Salads to Go with Pizza: 19+ Easy Recipes for Pairings
I love pizza! You probably do too. When I eat pizza, I always want something fresh on the side. That’s where salads come in! Salads to go with pizza make your meal better. They add color, crunch, and healthy stuff to your plate.
Think about it – after a few bites of hot, cheesy pizza, a cool, crisp salad feels just right. It’s like having the perfect dance partner for your pizza! Some people ask me, “Why add salad?” Well, it’s simple. Salads make pizza time more fun and healthy.
They help clean your taste buds between pizza bites. Plus, you get your veggies while enjoying your favorite food. I’ll show you the best salads that make pizza night extra special.
Classic Italian-Style Salads to Go with Pizza
Want to eat like they do in Italy? These salads bring real Italian flavors to your table. They work magic with any pizza you choose!
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella sits next to juicy tomatoes on your plate. I drizzle olive oil and add black pepper for extra yum. You’ll love how the basil smells! This salad feels like a warm Italian summer. It’s super easy to make and looks pretty too. Perfect when you’re having a Margherita pizza! Learn more about Caprese pairings.
Italian Chopped Salad
This salad is packed with good stuff! I chop up salami, provolone, and lots of veggies real small. Red onions add zip, while pepperoncini brings some heat. Mix it all up with Italian dressing, and you’ve got a party in your bowl! It’s filling enough to share with friends.
Panzanella Salad
You’ll love this Tuscan bread salad! I tear up crusty bread into chunks and mix it with juicy tomatoes. The bread soaks up all the yummy flavors. Add cucumber, red onion, and a splash of red wine vinegar. This salad makes me think of sunny Italy! It’s perfect when you’re having a simple olive oil pizza.
Radicchio Salad
Purple leaves make this salad look fancy! The taste is a bit bitter, but in a good way. I add some sweet balsamic glaze to balance things out. You get a nice crunch with every bite. When you eat this with white pizza, it’s like magic! The colors on your plate will make everyone say “wow!”
Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula leaves dance on your tongue! I toss them with olive oil and shaved parmesan. Sometimes I add a drizzle of balsamic too. This salad is super light and fresh. It’s what real Italians love with their pizza! Try it with mushroom pizza – you’ll thank me later.
These Italian salads bring the taste of a real pizzeria home. They’re easy to make and super tasty. Your pizza will feel lonely without them!
Fresh Garden Salads for Pizza Night
Let’s make pizza night extra special! These garden-fresh salads add color and crunch to your meal. They’re simple but so good!
Caesar Salad
My favorite pizza buddy! Crisp romaine lettuce gets a creamy, garlicky hug from Caesar dressing. I love adding extra parmesan and crunchy croutons. This salad makes pepperoni pizza taste even better! You can’t go wrong with this classic combo. It’s like they were made for each other!
Green Salad
Simple is sometimes best! Fresh lettuce, avocado, carrot, cucumber, and tomatoes make this salad sing. I add a light vinaigrette to keep things bright. You can munch on this between pizza bites. It’s like pressing the refresh button for your taste buds! Everyone loves how easy and fresh it is.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cool as a cucumber, this salad is super refreshing! Juicy tomatoes join crisp cucumbers in a happy dance. I splash on some olive oil and sprinkle oregano. It’s perfect when you’re having spicy pizza! The cool veggies help calm down the heat.
Spinach Salad
Tender spinach leaves pack lots of good-for-you stuff! I toss in some red onions, apple slices, dried cranberries, and maybe some feta cheese. A light dressing makes everything taste fresh. This green friend makes white pizza or sausage pizza even better! Plus, it adds iron to your meal.
Zucchini Salad
Summer feels close with this light and fresh salad! I slice zucchini really thin and add lemon juice. You can grill it too for extra yummy flavor. It goes great with Margherita pizza! The fresh taste makes every bite better.
These fresh salads to go with pizza make every bite more exciting. They’re like a garden party for your pizza night!
Hearty Salads for Rich Pizzas
Sometimes you want a big, filling salad with your pizza. These hearty options make your meal complete! They stand up to even the meatiest pizzas.
Greek Wedge Salad
I cut iceberg lettuce into big wedges and get creative! Feta cheese crumbles and kalamata olives add salty fun. Drizzle tangy Greek dressing all over. This salad makes cheese pizza even better! The Mediterranean flavors dance in your mouth.
Kale Salad
Don’t skip this healthy option! Massage chopped kale with olive oil to make it tender. Add dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts. I love using a lemon-garlic dressing here. You can make this early in the day – kale stays crisp for hours!
Tomato Chickpea Salad
Protein-packed chickpeas make this salad extra filling! Mix with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for freshness. I add Italian vinaigrette for extra flavor pop. Perfect with vegetarian pizza! The chickpeas make it feel like a complete meal.
Potato Salad
Surprise! Potato salad loves pizza too! Creamy potatoes with tangy dressing feel so good. I add some crispy bacon bits sometimes. It’s amazing with sausage pizza! The combo might sound weird, but trust me.
Crunchy Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage brings the fun to pizza time! My creamy dressing makes everything taste better. Add carrots for color and extra crunch. BBQ chicken pizza’s best friend! The cool slaw balances the sweet pizza sauce.
These filling salads make pizza night feel like a feast. They’re not just sides – they’re part of the main show!
Light and Citrusy Pizza Companions
Need something bright and fresh? These light salads wake up your taste buds! They make pizza night feel extra special.
Simple Citrus Salad
Orange and grapefruit slices bring sunshine to your plate! I add a honey-lime dressing for extra zing. Some mint leaves make it super fresh. This salad loves spicy pizza! The sweet citrus cools things down nicely.
Avocado Salad
Creamy avocados make everything better! Cube ripe avocados and cherry tomatoes. Add red onion and corn kernels for sweetness. My lime-cilantro dressing keeps everything fresh. This salad adds healthy fats to your pizza meal. Just make it right before serving to keep avocados green!
Crisp Apple Salad
Sweet-tart apples bring fall flavors to pizza night! I slice them thin and add walnuts for crunch. A light maple dressing ties it all together. White pizza loves this friend! The sweet-salty combo is amazing.
Fennel and Orange Salad
Crisp fennel slices bring a sweet licorice taste! I mix them with juicy orange segments for extra fun. Some red onions add zip, while black olives make it fancy. A light olive oil dressing lets everything shine. This salad loves any pizza with cheese! The fresh citrus cuts through rich pizza flavors perfectly.
Cabbage Salad
Try this Asian-inspired twist! Thinly slice Napa cabbage and add edamame. Toss in some crunchy almonds and sesame seeds. My special dressing uses rice vinegar and sesame oil. Keep the dressing separate until serving time. Everything stays super crisp!
These bright salads to go with pizza make every bite feel fresh and new. They’re like a burst of sunshine for your pizza party!
Conclusion
Salads to go with pizza make every slice better! They add health, flavor, and fun to your meal. From light arugula to hearty kale, there’s a perfect salad for every pizza style.
Your pizza nights will never be the same once you try these combinations. They’re easy to make and super tasty too.
Mix and match until you find your favorites. Don’t forget to keep things fresh and simple. Your body will thank you for adding these green friends to pizza time!
Find more amazing side dishes for your pizza party here!
