What to Serve with Falafel? 14 TASTY Side Dishes

Do you have a falafel craving that only freshly homemade falafel can satisfy?

Or are you looking to expand your usual order from your local Middle Eastern spot?

No matter the reason, if you’re here wondering what to serve with falafel, then look no further!

We’ll be exploring 14 tasty side dishes full of flavor and color that perfectly complement this beloved Levantine dish.

Ready to tantalize all of your senses while filling up the dinner table with some deliciousness?

Let’s dive into discovering food for all palates!

What to Serve with Falafel? 14 TASTY Side Dishes

1. Tzatziki Sauce

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Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs.

The sauce is thick and creamy with a refreshing cucumber flavor.

It’s traditionally served as a dip or condiment but can also be used as a salad dressing or sandwich spread.

Tzatziki sauce is best known for its tangy, creamy texture.

The yogurt base gives the sauce a thick consistency, while the cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.

The garlic and herbs give the sauce a savory flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.

To elevate your tzatziki sauce, try adding in some fresh diced tomatoes or olives.

You can also use it as a condiment for grilled meats or vegetables.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek dish, serve tzatziki sauce alongside pita bread and falafel balls.

2. Mint Yogurt Sauce

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Mint yogurt sauce is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any dish.

The combination of mint and yogurt creates a unique flavor that is perfect for dipping or as a topping.

The sauce is also relatively easy to make, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights.

The taste of mint yogurt sauce is both cooling and slightly sweet.

The mint provides a freshness that is balanced by the creamy yogurt.

The texture of the sauce is smooth and thick, making it ideal for dipping or spreading on top of dishes.

To elevate the dish, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs or spices.

Mint yogurt sauce goes well with a variety of different flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

For an extra bit of color, top the sauce with some chopped tomatoes or cucumbers.

3. Lemon Garlic Aioli

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Lemon garlic aioli is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.

The taste is tangy and bright, with a hint of garlic.

The texture is smooth and creamy.

This sauce can be used to elevate any dish.

It is great on sandwiches, as a dip, or even as a salad dressing.

If you want to really impress your guests, try serving it with falafel.

The combination of flavors is out of this world.

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Add more or less garlic to taste.
• Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cucumber Dill Sauce

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Cucumber Dill Sauce is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with falafel.

The cool, crisp cucumbers are offset by the earthy dill flavor, making it a perfect complement to the spiced chickpea patties.

This sauce is also incredibly versatile – you can use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers, or as a sandwich spread.

If you want to elevate the dish, try serving it with grilled chicken or fish.

• Use fresh dill if possible – it will make a big difference in taste.
• If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.
• To give the sauce a bit of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey (or more to taste).
• For extra creaminess, stir in some plain yogurt or sour cream.

5. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

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This roasted red pepper hummus is a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with falafel.

The hummus is creamy and smooth, with a slight smokiness from the roasted peppers.

It’s also a great dip for veggies or pita bread.

To make the hummus, start by roasting red peppers in the oven.

This step can be done ahead of time and will add a lot of flavor to the dish.

Once the peppers are roasted, simply blend them together with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For an extra touch of flavor, try garnishing the hummus with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

This dish can be served at room temperature or chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

6. Baba Ganoush

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Baba ganoush is a delicious eggplant-based dish that originates from the Levant region of the Middle East.

The dish is traditionally made by charring whole eggplants over an open flame, then mashing the flesh and mixing it with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.

Baba ganoush has a rich, smoky flavor that is perfectly complemented by the creamy tahini and bright lemon juice.

The dish can be served as a dip, spread, or side dish.

There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it your own.

Try roasting the eggplants in the oven for a less smoky flavor.

You could also add in some additional vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or zucchini.

For a bit of heat, try adding in some chili flakes or harissa paste.

7. Lemon Rice

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There are few things as versatile as rice.

You can find it in dishes from all over the world, and it can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

Lemon rice is a particularly delicious variety that’s perfect for a light summer meal.

Lemon rice is typically made with basmati rice, which has a delicate flavor and fluffy texture.

The rice is cooked in water or chicken stock, then seasoned with lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs.

The result is a dish that’s fragrant, slightly acidic, and very satisfying.

• Add sautéed shrimp or other seafood.
• Stir in some chopped vegetables, like peas or carrots.
• Top with crispy fried onions or garlic.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

8. Garlic Pita Toast

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Pita bread is a type of flatbread that originates from the Middle East.

It’s made by baking dough that’s been kneaded with yeast and then formed into a round shape.

Pita bread is soft and chewy, with a slightly leavened texture.

One of the best ways to enjoy pita bread is by turning it into garlic toast.

This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients: pita bread, garlic, butter, and salt.

Garlic toast is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate this dish even further.

Try topping your toast with cheese, tomatoes, or even a fried egg for an extra-special treat.

9. Pickled Turnips

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Pickled turnips are versatile and delicious side dishes that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

The turnips are first boiled until they are soft, then pickled in a vinegar and water solution.

This gives them a unique taste and texture that is both sweet and sour.

There are many ways to enjoy pickled turnips.

They can be eaten on their own, added to salads, or used as a condiment for other dishes.

Pickled turnips can also be added to sandwiches or wraps for an extra zing of flavor.

• Serve them as part of a mezze platter alongside other dips and spreads.
• Add them to rice or couscous dishes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use them as a topping for burgers or hot dogs.
• Mix them into mayonnaise or yogurt to create a flavorful dip or sauce.

10. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

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If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your falafel, look no further than this quinoa tabbouleh salad.

This salad is packed with nutrients and flavor, and it’s the perfect complement to any main dish.

The taste and texture of this salad are amazing – the quinoa is fluffy and light, and the vegetables are fresh and crunchy.

The dress ties everything together perfectly.

I like to use a simple lemon vinaigrette, but you can use any dressing you like.

To elevate this dish, I like to add some chopped-up fresh herbs, like parsley or mint.

You could also add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts.

11. Fattoush Salad

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Fattoush salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The salad is made up of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices and is typically served with pita bread.

Fattoush salad has a variety of different flavors and textures, making it a unique and enjoyable dish.

The taste of fattoush salad can be described as fresh and flavorful.

The vegetables in the salad are all crisp and provide a great crunch.

The herbs and spices add to the flavor of the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

To elevate the flavor of your fattoush salad, consider adding some feta cheese or grilled chicken.

These additions will give the salad a bit more protein and make it even more filling.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could also add some grilled fish to the salad.

12. Chopped Salad with Sumac Dressing

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If you’re looking for a new side dish to try with your falafel, why not give the chopped salad a try? This dish is full of fresh flavors and has a great texture that pairs well with the crispy falafel.

Plus, the sumac dressing adds a nice touch of acidity to balance out the richness of the falafel.

To start, you’ll need to chop up your salad ingredients into bite-sized pieces.

I like to use a mix of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.

You can really use any combination of veggies that you like, though.

Once everything is chopped, simply toss it all together with the sumac dressing.

This salad is best served immediately after it’s made.

However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for an hour or two.

Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving so that the dressing is evenly distributed.

13. Gazpacho

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Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup made of raw, blended vegetables.

It’s the perfect summer dish because it’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

The most common vegetables in gazpacho are tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions.

Gazpacho is usually served cold, or at room temperature, so it’s perfect for hot summer days.

The soup has a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly acidic taste from the tomatoes.

Gazpacho can be made as mild or as spicy as you like by adding more or less of certain ingredients.

To elevate this dish, try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro or croutons for a bit of crunch.

You can also experiment with different types of vegetables to change the flavor.

For a heartier gazpacho, add some cooked diced chicken or shrimp.

14. Lentil Soup

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Lentil soup is a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for winter weather.

It is made with simple ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and spices.

The taste of lentil soup is earthy and slightly sweet, with a thick, creamy texture.

There are many ways to elevate the flavor of lentil soup.

One way is to add some diced bacon or ham when you are cooking the vegetables.

This will give the soup a smoky flavor.

Another way to add flavor is to use chicken or beef broth instead of water.

You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an additional depth of flavor.

If you want a heartier soup, you can add some cooked rice or quinoa when you are serving it.

This will make the soup more filling and satisfying.

You can also top the soup with some shredded cheese or croutons for a bit of crunch.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a wide variety of falafel side dishes to choose from.

No matter what your preference is, there is a dish on this list that will be perfect for you.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to serve with your falafel, make sure to refer back to this article.