Introduction: The Importance of Side Dishes
Pizza is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser and a go-to option for casual dinners or gatherings. However, to make the dining experience more enjoyable and diversified, it is essential to serve some side dishes alongside pizza. Not only do they add extra flavors and textures to the meal, but they also give a balance of nutrients and help to fill you up. In this article, we will explore some recommended side dishes to serve with pizza, including classic options, healthier alternatives, carb-heavy sides, international favorites, creamy complements, gluten-free alternatives, and beverage pairings.
Classic Side Dishes: Garlic Bread and Caesar Salad
Garlic bread and Caesar salad are classic side dishes that pair exceptionally well with pizza. Garlic bread is a straightforward recipe that consists of sliced bread topped with butter or olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then baked until crispy. It is a perfect complement to pizza, as it offers a warm and buttery texture and a garlicky flavor that enhances the pizza’s taste. On the other hand, Caesar salad is a refreshing and light side dish that adds a crunchy and tangy element to the meal. It is made of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, which is typically made of anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The combination of the lettuce’s crispiness, the croutons’ crunchiness, and the dressing’s tanginess creates a perfect balance that offsets the pizza’s richness.
Healthier Options: Grilled Vegetables and Greek Salad
If you prefer a healthier option, grilled vegetables and Greek salad are great choices. Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, are not only nutritious but also add a smoky flavor that complements the pizza’s taste. You can season them with salt, pepper, and herbs and cook them on a grill or in a pan until tender and slightly charred. Greek salad, on the other hand, is a colorful and flavorful side dish that combines vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, with feta cheese, olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing. It is a perfect match for pizza, as it offers a fresh and tangy taste that balances the pizza’s heaviness.
Carb-Heavy Sides: Fries and Onion Rings
If you are looking for some carb-heavy sides to indulge in, fries and onion rings are the way to go. Fries are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost anything, including pizza. You can serve them plain or seasoned with salt, pepper, or herbs, and dip them in ketchup, mayo, or aioli. Onion rings, on the other hand, are a crunchy and savory side dish that adds a crispy texture to the meal. They are made of sliced onions coated in a batter made of flour, milk, and eggs, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. While they may not be the healthiest option, they sure are a tasty and satisfying indulgence.
International Favorites: Bruschetta and Caprese Salad
If you are feeling adventurous and want to try some international flavors, bruschetta and Caprese salad are excellent choices. Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer that consists of toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with pizza, especially if the pizza has a tomato-based sauce. Caprese salad, on the other hand, is a simple and elegant salad that originated in Italy. It is made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This side dish is a perfect match for pizza, as it offers a light and refreshing flavor that contrasts the pizza’s richness.
Creamy Complements: Mac and Cheese and Potato Salad
If you are a fan of creamy and cheesy side dishes, mac and cheese and potato salad are perfect complements to pizza. Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that consists of cooked macaroni pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. It is a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs well with pizza, especially if the pizza has a meaty or spicy topping. Potato salad, on the other hand, is a tangy and creamy side dish that adds a refreshing element to the meal. It is made of boiled potatoes, chopped celery, onions, and mayonnaise, then seasoned with mustard, vinegar, and herbs. This side dish is a perfect match for pizza, as it offers a balance of textures and flavors that complement the pizza’s taste.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: Quinoa Salad and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For those who are gluten intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, quinoa salad and roasted sweet potatoes are great alternatives. Quinoa salad is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that combines cooked quinoa with vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and a tangy dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. It is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with pizza, especially if the pizza has a vegetable-based topping. Roasted sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a sweet and savory side dish that adds a crispy texture to the meal. They are sliced and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, then roasted in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized. This side dish is a perfect match for pizza, as it offers a balance of sweetness and saltiness that complements the pizza’s taste.
Beverage Pairings: Beer, Wine, and Soda
To complete the dining experience, it is essential to pair the pizza and side dishes with the right beverage. Beer is a classic option that pairs well with pizza, especially if the pizza has a meaty or spicy topping. You can choose from a variety of beer styles, such as IPA, pale ale, lager, or pilsner, depending on your preference. Wine is another excellent option that pairs well with pizza, especially if the pizza has a tomato-based sauce. You can choose from red, white, or rosé wine, depending on the pizza’s toppings and your taste. Soda is a refreshing and non-alcoholic option that pairs well with any pizza and side dish, especially if you want to avoid alcohol.
Conclusion: Experiment and Enjoy!
In conclusion, serving side dishes with pizza is a great way to enhance the dining experience and add more flavors and textures to the meal. Whether you prefer classic options, healthier alternatives, carb-heavy sides, international flavors, creamy complements, or gluten-free options, there is a side dish that will match your taste and preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations to find your perfect match. Remember to pair your pizza and side dishes with the right beverage to complete the dining experience. Enjoy your meal!
