I'd lean toward a veggie platter because with salad you need a fork. Do your guests eat pizza with fork? Or with fingers?

I see the difficulty with salad, however, in my experience, there are always more veggies left over than were eaten, whether it's a family party, wedding/baby shower, or potluck or catered meals we've had at the office. I guess in your shoes, I'd probably do a small veggie tray, just so you have something else to offer. If it were MY party, I'd serve a salad, as I don't eat pizza or Stromboli, so the salad would be my meal.

Why not a veggie platter with assorted peppers (pepperpcinni, pimentoes), assorted olives, marinated artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese balls, and such along with carrots, pea pods, and celery. Perhaps with a ranch dipping sauce?

Yum. Stomboli. How about a very lightly dressed antipasto that can go on the same plate?

I always put salad on the same plate but my dad insists on a separate one. I guess it's because I do the dishes and he doesn't :)

chopped salad can share a plate

Love Gooster's idea. Salad is a no if people cannot sit, unless you serve it in cups

I was going to suggest individual veggie cups-with some dipping sauce, hummus, ranch, whatever at the bottom. Cut up carrots, peppers, broccoli & cabbage florets-all in a clear cup. Looks fun and festive and people can grab an one if they like. I personally hate veggie trays because they remind me of a salad bar without a sneeze guard.

I'd do both: a salad and a crudite platter. Because everyone will have a seat, salad will be very appealing. The crudite is for those who want just veggies and other fixin's.

Is this a kids' party or family? Are you thinking salad/veggie platter as an option for those who won't eat pizza or Stromboli.. or a supplement for those who don't want to fill up on pizza?

Not sure how much you want to take on, but I love an antipasto platter-- and all of it can be done ahead (and many grocery stores and local markets offer something similar as well). IMO this bridges the gap between appetizer and small plate meal. I never feel right skipping a meal and having a couple of pieces of broccoli, carrot and celery.. but grilled veggies are more meal-like for me.

Now I'm thinking I might do both. :)

This is for DS's birthday and will be only family. I was thinking of having this more as a supplement for those who don't want to totally fill up on dough, cheese, and processed meats. I very much dislike eating a salad off a plate. For some reason it doesn't bother me in restaurants but if I'm home I grab a large bowl. I was thinking of bowls but cups are also an option. I do like the idea of veggies already in cups (think it looks tidy and pretty) though I could see people maybe not wanting everything that's in one. I do always end up with lots of extra veggies when I go with a tray. I think I honestly just buy too much. I would hate to run out of something at a party. Salad would be a nice change. What to do about dressings? Wraps are sounding good now too.

Funky - That looks so good! I like the idea of grilled vegetables. It breaks away from my usual raw tray. I'm not into doing themey food because I think I would just drive myself bonkers trying to make everything perfect but...party theme is Disney Planes Fire & Rescue so the more red, orange, and yellow food the better.

What about doing tortilla roll ups with veggies inside. They are easy to make, easy to hold and easy to eat plus very good. I have put all sorts of stuff in them. Sliced deli meat, sliced cheese, cream cheese, sun dried tomatoes, roasted pepper, carrots asparagus, olive, you can use just about anything edible. They look nice too. I never have any left over. That would take care of the veggies and still be something substantial.

I love a mixed salad of corn, black beans, chopped red/ green peppers, tomatoes, red onion, maybe cilantro and avocado with a dressing. Easy to eat away from a table.

Google southwest bean salad, it's great. Also tabouleh, but only if you think they might like it. I often do wraps for a party, they are usually quite popular.

Yes to southwest salad. Filling and healthy!

I recommended antipasto because it would pair nicely with the pizza and Stromboli menu. I could also suggest a caesar salad or chopped salad.

Maybe its just me but I can't see southwest or middle eastern flavors. Maybe I get too tied to a flavor theme.

The salad cups are pretty. But I'm a little squeamish about creamy foods and when I look at them all I can think about is being at a party and having to look at all the smeared dressing in clear plastic cups. So, I wouldn't use clear cups. Or, I wouldn't use a creamy dressing :) YMMV.

I love the antipasto kabobs posted above.

Southwestern I guess it is. The salad just has a citrus, EVOO and cilantro dressing, maybe a hot pepper if you like. Pretty ubiquitous. But I am a vegetarian so I eat some version of bean salad all the time. Make it Italian, use cannellini beans or chickpeas or kidney beans and use red wine or balsamic vinegar and Italian parsley for the dressing. Add some olives instead of hot peppers.

Yes, an Italian version of a Southwestern salad. I like the way you think! This fits much better with your foods. Have fun!

Italian chopped salad in large pasta shells is very good. The one I make is marinated in Italian dressing and needs a fork, but there are a lot of recipes on the internet, and you might find one that you can eat with your fingers. It shouldn't be any messier than eating pizza. I put chicken in mine and serve as a main dish.

I'm back. I've decided I am going to go with salad. I haven't had time to think about this much and I'm still not sure what specifically. I'll make sure we have large plates that people can add it with their pizza but I'll also provide bowls. I think it looks pretty in a cup but I don't like that I can't mix it well in one. Thank you everyone for the suggestions.

Looks tasty and pretty.

All of the ideas above look absolutely awesome. Since you have decided on a salad, I wanted to share what I have done several times lately - a very simple antipasto salad. I make it in a 9 x 13 type dish - I have a few that are a nicer than Pyrex, but Pyrex would do as well. It helps people get it out easier - or a large platter would do well too. Chop up romaine, spinach, red leaf, whatever kind of lettuce. Make it small enough so it doesn't need to be cut further. Then top it with green olives, black olives, quartered pepperoni, yellow peppers (the ones in the jar - I use mild), chickpeas, quartered artichokes and cherry tomato halves. I sometimes cook tortellini and throw that in. Then top with some shaved parm cheese. I even buy the stuff already shaved. It is so pretty - and so easy. My family likes Olive Garden salad dressing. I am not a fan of it, so I always have some Italian vinagrette as well. I make this salad and there is never anything left.

Enjoy your party!!!