing cooked cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles breadcrumbs, can be pan-fried until crispy and served with a side of marinara sauce. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of gluten-free focaccia bread, topped with olive oil, rosemary, and coarse sea salt. Or, for a lighter option, whip up a quick and easy green salad, topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

When it comes to pairing healthy side dishes with pizza, the key is to focus on fresh, whole ingredients. Try roasting a medley of colorful vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Alternatively, whip up a batch of quinoa salad, flavored with chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of black bean and corn salad, flavored with a zesty lime dressing and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Seafood and pizza may seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. Try pairing a crispy Caesar salad with a side of garlic shrimp, tossed in a spicy marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Alternatively, whip up a batch of seafood paella, flavored with saffron and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of seafood skewers, marinated in a zesty mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs.

Low-carb diets don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Try making a batch of zucchini noodles, tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Alternatively, whip up a batch of cauliflower rice, flavored with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of meatballs, made with ground turkey or beef and flavored with a zesty mixture of olive oil, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs.

Appetizers and pizza are a match made in heaven. Try pairing a crispy bruschetta with a side of garlic knots, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Alternatively, whip up a batch of spinach and artichoke dip, served with a side of crispy pita chips. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of mini quiches, flavored with a zesty mixture of olive oil, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs.

Beverages and pizza are a perfect pairing. Try pairing a glass of Pinot Grigio with a side of garlic bread, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, whip up a batch of sangria, flavored with a zesty mixture of fruit and a splash of sparkling wine. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of iced tea, flavored with a zesty mixture of lemon and mint.

Kid-friendly side dishes are a must for any pizza night. Try making a batch of mac and cheese, flavored with a zesty mixture of olive oil and chopped fresh herbs. Alternatively, whip up a batch of chicken tenders, served with a side of dipping sauce. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of fruit salad, flavored with a zesty mixture of lemon and honey.

Making your own side dishes at home is easier than you think. Try roasting a medley of vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Alternatively, whip up a batch of quinoa salad, flavored with chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of black bean and corn salad, flavored with a zesty lime dressing and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Unique side dishes are a great way to mix things up on pizza night. Try making a batch of Korean-style BBQ tacos, flavored with a zesty mixture of soy sauce and gochujang. Alternatively, whip up a batch of grilled pineapple and prosciutto skewers, flavored with a zesty mixture of olive oil and chopped fresh herbs. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of stuffed bell peppers, flavored with a zesty mixture of olive oil, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs.

Dessert and pizza may seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. Try pairing a crispy cannoli with a side of garlic knots, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Alternatively, whip up a batch of tiramisu, flavored with a zesty mixture of espresso and liqueur. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of cheesecake, flavored with a zesty mixture of lemon and honey.

International side dishes are a great way to add some global flair to your pizza night. Try making a batch of Japanese-style miso soup, flavored with a zesty mixture of miso paste and soy sauce. Alternatively, whip up a batch of Indian-style basmati rice, flavored with a zesty mixture of cumin and coriander. For a more substantial option, try making a batch of Mexican-style street corn, flavored with a zesty mixture of mayonnaise and cotija cheese.