What to Serve with Kebabs (35+ BEST Side Dishes)

Wondering what to serve with kebabs for dinner? This handy guide covers all of the best sides for these grilled skewers – from veggies, to salads, and more!

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Kebabs are a grilling season staple, their versatility and smoky goodness making them a crowd-pleaser. But the true heroes of a kebab dinner often lurk beneath the sizzling skewers – the sides!

From refreshing salads to creamy dips and hearty grains, the right accompaniments can elevate your kebab experience from good to unforgettable.

So, fire up the grill and get ready to skewer some serious flavor. Here are 35+ side dishes that will have your guests reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds)…

PS – Be sure to check out these 23+ Dipping Sauces for Kebabs too!

The BEST Sides for Kebabs

Salads

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!
Shirazi Salad
Arugula Salad ready to be served.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Arugula 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
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Tabbouleh Salad
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. 
Cherry Tomato Salad
Pasta salad in bowl on wooden cutting board next to bowl of pepper flakes.
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
Radicchio Salad
Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
Shaved Fennel Salad
Finished briam out of oven in casserole dish.
Learn how to make Briam, a traditional Greek roasted vegetable dish made with seasoned tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini. Perfect as a meatless main or a hearty side with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meals!
Briam
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!
Tomato Cucumber Salad
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.
Quinoa Salad
Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Overhead shot of prepared Jennifer Aniston Salad in green bowl.
One bite of the viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad and you’ll be hooked! It was the actress’ top choice for lunch during her time on Friends for good reason – it’s easy to make, loaded with healthy grains and veggies, and perfect for meal prep.
Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad
Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
This easy Greek salad recipe is refreshing & delicious! Made with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, peppers, & feta, Greek salad is the best summer side dish.
Get the RECIPE from Love and Lemons
Greek cucumber salad with marinated red onions tossed in a tzatziki inspired Greek yogurt dressing. It’s the best tasting cucumber salad.
Get the RECIPE from Little Broken
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Red Cabbage Slaw
Greek Orzo Salad is loaded with fresh, crunchy veggies and all of your favorite Mediterranean flavors.
Get the RECIPE from Foodtasia

Grains and Starches

Overhead close up of bowl of grilled potato salad.
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious! 
Grilled Potato Salad
Overhead close up of bowl of lime coconut rice with chopsticks.
This Coconut Lime Rice is fragrant, fluffy, and easy to make. The mild coconut flavor is delectable, making this simple side dish perfect for curries, stir fry, stew, and more. Rice cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop directions included.
Coconut Lime Rice
Overhead shot of bowl of cooked tomato couscous with spoon.
Israeli couscous with tomatoes is an amazing side dish full of flavor. Toasted pearl couscous is tossed with a burst tomato sauce and finished with a squeeze of lime for a delightful tang. Yum!
Tomato Couscous
Greek Lemon Rice is SO easy to make and only 7 ingredients! It’s bursting with bright flavor, totally crave-worthy and pairs well with everything!
Get the RECIPE from No Spoon Necessary
Want to make Greek Fries? These tasty fries – perfectly seasoned with dill and oregano – are topped with crumbly feta, red onion, & parsley!
Get the RECIPE from Recipes from Europe
CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Greek Lemon Potatoes are cooked in garlic-lemon-oregano broth so they suck up all that flavour before being roasted to golden perfection.
Get the RECIPE from Recipe Tin Eats

Vegetables

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.
Grilled Bell Peppers
Smoked asparagus spears on baking sheet with parchment and charred lemons.
Learn how to smoke asparagus on a Traeger or pellet grill/smoker! This Traeger Asparagus recipe is foolproof and yields tender-crisp, delightfully smoky asparagus every time.
Traeger Asparagus
Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Platter of grilled broccolini
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving. 
Get the RECIPE
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. 
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Greek tomato fritters are made from a handful of summer staples, they are easy to make and taste like summer. Naturally vegan and can be gluten-free.
Get the RECIPE from Lazy Cat Kitchen
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.
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash

Sauces & Dips

Overhead shot of prepared tzatziki sauce in bowl surrounded by pita bread.
Learning how to make Tzatziki Sauce at home is easy and takes less than 10 minutes! Using grated cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs, you get the creamiest and most refreshing sauce that goes well with not only gyros, but also all kinds of meats and vegetables.
Tzatziki Sauce
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.
Baba Ganoush
Overhead shot of prepared raita sauce in bowl next to pita pieces.
This Raita Recipe is a popular Indian dip that’s creamy, crunchy and a perfect pair for warming and spicy foods.
Raita Sauce
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!
Whipped Feta Dip
Romesco sauce in white bowl next to almonds and crusty bread.
Romesco Sauce is packed with flavor and easy to make with simple ingredients & your blender or food processor. This roasted red pepper based Spanish sauce is delicious with chicken, pork, seafood and roasted vegetables.
Romesco Sauce

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these kebab 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. 

Kebab & Skewer Recipes to Try

More Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Kebab Side Dishes?

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Collage of sides for kebabs.

What to Serve with Kebabs: 35+ BEST Sides

Wondering what to serve with kebabs for dinner? This handy guide covers all of the best sides for these grilled skewers – from veggies, to salads, and more! Try this Tzatziki Sauce. It's easy and takes less than 10 minutes!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cucumber (about 10-ounces)
  • 1 ½ cups full fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh mint (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (grated or minced)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)

Instructions

  • Scoop seeds out of the cucumber with a small spoon. Place cucumber in a mini food processor or grate with a box cheese grater. Drain the liquid from the cucumber in a metal strainer and sprinkle with a little salt (this helps release the liquid). You may want to use the back of a spoon to help squeeze out any excess liquid.
  • Place the drained cucumber in a large bowl. Add the yogurt, olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to the bowl, and stir to blend. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and add additional chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and/or salt, as necessary.

Notes

The leftover tzatziki will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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