Planning the perfect kabob feast? Explore these 30 delicious sides for kabobs that will make your grilled dishes shine. Whether you’re searching for fresh salads, hearty grains, or tasty dips, this comprehensive guide offers a variety of dishes designed to complement any type of kabob.
Each side is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to personalize according to your dietary preferences or flavor palette, so keep reading to discover your next favorite side dish!
1. Quinoa Tabbouleh
A Vibrant Side Dish
Quinoa Tabbouleh is a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment to kabobs. It’s vibrant, filled with finely chopped fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. The quinoa provides an extra boost of protein, making it a well-rounded side dish.
Complement Your Kabobs
This dish complements kabobs by providing a cooling element that contrasts well with the grilled flavor. The tabbouleh can balance the hearty meat and add a lighter touch to your meal.
Tailor to Your Taste
Feel free to add other ingredients like cucumber or bell peppers to make it your own. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your liking.
2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
A Classic Favorite
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs excellently with kabobs. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with savory flavors from the garlic and Parmesan.
Hearty Companion
These potatoes can provide a filling and flavorful complement to your kabobs, creating a balance of texture and taste that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable Flavors
Experiment with different seasonings such as rosemary or paprika, to give your roasted potatoes an extra flavor kick that matches your personal preference.
3. Cucumber Yogurt Salad
A Refreshing Palate Cleanser
Cucumber Yogurt Salad, also known as tzatziki, is a cool and creamy side that can cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing contrast to spicy or smoky kabobs. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and tangy yogurt is simply irresistible.
Perfect for Hot Days
This salad is ideal for hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing to accompany your grilled meats. The coolness of the cucumber and yogurt will be a perfect contrast to the hot kabobs.
Add Your Own Touch
Consider adding dill, mint, or even a bit of garlic to your cucumber yogurt salad to enhance its flavors and make it truly your own.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
A Seasonal Delight
Grilled Corn on the Cob is a delightful summer staple that goes hand in hand with kabobs. Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, and a bit of butter and seasoning makes it absolutely mouthwatering.
A Versatile Side
Whether your kabobs are meat-based or veggie-heavy, grilled corn on the cob will complement them nicely, offering a bit of sweetness to balance out savory or spicy flavors.
Jazz it Up
Sprinkle some chili powder, cotija cheese, or fresh herbs on your grilled corn to add an extra layer of flavor that can be adjusted to match your kabobs.
5. Greek Pasta Salad
A Hearty Pasta Side
Greek Pasta Salad is a hearty side dish that’s full of flavor. It combines pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese in a zesty dressing that’s sure to delight.
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Ideal for Picnics
This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings or picnics alongside kabobs. Its robust flavors can stand up well to grilled meats, and it’s delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Add Your Own Flair
Personalize your Greek pasta salad by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or red onions, or even some grilled chicken for extra protein.
6. Garlic Butter Rice
A Simple Staple
Garlic Butter Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any type of kabob. The fragrant aroma of garlic and the rich flavor of butter transform basic rice into a side that’s hard to resist.
A Versatile Companion
The neutral flavors of this rice make it a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of kabob styles – from vegetable to seafood to meat kabobs.
Customize Your Rice
Feel free to add in some chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra touch of flavor. You can even swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
7. Creamy Coleslaw
A Classic Side
Creamy Coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s a refreshing addition to your kabob meal. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile complements the smoky taste of grilled kabobs wonderfully.
Perfect for Barbecues
Coleslaw is a staple at any barbecue, so it’s only natural to pair it with kabobs. The crunchy texture of the slaw provides a pleasing contrast to the tender kabobs.
Make it Your Own
Play around with the recipe by adding ingredients like diced apple for a touch of sweetness or jalapeno for a hint of heat. This is a recipe you can really make your own.
8. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
A Veggie-Packed Side
Grilled Vegetable Skewers are a delicious and colorful side that can be served alongside your kabobs. They’re packed with a variety of veggies that get a wonderful charred flavor from the grill.
Complementary Flavors
These skewers provide an extra dose of veggies to complement your meat kabobs, and their natural sweetness can provide a lovely counterpoint to spicy or heavily seasoned meats.
Your Choice of Veggies
Use any combination of vegetables you prefer—bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well. Marinate them for extra flavor, if you’d like.
9. Roasted Beet Salad
A Colorful Addition
Roasted Beet Salad is a visually stunning and delicious side that pairs wonderfully with kabobs. The natural sweetness of the roasted beets, paired with a simple vinaigrette and some goat cheese, is truly satisfying.
Contrasting Textures
The soft, slightly chewy texture of the beets contrasts nicely with the crunch of the kabobs, adding a new dimension to your meal.
Adapt to Your Preference
Feel free to add other ingredients like walnuts, arugula, or even oranges to add a different flavor and texture. This salad is incredibly adaptable.
10. Baba Ganoush
A Smoky Dip
Baba Ganoush is a smoky and creamy eggplant dip that’s perfect for serving with flatbread alongside your kabobs. It’s made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a dip that’s packed full of flavor.
Middle Eastern Flavors
The flavors in Baba Ganoush pair wonderfully with Middle Eastern-style kabobs, offering a cooling contrast to the hot, grilled meat.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to add more garlic, lemon juice, or even some smoked paprika to make the Baba Ganoush match your personal flavor preferences.
11. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
A Flavorful Grain Salad
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a light and flavorful grain salad filled with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette. It pairs beautifully with a variety of kabobs, from vegetable to chicken to beef.
Ideal for Outdoor Eating
This salad is perfect for outdoor picnics or barbecues with kabobs. It can be made ahead of time and is just as delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Customizable to Your Taste
Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients you love, like feta cheese, olives, or even some chopped grilled chicken for a heartier version.
12. Pita Bread
An Essential Companion
Pita bread is an essential accompaniment to kabobs, perfect for scooping up extra sauce or for making a kabob sandwich. It’s light, fluffy, and a great carrier for all the delicious kabob flavors.
Versatile and Satisfying
Whether your kabobs are filled with vegetables, chicken, beef, or seafood, pita bread is a satisfying and versatile side that everyone will enjoy.
Add Your Own Twist
You can serve it warm, lightly grill it, or even stuff it with some salad for an extra dimension. The options are endless.
13. Greek Yogurt Garlic Sauce
A Creamy Dip
Greek Yogurt Garlic Sauce is a creamy and tangy dip that’s perfect for serving with your kabobs. The yogurt adds a cooling element while the garlic provides a punch of flavor that complements the grilled meats wonderfully.
Perfect Pairing
This sauce pairs particularly well with lamb or chicken kabobs, but don’t hesitate to serve it with vegetable kabobs for a refreshing twist.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to add other ingredients like fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of paprika to suit your personal taste.
14. Persian Shirazi Salad
A Refreshing Salad
Persian Shirazi Salad is a refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. This salad provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled kabobs.
Middle Eastern Touch
This salad is a classic Middle Eastern side that pairs particularly well with all sorts of kabobs. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor.
Customizable to Your Taste
Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients like bell peppers or olives to make the salad even more robust and satisfying.
15. Zucchini Ribbons
A Low-Carb Side
Zucchini Ribbons are a delicious, low-carb side dish that pairs wonderfully with any type of kabobs. Grilled or sautéed, these delicate ribbons are light and subtly sweet, making them a healthy and tasty side.
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Complements Your Kabobs
The lightness of the zucchini ribbons is a great complement to the rich flavors of the kabobs. Plus, it adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to season the zucchini ribbons with your favorite herbs or spices, or even add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
16. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
A Sweet and Savory Side
Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a sweet and savory side that’s healthier than traditional fries but just as delicious. Their natural sweetness and crispy texture make them a perfect pairing for any type of kabobs.
Comforting and Nutritious
These fries offer a comforting feel and are packed with nutrients, providing a balance to the protein-heavy kabobs.
Season to Your Liking
Season the fries with your favorite herbs or spices to complement the flavors of your kabobs. A little bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick!
17. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A Crisp Salad
This cucumber and tomato salad is a simple yet refreshing side that’s perfect for serving with kabobs. Its crispness provides a nice contrast to the rich, grilled flavors of the kabobs.
Perfect for Summer
This salad is ideal for warm summer days, as it’s light and hydrating. It also adds a nice pop of color to your plate.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or red onions, or even some feta cheese for an added tangy flavor.
18. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
A Flavorful Dip
Roasted red pepper hummus is a flavorful and creamy dip that’s perfect for serving with pita bread alongside your kabobs. It’s a tasty and healthier alternative to other dips, and it’s packed with a rich, smoky flavor.
Complementary Flavors
The smoky sweetness of the roasted red peppers in the hummus pairs wonderfully with the savory kabobs. It’s a side dish that adds depth to your meal.
Adapt to Your Preference
Feel free to add more garlic, lemon juice, or tahini to create your perfect hummus.
19. Cilantro Lime Rice
A Zesty Side
Cilantro Lime Rice is a zesty and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any type of kabob. The brightness of the lime and the freshness of the cilantro bring a unique flavor profile that pairs well with grilled meat or veggies.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a family dinner, or a simple lunch, this rice side dish will certainly impress your guests with its vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to substitute the rice with other grains like quinoa or couscous for a different texture, or add more lime zest for an extra citrusy kick.
20. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
An Exotic Touch
Dolmas, or stuffed grape leaves, are a traditional Mediterranean side dish that pairs excellently with kabobs. They are usually stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and various spices, offering a unique, tangy flavor that complements the smokiness of kabobs.
For the Adventurous Eaters
If you’re looking for a unique side dish that will intrigue your guests’ taste buds, dolmas are a great choice. They’re a delicious surprise in every bite.
Variations Abound
Some variations include meat in the stuffing or use different types of grains. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
21. Greek Lemon Potatoes
A Flavorful Side Dish
Greek Lemon Potatoes are a delicious and tangy side dish that pairs wonderfully with kabobs. The potatoes are cooked with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Add a Greek Touch
These potatoes are a fantastic way to add a Greek touch to your meal. They’re full of flavor and will complement your kabobs perfectly.
Customizable to Your Taste
You can adjust the amount of lemon juice or herbs to your liking, and you can even add some Greek olives for an additional Greek touch.
22. Cauliflower Rice
A Low-Carb Alternative
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It’s light, fluffy, and absorbs the flavors of your kabobs well, making it a fantastic side dish.
Perfect for All Diets
Whether you’re following a low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian diet, cauliflower rice is a versatile side that will suit all dietary needs.
Flavor it Up
You can flavor your cauliflower rice with different herbs, spices, or even some lemon zest to complement your kabobs.
23. Turkish Bulgur Pilaf
A Hearty Side Dish
Turkish Bulgur Pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish made with bulgur wheat, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Its robust flavor and pleasing texture make it a fantastic complement to kabobs.
A Touch of Turkey
Add a touch of Turkish cuisine to your kabobs with this traditional side dish. It’s a perfect way to complete your meal and to introduce new flavors to your guests.
Make it Your Own
You can customize this pilaf by adding different vegetables, spices, or even some dried fruits for a sweet and savory twist.
24. Roasted Chickpeas
A Crunchy, Protein-Rich Side
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, protein-rich side that’s perfect for serving with kabobs. They’re easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor.
A Healthy Snack or Side
These roasted chickpeas not only serve as a delicious side dish but also as a healthy snack. They’re packed with fiber and protein, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
Season to Your Liking
Spice up your chickpeas with different seasonings to match your kabobs. You can make them spicy, cheesy, or herb-infused depending on your preference.
25. Spicy Mango Salad
A Sweet and Spicy Side
This Spicy Mango Salad provides a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory kabobs. Made with ripe mangoes, chili, and fresh herbs, this salad is a flavor explosion.
A Tropical Twist
Adding this mango salad to your kabobs meal brings a tropical twist, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Personalize Your Salad
Feel free to add other tropical fruits or adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste preference.
26. Pita Chips and Hummus
A Classic Mediterranean Pair
Pita chips and hummus is a classic Mediterranean pair that serves as a great side for kabobs. The creamy hummus and the crispy pita chips provide a delightful texture contrast.
A Crowd-Pleaser
This pairing is always a crowd-pleaser and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. It’s an easy and quick option that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Make it Your Own
You can make your own pita chips and hummus at home, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Add extra garlic, spices, or herbs to make your hummus stand out.
27. Grilled Halloumi Cheese
A Savory and Salty Delight
Grilled halloumi cheese is a savory and salty side that pairs perfectly with kabobs. The cheese gets a beautiful char on the outside, while the inside remains delightfully chewy.
An Unusual but Delicious Side
Although not the most common side for kabobs, grilled halloumi is an unusual but delicious choice that will intrigue your guests and make your meal even more memorable.
Simple and Quick
Grilling halloumi cheese is simple and quick, making it a great last-minute side. You can also add some spices or herbs to add more flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, a curated list of 30 unforgettable sides for kabobs that are sure to please your taste buds. Whether you opted for a traditional side like Greek salad or ventured out with a grilled halloumi cheese, I’m confident these dishes added a delightful contrast and complemented your kabobs perfectly.
Remember, the beauty of these side dishes lies in their versatility, so feel free to experiment and tweak the recipes to suit your tastes. Here’s to enriching your kabob dining experience with these fantastic side dishes – happy grilling!
