What To Serve With Israeli Couscous? 15 Best Side Dishes

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a versatile base that pairs well with a variety of flavors. You've cooked up a delicious pot, now what should you serve alongside it to make your meal complete?

Here are 15 mouth-watering side dishes that complement Israeli couscous perfectly.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with Israeli couscous are corned beef hash, chicken thighs, parmesan crusted walleye, chicken meatballs, asparagus soup, lamb Bolognese, picadillo, eggplant salad, stuffed bell peppers, sweet potato fries, tomato basil soup, Greek salad, beef kabobs, chicken schnitzel, and Spanakopita.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Corned Beef Hash

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats corned beef hash. The savory flavors of corned beef coupled with crispy potatoes make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with Israeli couscous for a hearty and well-rounded meal that both kids and adults will love. You've got your protein, your starch, and if you throw in some diced veggies, you've got your greens, too.

2. Chicken Thighs

Grilled or baked, chicken thighs offer a tender and juicy meat option that can stand up to the bold flavors you might add to your Israeli couscous. Season with some of the same spices you've used for the couscous to bring the meal together. It's like a match made in culinary heaven.

3. Parmesan Crusted Walleye

Fresh walleye with a Parmesan crust provides a light, but satisfying protein that pairs beautifully with Israeli couscous. The crunchy crust on the fish harmonizes with the soft, chewy texture of the couscous, making each bite a textural delight.

4. Chicken Meatballs

Who says meatballs are only good with spaghetti? Chicken meatballs bring a lighter touch to the table. Complement your pearl couscous with herbed chicken meatballs for a delightful combination of flavors.

5. Asparagus Soup

Asparagus soup provides a luscious, creamy backdrop for Israeli couscous. The earthy flavors of asparagus add a layer of sophistication to your meal. It's simple, it's elegant, and it's a side dish that can easily take center stage.

6. Lamb Bolognese

If you're looking to elevate your meal, consider serving a lamb Bolognese alongside your Israeli couscous. The rich flavors of the lamb mixed with a robust sauce can really make your couscous shine, offering a fusion of Mediterranean delights.

7. Picadillo

This Latin American favorite of ground meat, tomatoes, and a world of spices brings a flavorful punch that can elevate your Israeli couscous. Picadillo offers a complex, savory note, and it pairs incredibly well with the subtle flavors of pearl couscous.

8. Eggplant Salad

Grilled or roasted eggplant salad can add a smoky, earthy element to your meal. Tossed with some vinaigrette, it offers a nice acidic contrast to the soft and chewy texture of Israeli couscous.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

A classic stuffed bell pepper filled with a mixture of vegetables, maybe some cheese or even a grain like quinoa, makes for an excellent side. The vibrant, sweet flavors of the bell pepper play well against the earthy, chewy nature of Israeli couscous. It's a colorful and nutritious addition to the table.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Nothing says comfort like sweet potato fries. Their sweet and savory balance is a great match for Israeli couscous, especially if you’ve flavored your couscous with some spices. The crunch of the fries and the soft pearls of couscous offer a delightful texture contrast.

11. Tomato Basil Soup

This is a great option for those chilly days. The acidity and freshness of the tomatoes, combined with the herbal note of basil, make this soup a go-to side dish. It serves as a light and flavorful counterpoint to the heartier, chewy texture of the pearl couscous.

12. Greek Salad

Crispy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese come together in a Greek salad. It offers a refreshing bite that can cut through any richness in the main dish. The olive oil dressing can even echo the flavors you choose for your couscous.

13. Beef Kabobs

Marinated beef kabobs can bring smoky, charred flavors to your meal. This pairs particularly well if you’ve added some grilled veggies or spices to your Israeli couscous. It's a meaty, satisfying addition that's bound to please a crowd.

14. Chicken Schnitzel

Oh, the magic of chicken schnitzel! It's that delightful dish we've all grown to love. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—what's not to love? When served alongside Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, the schnitzel acts as a crunchy counterpart to the couscous's chewy texture.

15. Spanakopita

For a Mediterranean twist, try some Spanakopita on the side. This Greek spinach and feta pie wrapped in phyllo dough offers layers of crunchy and soft, salty and earthy, that harmonize well with any type of couscous dish, including our star, Israeli couscous.

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