Okay, so everyone knows pizza is amazing, but sometimes you want something, you know, healthy on the side. I’ve been trying to eat better, so I decided to experiment with some side dish options that wouldn’t make me feel like I was totally ruining my diet. Here’s what I did:
The First Try: Simple Salad
First, I grabbed a bag of mixed greens from the fridge. I’m lazy, so pre-washed is my best friend. Then I chopped up some cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion – whatever I had on hand, really.
For the dressing, I just whisked together some olive oil, lemon juice, a little salt, and pepper. Super basic, but it does the trick. I tossed everything together, and boom – instant side salad.
Leveling Up: Roasted Veggies
Next, I wanted something a bit more substantial. I preheated my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that was heating up, I chopped some broccoli, bell peppers (I used red and yellow because they’re pretty), and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
I spread the veggies on a baking sheet, drizzled them with olive oil, and sprinkled on some garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little bit of paprika for a kick. I roasted them for about 20-25 minutes, until they were tender and slightly browned.
Experimenting: Fruit Salad (Yeah, Really!)
Okay, this might sound weird, but hear me out. I cut up some watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapes. Then I added a little bit of fresh mint from my (very small) herb garden.
The sweetness of the fruit actually complemented the savory pizza really well! It was a nice, refreshing contrast. It’s not something I’d do every time, but it was definitely a fun experiment.
The Result!
- Simple Salad: Quick, easy, and gets the job done. Good for a weeknight.
- Roasted Veggies: More flavorful and filling. Takes a bit longer, but worth it.
- Fruit Salad: Surprisingly good! A nice, light option.
So, there you have it – my adventures in finding healthy side dishes for pizza. It’s all about finding what works for you and your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to try new things, sometimes you will be surprised what you can make!
