What to Serve with Falafel (25+ BEST Side Dishes)

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

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 Sides for Falafel

Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.
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!
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Overhead shot of tahini yogurt sauce in bowl topped with pomegranate seeds and with pita dipped into it.
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.
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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
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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Hand holding small bowl of 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.
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Side shot of jar of pickled onions with pink background.
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! 
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Overhead close up of bowl of harissa hummus.
This Harissa Hummus will have you hooked with its spicy, smoky, and wonderfully aromatic flavor.
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Blistered shishitos in bowl with lemon slices and togarashi.
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!
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Fluffy toum in bowl with spoon
With only four ingredients, you can make your own whipped, creamy and delicious Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, at home!
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Cooked french fries in air fryer.
These Air Fryer Frozen 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!
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OVERHEAD SHOT OF BOWL OF BABA GANOUSH SWIRLED WITH OLIVE OIL.
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.
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Side view of pickled red cabbage in jar against dark background.
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.
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
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. 
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Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.
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.
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Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
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Whipped feta dip in bowl topped with olives, pine nuts and olive oil. Served with pita.
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!
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Sauteed zucchini and squash in skillet.
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.
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Serving spoon in bowl of 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!
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HEAD OF ROASTED GARLIC IN SMALL SERVING DISH.
This Roasted 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.
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Overhead shot of four pieces of naan stacked on wooden cutting board next to bowl of green chutney.
This Easy Homemade Naan & Chutney Recipe means that you can enjoy naan at home anytime with all your favorite dishes.
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Lemon Tahini Dressing is a delicious and healthy creamy salad dressing. It requires just a few ingredients and comes together in less than 5 minutes.
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Bowl of rice with chopsticks next to rice cooker machine.
With an electric rice cooker and this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll make tender and fluffy rice every time. This Rice Cooker Rice is as simple as measuring, pushing a button, and returning to a batch of perfectly cooked rice!
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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!
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Overhead close up of quinoa salad in bowl.
Make this copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at home for a healthy, hearty, and delicious grain-based salad studded with fresh veggies and fresh lemon dressing.
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Overhead shot of bowl of lentil soup topped with chopped chipotles and served with spoon.
This Spicy Lentil Soup is a warm and comforting hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly Fall days! The chipotle peppers give it a bit of heat and a great smoky flavor.
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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. 

More Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Falafel Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve 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.

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Wine Pairings for Falafel

Collage of what to serve with falafel.

What to Serve with Falafel: 25+ BEST Sides

Wondering what to serve with falafel? Keep reading to discover the best sides to serve with 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.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Resting time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

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.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Bowl
Knife

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

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