What to have with pizza to make it healthier?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, it's possible to reduce your risk of heart disease by eating less processed meats and saturated fats. This guide explores what to have with pizza to make it healthier by focusing on nutrient-rich additions that transform a classic comfort food into a more balanced meal. With smart choices, you can satisfy your pizza cravings without compromising your health goals.

Quick Summary

This article explores strategies for a more nutritious pizza night by choosing healthier toppings, sauces, and crusts. It emphasizes balancing your meal with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients, promoting better portion control and overall satisfaction.

Key Points

Pair with a Salad: Serving a fresh, fiber-rich side salad with pizza boosts nutrients and helps with portion control by increasing fullness.
Choose a Better Crust: Opt for thin, whole-wheat, or vegetable-based crusts (like cauliflower) to reduce calories and increase fiber intake.
Pile on the Veggies: Load up your pizza with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as peppers, spinach, and mushrooms, to maximize vitamins and minerals.
Swap for Lean Protein: Replace processed meats like pepperoni with lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken or seafood, to cut down on saturated fat.
Go Easy on the Cheese: Use a high-flavor cheese like sharp provolone or part-skim mozzarella sparingly to reduce fat and calories without sacrificing taste.
Make Your Own Sauce: Prepare a homemade tomato or pesto sauce to control sodium and sugar levels, avoiding the additives in many store-bought jars.

Pizza night does not have to be a dietary disaster. By making a few mindful adjustments to your ingredients and pairings, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that's also remarkably good for you. The secret lies in balancing the pizza's naturally rich elements with fresh, nutrient-dense additions. From smarter side dishes to ingredient swaps, here's how to transform your pizza experience.

The Perfect Pizza and Salad Pairing

Adding a side salad is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your pizza meal healthier. A crisp, fresh salad provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that a traditional pizza often lacks. It adds bulk to your meal, helping you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating the pizza itself.

Salad Varieties That Complement Pizza

Classic Italian Salad: A simple mix of romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil and red wine vinegar offers a refreshing contrast to a rich, cheesy pizza.
Arugula Salad: The peppery flavor of arugula cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. A simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan is all you need.
Spinach Salad with Berries: For a unique and flavorful twist, try a spinach salad with fresh strawberries or other berries, goat cheese, and toasted nuts, dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Caesar Salad: A classic choice, a Caesar salad provides a creamy yet crunchy balance. Just be mindful of the dressing and crouton portion sizes to avoid excess calories.
Grilled Vegetable Salad: Roasting or grilling vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant and tossing them with fresh greens creates a warm and hearty side.

Healthier Pizza Toppings

Beyond the base and sides, what you put on your pizza can dramatically impact its nutritional value. Opting for fresh, whole-food toppings over processed meats and excessive cheese is key.

Nutrient-Packed Topping Combinations

Mediterranean Delight: Pesto sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Veggie Supreme: A vibrant medley of bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes provides a vitamin boost and plenty of fiber.
Lean Protein Power: Use a thin layer of tomato sauce, part-skim mozzarella, grilled chicken breast, and red onions.
Smoky Salmon: For a gourmet touch, try a smoked salmon pizza on a ricotta base, topped with capers and fresh dill after baking.
White Veggie Pizza: A ricotta or olive oil base topped with garlic, zucchini, mushrooms, and kale.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Healthier Pizza Meal


Aspect	Traditional Pizza Meal	Healthier Pizza Meal
Crust	Thick, white-flour crust, sometimes stuffed	Whole-wheat, thin, or cauliflower crust
Protein	High-fat, processed meats like pepperoni and sausage	Lean meats (grilled chicken), seafood, or plant-based proteins
Cheese	Excessively layered whole-milk mozzarella	Light sprinkle of high-flavor part-skim or ricotta cheese
Sauce	Sugary, store-bought sauce	Homemade low-sodium tomato sauce or pesto
Vegetables	Sparse, cooked to softness	Heaps of fresh and roasted vegetables, providing fiber
Side Dish	Garlic bread, chicken wings	Large, fresh side salad or roasted vegetables
Portion Size	Multiple large slices	One or two slices with a substantial side salad

Smart Crust and Sauce Swaps

The foundation of your pizza offers a significant opportunity for healthier choices. Whole-wheat crusts add fiber, while thin crusts reduce overall calories. For an even bigger health boost, consider a homemade cauliflower or quinoa base. When it comes to sauce, homemade is best. Store-bought options can be loaded with hidden sugars and sodium. Creating your own from crushed tomatoes with herbs and garlic puts you in control. Alternatively, using a healthy pesto or a light drizzle of olive oil as a base provides a flavorful alternative.

Conclusion: Savor a Better Pizza Night

Making pizza healthier isn't about deprivation; it's about smart substitutions and mindful pairings. By prioritizing whole-wheat crusts, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables, you can create a more balanced and nutritious pie. Pairing your pizza with a substantial, crisp side salad not only adds vital nutrients but also encourages better portion control. These simple changes prove that you can still enjoy your favorite comfort food while moving closer to your health and wellness goals. The key is to think of pizza not as a high-calorie indulgence but as a flavorful vehicle for a balanced meal. For more ways to improve your homemade creations, read this article from Everyday Health.

Portion Control and Mindful Eating

Even with healthier ingredients, mindful eating is essential. Eat your pizza slowly to truly savor each bite, allowing your body time to register when you are full. Starting with a side salad can help fill you up faster, naturally leading you to eat less of the pizza. Don't be fooled by the 'health halo' of restaurant salads, which can sometimes be higher in calories and sodium than a simple slice of pizza. Home preparation is often the healthiest route.

Hydration and Beverages

Finally, consider your beverage choice. Sugary sodas add empty calories and can sabotage your healthy meal. Opt for water infused with lemon or cucumber, unsweetened iced tea, or a sparkling water to stay hydrated without the sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large, fresh side salad is an excellent choice. Options like a classic Italian salad, arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables complement pizza while adding fiber and nutrients.

Not necessarily. Some restaurant salads can have more calories and sodium than a slice of plain cheese pizza due to heavy dressings, processed toppings, and excessive portion sizes. Opt for homemade salads with light vinaigrettes for the healthiest option.

Thin crust and whole-wheat crusts are healthier options. Thin crust reduces overall calories, while whole-wheat crust provides additional fiber. Vegetable-based crusts like cauliflower are also great alternatives.

Focus on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. For protein, choose lean options such as grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, or seafood instead of fatty, processed meats.

Use less cheese overall. Opt for high-flavor varieties like sharp provolone or part-skim mozzarella so you can use a smaller amount. You can also mix in lower-fat options like ricotta.

Generally, yes. Making your own pizza gives you control over ingredients, allowing you to use whole-wheat flour for the crust, create low-sugar sauces, and choose leaner toppings. This avoids the excessive salt, fat, and preservatives found in many commercial pizzas.

You can use pesto, hummus, or simply a drizzle of olive oil with garlic as a base. These options add flavor while helping you control sugar and sodium intake from pre-made tomato sauces.