Recipes

Swedish Pizza Salad (Pizzasallad) – The Crunchy, Tangy Side Dish Served With Pizza in Sweden

AQBy Avery QuinnNovember 6, 20268 min read

Preparing the salad at home allows you to adjust these ingredients to suit your preferences.

No single salad can cancel out the nutritional impact of an entire meal, but adding vegetables to your plate is a practical way to increase variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swedish pizza salad the same as coleslaw?

Not exactly. Both contain shredded cabbage, but traditional Swedish pizza salad uses a vinegar-and-oil dressing rather than the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing commonly associated with American coleslaw.

Do all Swedish pizzerias serve pizza salad?

Many do, but practices vary between restaurants. Some include it automatically, while others offer it separately.

What type of cabbage works best?

Ordinary white or green cabbage is the traditional choice. Red cabbage can also be used, although it produces a different appearance and flavor.

Can I use apple cider vinegar?

Yes. Apple cider vinegar works well and provides a slightly fruity flavor. White vinegar gives a more neutral, traditional tanginess.

Why does the salad taste better the next day?

Resting allows the dressing to distribute more evenly and the cabbage to soften slightly, producing a more balanced flavor.

Can I make it without sugar?

Yes. Sugar is optional, and many versions are made without it.

Final Thoughts

Swedish pizza salad is proof that some of the most memorable food traditions are also the simplest.

With nothing more than shredded cabbage, vinegar, oil, and a few seasonings, you can create a refreshing side dish that has become a familiar part of Swedish pizza culture.

Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor make it an excellent companion to a hot, cheesy pizza.

And once you’ve tried this combination, you may understand why so many people who grew up eating pizza in Sweden find it difficult to imagine one without the other.

So the next time you order or make pizza, serve a bowl of homemade Swedish pizzasallad alongside it. You might discover your new favorite pizza tradition.