What To Serve With Falafel (20 Recipes)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Wondering what to serve with falafel? This hearty vegetarian dish has a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with so many sides! From simple lemon rice or pita bread to favorites like hummus or dolmas and more, this list has everything you need to put the finishing touches on your Mediterranean feast!

Wondering what to serve with falafel to round out your meal? There are so many Mediterranean-inspired dishes and flavors that will pair beautifully with your main course!

Homemade falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, then shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a delicious vegetarian dish that can be served in a multitude of ways.

In restaurants, you’ll often see falafel served as a platter or over a bed of rice, although it’s also popular stuffed into pita bread for an on-the-go meal. This tasty dish really lends itself very well to so many fun and tasty combinations and goes well with so many sides!

Whether you want to keep it simple with pita and hummus, prefer to enjoy some grilled vegetables and a cucumber salad, or feel like having some fun making dolmas or even homemade kimchi, this list has something for every taste. You may find yourself tempted to choose more than one! Read on and get ready to treat your tastebuds to a little Mediterranean flair!

1. Israeli Salad

This Middle Eastern recipe includes a blend of finely chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion with lemon olive oil dressing and freshly chopped fresh parsley. You can serve it as a flavorful side with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

2. Lemon Rice

For a flavorful side that only takes about 5 minutes to prep, try whipping up a batch of easy Greek rice! The lemon flavor really shines through the dish while parsley or dill add an element of freshness. A good side dish for falafel!

3. Baba Ganoush

No food processor required for this easy baba ganoush recipe! Irresistibly smooth, smokey, and savory, this wonderful eggplant-based dip is a great addition or alternative to hummus.

4. Pita Bread

You won’t believe how easy it is to make homemade pita bread on the stovetop or in the oven! This warm pita bread puffs up beautifully to form a pocket inside that’s great for stuffing chicken salad, gyro meat, your favorite sauce, and of course, falafel. Want to try a little something different. Try making your pita into pita chips.

5. Tomato Cucumber Salad

This refreshing, light dish packs a punch of bright flavor. It’s simple to make and features crisp, raw veggies tossed in a vibrant dressing full of herbs for a burst of summer on your plate!

6. Olive Salad

Treat yourself to pasta salad loaded with Castelvetranos olives, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and two types of cheese! The dressing really pulls everything together for a delicious summer side.

7. Hummus

Once you try this smooth and creamy homemade hummus, you may never settle for the store-bought version again! Best of all, you only need 7 ingredients and a few minutes to throw it all together.

8. Tzatziki Sauce

This creamy dipping sauce is made with luscious yogurt with diced cucumbers, zesty garlic, and fresh lemon is perfect for dipping toasted pita for a healthy appetizer. You could also drizzle it over your falafel for a burst of freshness!

9. Dolmas Stuffed Grape Leaves

Also known as stuffed grape leaves, this traditional Mediterranean dish is always a crowd pleaser! The recipe makes 60 to 70 rolls, but you can halve the ingredients if you don’t need that many.

10. Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed chickpeas are absolutely irresistible! And thanks to a few easy tips to help them maintain their crunch, this recipe is easy to make and turns out perfectly every time.

11. Tabouli Salad

Also known as tabbouleh, this healthy and delicious salad is made from bulgur wheat, minced herbs, and diced veggies all tossed in a vibrant lemon vinaigrette. It’s tasty, colorful, and packed with nutrition!

12. Lentil Salad

A combination of French lentils, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, and fresh mint in a zippy lemon dressing is super simple to make and always hits the spot! You’ll love how light and refreshing this dish is.

13. Kimchi

You’ll save a ton of money when you make your own kimchi (or kimchee) right at home! This staple Korean side is made from fermented and salted Napa cabbage and radish for a delicious addition to so many meals. Try it with falafel for a little something different!

14. Stuffed Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes with feta, olives, and pine nuts makes for a quick side that will complement just about any main course! It’s healthy, full of complex flavors and textures, and looks beautiful on a serving platter.

15. Orzo Salad

This vegetarian pasta salad includes orzo, crunchy vegetables, spinach, briny olives, and feta for a burst of Mediterranean flavors! It’s just as great to bring to parties as it is to meal prep for the week.

16. Grilled Vegetables

The grill is a fun way to give some of your favorite veggies a whole new flavor profile! You can use eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, corn, bell peppers, asparagus, or any other vegetables your heart desires.

17. Rice Pilaf

Give your standard rice dish an upgrade with this wonderful pilaf recipe! Orzo is toasted until golden brown for a unique texture and taste while chicken broth and herbs give it that extra burst of deliciousness.

18. Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean salad is made with colorful veggies, feta cheese, olives, and garbanzo beans tossed in a fresh lemon herb dressing. It’s an easy and healthy side dish that packs a crunch!

19. Greek Potato Salad

Get ready for your new go-to side dish for picnics, barbecues, and beyond! This healthy potato salad is made with red onions, feta, capers, lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil for a vibrant burst of flavors.

20. Greek Potato Wedges

Crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potato wedges are loaded with all your favorite Mediterranean spices and served with a cool, creamy yogurt sauce! The secret is to roast the wedges with dried herbs, then finish them with chopped fresh herbs and lemon zest.

More side dish ideas

• Side dishes for chicken alfredo
• Cherry tomato recipes

Did you try any of these amazing recipes? Which one is your favorite recipe? Let me know in the comments.

📖 Recipe