Pizza is comforting, versatile, and always satisfying — but the right sides turn it into a truly memorable and enjoyable meal.
Whether you're planning a casual dinner, hosting your next pizza night, or preparing food for guests, you'll love this ultimate guide on what to serve with pizza.
Jump to:
- Adjust the Pizza Bases for Variety
- Top Kitchen Essentials for Pizza Night 👩🍳
- Best Appetisers and Warm Sides to Serve with Pizza
- Fresh Salads That Balance Pizza Perfectly
- Hearty Vegetable Sides That Add Comfort
- What to Serve with Pizza for a Cozy Night In
- What to Serve with Pizza at Your Next Pizza Party
- Pro Tips for Serving the Best Pizza Sides
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Looking for more Easy Vegetarian recipes?
- What Our Community is Loving ❤️
SAVE this recipe! 📩
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
At Love Incredible Recipes, we focus on simple, vegetarian recipes that transform pizza from a standalone main dish into an exciting and balanced dining experience.
Choosing the best sides can create balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meal.
In this guide, we'll explore quick and simple sides and appetizers you can serve with pizza, as well as different ways you can serve pizza.
Adjust the Pizza Bases for Variety
Before choosing sides, consider upgrading your base. Changing the foundation is a great way to introduce new nutrients, textures, and flavors.
Naan Pizza
Naan creates a soft interior and crisp exterior similar to classic pizza crust, making it ideal for quick and delicious meals using ingredients from your local grocery store.
Chickpea Flour Pizza
This protein-rich base is perfect if you're looking for a lighter but satisfying option. Its earthy taste pairs beautifully with fresh salads and roasted vegetables.
Eggplant Pizza
Eggplant (aubergine) is a nutritious and flavorful type of pizza base that offers nutrients and richness without heaviness, making it ideal for pairing with fresh and vibrant sides.
These creative bases make homemade pizza feel exciting and new every time.
Top Kitchen Essentials for Pizza Night 👩🍳
While these vegetarian pizza recipes and sides are simple, having the right tools makes cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Here are some helpful items to consider:
- Air Fryer - for crispy pizzas. If you're in the UK, we recommend this air fryer and if you're in the US, you can get this here.
- Pizza stone – Helps you get a perfectly crispy pizza crust, just like in a restaurant. If you're in the UK, you can find them here, and if you're in the US, you can get them here.
- Baking sheets – Perfect for roasting vegetables or baking garlic bread. If you're in the UK, you can find them here, and if you're in the US, you can get them here.
- Fancy serving trays: serve appetizers and sides on a fancy serving tray for pizza parties. If you're in the UK, you can get them here and if you're in the US, you can get these here.
- Non-stick skillet – Great for sautéing mushrooms or roasting vegetables. We recommend this non-stick large saucepan (If you're in the US: you can get this non-stick saucepan here.
Having these tools handy is a wonderful way to make your cooking experience smoother and ensures every dish turns out perfectly. Investing in the right equipment is always a good option if you love cooking at home.
Best Appetisers and Warm Sides to Serve with Pizza
Jalapeño Poppers
These creamy, spicy bites are among the best appetizers, offering bold flavor and satisfying crunch.
Sourdough Garlic Bread
Brushed lightly with olive oil, this crispy classic is always a crowd-pleaser and a natural companion to pizza.
Cheesy Garlic Naan Bread
This indulgent option adds richness and is a perfect side dish for sharing.
Garlic Flatbread & Mushroom Flatbread
Both provide satisfying texture and are a good option when serving multiple people.
Mushroom Poppers & Garlic Breaded Mushrooms
These savory bites add depth and are a great side dish that complements nearly any pizza combination.
Jalapeño Popper Potato Skins
These comforting bites offer a delicious alternative to traditional potato salad, with added texture and flavor.
Fresh Salads That Balance Pizza Perfectly
Easy Homemade Coleslaw
This refreshing chopped salad adds crunch and balances richer dishes. Enjoy with fresh potato salad, sweetcorn and beetroot.
Mango and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing dish is the perfect pizza side dish, especially during warmer months.
Tomato Zucchini Salad
Featuring fresh tomatoes, this salad adds brightness and balance.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Served in a large bowl, this refreshing salad can be prepared ahead and enjoyed at room temperature.
Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate
This dish adds vibrant color and contrast to your table.
You can also serve a simple green salad using romaine lettuce or any leafy green for freshness.
Hearty Vegetable Sides That Add Comfort
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This comforting soup makes a nourishing healthy side.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Roasted brussels sprouts develop rich flavor and crispy edges that pair beautifully with pizza.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a satisfying and balanced side.
What to Serve with Pizza for a Cozy Night In
- Chickpea flour pizza
- Sweet potato and red pepper soup
- Garlic flatbread (with homemade garlic butter) or cheesy garlic naan bread
- Beetroot salad with pomegranate
- Tomato zucchini salad
- Fresh homemade coleslaw
This combination offers warmth, freshness, and delicious options without extra effort.
What to Serve with Pizza at Your Next Pizza Party
- Air fryer naan pizza or air fryer eggplant pizza
- Crispy Jalapeño poppers or mushroom poppers with cheese
- Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad
- Sweet potato wedges
- Fresh homemade coleslaw
This approach ensures variety and makes your next pizza party feel special.
Pro Tips for Serving the Best Pizza Sides
- Balance rich pizza with fresh vegetables.
- Mix crispy, creamy, and fresh elements for different textures.
- Prepare sides ahead and serve at room temperature when possible.
- Keep at least one healthy side to balance heavier dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best sides provide freshness and contrast. Salads, roasted vegetables, and warm appetisers complement pizza beautifully.
A healthy side like sweet potato wedges or tomato zucchini salad adds balance and nutrients.
For everyday meals, one or two sides is enough. For gatherings, offering several options provides more variety.
Final Thoughts
The right sides transform pizza into a balanced and memorable meal. Combining fresh salads, warm appetisers, and hearty vegetable dishes ensures your pizza experience feels complete, satisfying, and exciting.
Whether you're planning a cozy dinner or hosting guests, we hope you enjoy these vegetarian sides, appetizers and salads.
Looking for more Easy Vegetarian recipes?
If you enjoy these recipes, our Easy Vegetarian Cookbook is packed with 55+ recipes, from main courses to sweet treats, perfect for quick weekday dinners and any special occasion. Every recipe in this recipe collection is designed to make cooking simple, fun, and full of good food that will impress anyone at your table.
What Our Community is Loving ❤️
Here’s what some of our readers are saying:
- "YUM! love the beets and pomegranates together. Then the mint on top really adds so much bright flavor. this is so easy and tasty, thanks!" - Rebecca (Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate)
- "Omg this was so delicious - can’t believe it is made using eggplant! This is my new healthy pizza recipe… thank you so much!" - Jessica (Eggplant Pizza)
- "We've enjoyed this great recipe several times over the last month - it is so easy and very tasty!" - Donalyn (Air Fryer Naan Pizza)
- "I made this salad for lunch today and it was incredible! The perfect blend of sweet and savory!" - Taylor (Mango and Cucumber Salad)
Tried any recipe from our site? We’d love to hear how it went! Share your thoughts in the 📝 comments below or send us a message. Your feedback and photos make our community so special.
Leave a Reply