25+ Best Side Dishes for Pizza
Updated Jul 09, 2026
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Pizza night becomes even more special with a few thoughtfully chosen sides. These recipes complement homemade favorites like my Pizza Al Taglio, Pinsa Romana, and Homemade Pizza Margherita, and they’re just as delicious alongside your favorite takeout pizza.
For more Italian dinner inspiration, read my post on What to Serve with Lasagna
The Perfect Pizza Night
The beauty of pizza is that it welcomes so many different accompaniments. A fresh salad can balance a rich topping, roasted vegetables add seasonal flavor, and soup can turn a simple pizza dinner into a more thoughtful spread!
These simple additions celebrate the Italian tradition of enjoying a variety of flavors around the table.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Garden-Fresh Additions
Vegetables are a simple way to bring balance and color to pizza night. From roasted seasonal produce to fresh preparations, these recipes all pair beautifully with your favorite pizza.
Italian Zucchini Recipe
My nonna made this simple zucchini and onion dish every week, and it was one of the first dishes I learned to make by her side. Simple, slow, and full of love – just how Italian cooking should be!
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Italian Green Beans Recipe
Italian Flat Green Beans (with Tomatoes and Garlic) is your next easy and flavorful side dish that comes together in 25 minutes! This Italian green beans with tomatoes and garlic are one of the healthiest, tastiest and easiest side dishes.
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Roasted Fennel Recipe (Italian Style)
This Italian-style roasted fennel recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of fennel with golden, caramelized edges. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano, it's a delicious and easy side dish for any meal, served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
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Roasted Broccoli Recipe (Parmesan and Lemon)
This Parmesan Roasted Broccoli combines the earthy flavor of roasted broccoli with the brightness of lemon vinaigrette and the richness of Parmesan cheese. It's a quick recipe even picky eaters will eat!
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Roasted Portobello Caps Recipe
Roasted Portobello Mushrooms Recipe (with Balsamic and Thyme). Serve these bites as an easy or side dish for a dinner party. This roasted portobello mushroom recipe contains delicious earthy flavors of balsamic vinegar, thyme, and garlic. This is a healthy recipe you will love.
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Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Lemon is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy fresh green beans. These easy Roasted Green Beans are seasoned with garlic and lemon and roasted to perfection in olive oil. So simple!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts remain tender with perfectly crispy edges. The ideal amount of sweet & spicy flavors leaves you craving more after every bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Easy Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe
These Roasted Zucchini and Squash are perfectly caramelized, tender on the inside, and lightly seasoned to bring out their natural sweetness. Quick to prepare and effortlessly delicious, this is a simple side dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat all season long.
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Oven-Roasted Asparagus
The savory Parmigiano, garlic, and the brightness of lemon will make this roasted asparagus side dish flavorful and delightful.
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Italian Stuffed Artichokes Recipe (Sicilian Style)
Italian Stuffed Artichokes Recipe (Sicilian Style)– rich flavors of a savory breadcrumb and Pecorino Romano cheese stuffing, expertly blended with garlic, fresh parsley, and extra-virgin olive oil all cooked inside a steamed-tender artichoke! A classic Italian recipe you will love.
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Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe
Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe (Easy)– Bursting with the bold flavors, vegetables, and aromas that define Mediterranean cuisine, this beloved Italian dish is wonderful for any occasion.
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Fresh Salads
Add a little freshness to your pizza dinner with salads that are full of flavor and texture. These easy recipes make a beautiful addition to the table and help create a well-rounded meal.
If you prefer, make your own salad creation with my Zesty Italian Dressing or Parmesan Vinaigrette.
Grilled Peach Salad Recipe with Burrata
From the tender, juicy peaches, creamy burrata, fresh basil, and peppery arugula to the crunchy roasted pistachios, this gorgeous, summer Peach Burrata Salad offers a delightful array of textures in every bite.
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Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is crisp, bright, and bursting with feta, olives, herbs, and a zesty Italian dressing. The perfect fresh side dish – ready in 15 minutes.
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Tomato Burrata Salad
This Tomato Burrata Salad with basil pesto is fresh, creamy, and ready in 10 minutes. The ultimate Italian summer dish with simple, high-quality ingredients.
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Beet Salad Recipe
This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A must-try!
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Best Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
This Classic Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is a delicious and colorful Italian-American dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It's easy to make and one the best salads for any occasion.
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Green Bean Salad
This vibrant Cold Green Bean Salad (Italian-Style) with cannellini beans, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette is fresh and bold! The perfect summer salad is ready for your next potluck- in 20 minutes!
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Asparagus Salad
This is not a boring Asparagus Salad (with Lemon, Parmesan & Crispy Breadcrumbs). This is bright, crunchy, lemony, and layered with crispy golden breadcrumbs that taste like little bites of sunshine- in 20 minutes! It’s the kind of spring salad that feels fancy enough for Easter but easy enough for a Tuesday night!
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Lemon Arugula Salad in Parmesan Cups
These crisp, elegant salad cups bring instant “wow” to any table. Fresh, zesty arugula salad pairs perfectly with the salty crunch of Parmesan cups for a bite that’s both beautiful and delicious. Ideal for weddings, showers, parties, holiday gatherings, or any meal you want to make feel special.
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Soups To Warm Up Your Table
Pizza may be the main attraction, but soup adds another layer to the meal! Make sure to serve with homemade Tomato Focaccia!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This creamy sausage tortellini soup is pure comfort in a bowl — cozy, hearty, and filled with Italian flavors. The combination of savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days!
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Homemade Italian Wedding Soup Recipe (Authentic)
An authentic Italian Wedding Soup made with homemade meatballs, leafy greens, and a rich broth. Comforting and perfect for any night of the week.
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Minestrone Soup Recipe
Delicious and fresh Minestrone soup recipe! Full of vegetables in a light broth that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. This is an authentic Italian recipe my family has made for generations!
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Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Cozy up with this hearty Itlaian Sausage White Bean Soup! Packed with savory sausage, tender beans, fresh spinach, and fragrant herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for any chilly evening.
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Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Creamy, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes—this one-pot gnocchi soup is pure comfort. Pillowy potato gnocchi, savory pancetta, and fresh spinach come together in a silky cream broth for the perfect weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
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Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
This hearty Mushroom Barley Soup is a comforting blend of earthy mushrooms, tender barley, and aromatic herbs simmered in a savory broth—perfect for a nourishing, cozy meal.
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Pasta e Ceci
Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta with Chickpea Soup) is the perfect comfort food for cold winter days. This delicious and satisfying Italian soup combines pasta, chickpeas, and rich flavors in one bowl. Simple, nourishing, and flavorful, it makes an easy vegetarian lunch or dinner the whole family will enjoy.
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Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
Creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes– this Tomato Tortellini Soup brings rustic Italian flavors to your table any night of the week.
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Serving Ideas
- Dipping Sauces and Spreads: Add a little something extra to your pizza night with flavorful dips and sauces. Serve your crust with Homemade Marinara, Walnut Pesto, or Bread Dipping Oil.
- Toppings: Take your pizza to the next level with fresh toppings and finishing touches. Add a drizzle of Pesto, Italian Salsa Verde, Gremolata, for extra flavor on your pizza! Fresh basil, creamy cheeses, or a sprinkle of herbs are also great topping options.
- Antipasto: Try creating a platter with Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Marinated Olives, Salami Cups, and Easy Fried Cheese Balls before your meal!
FAQs
What should I serve with pizza for a party?
For a crowd, choose easy-to-share dishes like appetizers, salads, dips, and finger foods.
How To Store Pizza Side Dishes
Storage depends on the type of side dish, but most leftovers should be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Check each recipe page for more information.
How do I keep pizza sides fresh for a party?
Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store each component separately until serving. Keep cold dishes refrigerated and serve warm appetizers or vegetables just before guests arrive.
Pizza night is always delicious on its own, but the right side dishes can make the meal feel even more complete. I hope these ideas inspire you to add new flavors to your next pizza dinner. Mangia!
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