12 Delicious Options for What to Eat With Pizza: Meals, Sides and Drinks

What to Eat With Pizza: 12 Tasty Side Options

Pizza makes for a fun and delicious meal or snack. But what should you eat alongside your slice or two? The right sides and beverages can perfectly complement pizza's savory, indulgent flavor.

Here are 12 tasty options for what to pair with pizza:

1. Salad

A fresh salad is one of the most popular pairings for pizza. The crunchy greens and vegetables provide contrast to the hot, cheesy pizza. A tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

Try a classic Caesar or garden salad. Or go for something more adventurous like a caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.

2. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is another classic partner for pizza. Dip the slices in flavorful sauces for added appeal.

For a lighter option, use whole grain bread and go easy on the butter and garlic. Brushing with olive oil and just a hint of garlic still provides plenty of flavor.

3. Wings

Spicy buffalo wings pair perfectly with pizza's melted cheese and tomato sauce. The combination of crunchy and saucy textures is irresistible.

Roast chicken wings for a healthier alternative to fried. Coat them in your favorite buffalo or barbecue sauce.

4. Fried Mozzarella

No one said pizza sides have to be healthy! Indulge in fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping. The gooey cheese and crispy breading are hard to beat.

For a lighter option, bake mozzarella sticks in the oven with just a touch of breadcrumbs rather than frying.

5. Meatballs

Savory meatballs smothered in tomato sauce are made for dipping in pizza grease. Beef, turkey or veggie meatballs all pair deliciously with a cheesy slice.

Bake meatballs in the oven for a healthier take on this classic bar food. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing and dipping.

6. Fries

Pizza and french fries are staples of many American diets. Match these carb-heavy snacks with ketchup and pizza sauce for dipping.

Opt for baked fries over fried to cut down on calories and fat. Sweet potato fries offer more nutrients as well.

7. Breadsticks

Warm, soft breadsticks complement pizza's hot, crisp crust. Dunk them in marinara sauce, garlic butter or cheese dips for extra flavor.

Make your own whole wheat breadsticks at home and go easy on the toppings for a healthier alternative to restaurant versions.

8. Antipasto Skewers

Assemble colorful antipasto skewers with ingredients like salami, cheese cubes, olives, tomatoes and artichoke hearts. The variety of textures and flavors pairs perfectly next to a slice of pizza.

Use lean meats like turkey and chicken and lower sodium options when building the skewers.

9. Bruschetta

Bruschetta, an Italian appetizer made by topping grilled bread with tomato, olive oil and basil, beautifully balances pizza's flavors. The fresh tomatoes and herbs cut the richness.

Opt for whole grain toast or pita chips as the base to add more fiber and nutrients.

10. Veggie Tray

A veggie tray with dip adds color, crunch and nutrients. Carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, celery and cauliflower all pair well with pizza. Ranch dip is a crowd favorite.

For a healthier dip, combine Greek yogurt with herbs and garlic. Hummus also makes a great dip for vegetables.

11. Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit salad provides a sweet, refreshing counterpoint to hot pizza. The juicy bite of apples, grapes, oranges and berries balances the savory flavors.

Try tossing the fruit with a touch of lemon or orange juice to prevent browning. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

12. Dessert

While pizza itself can feel like an indulgence, who can resist rounding out the meal with something sweet? Favorites like brownies, cookies and cake perfectly cap off a pizza dinner.

For a lighter option, bake fruit in the oven for a delicious pizza dessert. Try apples, pears, peaches or bananas.

Tips for Healthier Pizza

Pizza doesn't have to derail your diet. With a few easy tricks, you can have healthier, more nutritious pizza that still satisfies:

1. Choose Lean Meat Toppings

Pepperoni, sausage, bacon and other fatty meats pack on calories and saturated fat. Opt for leaner proteins like grilled chicken, Canadian bacon or turkey meatballs.

Or go meatless with veggie toppings like mushrooms, peppers, spinach and artichokes. Beans and chickpeas also add protein.

2. Load Up on Veggies

Pile those veggies high! Onions, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, peppers and more boost the nutrition without too many additional calories.

Roast or saute vegetables first to remove moisture that can make pizza soggy.

3. Use Healthier Cheese

Regular mozzarella and other full-fat cheeses add calories and saturated fat. Substitute part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella instead.

Sprinkle on just enough cheese to lightly cover and melt rather than smothering the pie.

4. Choose Whole Grain Crust

Refined flour crusts lack nutrients and fiber. Whole grain options like whole wheat or multigrain add antioxidants, vitamins and fill you up with less calories.

Cauliflower, chickpea and zucchini crusts are also healthier alternatives to white flour.

5. DIY Your Pizza

Homemade pizza allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Use fresh, natural products and the exact amounts of cheese, sauce and toppings you desire.

Make your own dough for the ultimate customized whole grain crust.

6. Go Easy on Sauce

Tomato sauce adds sweetness, but too much contributes unnecessary sugar and sodium. Ladle on just enough to add flavor without drowning the pie.

Make your own sauce from canned tomatoes and skip the added sugar.

7. Add Herbs and Spices

Basil, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and other seasonings add tons of flavor without calories, fat or sodium. Load up those pizzas with fresh or dried herbs.

Infuse olive oil with garlic and Italian herbs to drizzle over the finished pie.

8. Pick Thin Crust

Thin, crispy crust has fewer calories and carbs than thick, doughy crust. Plus, it allows you to pile on more nutritious toppings.

Look for hand-tossed or flatbread crusts for a thinner, lighter option.

Pizza-Friendly Drinks

Of course, you need something to wash down that cheesy, saucy pizza. Here are some delicious beverage options:

Water

Water is always the healthiest choice. Sparkling water adds some fun bubbles. Lemon or cucumber provide subtle flavor.

Iced Tea

Fresh brewed iced tea quenches thirst without adding calories. Try black, green or herbal varieties. Sweeten minimally with honey or fruit.

Beer

A cold beer perfectly pairs with hot pizza. Lager, pale ale, or wheat beers work well. Light beers cut down on calories.

Wine

Red wine is the classic pizza partner. Cabernet, merlot and chianti all pair deliciously. For white, try sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.

Seltzer

Fruit flavored seltzers like lemon-lime or grapefruit add refreshing bubbles. Look for unsweetened, low-calorie options.

Making Smart Side Choices

When planning pizza night, consider sides that add nutrients as well as delicious contrast to your slices. Focus on incorporating:

• Crunchy textures from veggies and salads
• Lean proteins like chicken, seafood or beans
• Whole grains from whole wheat crusts and sides
• Fiber and nutrients from fruits and veggies
• Fresh, natural ingredients rather than processed foods

With smart choices, you can enjoy tasty pizza meals and sides without sabotaging your healthy eating goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.