Best salad to go with pizza, it’s a question every pizza lover has asked at least once. Because while pizza may be the main event, the right salad can take your meal from good to unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting a pizza night, grabbing a quick slice at home, or serving guests, pairing your pie with a fresh, flavorful salad adds balance, variety, and that satisfying crunch we all crave.
From crisp garden greens to creamy classics like Caesar, refreshing cucumber mixes to bold Italian chopped salads, we’ve rounded up 22 incredible salad ideas that perfectly complement any pizza.

What’s The Best Salad to Eat With Pizza
If you’ve been wondering what salad to eat with pizza, or need something light and healthy to serve on the side, this list has you covered.
Ready to meet your pizza’s perfect match? Let’s dig in.
1. Classic Caesar Salad
When in doubt, go with Caesar. This timeless salad is creamy, crunchy, and surprisingly filling.
With crisp romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, and crunchy croutons tossed in a garlicky Caesar dressing, it pairs beautifully with nearly any pizza.
Whether it’s pepperoni or veggie-loaded, this is the kind of salad that always holds its own at a pizza party. A Caesar salad with pizza is a safe bet when you want something familiar yet bold.
2. Caprese Salad (Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella)
Caprese salad is the fresh Italian sidekick your pizza didn’t know it needed. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze — it’s the ultimate cold salad to serve with pizza.
Especially great alongside Margherita or cheese pizzas, this salad keeps the flavor profile light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.
3. Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Looking for something salty, crunchy, and packed with flavor? A classic Greek salad is the answer.
Loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and chunks of feta, it cuts right through the richness of any cheesy slice.
It’s a refreshing salad for pizza that brings a little Mediterranean twist to your dinner table — and it’s great for hot summer pizza nights too.
4. Arugula Salad with Lemon & Parmesan
Peppery arugula, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of shaved parmesan — this light and zesty salad was made to go with pizza.
Especially when you’re dealing with rich or meaty toppings like sausage or pepperoni, arugula adds the perfect contrast.
If you’re wondering what salad goes with pizza when you want something sharp and not too heavy, this one’s a solid choice.
5. Italian Chopped Salad
An Italian chopped salad is like the loud, colorful cousin at the dinner table — and we love it.
It’s packed with romaine, tomatoes, red onions, salami, pepperoncini, and olives, all tossed in a bold Italian dressing.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and a good salad to serve with pizza when you want more than just greens on the side. It complements both classic and meat-lovers pizza like a charm.
6. Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Simple doesn’t mean boring. A crisp garden salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette is a quick salad for a pizza dinner that works every single time.
With fresh lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots, it adds a nice crunch to your plate and makes you feel slightly better about that third slice.
Plus, it’s one of the easiest healthy salads to serve with pizza on busy weeknights.
7. Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This sweet and savory combo might surprise you, but it works beautifully. The baby spinach brings in the greens, the strawberries add a juicy burst, and the creamy poppy seed dressing ties it all together.
It’s a refreshing salad for pizza, especially for outdoor lunches or summer nights. If you’re serving veggie or white sauce pizza, this salad makes a light and colorful pairing.
8. Cucumber & Red Onion Salad
If you’re looking for something cool and crisp, cucumber and red onion salad is your best friend.
It’s light, quick to make, and adds a welcome crunch alongside cheesy, saucy slices.
The sharp bite from the onions, the fresh crunch from the cucumber, and a splash of vinegar make it a perfect cold salad to serve with pizza. Ideal for when you want something no-fuss and refreshing on the side.
9. Kale & Apple Walnut Salad
Don’t underestimate the power of kale when paired with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts.
Tossed in a light lemon-honey vinaigrette, this salad adds a hearty texture and just enough sweetness to balance the saltiness of your pizza.
It’s a healthy salad with pizza that feels both comforting and nutrient-packed. Great for fall pizza nights or whenever you want something a bit more nourishing.
10. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
What’s better than carbs with carbs? A cold pasta salad served with pizza is a total crowd-pleaser, especially for parties and potlucks.
With tri-color pasta, chopped veggies, olives, and zesty Italian dressing, this salad is both filling and fun.
It’s one of those pizza side dishes that works for adults and kids alike — plus, it holds up well even after hours on the table.
11. Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw might not be the first thing you think of with pizza, but trust us — it works.
The creamy crunch adds a nice contrast to hot, melty slices. Especially great with BBQ chicken or meat-lovers pizza, coleslaw balances things out and adds texture to every bite.
If you’re hosting a pizza night and want a make-ahead side, this is an easy salad to go with pizza.
12. Broccoli Bacon Salad
If you’re after something bold and slightly indulgent, broccoli bacon salad delivers.
With crunchy broccoli florets, crispy bacon, red onions, and a sweet, creamy dressing, this salad adds a ton of flavor without overpowering the pizza.
It’s perfect for pairing with classic pepperoni or meat-heavy pizzas, giving your meal a satisfying mix of creamy, salty, and crunchy textures.
13. Antipasto Salad with Salami & Pepperoncini
This is more than just a salad — it’s a full-on flavor bomb. Antipasto salad brings together cured meats like salami, chunks of provolone, olives, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoncini, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
It’s perfect for pizza night when you want something hearty but low-carb on the side.
For anyone wondering what side dishes go well with pizza and want big flavor without more crust, this is your answer.
14. Mixed Greens with Honey Mustard Dressing
Sometimes, all you need is a handful of fresh greens and a great dressing. Mixed greens with honey mustard offer just enough tang and sweetness to balance out a cheesy pizza.
It’s a simple salad to go with pizza when you don’t want to overthink it, but still want something green, crisp, and tasty on the table.
15. Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad
Feeling a little fancy? This salad brings restaurant vibes right to your pizza night.
Earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and arugula tossed in a light vinaigrette — it’s an elegant salad that goes with pizza surprisingly well.
It pairs especially nicely with veggie or white pizzas and makes your meal look way more impressive than it was to throw together.
16. Chickpea & Avocado Salad
This protein-packed salad is great when you want something filling but still fresh.
Creamy avocado, tender chickpeas, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon and olive oil — it’s light yet satisfying.
It’s also a healthy pizza night side that gives you a good mix of nutrients without competing with the pizza’s flavor. Bonus: it’s totally vegan-friendly.
17. Romaine Salad with Ranch & Croutons
Sometimes, simple is the best route. Crunchy romaine lettuce tossed in creamy ranch and topped with crispy croutons is a classic, especially when you’re serving pizza to kids or picky eaters.
It’s one of the easiest pizza party salads to throw together, and it always disappears fast.
Add some shredded cheese or bacon bits if you want to level it up.
18. Tomato & Corn Salad
Tomato and corn together? Absolutely. This light and slightly sweet salad adds juicy crunch and a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with bold, spicy pizzas like jalapeño or pepperoni.
Add red onions, herbs, and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. If you’re serving pizza outdoors or during summer, this cold salad is the perfect match.
19. Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
Looking for a healthy salad to serve with pizza that’s light but still filling? Quinoa salad is your go-to.
Tossed with chopped veggies, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon vinaigrette, this salad adds a clean, fresh bite to balance out heavier pizza slices.
It’s perfect for anyone craving something wholesome and gluten-free with their slice.
20. Asian Slaw with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Add a little crunch and zing to your pizza night with this colorful Asian slaw.
Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a nutty sesame-ginger dressing, it brings in a whole new flavor profile.
Especially good with spicy or chicken pizzas, this salad is a great light side dish for pizza when you’re tired of the usual combos.
21. BLT Salad (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato)
If you love the classic BLT sandwich, you’ll love it in salad form too. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes come together in this bold yet familiar side that plays really well with pizza.
Add a creamy dressing like ranch or mayo-based vinaigrette, and you’ve got a satisfying salad that can almost double as a main dish.
22. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
For something completely refreshing, especially on a hot day, watermelon feta salad hits the spot.
Sweet watermelon cubes, salty feta, and fresh mint leaves create a perfect balance of flavors that cool you down after a hot, cheesy slice.
It’s a fun and unexpected cold salad to serve with pizza — great for summer pizza parties or outdoor dinners.
Summary
There you have it — 22 fresh and flavorful salad ideas to pair with your favorite pizza.
Whether you like your salad light and crisp or bold and loaded with toppings, there’s no shortage of ways to complement your cheesy slice.
These aren’t just side dishes — they’re the perfect pizza companions, designed to add balance, color, and crunch to your plate.
So next time you’re planning a pizza night, don’t settle for a plain side of lettuce. Mix things up with a creamy coleslaw, a refreshing cucumber salad, or a zesty Italian chopped bowl.
From backyard pizza parties to Friday Netflix nights, these salads are here to make your meal feel complete.
Craving more pizza pairings? Don’t forget to explore our other food guides, pin your favorites, and bookmark this post for your next pizza night.
Related Post:
22 Best Salads to Go With Pizza
If you’ve been wondering what salad goes well with pizza, or need something light and healthy to serve on the side, this list has you covered. We’ve rounded up 22 incredible salad ideas that perfectly complement any pizza.
Ingredients
Classic Caesar Salad
Caprese Salad (Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella)
Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Arugula Salad with Lemon & Parmesan
Italian Chopped Salad
Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Cucumber & Red Onion Salad
Kale & Apple Walnut Salad
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Creamy Coleslaw
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Antipasto Salad with Salami & Pepperoncini
Mixed Greens with Honey Mustard Dressing
Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad
Chickpea & Avocado Salad
Romaine Salad with Ranch & Croutons
Tomato & Corn Salad
Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
Asian Slaw with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
BLT Salad (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato)
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Directions
- Feel free to customize these salads to your taste! Add your favorite toppings or dressings for the perfect pizza pairing.
- These fresh, vibrant salads are the ideal complement to your pizza. Serve them alongside for a balanced meal!
Notes
- Customize Your Salad! Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Add your favorite veggies or fruits for the perfect pizza side!
- Endless Combinations: Swap ingredients based on your mood or season. Fresh salads make the perfect pizza companion!