Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, that you can serve as a main dish or as a sandwich filling. Its delicious flavor and crispy texture make it a favorite among food lovers around the world.

When it comes to serving falafel, the right side dish can make all the difference. A great side dish can enhance the flavor and texture of falafel while providing a well-balanced and nutritious meal. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing, or hearty and fulfilling, there are many side dishes that pair perfectly with falafel.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with falafel are a tabbouleh salad and hummus with a side of pita for dipping. Another great way to eat falafel is wrapped in a pita with tahini sauce, yogurt, and fresh veggies. For something heartier, rice pilaf and roasted eggplant are also excellent side dish options.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Falafel Side Dishes

1. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is typically seasoned with herbs and spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, which complement the flavors of falafel. Additionally, the textural contrast between the crispy falafel and the fluffy rice creates an experience, where each bite offers a slightly different texture.

2. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa has a slightly crunchy texture that pairs well with the crispy exterior of falafel. Additionally, this quinoa salad often includes chopped Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, and feta which pairs well with the flavors in falafel.

3. Greek Yogurt

You can dip your falafel in greek yogurt for a healthy afternoon snack. You can also add your falafel pita wrap with some fresh veggies, and a drizzle of greek yogurt served with a side salad for a fulfilling and delicious meal.

4. Couscous

This couscous recipe features a lot of complimentary flavors like tomatoes, coriander, and feta cheese that all pair incredibly well with falafel. Top your couscous salad with some falafel and a tahini dressing to serve as a vegetarian bowl.

5. Hummus

This hummus is a great side to make when serving falafel. You can dip your falafel in the hummus as a snack or add it to a wrap with some fresh veggies and tahini sauce. Hummus is also a crowd-pleaser when it comes to appetizers. Serve it with some vegetables or pita for a delicious and healthy party snack or appetizer.

6. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served in many different ways, including as a side dish to falafel. Falafel is a vegetarian dish that's high in protein and fiber, while roasted potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and potassium. You can create a balanced meal by serving these two dishes together.

7. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are so versatile and can be incorporated into a falafel meal in several different ways, starting with the falafel itself. You can serve them as hummus, in a salad, or in soup, adding a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal.

8. Spinach

Spinach can be prepared in several different ways. Whether it's used as a salad, sautéed as a side dish, or added to a sandwich, spinach is a healthy and delicious addition to a falafel meal.

9. Potatoes and Carrots

Roasting is a simple and straightforward way to prepare your vegetables, which makes these roasted carrots and potatoes a convenient side dish to serve with falafel. The vegetables can be seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices for an extra kick of flavor.

10. Green Beans

Green beans have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the bold and savory flavors of falafel. The combination creates a well-rounded and flavorful meal that can be prepared easily.

11. Tabbouleh Salad

One of the most popular side dishes to serve with falafel is tabbouleh salad. Tabbouleh contains cooling ingredients such as mint and parsley, which can help to balance the heat and spiciness of the falafel. Plus, it makes for a light and tasty meal when paired with falafel.

12. Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a dip made from roasted eggplant. It can be served with hummus and yogurt for dipping your pita and falafel. The rich, smoky flavor of the baba ganoush pairs well with the savory and spiced flavors of falafel as part of a bowl or sandwich.

13. Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad is very versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. By adjusting the herbs, lemon juice, and oil used in the recipe, you can create light flavors and a crispy texture that pair well with the bold and savory flavors of falafel.

14. Stuffed Grape Leaves

Stuffed grape leaves are made with nutritious ingredients such as rice, vegetables, and herbs. When served with falafel, you have a nutritious meal with complimentary flavors creating a well-rounded meal.

15. Roasted Eggplant

You can use this delicious roasted eggplant as a tasty and nutritious side dish, or use it to make some homemade baba ganoush to serve with your falafel.

16. Grilled Halloumi Salad

Adding some falafel to your grilled halloumi salad adds a heartier element to this tasty and nutritious salad. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this combination creates a healthy, flavorful, and fulfilling meal that everyone will love.

17. Pita Bread

Nothing rounds out a falafel meal more than some fresh homemade pita. Use it to dip in your baba ganoush, or create a delicious falafel wrap with fresh vegetables and hummus. Homemade pita bread is a great addition to any meal and offers freshness, cost-effectiveness, and a homemade touch that you cannot replicate with store-bought bread.

18. Mediterranean Bean Salad

This Mediterranean bean salad is loaded with healthy ingredients that look, smell, and taste amazing. When you add falafel to this delicious salad, it becomes a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and nutrients.

19. Mediterranean Bowl

Falafel is an excellent addition to any bowl as it adds plenty of sustenance to a meal that might not typically be as fulfilling. This Mediterranean bowl is packed with plenty of nutritious goodness, and tonnes of flavor, and you will feel good and full after eating this meal. It's quick and easy, and you can feel good about eating it.

20. Lemon Rice

Made with just 5 ingredients, this delicious lemon rice has a fresh flavor profile that pairs incredibly well with falafel. It's also an excellent base for you to build your own falafel bowl featuring fresh veggies and hummus.

What To Eat With Falafel

Rice Pilaf
Quinoa Salad
Greek Yogurt
Couscous
Humus
Roasted Potatoes
Chickpeas
Spinach
Carrots and Potatoes
Green Beans
Tabbouleh Salad
Baba Ganoush
Fattoush Salad
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Roasted Eggplant
Grilled Halloumi Salad
Pita Bread
Mediterranean Bean Salad
Mediterranean Bowl
Lemon Rice

More Recipes

What to Serve With Lobster Ravioli

What to Serve With Split Pea Soup

What to Serve With Kabobs

What To Serve With Fish And Chips