25+ Best Pizza Side Dishes (with Vegan & Gluten Free Options)
Looking for a side dish to serve with pizza for your pizza night? We have you covered. This is a collection of 25+ best pizza side dishes including vegetables, salads, dips, finger foods, and bar foods designed to help you find the perfect pairing for your favorite pizza.
Who doesn't love a good pizza night? They are always so fun and bring the whole family together.
My love for pizza is endless (thin crust, thick crust, you name it!) . But when serving at a pool party or at a get-together with friends, I always wonder what other sides to serve besides garlic knots and mozzarella sticks.
Here we've laid out 27 easy and versatile recipes that you can quickly whip up in 30 minutes or less. These sides range the gamut from traditional options such as Mozzarella sticks to Air Fryer Green Beans and everything in between.
Whether you are in the mood for veggies, fried bar food, or even dips, this list provides it all. Best of all, most of these options are either gluten free or can be gluten free by making a few easy swaps.
Regardless of your interests, you have a rolodex of options at hand - a win-win! Check out our collection of pizza sides that are so good, they might be the talk of your night!
In case you are also looking for a pizza to make from scratch, check out our Vegan Pizza or Vegetarian Mexican Pizza recipes. Pair them with our Garlic Pizza Sauce - and you'll have the perfect meal!
Pizza Side Dishes
Crispy Air Fryer Vegetables (From Frozen)
Rather than a plain old salad, opt in for these crispy air fryer vegetables. You don’t need to chop any of your veggies, you can make this in less than 15 minutes with a bag of frozen veggies you’ve got lying around in your freezer. This meal takes less than 15 minutes, you have a crispy, buttery vegetable mix that you will love.
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10 Minute Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
You can recreate that same joy of mozzarella sticks from childhood at home in 10 minutes with this recipe. It's so easy and there's no heating up the oven or deep frying necessary! These gooey, cheesy sticks with a crispy coating are the ultimate comfort food. Paired with your pizza, they bring an extra layer of cheesy delight to your meal.
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Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Looking for a spicy twist to your pizza night? Make buffalo cauliflower bites as a side dish to your pizza. In about 30 minutes, you have a crispy, fully loaded low carb side dish. This spicy heat and crunchy snack will elevate your pizza or really any main dish.
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15 Minute Air Fryer Potato Skins
If you want a quick and hearty side to go with your pizza - in which case make these potato skins. In just 15 minutes, you have crispy skins loaded with toppings. Perfect bar food by itself or a great accompaniment to your pizza.
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Baked Balsamic Bruschetta
If you want to impress your guests (or yourself!) with a fresh, tangy side, check out this gluten free baked balsamic bruschetta. It uses fresh ingredients such as ripe tomatoes and fresh onions, which provide a perfect crunch on the toasted bread. Done in 15 minutes, this crunchy, flavorful side will provide a perfect balance to the rich, cheesy pizza.
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Gluten Free Garlic Bread
This is a classic side (with a twist - vegan and gluten free) that everyone loves: garlic bread. You can make a batch of crispy, garlicky, gluten-free garlic bread in about 15 minutes. The buttery, savory slices perfectly complement your pizza, making your meal feel complete.
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Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Baked
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries for your pizza night. In 30 minutes, you can get sweet potato fries that are crispy and slightly sweet. They are oven baked and gluten free as an added bonus. They are also a one sheet pan meal - so clean up is a breeze.
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Air Fryer Green Bean Fries Recipe
This crispy air fryer green bean fries recipe is packed with flavor and crunch, and only takes 30 minutes to make. It's a great appetizer or side dish to your pizza, and there's a gluten-free keto option as well. This is a fun way to get in your veggies, and it’s a great way to convince picky eaters to try green beans.
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Air Fryer Squash
If you are looking for a healthy side to pair with your pizza, check out easy air fryer squash. In just 15 minutes, you have lightly seasoned, crispy squash that adds a refreshing touch to your dinner. Its light and crispy texture is a nice contrast to the rich cheesy pizza.
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Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
It’s pizza night, and you want a fun, protein-packed side that's quick to make. You can whip up these crispy air fryer tofu nuggets in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free, and can be made gluten-free with just 1 swap!They add the perfect crunchy contrast to your gooey pizza slices, making every bite even more enjoyable.
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Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
You can choose to keep it healthy with this easy broccoli garlic side dish. This irresistibly flavorful roasted broccoli with garlic is super easy to make with just 3 ingredients plus salt and pepper and ready in just 20 minutes.
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Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip
This is a dip you can dunk your cheese slice in. If you are looking for a cool, tangy dip, that takes just 10 minutes and is perfect for dipping crusts or veggies and works great as a perfect side. As a plus, it's oil-free and nut-free with only 21 calories per serving!
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Easy Quinoa Spinach Avocado Power Salad Recipe
Packed with superfoods, this light crisp salad is a great option as a side to your pizza. It comes with protein-rich quinoa, crisp spinach, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon dressing, and comes together in 25 minutes. A delicious side with a medley of flavors.
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Air Fryer Home Fries
While home fries are generally a breakfast side, no reason to change it up and serve it as a side for pizza. They are easy to make (15 minutes) and you can get crispy golden brown potatoes that add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
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Vegan Parmesan Cheese [Nut-Free, Gluten-Free]
Forget traditional parmesan cheese, try this vegan cheese made from sunflower seeds. Requiring just 4 ingredients and a food processor, this pumpkin seed "Parmesan" is also easily made in a matter of minutes. Perfect for sprinkling on your pizza!
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5 Ingredient Carrot Fritters
These carrot fritters are perfect to introduce a veggie into your meal. They are fun, crispy and a healthy alternative to any other greasy side - a perfect choice for picky eaters! You make carrot fritters in 25 minutes - you have crispy, slightly sweet fritters that are both healthy and tasty.
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Air Fryer Tater Tots
You can never go wrong with tater tots. It reminds me of my childhood and you can never have just 1. You can make this in 15 minutes, you have crispy, tender tots that bring a nostalgic crunch to your meal. They’re the perfect side, adding a bit of fun and flavor to your pizza night.
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Copycat Chick Fil A Superfood Salad
Salads are always a great side with pizza - why not make it a superfood salad with kale, broccolini, dried cherries, and nuts. In 20 minutes, you have a healthy, vibrant salad. Its fresh and slightly sweet flavors balance the richness of your pizza. It is gluten Free, vegan and made with a few simple ingredients!
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Vegan Chicken Nuggets
These chicken nuggets are a crowd favorite especially with kids and are a great pizza side. If you are craving something crunchy, make vegan chicken nuggets to go with your pizza. In 30 minutes, you have crispy, savory bites that add protein to your meal.
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Grilled Zucchini
Perfect for the summer, you can whip up this light and healthy side on the grill and it will be ready in about 15 minutes. You can get tender, flavorful slices that compliment your pizza. The grilled zucchini adds a fresh and healthy touch to your meal.
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Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad
Spruce up your pizza side with this quinoa salad without making a trip to costco. You make a quinoa salad with vegetables and a tangy dressing in 20 minutes. While this is a great side to pizza, it can work as a meal of its own by adding more quinoa to your salad.
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Burrata Bruschetta
If you are hosting a pizza night and want a sophisticated side to impress your guests with an authentic Italian side dish - you can make this easy burrata burrata bruschetta with tomatoes and basil on toasted bread in 15 minutes. The creamy cheese and fresh toppings perfectly complement the flavors of pizza.
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Vegan Savoury Cheese Biscuits (Cookies)
These are unique and savory - it's a hybrid between a cookie and a biscuit, which can add a delightful crunch to any meal. You’re in the mood for something savory, check out these vegan cheese biscuits, done in 20 minutes, and offer a delightful crunch.
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Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
For a tasty, bite-sized side, try these vegan stuffed mushrooms. In 30 minutes, you have savory, umami-packed mushrooms that are perfect for snacking. Their flavor and texture complement the pizza wonderfully.
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Fried Pickles
These fried pickles are super easy to make and the perfect finger food for your next pizza night or any get-together. It comes together in 15-20 minutes, and you can either deep fry or fry them in a skillet. They are vegan, delicious and perfect bar food snack or side.
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Vegan Ranch Dressing
As you prepare for pizza night, you think of a classic dip: ranch dressing. You can make this in 10 minutes, a perfect creamy, herby vegan ranch side that’s perfect for dipping and drizzling. Its cool, tangy taste complements the warm, cheesy pizza beautifully.
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Easy Air Fryer Eggplant
This easy 20 minute air fryer eggplant would be a great side dish with pizza as it offers a crispy, flavorful contrast that complements the pizza's gooey cheese and savory toppings. The light and crunchy texture of the eggplant adds variety to the meal, while its mild taste pairs well with a range of pizza flavors. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to fried sides, making your pizza night both delicious and balanced.
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Conclusion
And there you have it! With these 27 delicious and easy-to-make side dishes, your next pizza gathering is sure to be a hit. Whether you're craving something crunchy, cheesy, veggie-packed or gluten free, I hope you found good options that fit all your needs.
If you loved these recipes or have your own favorite pizza side dishes, leave a comment below and share your thoughts! Happy Eating!
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