29+ Healthy Sides for Pizza (Simple + Delicious)

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Pizza night doesn’t have to be all about indulging in cheesy carbs. With a few simple, healthy side dishes, you can elevate pizza night into a nutritious and satisfying feast. Here’s our favorite healthy sides for pizza.

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Looking for something healthy to serve with the pizza you’re having for dinner tonight? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

You’re guaranteed to find a new favorite healthy pizza side dish here!

PS – Don’t forget about these 20+ Dipping Sauces for Pizza too!

Healthy Side Dishes for Pizza

Overhead close up of quinoa salad in bowl.
Make this copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at home for a healthy, hearty, and delicious grain-based salad studded with fresh veggies and fresh lemon dressing.
Quinoa Salad
Overhead close up of bowl of minestrone on wood background.
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup cooks in just 5 minutes! Loaded with veggies, beans, and delicious pasta, then topped with lots of nutty parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve it with crostini for dipping into that delicious broth.
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Air fryer wings in serving basket with blue cheese and celery sticks.
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings cook up amazingly crispy and juicy without deep frying. Then they’re tossed with a spicy buffalo wing sauce that can be made mild to hot, depending on your taste preference.
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Air fried chicken tenders on serving tray with small bowl of ranch and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook up golden & crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. The best part is they can be made in under 20 minutes with just 6-ingredients.
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
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Side view of glazed wings on sheet of parchment.
These Vietnamese Chicken Wings are baked in the oven until crisp & coated in a sweet-spicy combination of soy sauce, brown sugar and sambal oelek chili paste.
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Close up of green bean fries on baking sheet lined with parchment.
Crispy parmesan Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included. 
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Buffalo cauliflower bites on plate with celery and carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy & amazingly delicious! Enjoy these healthy vegetarian buffalo wings with homemade blue cheese or ranch dip. With directions for the oven or air fryer.
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Sauteed spinach in white bowl.
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
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Over head shot of cooked brussels sprouts in grey bowl with spoon.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic cook up crispy and delicious with minimal oil with the help of your air fryer! Dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. You'll love these!
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Sauteed zucchini and squash in skillet.
You can serve Sauteed Zucchini and Squash with practically anything! It’s a simple side dish that showcases sliced and seared summer squash and savory Italian flavors.
Sauteed Zucchini
Platter of grilled broccolini
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving. 
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Artichokes in instant pot liner.
Instant Pot Artichokes are quick and easy to make with the help of your electric pressure cooker. Plus, this recipe gives them SO much flavor!
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Arugula Salad ready to be served.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Overhead shot of cooked sunchokes in bowl.
Sunchokes are a knobby root vegetable that can be prepared in more ways than you can imagine! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to roast them with olive oil, garlic, and thyme. It’s an easy side dish you can pair with anything.
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Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
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Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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Overhead close up of prepared strawberry spinach salad with poppyseed dressing drizzled on it.
This strawberry spinach salad with poppyseed dressing is quick, easy & delicious! Featuring sweet strawberries & a creamy poppyseed dressing.
Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Overhead shot of farro salad in large black bowl with spoon.
This Farro Salad with Basil & Lemon Tahini Dressing is a delicious salad that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy workday lunches or potlucks.
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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Close up of apple slaw in serving bowl.
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It's sure to be a stand out side dish!
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Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
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Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
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This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
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Finished briam out of oven in casserole dish.
Learn how to make Briam, a traditional Greek roasted vegetable dish made with seasoned tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini. Perfect as a meatless main or a hearty side with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meals!
Briam

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these pizza side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Healthy Pizza Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of healthy sides for pizza. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Collage of healthy sides for pizza.

29+ Healthy Sides for Pizza

With a few simple, healthy side dishes, you can elevate your pizza night to a nutritious & satisfying feast. Here's 29+ healthy sides. Try this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Loaded with veggies, beans, and delicious pasta, then topped with lots of nutty parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Time for Pressure to Build: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 stalk celery (diced)
  • 1 large carrot (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 28- ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 14- ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Parmesan rind (optional)
  • 1 15- ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 15- ounce can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta (or any preferred pasta)

After Pressure Cooking:

For Serving:

Instructions

  • Press SAUTE and add olive oil to Instant Pot. Once hot, add onions, celery and carrots. Saute 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Hit CANCEL.
  • Add oregano, basil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, broth, parmesan rind, beans and pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Set pot to seal and cook on MANUAL high pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to build, then the countdown timer will begin.
  • Once the time is up, quick release the pressure and remove the lid. Press SAUTE and add zucchini and kale (or spinach). Saute 2-3 minutes until pasta is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
  • Add red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t add the veggies until after pressure cooking time. To ensure the healthy vegetables don’t get overcooked and soggy, I add them after the pressure cook. Then, once the lid is removed, I turn the pot to SAUTE and simmer the zucchini and kale or spinach for a few minutes, until they’re just tender.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this soup. However, the pasta will become soggy, and the soup will become thicker as the pasta will continue to soak up that liquid. To solve this, I like to prepare the soup without the pasta, then when I’m ready to serve it, I add some cooked pasta to the warm soup.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Instant Pot

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 855mg | Potassium: 1223mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4392IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 5mg

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