Salads That Go With Pizza (BEST Salads!)
When it comes to enjoying a delicious pizza, finding the perfect salad to accompany it can elevate the entire dining experience.
The art of pairing salads with pizza involves striking a balance between flavours, textures, and creating a harmonious meal that pleases the taste buds.
With the vast variety of salad options available, you can easily find one that complements your favourite pizza and personal preferences, ensuring a delightful gastronomic journey with every bite.
Classic salads such as Caesar or Greek may instantly come to mind when thinking of pizza companions, but don’t be afraid to venture into more unconventional territory.
For instance, pairing a pizza laden with rich toppings with a zesty, light salad can create an interesting contrast, or taking inspiration from the pizza toppings themselves and transferring them into a wholesome, hearty salad.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the very best salads that go with pizza.
Think pasta and potato salads for a decadent, carb-loaded treat, or opt for unique, flavour-packed creations that pay homage to the season’s bounty!
Let’s get going…
Key Takeaways
- Pairing salads with pizza involves balancing flavours and textures, creating a harmonious meal.
- Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional salad options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, to cater to various preferences and dietary requirements.
- Summer salads, pasta and potato salads, and unique flavour combinations can make your pizza nights more interesting and enjoyable.
The Art of Pairing Salads with Pizza
Planning a pizza night or hosting a pizza party?
Elevating your meal plan with a refreshing salad can bring balance and diversity to your dinner table.
Here are a few tips and ideas for creating delightful salad and pizza pairings that are sure to impress.
When designing your salad, consider the flavours and textures of your pizza.
Savoury and rich pizzas, such as those topped with pepperoni, sausage, or bacon, can be lightened up with a simple, tangy mixed greens salad.
Dress your salad with a vinaigrette made of vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to cut through the richness of the pizza.
For pizzas boasting a medley of vegetable toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, a crisp, crunchy slaw can bring out their bright flavours.
Combine thinly sliced cabbage, carrot, and celery with a light, lemony dressing to complement the earthiness of the vegetables on your pizza.
Now, if you’re enjoying a Margherita pizza, you might want to echo its classic tomato, basil, and mozzarella combination in your salad.
Assemble a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil to tie these Italian flavours together.
Pizza nights with barbecue chicken or other unique flavours can benefit from a salad with a bolder, more distinctive taste.
A bitter greens salad containing radicchio, rocket, and endive will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of a barbecue sauce-laden pizza.
Sprinkle in some roasted sunflower seeds for added texture and crunch.
Lastly, don’t overlook the versatility of fruit in your salad.
Try adding sliced apples, pears, or even strawberries to your favourite green salad mix.
These sweet flavours can bring a surprising and refreshing element to your salad, especially when enjoying alongside a spicy pizza.
Classic Salads to Serve With Pizza
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad is a timeless companion to any pizza.
With its crunchy romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and savoury Parmesan cheese, it pairs wonderfully with the bold flavours of your favourite pizza.
To add some crunch, don’t forget to include croutons or even some crispy bacon bits.
You can even throw in some grilled chicken for extra protein.
Want more ideas?
Head over to side dishes for chicken caesar salad for more inspiration.
Greek Salad
A fresh and flavourful Greek salad is another fantastic choice for pairing with pizza.
With its mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a refreshing balance to the richness of pizza.
Don’t forget to add some pitted Kalamata olives and a sprinkling of oregano for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
A light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will complete the dish.
Caprese Salad
For a taste of Italy, consider serving a Caprese salad alongside your pizza.
This simple yet delicious salad combines ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and creamy slices of mozzarella cheese.
Drizzle with a good quality olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavours.
Caprese salad works particularly well with Margherita or other tomato-based pizzas.
(Planning something special? Take a look at what to serve with pizza for birthday parties for more ideas!)
Arugula Salad
If you’re looking for a peppery kick, an arugula salad is a perfect choice.
This salad features peppery arugula leaves, often combined with other salad greens for extra texture.
For a pop of sweetness, add some cherry tomatoes or thinly-sliced red onion.
To give the salad an indulgent touch, consider topping it with some shavings of Parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of your favourite vinaigrette.
Spinach Salad
A classic spinach salad is a great way to bring some extra nutrition to your pizza meal.
Fresh baby spinach leaves provide a tender base for this salad, while sliced mushrooms and slivers of red onion add crunch.
For a bit of richness, toss in some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
A warm bacon vinaigrette is a popular choice for dressing spinach salads, enhancing the flavours and creating a beautiful contrast with the fresh ingredients.
Healthy and Hearty Pizza Side Salads
When enjoying a delicious pizza, a side salad can be the perfect complement to boost both the flavour and nutritional value of your meal.
Here are some healthy and hearty options for pizza side salads that will not only delight your taste buds but also leave you feeling great.
Broccoli Salad
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad is an excellent choice to pair with pizza.
You can make it more interesting by adding some nuts, dried fruits, or cheese.
For the dressing, combine natural yoghurt with a bit of mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
This salad provides plenty of vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your health.
- Chop broccoli florets and red onion.
- Mix together natural yoghurt, mustard, honey, and lemon juice for the dressing.
- Toss together all the ingredients in a bowl.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a nutritious and satisfying option to have along with pizza.
Cook the quinoa and let it cool before mixing it with a variety of colourful, chopped vegetables, such as peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Finish it off with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. This salad is packed with plant-based protein and essential amino acids.
Avocado Salad
An avocado salad is a delightful and creamy option for those who crave something a bit richer alongside their pizza.
Combine fresh and ripe avocado with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and corn.
For the dressing, blend together some lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. It’s a delicious way to incorporate heart-healthy fats into your meal.
Chickpea Salad
A protein-rich chickpea salad is a fantastic choice for a filling and healthful side salad.
Mix together cooked chickpeas, chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley. You can also add some olives or feta cheese for extra flavour.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a dash of paprika.
Enjoy this salad for its delicious taste and high fibre content.
Creating a Balance of Flavours
When crafting a salad to pair with pizza, the key to success is balancing flavours and textures. You want a salad that complements the pizza without overpowering it. Here are some tips to help you create a harmonious combination:
Start by choosing a base of crisp, fresh greens.
This will serve as a backdrop for the rest of your ingredients. Consider a mix of lettuce, spinach, or arugula to add variety and depth of flavour.
Next, think about the flavours present in your pizza.
If you have a tomato-based marinara sauce, consider adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes or sundried tomatoes to your salad. These will harmonise well with the pizza and provide a tasty contrast to the leafy greens.
For cheeses, grated parmesan or crumbled feta can bring a salty, tangy quality to your salad, which will make it stand apart from the pizza while still relating to its flavours.
Remember that less is more – a sprinkling of cheese is all you need to enhance the taste.
To add an interesting twist, consider working with different dressings.
Olive oil and lemon juice bring a light, zesty energy to any salad, while balsamic vinegar adds a mildly sweet tang.
For something with a little more kick, Worcestershire sauce can add depth and complexity to your dressing. Always make sure to balance the acidity and sweetness of the dressing according to your taste preferences.
Finally, don’t forget to add some finishing touches.
Toasted nuts, croutons, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs can help tie everything together and add a satisfying crunch.
Remember, the goal is to create a salad that enhances your pizza experience, not to steal the show. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations, and always trust your instincts to guide you to the perfect salad-pizza pairing.
Pizza Toppings Transferred to Salads
You may be wondering how to pair your favourite pizza toppings with a delicious salad.
Well, fear not, as we’ve got you covered! We’ve taken some of the most popular pizza toppings and turned them into inspiring salad combinations that complement your pizza perfectly.
Start off by considering the base of your salad.
A combination of greens, such as rocket, spinach, and kale, gives a nice contrast to the rich flavours of the pizza toppings. Now, let’s move onto incorporating the classic pizza toppings into your salad.
Cheese: A selection of cheeses can bring a delightful variety to your salad. Use soft, crumbly feta mixed in with your greens or add a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella. For a bolder flavour, opt for blue cheese or aged cheddar.
Meat: Incorporate your favourite meats into the mix. Salami, pepperoni, ham, and pancetta can be thinly sliced and added to the salad. If you prefer, you could also add grilled chicken or turkey cubes.
Onions: Red onions or caramelised onions add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the salad. You can also pickle the onions for an extra tangy kick.
Olives: Include a mixture of green and black olives for a Mediterranean twist. Make sure to choose pitted olives to make the salad easier to eat.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a vibrant pop of colour and a fresh crunch to your salad. Choose different coloured peppers to create a visually appealing dish. You can either thinly slice them, or for a deeper flavour, roast them before adding to the salad.
Shrimp: Don’t forget the seafood lovers! Add grilled shrimp to your salad for a surprisingly tasty pizza-inspired experience.
After combining these wonderful ingredients, dress your salad with a light vinaigrette or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Feel free to customise the salad by adding other pizza-inspired ingredients like sundried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, or even capers.
The sky’s the limit! Enjoy your creative pizza topping-inspired salad alongside your pizza for a truly balanced and delightful meal.
Pasta and Potato Salads with Pizza
When enjoying a delicious pizza, you might be looking for a refreshing side dish to accompany it.
Pasta and potato salads are excellent options that complement the flavours of your pizza.
Here are a couple of delightful salads to consider…
Pesto Potato Salad
A pesto potato salad is a flavoursome choice to serve with your pizza. To make this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- Cooked and cooled baby potatoes
- Fresh basil pesto
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked baby potatoes with a generous dollop of fresh basil pesto. Mix well, ensuring all the potatoes are coated with the pesto.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to combine evenly.
- You can serve this salad straight away or refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavours to meld together.
This pesto potato salad will surely add a refreshing touch to your pizza meal.
Pasta Salad
A pasta salad is another delightful side dish that pairs well with pizza.
Combine cooked pasta with a medley of crunchy vegetables and a delicious dressing.
To create a delicious pasta salad with cacio e pepe brussels sprouts, you’ll need:
- Cooked and cooled pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- Thinly sliced brussels sprouts
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
Directions:
- In a large frying pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced brussels sprouts, and cook until tender and slightly crispy.
- Season the brussels sprouts with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cooled brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese and mix well.
- You can serve this pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for later use.
Enhance your pizza experience with a delicious and vibrant pasta and potato salad, and impress your guests with these scrumptious sides.
Conclusion
When hosting a party, or just enjoying pizza night in your kitchen, finding the perfect salad to complement your cheese pizza shouldn’t be a challenge.
You have countless options to create an easy side dish that makes your pizza experience even more enjoyable.
Salads that combine fresh ingredients with a bit of zest are ideal.
For a unique and flavourful twist, try mixing burrata, red onion, and feta cheese in your salad. These ingredients not only add texture but also enhance the overall taste of your salad.
Pairing your salad with a nice glass of wine can also take your pizza experience to new heights.
Whether you prefer a crisp white or an earthy red, both work well with the flavours in your salad as well as the pizza itself.
Incorporating meat options like chicken, bacon or even prosciutto in your salad can be an excellent choice, especially if you’re serving a cheese pizza with little to no toppings.
The added protein makes your meal more satisfying and complements the simplicity of your pizza.
Remember, experimenting in the kitchen is key to discovering new and delicious possibilities. So, don’t be afraid to try new combinations and adjust recipes to your taste preferences.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your pizza and salad pairing!
For more planing inspiration, take a look at the best starters for pizza, the best desserts for pizza, and the best dipping sauces for pizza!
