Looking for the best side dishes to serve with falafel? From crisp salads to flavourful dips, these 30 options will complement your falafel and create a satisfying meal.
Falafel is perhaps most commonly served with other Middle Eastern dishes and sides to create a fun, fragrant dinner with tons of flavour.
Falafel can also be served as a snack, on its own, or with tasty dips. Or, if you are like me, you might love chopped falafel pieces in a wrap with a simple crunchy salad and some mango chutney and mayo! Yum!
But of course, those traditional options aren’t the only choices. You can eat falafel with some fries or onion rings for a simple dinner! Don’t be scared to try new things and new flavour combinations.
What Is Falafel?
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, then shaped into small balls or patties and deep-fried until crispy. Thought to have originated in Egypt, it has since become a staple street food across the Middle East and beyond.
Traditionally served in warm pita bread with fresh salad, tahini sauce, and pickles, falafel is also a great addition to a falafel bowl, wrap, or mezze platter. Its versatility means it can be enjoyed as a main meal, stuffed into a sandwich, or served as a side dish alongside dips like hummus and baba ganoush.
Falafel is naturally vegan and, when made without flour, is gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, its crispy texture and fragrant spices make it a favourite for many.
10 Perfect Side Dishes For Falafel
These sides are perfect with falafel. They are each fresh and offer fantastic complementary flavours and textures.
Cucumber And Tomato Salad
A light and refreshing side made with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil for a zesty touch, perfect for balancing the crispy texture of falafel.
A simple tomato and cucumber salad is commonly served in a falafel bowl or on the side of a falafel wrap.
Hummus
Hummus is a creamy and traditional dip that pairs perfectly with falafel. If you want to add some moisture as well as flavour, hummus is a great option. Homemade hummus is easy to make with tahini, garlic, lemon, and chickpeas. Try this recipe.
If you are eating a hummus wrap or sandwich, you can also add some hummus, spreading it on the bread.
My daughter absolutely loves hummus. We often serve it with a range of veg sticks and sides on a big plate and just sit and pick at it all, weirdly, while we watch The Apprentice. It’s a bit of a routine.
Tabouleh
A fresh and herby salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, and lemon that works especially well with falafel pittas or wraps. A great gluten-free alternative can be made with quinoa.
Baba Ganoush
A smoky aubergine dip that adds depth to a falafel meal. I don’t like this one. I don’t particularly like aubergines.
If you do, drizzle with olive oil and serve with homemade pita bread or pita chips.
Tzatziki Sauce
A cooling yoghurt and cucumber sauce, perfect for a falafel wrap or bowl. Tzatziki complements the spiced flavours of falafel, adding a cooling and refreshing flavour that’s perfect for a summer lunch.
It can be made with dairy-free yoghurt for a vegan option.
Israeli Salad
A simple and fresh mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley.
Works well in a falafel sandwich or as a side dish.
Fries Or Pita Chips
Crispy fries or homemade pita chips add a satisfying crunch. Air fryer pita chips are a healthier alternative that taste great with falafel and hummus or tzatziki for dipping.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting peppers, courgettes, and aubergines with olive oil brings extra flavour. Great for serving with falafel and rice as a filling main meal.
Fattoush Salad
A vibrant Middle Eastern salad with toasted pita pieces. Fattoush salad is ideal for a falafel bowl or side dish.
Lentil Soup
A hearty and warming option for colder months.
Lentil soup complements falafel without overpowering its flavours and is a great way to create a comforting yet healthy meal.
Creative and Unusual Side Dishes for Falafel
While traditional sides like hummus and tabbouleh are always a great choice, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with something a little different. Here are some creative and unexpected side dishes that pair beautifully with falafel.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, sweet potato wedges add a slightly sweet contrast to falafel’s savoury spices. Roast them with olive oil, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavour. I love sweet potato wedges or fries with pretty much everything!
Spiced Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
A fragrant bowl of couscous mixed with toasted almonds, pistachios, and dried apricots brings a delicious blend of textures and tastes. This side works well in a falafel bowl or alongside a falafel burger.
Beetroot and Carrot Slaw
A fresh, crunchy slaw made with shredded beetroot, carrots, and a tahini dressing is a colourful and healthy option. It adds a lovely contrast to crispy falafel.
Grilled Halloumi
Slices of grilled halloumi offer a salty, chewy contrast to falafel. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of za’atar for an extra burst of flavour.
Charred Corn and Avocado Salad
A zesty mix of grilled corn, avocado, red onion, and fresh herbs adds a refreshing twist to a falafel meal. The creamy avocado balances the crispy texture of falafel perfectly.
Pickled Vegetables
Sharp and tangy pickles, such as pickled red cabbage, turnips, or onions, add a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of falafel. These are a great addition to a falafel wrap or bowl.
Harissa-Roasted Cauliflower
For a bold and spicy side, roast cauliflower florets with harissa and olive oil. This smoky, slightly spicy dish pairs wonderfully with falafel and tahini sauce.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
A refreshing summer side, this salad combines sweet watermelon with salty feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s an unexpected but delicious match for falafel.
Garlic and Herb Yoghurt Dip
A twist on classic tzatziki, this dip is made with Greek yoghurt, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. It’s a great alternative sauce for dipping falafel or drizzling over a falafel salad.
Turmeric Rice with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Golden, fragrant rice flavoured with turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon creates a warming, spiced side that pairs well with falafel. The sweetness of the raisins and crunch from pine nuts add extra depth.
British Side Dishes to Serve with Falafel
Falafel might be a Middle Eastern classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it with some British-inspired sides. Whether you’re looking for comforting, hearty options or fresh, simple accompaniments, these traditional British sides work surprisingly well with falafel.
Mushy Peas
A staple with fish and chips, mushy peas add a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to crispy falafel. Try making them with a hint of mint and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavour. Who doesn’t love mushy peas? Add some chips for a bigger dinner.
Coleslaw
A classic British coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy mayo-based dressing adds crunch and freshness to a falafel meal. Swap mayo for yoghurt and a little mustard for a lighter option.
Roast Potatoes
Crispy roast potatoes cooked in olive oil with rosemary and garlic make a brilliant side for falafel, especially if you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread. I’d eat roast potatoes with anything! So addictive!
Yorkshire Pudding Wrap
For a British twist on a falafel wrap, try serving falafel in a Yorkshire pudding with a drizzle of tahini sauce or yoghurt dressing. It’s unconventional but delicious!
Baked Beans
A tin of baked beans might not be the first thing you’d think to serve with falafel, but the rich, slightly sweet sauce complements the spices in falafel surprisingly well. It also adds some moisture and a hit of fibre.
Minted New Potatoes
Simple, buttery new potatoes tossed with fresh mint and a little olive oil make a light but tasty side for falafel, perfect for warmer days.
Pickled Onions
Sharp, tangy pickled onions add a real punch to falafel. They work well in a falafel sandwich, alongside hummus, or as part of a salad.
Beetroot Chutney
The earthy sweetness of beetroot chutney is a fantastic contrast to crispy, spiced falafel. Spread a little on pita bread or use it as a dip for an unusual but tasty pairing.
Personally I prefer mango chutney, but that might be a bit of a weird one.
Cheese and Onion Pasties
If you’re looking for a hearty, filling meal, serve falafel with a side of warm cheese and onion pasties. The creamy filling and crispy pastry work well with falafel’s crunchy texture.
Buttered Crumpets
For an unusual but comforting option, try falafel with warm, buttered crumpets. The soft texture and slight chewiness make them an interesting alternative to pita bread.
Tips For Pairing Falafel With Other Dishes
Falafel is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, sauces, and accompaniments. Whether you’re serving it as part of a hearty meal or a light snack, here are some great ways to enjoy falafel.
- Serve with Homemade Pita Bread – Freshly made pita bread is the perfect way to enjoy falafel. Its soft, slightly chewy texture complements the crispy falafel, and it can be stuffed with salad, pickles, and sauce for a delicious falafel sandwich.
- Pair with Tahini Sauce – A drizzle of tahini sauce adds a rich, nutty flavour that enhances the spices in falafel. Made from blended sesame seeds, lemon, and garlic, tahini sauce is a classic accompaniment.
- Enjoy Falafel Without Pita – If you’re looking for a lighter option, falafel works beautifully in a fresh salad or a grain bowl. Try serving it on a bed of mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives, with a lemon and olive oil dressing.
- Combine with Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, creamy contrast to falafel’s crunchy texture. Serve it in a wrap, salad, or falafel bowl for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Make a Complete Meal with Rice and Roasted Vegetables – For a filling dinner, serve falafel with spiced rice, roasted vegetables, and a selection of dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki. This creates a balanced, satisfying meal with plenty of flavours and textures.
FAQ: Common Questions About Serving Falafel
What do I serve as a side with falafel?
Some of the best sides include hummus, tabouli salad, tzatziki sauce, and fresh salads.
What are some delicious side dishes that go well with a falafel sandwich?
Try adding Israeli salad, feta cheese, or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Can falafel be eaten with meat?
Yes, but it’s traditionally served as a vegetarian dish. You can pair it with grilled chicken or lamb if preferred.
How do you eat falafel without pita?
Falafel can be served in a salad, as a topping for rice dishes, or on its own with dipping sauces.
What is good to serve with falafel for dinner?
A complete falafel dinner can include lentil soup, fattoush salad, hummus, and warm pita bread.
Conclusion
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, whether in a pita, as part of a salad, or alongside a variety of sides and dips. From traditional Middle Eastern accompaniments to creative and British-inspired options, there are plenty of ways to serve falafel to suit any meal. Whether you prefer classic flavours or something a little different, these ideas will help you put together a tasty and satisfying falafel feast.
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