Check out this delectable list of 23 Falafel side dishes and experience a gastronomic journey around the world from the comfort of your home. Each side dish, carefully selected and described, adds a unique twist to your falafel meal, enhancing its taste and making it even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a falafel enthusiast or just exploring Mediterranean cuisine, this list is a treasure trove of sides brimming with freshness, flavor, and nutritious ingredients. So why wait? Dive in and discover how to transform your falafel meal into a culinary masterpiece with these diverse and delicious side dishes.
1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
A Healthy and Delicious Companion
These grilled vegetable skewers are a perfect pair for falafel, as they enhance the flavor while adding nutritional value. Using a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes will create an enticing, visually pleasing side dish.
Ideal for Summer Barbecues
Not only are these skewers easy to prepare, but they’re also a hit at summer barbecues. Grill them alongside your falafel for a smokey flavor that complements the richness of the falafel.
Customize Your Skewers
Feel free to mix up the vegetables on your skewers based on your preference or seasonality. Mushrooms, onions, or even pieces of fruit like pineapple can add an exciting twist.
2. Tabbouleh Salad
A Refreshing Side Dish
Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that combines fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur, all tossed in a lemony dressing. Its bright and refreshing flavors balance out the hearty taste of falafel.
Nutrient-Packed Option
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad makes a nutrient-dense addition to your meal. The bulgur provides a good source of whole grains, while the herbs and vegetables offer a variety of antioxidants.
Your Personal Tabbouleh
Feel free to experiment with your tabbouleh. Substitute quinoa for bulgur for a gluten-free version, or add cucumber for extra crunch.
3. Hummus and Pita Bread
A Classic Pairing
Hummus and pita bread is a classic Middle Eastern pairing that complements falafel perfectly. The creamy, rich flavor of the hummus and the soft, warm pita bread make a delightful contrast to the crispy texture of falafel.
A Versatile Dip
Hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. You can experiment with flavors by adding roasted red peppers, olives, or even beetroot to your hummus.
A Warm Welcome
Serve your pita bread warm for the best experience. You can also opt for whole grain pita bread for added fiber and nutrients.
4. Greek Salad
A Mediterranean Delight
A Greek salad, full of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and olives, offers a fresh and light side dish that pairs well with the savory flavor of falafel. The dressing, often made from olive oil and lemon juice, brings out the crisp freshness of the salad ingredients.
Beneficial to Your Health
This salad is not just tasty, but also rich in healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese, and packed with vitamins from the fresh vegetables. It’s a great way to add more raw vegetables to your meal.
Make It Your Own
Don’t hesitate to add or substitute ingredients to match your tastes. Bell peppers, radishes, or even a handful of chickpeas can add a delightful twist to this classic salad.
5. Baba Ganoush
A Smoky Delight
Baba Ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip, makes a fantastic side dish for falafel. Its rich, creamy texture and unique, smoky flavor provide a tasty contrast to the crisp falafel.
Healthy and Nutritious
Made primarily from eggplant, tahini, and olive oil, Baba Ganoush is packed with healthy fats and fiber. It’s a delicious way to get a serving of vegetables while enjoying your meal.
Dip or Spread
You can serve Baba Ganoush as a dip with pita bread or veggies, or as a spread on a sandwich or wrap. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to your falafel meal.
6. Couscous Salad
A Light and Fluffy Pairing
Couscous salad, with its light and fluffy texture, pairs excellently with falafel. Add fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette to create a refreshing side dish that balances the dense, hearty falafel.
Simple and Quick
Couscous is easy to prepare and cooks in minutes, making this salad a quick addition to your meal. It’s also a great option for meal prep and can be served warm or cold.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to mix up your couscous salad by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Consider trying whole wheat couscous for additional fiber and nutrients.
7. Pickled Vegetables
A Tangy Crunch
Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that complements the flavor of falafel. Commonly used vegetables include cucumbers, carrots, and cauliflower, but feel free to use your favorites.
Read also: 27 Mediterranean Recipes
Good for Your Gut
Pickled vegetables are a source of probiotics, which are beneficial for your gut health. They also add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your plate.
Make Them Your Own
You can customize your pickled vegetables by adding different herbs and spices to the pickling liquid. Dill, garlic, and mustard seeds are all excellent choices.
8. Roasted Red Pepper Dip
A Flavorful Addition
Roasted red pepper dip adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your falafel meal. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent companion to the savory falafel.
Packed with Nutrients
Red peppers are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, making this dip not just tasty, but also nutritious. Pair it with pita bread or raw veggies for a satisfying side.
Switch It Up
Feel free to customize your dip by adding additional ingredients. Garlic, chilli flakes, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can change the flavor profile of this versatile dip.
9. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
A Mediterranean Classic
Stuffed grape leaves, or dolmas, are a Mediterranean classic. Filled with rice and herbs, and sometimes ground meat, they’re a flavorful addition to your falafel meal.
A Bite-Sized Treat
Each grape leaf is a bite-sized treat that adds texture and flavor to your plate. They’re often served with a lemon wedge to add a zesty finish.
Make It Vegan
You can make vegan dolmas by filling the grape leaves with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and an assortment of herbs. They’re a wonderful, hearty option for those on plant-based diets.
10. Israeli Salad
A Fresh Crunch
Israeli salad, characterized by finely chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, provides a fresh crunch that pairs well with the soft texture of falafel. Dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice, it’s a light and refreshing side.
Rich in Nutrients
This salad is full of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It’s a healthy addition to your falafel meal and adds a colorful touch to your plate.
Add Your Favorite Ingredients
Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or radishes to your Israeli salad. Some people also add parsley or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
11. Quinoa Tabbouleh
A Nutrient-Dense Twist
Quinoa Tabbouleh is a modern twist on the traditional tabbouleh. The substitution of quinoa, a grain rich in protein and fiber, elevates this salad to a nutrient-dense side dish that pairs well with falafel.
Fresh and Zesty
Packed with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing, Quinoa Tabbouleh is a refreshing side that can balance the hearty taste of falafel.
Meal Prep Friendly
This salad is ideal for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors intensify over time.
12. Roasted Eggplant
A Savory Addition
Roasted eggplant is a savory side dish that goes well with falafel. Its soft, creamy texture and deep, rich flavor provide a delightful contrast to the crunchy falafel.
Simple yet Satisfying
Roasting eggplant is simple, requiring just olive oil, salt, and pepper. Yet, it’s incredibly satisfying, particularly when it’s well-browned and caramelized.
Versatile Topping
Feel free to enhance your roasted eggplant with various toppings like crumbled feta, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of tahini sauce for extra flavor.
13. Zucchini Fritters
Crisp and Satisfying
These Zucchini Fritters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and are a satisfyingly savory side for your falafel meal. With grated zucchini mixed in a flavorful batter, they’re gently fried until golden and crisp.
Nutrient-Packed
Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C. By adding these fritters to your meal, you’re also adding a nutritious component to your diet.
Customize it Your Way
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even cheeses in your fritters. You can also serve them with your choice of dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
14. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita
A Flavorful Pairing
These stuffed pitas combine the creaminess of feta cheese with the fresh taste of spinach, offering a flavorful pairing for your falafel. The warm, toasted pita enhances the overall experience.
Nutrient-Rich
With the goodness of spinach and protein-rich feta cheese, this side dish adds nutritional value to your falafel meal.
Customizable
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Add in some roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions for a twist.
15. Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
Hearty and Satisfying
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf is a hearty and satisfying dish, made with fragrant basmati rice, onions, and spices. Its warm, comforting flavors pair well with falafel.
Nutrient-Rich
With the addition of vegetables and spices, this rice dish is packed with nutrients and flavor.
Customizable
You can customize this dish by adding different vegetables or even tossing in some nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
16. Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Zesty and Savory
Lemon Garlic Asparagus is a zesty and savory side dish that adds a refreshing touch to the hearty falafel. Its bright flavor profile provides a delightful contrast.
Quick and Easy
This dish is quick to prepare and requires just a few ingredients: asparagus, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s perfect for when you want something delicious without much fuss.
Nutrient-Rich
Asparagus is rich in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K. It’s a healthy addition that doesn’t compromise on taste.
17. Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
Creamy and Refreshing
Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce is a creamy, refreshing dip made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It offers a cooling counterpoint to the robust flavors of falafel.
Read also: 25 Pulled Pork Side Dishes
Nutrient-Dense
Thanks to Greek yogurt, this sauce is packed with protein. The addition of cucumber and herbs adds a dose of vitamins and minerals.
Versatile Dip
You can use this dip with your falafel, spread it on pita bread, or use it as a dressing for salads. It’s incredibly versatile and delicious.
18. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Colorful and Flavorful
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish packed with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs. Its vibrant flavors pair well with the savory falafel.
Protein-Packed
This salad is not just visually appealing, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, making it a nutritious side dish.
Dressing it Up
A simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing brings this salad together. However, you can also experiment with different dressings like tahini or tzatziki.
19. Cucumber Mint Salad
Crisp and Refreshing
Cucumber Mint Salad is a crisp and refreshing side that provides a cooling balance to the deep flavors of falafel. It’s a simple yet delightful combination of cucumber, mint, and a tangy dressing.
Hydrating and Healthy
Cucumbers are high in water content, making this salad a hydrating choice. The addition of mint adds a burst of freshness and offers digestive benefits.
Easy to Make
This salad requires very few ingredients and can be made quickly, making it an easy addition to your falafel meal.
20. Greek Style Roasted Potatoes
Comforting and Savory
Greek Style Roasted Potatoes are a comforting, savory side dish that adds a hearty element to your falafel meal. Infused with lemon and herbs, these potatoes are packed full of flavor.
Easy to Prepare
These potatoes are easy to prepare. Just toss them in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs, then roast until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrient-Rich
Potatoes are a great source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. This makes them a healthy and satisfying addition to your meal.
21. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Tangy and Delicious
Marinated Artichoke Hearts are tangy and delicious, offering a unique flavor that pairs well with falafel. They’re often marinated with herbs and spices, adding an extra burst of flavor.
Packed with Antioxidants
Artichokes are known for their high antioxidant content. They’re also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
Versatile Side
You can enjoy these artichoke hearts straight from the jar, add them to a salad, or use them as a topping for other dishes. Their flavor is robust enough to stand on its own, yet versatile enough to complement other dishes.
22. Lemon Herb Orzo Salad
Light and Flavorful
Lemon Herb Orzo Salad is a light and flavorful dish, with a bright citrusy tang and a mix of fresh herbs. The delicate flavors of this pasta salad complement the robust falafel perfectly.
Easy to Make
This salad is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients: orzo pasta, fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil. It’s a quick and delightful addition to your falafel meal.
Nutrient-Packed
Orzo is a good source of complex carbs and protein, while the herbs and lemon provide a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
23. Eggplant Fries
Crispy and Savory
Eggplant Fries are a crispy, savory alternative to traditional fries. They’re coated in breadcrumbs and spices, then baked until golden. The savory flavor and crunchy texture provide a delicious contrast to the soft, flavorful falafel.
Healthy Alternative
These fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries, as eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Customizable
Experiment with different spices in the coating, or try a variety of dipping sauces. This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your preference.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a comprehensive list of 23 falafel side dishes that will surely elevate your falafel experience. With this array of salads, dips, roasted veggies, and more, each meal will be an exploration of flavors that perfectly complement the iconic falafel. These dishes not only add a dash of variety to your regular falafel meal, but they also enhance its nutritional value.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, these side dishes will help you create a balanced, flavorful, and enjoyable meal every time. Don’t just settle for the ordinary – embrace the extraordinary with these falafel side dishes.
