• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Platings and pairings logo.
Start Here
All Recipes
Perfect Pairings
Wine Travel
About
Home

What to Serve with Falafel (25+ Sides)

Jump to Recipe

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

April 24, 2025

|

No ratings yet

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

COLLAGE OF SIDES FOR FALAFEL WITH TEXT OVERLAY.
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Wondering what to eat with falafel? I’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about the best falafel sides to make your meal more flavorful and enjoyable.

COLLAGE OF SIDES FOR FALAFEL WITH TEXT OVERLAY.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are shaped into small balls or patties and fried (or air fried) until crispy.

It is typically served in a pita bread or wrap with various toppings and sauces.

Here’s 25+ of the most popular and best side dishes for falafel.

PS – Be sure to try my Air Fryer Falafel recipe and these 13+ Sauces for Falafel.

The BEST Falafel Side Dishes

Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.
Shirazi Salad
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
Shirazi Salad
Overhead shot of tahini yogurt sauce in bowl topped with pomegranate seeds and with pita dipped into it.
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
This creamy Middle Eastern Yogurt Sauce will quickly become your new favorite quick & easy go to. Drizzle it over grilled salmon, serve it with lamb kebabs or shawarma, or use it as a yogurt dip for veggies.
Middle Eastern Yogurt Sauce
Fattoush salad assembled in large bowl with serving tongs.
Fattoush Salad
This Lebanese-inspired fattoush salad tosses vibrant vegetables and homemade pita chips in a tangy-sweet dressing. Enjoy it as an ultra-refreshing side dish with your favorite Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals!
Fattoush Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Overhead shot of feta cucumber salad in bowl with wooden serving spoons.
Feta Cucumber Salad
This Feta Cucumber Salad tosses crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and fresh dill in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect no-cook side dish to add to any Mediterranean-inspired summer menu.
Feta Cucumber Salad
Cooked pita chips in air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Pita Chips
These Air Fryer Pita Chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pita chips but don’t skimp on flavor or crunch! Easy to make with customizable flavors, they’re the perfect party snack to pair with your favorite dips and spreads.
Air Fryer Pita Chips
Overhead shot of greek tomato cucumber salad in white bowl next to bowl of feta.
Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad tosses cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette dressing. Topped with creamy feta and Kalamata olives, it’s the perfect healthy summer side dish or light meal.
Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta
Hand holding small bowl of mojo sauce.
Mojo Sauce
This Green Mojo Sauce can be used for topping SO many different things. It’s loaded with fresh herbs, garlic and spicy peppers and it just perks up everything that it comes in contact with.
Green Mojo Sauce
Overhead close up of pearl couscous in serving bowl topped with parsley.
How to Cook Israeli Couscous
Learn how to cook perfect Israeli couscous, AKA pearl couscous, every time with this thorough guide. It’s a quick and convenient side dish you can dress up or down and pair with endless main dishes.
Israeli Couscous
Side shot of jar of pickled onions with pink background.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Quick Pickled Onions are so easy to make at home. With just 5-minutes you can have your red onions pickling. Let them cool to room temperature before using and then you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks! 
Quick Pickled Onions
Overhead close up of bowl of harissa hummus.
Harissa Hummus
This easy and spicy Harissa Hummus will have you hooked with its smoky and wonderfully aromatic flavor.
Harissa Hummus
Blistered shishitos in bowl with lemon slices and togarashi.
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
If you need a fun and flavorful finger food for the party, make it these Air Fryer Shishitos! They’re easy to make in 10 minutes, have a mild heat and sweet flavor, and are completely addictive. Bet you can’t eat just one!
Air Fryer Shishitos
Fluffy toum in bowl with spoon
Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
With only four ingredients, you can make your own whipped, creamy and delicious Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, at home!
Toum
Cooked french fries in air fryer.
Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
These Air Fryer Shoestring Fries come out exactly like your favorite fast food fries! They’re crispy, golden on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside. SO much better than deep frying or baking! Plus, you can cook different types of fries – waffle fries, steak fries and more!
Air Fryer Frozen Shoestring Fries
OVERHEAD SHOT OF BOWL OF BABA GANOUSH SWIRLED WITH OLIVE OIL.
Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush Recipe
This Baba Ganoush recipe with grilled eggplant is amazingly smooth and creamy with a delicious smoky flavor. Serve it alongside some fresh pita bread and vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean spread.
Baba Ganoush
Side view of pickled red cabbage in jar against dark background.
Pickled Cabbage (Quick & Easy)
You’ll want to keep a jar of this Pickled Red Cabbage in your fridge at all times. Not only is it fast and easy, but you can use it on anything! Pile it onto tacos, burgers, pork sandwiches, and so much more.
Pickled Red Cabbage
Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.
Grilled Bell Peppers
Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered Grilled Bell Peppers at home! It’s one of the best and easiest side dishes you can add to burrito bowls, fajitas, or pair with grilled meats.
Grilled Bell Peppers
Overhead shot of prepared tzatziki sauce in bowl surrounded by pita bread.
Greek Tzatziki
Get a taste of the Mediterranean with cool, creamy Greek Tzatziki! It’s perfect served with grilled meats, pita bread or veggies, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!
Tzatziki Sauce
Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Red Cabbage Slaw
Whipped feta dip in bowl topped with olives, pine nuts and olive oil. Served with pita.
Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped Feta Dip is seriously addicting! Whipped together with oil, greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and cream, feta cheese transforms into a light and airy Mediterranean dip. Serve it at parties, celebrations, or enjoy it all for yourself!
Whipped Feta Dip
Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
Cherry Tomato Salad
Sauteed zucchini and squash in skillet.
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
You can serve Sauteed Zucchini and Squash with practically anything! It’s a simple side dish that showcases sliced and seared summer squash and savory Italian flavors.
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
Tomato Cucumber Salad
HEAD OF ROASTED GARLIC IN SMALL SERVING DISH.
Caramelized Garlic
This Caramelized Garlic recipe is one to keep in your back pocket at all times! The soft caramelized garlic cloves can be used to make almost anything, like soups, pasta, and sauces, extra delicious.
Roasted Garlic
Overhead shot of four pieces of naan stacked on wooden cutting board next to bowl of green chutney.
Homemade Naan with Chutney
This Easy Homemade Naan & Chutney Recipe means that you can enjoy naan at home anytime with all your favorite dishes.
Homemade Naan
Greek roasted potatoes on baking sheet sprinkled with fresh oregano and lemon wedges.
Greek Roasted Potatoes
These Greek Roasted Potatoes are generously seasoned with oregano, lemon juice, and garlic, then roasted until they’re pillowy soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Make them for a mostly hands-off and addictively delicious side dish!
Greek Potatoes

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these falafel side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

Wine Pairings for Falafel

  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Gewurztraminer
  • Chenin Blanc

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Pork Chops
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Salmon
  • Sides for Steak
  • Sides for Ribs
  • Sides for Chicken

Did you Make Any of These Sides for Falafel?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to eat with falafel. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

COLLAGE OF SIDES FOR FALAFEL WITH TEXT OVERLAY.

Full Recipe

25+ Sides for Falafel

Wondering what to eat with falafel? Keep reading to discover the best sides for falafel to make your meal more flavorful! Try this simple Shirazi Salad. Featuring fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Resting time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • 1 pound roma tomatoes (small diced)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ pound Persian cucumbers (or English cucumbers, small diced)
  • ¼ cup minced red onion
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 limes (juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice))
  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Small dice the tomatoes into approximately ¼” cubes.
  • Toss the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and place them in a colander to drain while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Small dice the cucumbers into approximately ¼” cubes, similar to the tomatoes.
  • Add the cucumbers, onion, fresh herbs, lime juice and olive oil to a large bowl. Add the drained tomatoes and toss to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • For best results, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just keep in mind that the veggies will soften as they sit in the dressing, possibly making the leftovers soggy.
Dried Mint: Traditionally dried mint is used, however, I normally have fresh herbs on hand. If you would like to use dried mint, swap out the fresh mint for 1 teaspoon dried mint.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1235IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

Know More

Follow Me on Social!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X
  • YouTube

Recent Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Short Ribs
  • Red Chimichurri Sauce
  • Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
  • Spaghetti alla Nerano
  • Yogurt Bowl Ideas
  • Instant Pot Chili
  • Beef Enchilada Dip
  • Indian Mint Sauce

Dish Type

30 Minute Meals
Appetizer Recipes
Cocktail Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Healthy Recipes

Cooking Method

Air Fryer Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Sous Vide Recipes

Ingredient

Beef Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Lamb Recipes
Pork Recipes
Seafood Recipes

Cocktails

Classic
Gin
Margarita
Moscow Mule
Vodka

Sides

Bread
Potatoes
Rice
Salad
Vegetables

Travel

Australia
California
Europe
Hawaii
Italy
About Me
Contact
Privacy Policy

© All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required