What To Serve With Shawarma? 15 Tasty Side Dishes

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish, known for its tender, flavorful meat and delicious spices.

Whether you're enjoying shawarma in a wrap or on a plate, finding the perfect side dishes is essential to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

To help you with your culinary journey, we've compiled a list of the 15 best side dishes that pair wonderfully with chicken or beef shawarma.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with shawarma are hummus, tabbouleh, rice pilaf, couscous, french fries, yogurt, grilled vegetables, pita bread, fattoush, pickled vegetables, green beans, baba ganoush, and garlic sauce.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Hummus

Hummus is a creamy, flavorful chickpea spread that complements shawarma perfectly. Its smooth texture and rich taste provide a delicious contrast to the savory meat, making it a popular side dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.

2. Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a fresh and zesty salad made with bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. Its bright flavors and crunchy texture make it a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with the spiced shawarma meat.

3. French Fries

French fries are a fun and casual side dish that goes great with chicken shawarma. Their crispy texture and golden color add a playful element to your meal, while their saltiness complements the savory, spiced meat.

4. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant add a smoky, charred flavor to your shawarma meal. Their tender texture and natural sweetness contrast nicely with the savory meat, making for a well-balanced and tasty combination.

5. Pita Bread

Pita bread is a soft, fluffy flatbread that serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up shawarma and its accompanying side dishes. Its mild flavor and chewy texture make it a must-have addition to your shawarma meal.

6. Fattoush

Fattoush is a vibrant and crunchy Middle Eastern salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and crispy pita chips. The tangy dressing and fresh vegetables create a delicious contrast to the flavorful shawarma meat, making it a great side dish option.

7. Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a smoky, creamy eggplant dip that pairs wonderfully with shawarma. Its rich, earthy flavors provide a nice contrast to the spiced meat, while the smooth texture complements the tender beef shawarma.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt, especially the thick and creamy Greek or Middle Eastern varieties, is a cooling and refreshing side dish to serve with shawarma. Its tangy flavor and smooth texture balance out the spiciness of the meat, providing a delicious contrast that's perfect for a well-rounded meal.

9. Garlic Sauce

Garlic sauce, also known as toum, is a zesty and creamy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to your shawarma meal. Its strong garlic taste and smooth texture work well with the seasoned meat, creating a delicious and bold combination.

10. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with chicken shawarma. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them an ideal base for the flavorful meat, while also adding a touch of home-cooked comfort to your meal.

11. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a fragrant and delicious side dish that goes well with shawarma. Cooked with onions, garlic, and herbs, it adds a flavorful and satisfying base to your meal, while also complementing the shawarma's spices.

12. Green Beans

Green beans, whether steamed, sautéed, or roasted, are a healthy and colorful addition to your shawarma meal. Their tender texture and natural sweetness provide a delicious contrast to the bold flavors of the meat, creating a well-balanced and nutritious side dish.

13. Couscous

Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that makes for an excellent side dish with shawarma. Its subtle flavor and delicate texture provide a satisfying base for the spiced meat, while also adding a touch of North African flair to your meal.

14. Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with shawarma. Its caramelized edges and tender interior add depth and flavor to your meal, while its earthy taste complements the bold spices of the meat.

15. Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, turnips, or beets, add a tangy and crunchy element to your shawarma meal. Their acidity and bright flavors cut through the richness of the meat, creating a delicious and refreshing contrast.

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