What Goes Well With Pizza

What Goes Well With Pizza? Discover the best Pizza Side Dishes & Pizza Pairings! Elevate your pizza night with delicious & easy recipes. Find perfect complements for any pizza topping – from salads to appetizers! Get inspired now!

What Goes Well With Pizza? The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Pairings and Side Dishes

Pizza night is a beloved tradition in countless homes, but the question often arises: What goes well with pizza? The answer, thankfully, is surprisingly diverse. From classic pairings to unexpected delights, the possibilities are endless when it comes to complementing your favorite pizza. This comprehensive guide explores the best pizza side dishes and pizza pairings to elevate your pizza experience.

Classic Pizza Pairings: The Tried and True

Certain combinations have stood the test of time, proving their worth as the quintessential companions to a delicious pizza. Think crisp salads, garlic bread, and refreshing beverages. These choices balance the richness of the pizza with lighter, contrasting flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of a cheesy pizza, providing a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread, on the other hand, adds another layer of savory deliciousness, complementing the cheesy goodness.

Consider pairing a lighter pizza like a Margherita with a robust red wine, or a heartier meat-lover’s pizza with a crisp, cold beer. The key is balance – find pairings that complement, rather than overpower, the flavors of your pizza.

Exploring Diverse Pizza Side Dishes

Beyond the classics, the world of pizza side dishes is vast and exciting. Let’s delve into some options that will surprise and delight your taste buds:

Spicy Additions for Pizza Pairings

For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding some spicy elements to your pizza night. Spicy buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or even a fiery arugula salad can add a welcome contrast to the richness of the pizza. The heat of these dishes helps to cleanse the palate between bites of pizza, preventing the flavors from becoming overwhelming.

Elevated Pizza Pairings: The Gourmet Touch

Want to take your pizza experience to the next level? Consider gourmet side dishes that elevate the entire meal. A Caprese salad, with its fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, offers a fresh and elegant counterpoint to a rich pizza. Similarly, a bruschetta platter, with its toasted bread topped with various flavorful combinations, introduces a delightful variety of textures and tastes.

Creative Pizza Pairings: Thinking Outside the Box

Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations yield the most delightful results. Consider pairing your pizza with a creamy soup, such as tomato soup or butternut squash soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal. The creamy texture and warm flavors offer a pleasant contrast to the crispy crust and savory toppings of the pizza.

For a unique experience, try pairing your pizza with some flavorful roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The slight bitterness of the roasted vegetables offers a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and sauce on the pizza.

Pizza Pairings Based on Pizza Type

The best pizza pairings are often dependent on the type of pizza you’re enjoying. Different pizzas call for different complementary dishes.

What Goes Well With White Pizza?

White pizzas, with their creamy sauces and lighter toppings, benefit from pairings that add a bit of acidity and freshness. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a light pasta salad would be excellent choices. Avoid anything too heavy or overpowering that might mask the delicate flavors of the white pizza.

What Goes Well With Meat Lover’s Pizza?

A meat-lover’s pizza, packed with savory meats, pairs well with dishes that offer a contrasting lightness. A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, would be excellent accompaniments. Avoid pairing this hearty pizza with other heavy dishes, as the combination might be too overwhelming.

What Goes Well With Vegetarian Pizza?

Vegetarian pizzas, with their diverse array of vegetable toppings, offer a great opportunity for creative pairings. A hearty side salad with a variety of textures and flavors, or a roasted vegetable medley, would complement the vegetarian pizza beautifully. The key is to introduce flavors and textures that complement, but don’t overshadow, the pizza’s vegetable-forward nature.

What Goes Well With Gourmet Pizzas?

Gourmet pizzas often feature unique and sophisticated toppings. To complement these, consider pairing them with dishes that share similar flavor profiles or provide a sophisticated contrast. For instance, a pizza with fig and prosciutto could be paired with a balsamic glaze and arugula salad. A pizza with gourmet mushrooms and truffle oil would be delightful with a creamy mushroom soup.

For instance, our Korean BBQ Pizza benefits from a light kimchi salad as a side. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the spice of the kimchi complement each other beautifully.

Similarly, a Sloppy Joe Pizza, with its rich and savory flavors, pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or potato salad. The creamy texture of the sides provides a lovely contrast to the pizza’s hearty toppings.

Beyond the Plate: Drinks and Pizza Pairings

Don’t forget the beverages! The perfect drink can elevate your pizza experience significantly. A crisp, cold beer is a classic choice for many pizza lovers. However, wine pairings can also be delightful, depending on the pizza’s flavors. A lighter-bodied red wine complements a Margherita pizza beautifully, while a full-bodied red wine pairs well with a meat-lover’s pizza.

For something different, consider a refreshing iced tea or lemonade, especially during warmer months. These provide a palate cleanser between bites of pizza.

Unique Pizza Pairings: Expanding Your Horizons

Let’s explore some more unconventional but incredibly delicious pizza pairings:

A Turkey Club Pizza might seem unconventional, but it pairs surprisingly well with a simple tomato soup or a creamy avocado salad. The contrasting textures and flavors create a delightful experience.

A Greek Salad Pizza finds a perfect companion in a simple Greek yogurt dip or a side of hummus and pita bread. These options provide a tangy counterpoint to the pizza’s bright Mediterranean flavors.

Finally, a Shrimp Scampi Pizza, with its delicate seafood flavors, would be exquisitely complemented by a fresh pasta salad with lemon and herbs. The subtle seafood flavors of the pizza blend seamlessly with the fresh and zesty side dish.

Further Resources for Pizza Perfection

For even more inspiration on creating the perfect pizza night, explore these helpful resources:

Check out this article on pizza pairings from Food Network for more great ideas. They offer insights into pairings based on pizza type and flavor profile.

For healthy pizza options and accompanying sides, consult EatingWell. Their recipes provide delicious and nutritious alternatives that will still satisfy your cravings.

Conclusion: Your Pizza Night, Your Way

Ultimately, the best what goes well with pizza is whatever suits your personal taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new combinations. This guide provides a starting point, but the possibilities are truly endless. So gather your friends and family, choose your favorite pizza, select your perfect side dishes and beverages, and enjoy a truly memorable pizza night!

Call to Action: What are your favorite pizza side dishes and pizza pairings? Share your culinary creations in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this ultimate guide on social media using #PizzaPairings #PizzaSideDishes #WhatGoesWithPizza so your friends can discover their perfect pizza combinations too!

1. What Goes Well With Pizza as a Side Dish?

A simple salad with vinaigrette dressing is a classic and refreshing option. Caprese salad, Caesar salad, or a lighter green salad all provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza. Consider adding some grilled vegetables or fruit for extra flavor.

2. What Drinks Pair Well With Pizza?

The best drink pairing depends on the pizza toppings. Light and fruity pizzas pair well with crisp white wines or sparkling beverages. Heartier pizzas with meat and strong cheeses go well with a robust red wine or a cold beer. Iced tea or lemonade are also refreshing choices.

3. What Are Some Good Pizza Side Dishes for a Party?

For a party, consider a variety of options to please different palates. Garlic knots, breadsticks, or cheesy bread are always popular choices. A large, shareable salad or a selection of appetizers like bruschetta or antipasto can also complement the pizza.

4. What Goes Well With Pizza for a Casual Dinner?

For a casual dinner, keep it simple. A side salad, some crusty bread, and perhaps a simple soup or a bowl of fresh fruit make for a satisfying and easy meal.

5. What Pizza Pairings Are Best for Kids?

Kids often enjoy simple side dishes that pair well with pizza. French fries, chicken nuggets, or even some fruit slices are popular choices. Consider making fun shapes out of the pizza itself to make it more appealing.

6. What Are Some Unique Pizza Side Dishes?

Consider exploring some unique options like a spicy arugula salad, roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze, or a creamy polenta. These additions add interesting flavors and textures that complement a pizza.

7. What Pizza Pairings Complement Spicy Pizza?

Spicy pizzas benefit from cooling accompaniments. A cool and creamy yogurt dip, a refreshing cucumber salad, or a simple side of plain rice can help balance the heat.

8. What Goes Well With Vegetarian Pizza?

Vegetarian pizzas often have robust flavors already. A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables will complement the flavors without being overwhelming. Consider adding some grilled halloumi cheese for extra flavor and texture.

9. What are some budget-friendly Pizza Side Dishes?

Simple salads, garlic bread, and even leftover pasta dishes can be delicious and cost-effective sides for pizza. Look for in-season vegetables to further reduce costs.

10. What Goes Well With Pizza for a Romantic Dinner?

For a romantic dinner, elevate the pizza experience. A simple caprese salad, a bottle of fine wine, and some elegant dessert will create a special atmosphere. Consider using high-quality ingredients for both the pizza and the sides.

What Goes Well With Pizza? The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Pairings and Side Dishes

Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households. But the question often arises: what goes well with pizza? The answer, thankfully, is surprisingly diverse! This blog post will explore the wonderful world of pizza side dishes and pizza pairings, offering ideas to elevate your pizza experience from simple to spectacular. We’ll cover everything from classic complements to exciting new combinations to help you answer the question, “What goes well with pizza?” definitively.

Classic Pizza Pairings: Salads and Sides

A crisp, refreshing salad is a classic pairing for pizza. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce, cleansing the palate between bites. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect choice, or you could try something more adventurous. A Greek salad, for instance, offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Think juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and briny olives – a truly Mediterranean feast!

Beyond salads, consider these classic pizza side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A timeless classic that perfectly complements the savory flavors of pizza.
• Caprese Skewers: Simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavors – cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil offers a vibrant and flavorful counterpoint to the pizza.

Exploring Flavor Profiles: Unique Pizza Side Dish Ideas

Want to move beyond the usual suspects? Think about the specific flavors in your pizza and choose sides that complement or contrast them. A spicy pizza, for example, might pair well with a creamy, cooling side like a simple pasta salad with pesto. For a more adventurous approach, explore international flavors. The savory and slightly sweet notes of a Korean BBQ pizza would be wonderfully offset by a kimchi slaw.

If your pizza features bold meat flavors, consider a lighter, fresher side to balance things out. A vibrant fruit salad could be surprisingly delicious, or a simple green bean salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

For a heartier option, especially if you’re dealing with a thinner crust pizza, a hearty soup is a great option. A creamy tomato soup or a minestrone could add another dimension to your meal.

Sweet & Savory Pizza Pairings: Unexpected Combinations

Don’t shy away from unexpected pairings! Sweet and savory combinations can be surprisingly delicious. A pizza with sweet elements, like pineapple or figs, might pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad. Alternatively, a savory pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula could benefit from a balsamic glaze drizzled over a side of fresh mozzarella.

The possibilities are endless. Consider the overall flavor profile of your pizza and let your creativity guide you. Think about the textures as well. A crunchy pizza might pair well with a creamy or soft side, and vice versa. A Sloppy Joe pizza, for instance, benefits greatly from a side of something simple, like potato chips or coleslaw to break up the rich, meaty flavors.

Pizza Pairings for Different Pizza Styles

The ideal pizza pairings can also depend on the type of pizza you’re serving. A thin-crust pizza might benefit from a lighter side, while a deep-dish pizza might demand a more substantial accompaniment. A Turkey Club pizza, for example, could be paired with a simple side salad or some potato wedges.

Consider these style-specific pairing suggestions:

• Thin crust: Simple salad, bruschetta, garlic knots.
• Deep dish: Caesar salad, pasta salad, roasted vegetables.
• Sicilian pizza: Caprese salad, antipasto platter, roasted vegetables.

Beverage Pairings: The Perfect Pizza Drink

No discussion of what goes well with pizza is complete without considering beverages. The best drink for pizza depends greatly on the pizza’s toppings and your personal preferences. However, some classic pairings include:

• Red Wine: A light-bodied red, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, pairs well with many pizzas.
• Beer: A crisp lager or a pale ale can complement both the savory and cheesy flavors of pizza.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing non-alcoholic option that balances the richness of pizza.

For more gourmet pizza pairing options, consider exploring craft beers or unique sparkling wines. Experiment to discover your perfect pizza-drinking combination!

Recipe: Caprese Salad – The Perfect Pizza Complement

Here’s a simple recipe for a Caprese salad, an ideal pizza side dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a platter.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

**Nutritional Summary:** This Caprese salad is a relatively low-calorie, high-protein option, providing a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates and fiber.

For more pizza inspiration and to explore even more amazing toppings and flavors, why not try a Shrimp Scampi Pizza?

For more information on healthy eating and balanced nutrition, consult resources such as the USDA’s Nutrition.gov and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What Goes Well With Pizza? Let Us Know!

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to what goes well with pizza, exploring diverse pizza side dishes and creative pizza pairings. We hope this has inspired you to experiment and elevate your pizza night to new heights. Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite pizza pairings? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this post with your pizza-loving friends on social media using #PizzaPairings #PizzaSideDishes #WhatGoesWithPizza!

Pizza is a versatile dish, and what you pair it with can significantly impact your overall dining experience and nutritional intake. Consider balancing rich pizza flavors with lighter sides to avoid feeling overly full or sluggish. A simple green salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to a heavier pizza, providing essential vitamins and fiber. For example, a Greek salad pizza already incorporates these benefits.

If you’re craving a more substantial side, think about the pizza’s flavor profile. For a meat-lover’s pizza, a lighter side is key. Too much richness can be overwhelming. Conversely, a lighter pizza, like a veggie option, can benefit from a heartier side. Consider cultural fusions; Korean BBQ pizza, for instance, might pair surprisingly well with a simple kimchi salad or some lightly pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.

Another approach is to complement the pizza’s flavors. If you’re having a pizza with strong, savory flavors, a crisp, cool beverage, such as a light beer or sparkling water, can cleanse the palate. A Sloppy Joe pizza, while delicious, could benefit from a lighter side to counter its robust character. A side salad or some simple roasted vegetables would be a good choice.

For a more elegant pairing, consider a lighter seafood-based pizza. Shrimp scampi pizza, for example, would be beautifully balanced with a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The contrasting textures and flavors create a refined and satisfying meal.

Don’t forget portion control! Even the healthiest pizza sides can contribute to excessive calorie intake if you overdo it. Enjoy your pizza and its accompaniments mindfully, savoring each bite and paying attention to your body’s fullness cues. A classic turkey club pizza, though delicious, might be better enjoyed in a smaller portion with a larger side salad to maintain balance.

Ultimately, the best side for your pizza depends on your personal preferences and the specific toppings on the pizza itself. Experiment with different combinations and find what you enjoy the most. Remember to consider nutritional balance to create a satisfying and healthy meal.