What To Serve With Matzo Ball Soup? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Matzo ball soup is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Whether it's a holiday celebration like Passover or just a cozy dinner at home, this soup is always a hit.

But what should you serve alongside it to make the meal complete? From traditional Jewish favorites to some modern twists, here are 16 tasty side dishes that go perfectly with matzo ball soup.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with matzo ball soup are Jewish brisket, gefilte fish, zucchini noodles, rice pilaf, cholent, shakshuka, potato pancakes, garden salad, beet salad, stuffed bell peppers, cucumber salad, sliced avocado, challah bread, steamed asparagus, pickled red cabbage, and coconut rice.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Jewish Brisket

Who doesn't love a good brisket? Slow-cooked until it's tender and juicy, this dish is all about deep flavors. It's often cooked with a mix of onions, carrots, and various spices that make the meat extra flavorful. When you've got matzo ball soup as your starter, a main course of Jewish brisket makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.

2. Gefilte Fish

For something a little different, try gefilte fish. It's a dish made from ground-up fish that's been mixed with spices, onions, and eggs, then boiled in a fish broth. It might sound unique, but it's a staple in many Jewish homes. Served cold with a side of horseradish, it adds a tangy, refreshing element to the meal.

3. Zucchini Noodles

If you're looking for a lighter side, zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are a great pick. Lightly sauté them with some garlic and olive oil. They offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting matzo ball soup, providing a fresh and healthy side that's easy on the stomach.

4. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is simple yet flavorful, often cooked with some onion and chicken or vegetable broth. The grains soak up the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. It acts as a neutral base, allowing the matzo ball soup to really shine.

5. Cholent

Cholent is a slow-cooked Jewish stew that's packed with meat, potatoes, beans, and barley. It's a heavy dish, so it's best reserved for times when you're super hungry. But if you're going all out for a special meal, having matzo ball soup followed by cholent is like a warm hug for your stomach.

6. Shakshuka

This is a dish of poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions. It's got a nice kick of spice, and it's usually scooped up with some bread. Shakshuka offers a bit of heat that complements the milder flavors of matzo ball soup well, making your meal diverse in flavors and textures.

7. Potato Pancakes

Also known as latkes, these potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Usually served with a side of sour cream or apple sauce, they add a lovely texture contrast to the soft matzo balls and liquid broth.

8. Garden Salad

Last but not least, a simple garden salad can do wonders to lighten up a meal. Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing palate cleanser, making each spoonful of your matzo ball soup taste even better.

9. Beet Salad

Beets offer an earthy, sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with matzo ball soup. A beet salad, sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, is a colorful addition to your meal. The tanginess of the goat cheese and the slight crunch from the walnuts add texture and depth, making it a refreshing but substantial side dish.

10. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers provide a mix of flavors and textures that complement matzo ball soup quite well. The bell peppers are often filled with a hearty mixture of rice, ground meat, and veggies. This rich and satisfying side dish can be a meal in itself, but when served next to matzo ball soup, it adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth to your meal.

11. Cucumber Salad

What can be more refreshing than a cucumber salad? Thinly sliced cucumbers, marinated in a vinegar and herb dressing, offer a crisp and tangy counterpart to the warm, comforting soup. The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that can balance out the richness of the matzo balls, making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing.

12. Sliced Avocado

Sometimes simple is best, and that's the case with sliced avocado. This creamy, rich fruit adds a buttery texture to the meal. Season it with a little salt and a sprinkle of lemon juice, and you've got a side dish that's understated yet incredibly effective in enhancing the overall flavors of your meal.

13. Challah Bread

The slightly sweet, wonderfully soft texture of challah bread is perfect for sopping up the last bits of soup from your bowl. It's a classic Jewish bread that looks impressive with its braided design, and it tastes just as good. Its soft crumb and slightly crispy crust make it a comforting, delicious side.

14. Steamed Asparagus

Lightly steamed asparagus spears drizzled with a touch of olive oil offer a nutritious and tasty side dish. The vegetable's natural earthy flavors bring out the depth of the chicken broth in the soup. A sprinkle of salt and perhaps a squeeze of lemon complete this easy yet elegant side.

15. Coconut Rice

For something a bit unconventional, why not try coconut rice? It's creamy and slightly sweet, providing a unique but delightful contrast to the savory matzo ball soup. Cooked in coconut milk, the rice takes on a tropical aroma that can make your dinner feel like a mini getaway.

16. Pickled Red Cabbage

For a splash of color and a bite of acidity, pickled red cabbage is an excellent choice. Its vibrant hue brightens up the plate, while its tangy flavor offers a palate-cleansing contrast to the matzo ball soup. It's crunchy, it's zesty, and it adds a whole new dimension to your meal.