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Chicago Pizza

3 Perfect Healthy Sides for Pizza – Our Guide

Everyone loves pizza in casual gatherings and get-togethers with friends and family. Pizzas never fail to make the bonding experience more exciting and fun, whichever time of the day. However, the carbs on it may be too much for your other guests. So, to balance out the meal, consider adding healthy yet delicious side dishes to share with your friends.

In this article, we will share three flavorful and healthy side dishes that you can pair with your pizza:

Side Dish #1: Cranberry Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Have a crunchy and savory side dish with your pizza for a hearty and enjoyable meal. Its sweet but healthy taste will give your typical pizza nights with friends a splendid flavorful side dish. Just slow cook the Brussels sprouts to get the perfect light brown color and flavor.

What you need:

  • 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts
  • Dried, sweetened cranberries
  • Zest of lemon
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

How to make it:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet at medium heat
  2. Once warmed, put the Brussels sprouts and stir every few minutes evenly for 10 to 12 minutes
  3. Add and stir the dried cranberries for about one minute
  4. Turn off the heat, and remove it from the pan
  5. Plate it, and zest the lemon on top along with the salt and pepper.

Side Dish #2: Bright Citrus Salad

If you want to brighten the taste of your pizza, make an easy and quick bright citrus salad. Its refreshing flavor will surely heighten and highlight each taste of your pizza, making your time bonding with friends and family more fun and enjoyable.

What you need:

  • 5 cups of Bibb lettuce
  • ½ cup of roasted pecans
  • Thinly sliced oranges
  • 1 ounce of crumbled goat cheese
  • Shallot
  • White vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

How to make it:

  1. Pull the lettuce apart into smaller pieces and put it in a large bowl
  2. Toss the sliced oranges, roasted pecans, and goat cheese
  3. In a smaller bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper until it blends
  4. Add the dressing to the larger bowl and mix until well-coated
  5. Serve it another plate, and savor it with your pizza.

Side Dish #3: Spicy Bacon Roasted Broccoli

If you want to have a healthy side dish with little hints of crispy bacon, this recipe is for you. Spicy bacon roasted broccoli is perfect for pizza nights as it is tasty and filling. It also compliments the flavors of your pizza without overpowering it.

What you need:

  • 1 pound of fresh broccoli
  • Strips of cooked bacon
  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese

How to make it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
  2. Coat the broccoli in olive oil and toss it with red pepper flakes
  3. Roast it for 20 to 30 minutes in the oven, and make sure it is crispy and has slightly brown edges
  4. Five minutes before the roasting is done, remove the broccoli to add parmesan cheese and bacon crumbles, and return it right after
  5. Remove the dish from the oven, serve, and pair it with your pizza!

Conclusion

There are several side dishes that you can pair with your pizza. Among those are few healthy side dishes, including the cranberry caramelized brussels sprouts, bright citrus salad, and spicy bacon roasted broccoli. These side dishes balance out the carbs in your pizza as it brings a refreshing taste.

If you are hosting a pizza party with your friends and looking for Hegewisch-based pizza places, make sure to check us out at Doreen’s Pizza and get a taste of our popularly loved specialties!

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