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    Home » Side dishes

    15 Healthy Sides for Pizza

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 22, 2022, updated May 14, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Complete your pizza night with some amazing sides! You're sure to find some new favorites in this list of 15 healthier sides for pizza. From salads to slaws to fruit and healthier breadsticks - there's something here for everyone.

    collage of different healthy sides for pizza

    Pizza + Healthier Sides = Balance

    A pizza party might come a long way with your favorite pizzas, but it's not complete without a few great sides as well. Now a pizza packs a lot of carbs & fat - so when I think pizza sides, I think light, green and healthy.

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    Below is a list of my 15 favorite healthy sides for pizza. Lots of salads - from green versions to fruity and extra cheesy versions - and a few extra veggie loaded options, or how about some cheesy cauliflower breadsticks?

    Jump to:
    • Pizza + Healthier Sides = Balance
    • Green Salads
    • Cheesy Salads
    • Salads with Fruit
    • Other delicious vegetable sides
    • Reviews

    Green Salads

    Arugula Salad with Sun-dried Tomato and Lemon

    5 minutes

    This simple arugula salad is so quick and easy to make, and loaded with flavor. The acidity and sweetness make this the perfect pizza side dish.

    side view of arugula salad with sun-dried tomatoes in a glass bowl with a spoon and fork
    side view of arugula salad with sun-dried tomatoes in a glass bowl with a spon and fork
    Simple Arugula Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
    This Simple Arugula Salad is the perfect side salad for any summer barbecue. With sun-dried tomatoes and a honey lemon vinaigrette it's sweet, sour & salty - with a kick from peppery arugula. All done in just 5 minutes!
    Check out this recipe

    Easy Dinner Side Salad with Lemon Juice

    10 minutes

    Pecorino cheese, toasted pine nuts and lemon juice make this side salad anything but ordinary! Just what you need as a healthy side for pizza!

    dinner side salad
    dinner side salad
    Easy Dinner Side Salad with Lemon Juice
    An easy dinner side salad that changes things up a bit with shaved Pecorino Romano, toasted pine nuts, and lemon juice.
    Check out this recipe

    Vegetarian Caesar Salad with Kale

    15 minutes

    Ceasar salad is a classic with pizza, and this vegetarian version with kale and crispy chickpeas kicks up both the flavor and healthiness a notch. Complete with croutons, of course!

    kale cesar salad
    kale cesar salad
    Vegetarian Caesar Salad with Kale
    This Vegetarian Caesar Salad is made with kale, healthy vegetarian caesar dressing, and crispy roasted chickpeas. It’s an easy Kale Caesar recipe made without anchovies or eggs, and can easily be made vegan.
    Check out this recipe

    Kale Chopped Salad

    25 minutes

    All the veggies and a touch of bacon is what you'll get in this chopped kale salad. Packed with flavor and a sure new favorite healthy side for pizza!

    chopped kale salad
    chopped kale salad
    Kale Chopped Salad
    This delicious Kale Chopped Salad is a powerhouse of veggies with a touch of optional bacon. A hearty make-ahead salad that is packed with so much flavor it might just become your new favorite side dish.
    Check out this recipe

    Cheesy Salads

    Burrata Caprese with Spinach & Cashews

    10 minutes

    This caprese salad version has burrata instead of mozzarella, and spinach and cashews just because. The sweet and tangy vinaigrette makes this the perfect salad to serve next to a pizza!

    top down view of a burrata caprese salad topped with cashew nuts
    top down view of a burrata caprese salad on a light blue deep plate
    Burrata Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews
    This quick (less than 10 minutes!) Burrata Caprese is a filling lunch or great side for your dinner. It's loaded up with all the good stuff - and will win over even the salad skeptics. With all the makings of a classic: sweet and salty, crunchy and cheesy - and a good dose of healthy greens!
    Check out this recipe

    Shopska Salad

    15 minutes

    This colorful Shopska salad has tomato, cucumber, bell pepper and a heavy amount of Feta cheese. A flavor packed salad that borders on a salsa with a simple vinaigrette with just olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

    shopska salad in a glass bowl
    shopska salad topped with feta cheese
    Shopska Salad
    You're just 15 minutes away from the best summer salad! This Bulgarian Shopska salad is loaded with colorful veggies, dressed in a simple vinaigrette and topped with shredded Feta cheese. A great appetizer, side salad, or a meal on its own next to a slice of bread.
    Check out this recipe

    Salads with Fruit

    Spinach & Mandarin Salad

    5 minutes

    This salad with spinach & mandarin oranges is the perfect blend of sweet & tangy, coated in a delicious Dijon vinaigrette. Citrus is such a great pairing for pizza, and this salad really brings it.

    mandarin spinach salad
    mandarin spinach salad
    Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad
    This vegan spinach mandarin orange salad is served with almond slivers and tossed in a quick Dijon vinaigrette for an easy spring side dish.
    Check out this recipe

    Avocado Mango Salad with Salted Roasted Peanuts

    10 minutes

    For this salad creamy avocado and sweet & tart mango combine with crunchy salted roasted peanuts to create a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

    side view of a bowl of avocado mango salad with salted roasted peanuts and some sea salt flakes and half a lime in the background
    side view of a bowl of avocado mango salad with salted roasted peanuts and some sea salt flakes in the background
    Avocado Mango Salad with Salted Roasted Peanuts
    This 10-minute avocado mango salad is a delicious, healthy side for any type of protein - and especially delicious next to a piece of grilled fish or chicken. Super easy to make with mango, avocado, lime and fresh cilantro, salted roasted peanuts are what sends this salad over the top!
    Check out this recipe

    Strawberry Spinach Salad

    10 minutes

    Strawberries and spinach combine with goat cheese in this simple salad, for a delicious green salad with a sweet & salty touch.

    strawberry spinach salad
    strawberry spinach salad
    Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
    This Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is delicious and quick to make! Complete with goat cheese, the best dressing and fresh strawberries
    Check out this recipe

    Tropical Mango Coleslaw

    10 minutes

    The tropical flavors make this mango coleslaw something special. Wihtout mayo and with delicious sweet & acidic flavors this becomes a great healthy side for pizza.

    tropical mango coleslaw
    tropical mango coleslaw
    Tropical mango coleslaw
    This tropical mango coleslaw without mayo is perfect as a summer side for picnics, BBQs and potlucks. Vegan and gluten free recipe.
    Check out this recipe

    Balsamic Grilled Peach Salad

    10 minutes

    Throw some peaches on the grill or roast them in the oven, and you can make this delicious fruit filled salad. Pine nuts add a bit of crunch, and crumbled goat cheese some amazing saltiness, and creates one of my favorite healthy sides for pizza.

    grilled peach salad
    grilled peach salad
    Balsamic Grilled Peach Summer Salad
    Best balsamic grilled peach summer salad that is healthy, simple, and fresh. Perfect grilling side dish, vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb.
    Check out this recipe

    Other delicious vegetable sides

    Caulislaw

    10 minutes

    Caulislaw takes a good old coleslaw and makes it all the more interesting and tasty with cauliflower, carrots and red onion. With a perfectly balanced mayonnaise dressing it's a great topping or side for your pizza.

    caulislaw in a bowl
    closeup of raw cauliflower salad
    Raw Cauliflower Salad
    This "Caulislaw" mixes cauliflower, carrots & red onions with a perfectly balanced mayonnaise dressing. It's the perfect side for your next barbecue, or why not top your burgers with it? Quick, earthy, healthy and with loads of flavor it's a versatile side you'll be coming back to over and over again.
    Check out this recipe

    Asian Cucumber Salad

    10 minutes

    Add a twist to pizza night with some Asian flavors from this delicious cucumber salad. Light & refreshing, it's the perfect healthy side for pizza.

    asian cucumber salad
    asian cucumber salad
    Asian Cucumber Salad
    Easy 5 minute Asian cucumber salad. light cucumber salad full of Asian flavors, so easy & refreshing. A perfect appetizer and side dish.
    Check out this recipe

    Pickled Cabbage

    15 minutes

    Tart pickled cabbage is always great with pizza and other heavier meals. Add it on top of your pizza, or have it on the side - either way it's one of the best healthy sides for pizza!

    pickled cabbage
    pickled cabbage
    How to Make Easy Quick Pickled Cabbage
    Learn how to make quick and easy pickled cabbage recipe in this informative post! Pickled cabbage can add a dash of crunch and tang to a variety of dishes, making it a wonderful condiment to have on hand in the refrigerator.
    Check out this recipe

    Cauliflower Breadsticks

    37 minutes

    If you're really craving breadsticks or garlic bread, try this cauliflower breadstick version. Cheesy and delicious, without any added bread! Dip sauces optional, but encouraged.

    cauliflower breadsticks
    cauliflower breadsticks
    Cauliflower Breadsticks
    Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks that won’t crumble when held; delicious low-carb, gluten-free, Keto, low-calorie breadstick alternative.
    Check out this recipe

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese
    • Sour cream mashed potatoes.
      Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese (Dump-and-Bake!)
    • Ranch coleslaw.
      Ranch Coleslaw

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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