25 Side Dishes To Serve With Falafel To Soothe Your Taste buds

In the middle east, falafel (or falafel balls) are widely known and appreciated as a traditional food item made from garbanzo beans or chickpeas. To balance the taste, texture, and calorie content of falafel, shallow frying is used. 

There are delicious Falafel homemade recipes with step by step procedure to enjoy! The recipe is made with simple ingredients that makes it delicious, perfect for appetizers and probably ready in your pantry. When mixed and held together well and fried up nicely, the Falafel recipe adds a perfect taste!

What is your favorite way to enjoy falafel? If you want to have more recipes, get access to check out our Falafel recipes here.

Here is a table showing different side dishes that go well with falafel.  

The creation of falafel is an easy process with the ingredients easy to get; it is one of those dishes that needs no expertise to make. Unfortunately, for many, that is the easy part. Making accompanying side dishes complementing the dish becomes the most challenging part.

Carefully selecting a side dish is crucial as it can make or break how the main dish is perceived by family and friends. Choosing a side dish for falafel is all about choosing a flavor relying heavily on the main meal bade course to be successful.

Being a simple dish, many side dishes go well with falafel. Choosing one or multiple will help make the meal truly satisfying.

Here are 25 side dishes to serve with falafel.

Favorite Falafel Recipes: Quick Table 

Recipe	Calories (Per Serving)	Preparation Time
Kimchi	23	45 Minutes
Quinoa salad and feta cheese	156	25 Minutes
Lemon rice	175	25 Minutes
Hummus	165	10 Minutes
Tzatziki	25	10 Minutes
Sauteed mushrooms	80	15 Minutes
Pickled Zucchini	63	10 Minutes
Israeli salad	70	15 Minutes
Stuffed peppers	213	50 Minutes
Olive salad	70	15 Minutes
Lobster pasta	489	20 Minutes
Baba Ganoush	99	20 Minutes
Pita bread	275	20 Minutes
Dolmas	93	45 Minutes
Tabbouleh salad	69	35 Minutes
Avocado sauce	50	10 Minutes
Salsa	36	35 Minutes
Pickled onions	11	35 Minutes
Pesto sauce	120	10 Minutes
Arugula	25	5 Minutes
Cilantro lime sauce	40	5 Minutes
Tahini sauce	89	5 Minutes
Pickled turnips	67	20 Minutes
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing	80	10 Minutes
Lettuce wraps	130	5 Minutes

1. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, Napa cabbage, and Korean radish. The dish is one of the most versatile options to choose from when looking for a side dish for falafel.

The taste varies depending on the seasoning ingredients used, so the overall flavor is often spicy and tangy. 

Calories Per Serving: 23

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

2. Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese

Quinoa salad is a traditional salad that goes well with warm falafel balls or patties. It is tangy due to all the ingredients, including lime juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and onions. For an added burst of labor, feta cheese works wonders.

Calories Per Serving: 156 

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

3. Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a south Indian recipe that is both healthy and appetizing, making it a good side dish for falafel. With five signature ingredients, it features a lemony taste that beautifully complements the falafel’s aroma.

However, when cooking the rice, it’s best to use vegetable broth to add a rich flavor to the dish. 

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

4. Hummus 

Hummus can be a great option as a falafel side dish due to the bold colors it portrays. The best part is that the flavor combination gives a delightful flavor.

In this case, after picking the falafel patty, just slather on the topping and enjoy. Hummus mimics a creamy paste with umami flavors that melts in your mouth.

Calories Per Serving: 165

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

5. Tzatziki 

Tzatziki is a famous falafel dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice. Due to the ingredients, it has a garlic flavor and is perfectly creamy and thick.

It serves as a tremendous topping for falafel, among other dishes such as fried chicken, grilled and veggies.

Calories Per Serving: 25 

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

6. Sautéed Mushrooms 

Sautéed mushrooms are underutilized as a side dish and often reserved for a few options, such as grilled chicken. However, it complements falafel well due to its buttery goodness. With the right ingredients, it’s easy to get the dish in under 30 minutes.

You might want to thoroughly clean the mushrooms to get rid of grains of soil that will make them inedible.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

7. Pickled Zucchini 

Pickled vegetables are a must in the kitchen as they go well with most dishes. On the other hand, pickled zucchini works particularly well as a side dish for falafel.

Highly nutritious, add a little spiciness by adding chili and vinegar to a crunchy but tasty flavor. Be sure to use vinegar in a generous amount to avoid getting the zucchini mushy and keep that crunchy feeling.

Calories Per Serving: 63

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: 18 Simple Greek Vegetarian Recipes

8. Israeli Salad 

When trying something new, try the falafel and pair it with salads; in this regard, the Israeli salad. Simple yet versatile, it has a refreshing taste. Use only fresh ingredients instead of dried options to get the salad to get together well.

Calories Per Serving: 70

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

9. Stuffed Peppers 

If you are seeking to impress family and friends, serve the falafel with stuffed bell peppers. The stuffing should have an array of flavors, from cheese, bacon, onion, and even rice.

Choose the biggest bell peppers and have an additional dipping sauce for a hearty meal. For dramatic effect, choose peppers of different colors just for the aesthetics.

Calories Per Serving: 213

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

10. Olive Salad 

Another salad dish to try is the olive salad. It is a straightforward salad briny with flavor and garlicky. The ingredients used are a combination of diversity, from oregano to red wine and black and green olives. However, to bring the flavors forth, be sure to refrigerate the salad for an hour after making it.

Calories Per Serving: 70

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

11. Lobster Pasta 

To make an outstanding lobster pasta, get the right ingredients early to start the preparation process. Cut short the work involved by picking the meat to finish everything to perfection.

Flavoring the pasta is unnecessary as the seasoned lobster right will give it that savory flavor. To enjoy the meal, sock the falafel into the juices before biting into it.

Calories Per Serving: 489

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

12. Baba Ganoush 

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dish often served with falafel. The combination of the ingredients yields a smoky, smooth, savory dip sauce. Adding some spice will give it some extra flavor, but keep an eye on the mixture to avoid going overboard.

Calories Per Serving: 99

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

13. Pita Bread 

In Egypt, falafel is often paired with pita bread due to its absorbent nature. It is done by breaking the pita bread and grabbing the deep-fried balls to make falafel sandwiches. The addition of great yogurt will give it that creamy smooth taste.

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

14. Dolmas 

Another Mediterranean dish that goes well with falafel is dolmas. It’s particularly flavorful due to the lean ground meat, rice, and as well a combination of herbs and spices. The best part is that it can go with anything from Greek lamb to roasted chicken.

Calories Per Serving: 93

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

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15. Tabbouleh Salad 

Tabbouleh salad has a distinct flavor and goes well with falafel when seeking a simple mellow dish. Full of nutrients, the flavors in the veggies are crunchy and produce a unique taste.

Add a little bit of lemon juice to enjoy a unique citrus flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 69

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

16. Avocado Sauce 

The avocado sauce is always a welcomed falafel side dish. Simple to make, no cooking is required as all that is needed is avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, and garlic.

Savory and sweet, the dish goes well with warm falafel balls. Keep the sauce refrigerated to stop the oxidation process, or it will turn brown.

Calories Per Serving: 50

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

17. Salsa 

Salsa is another great side dish for falafel. Fortunately, there are many ways to make salsa depending on your particular preferences.

However, when choosing a salsa dish, consider the one that incorporates the ingredients you already have. For a sweeter taste, use red tomatoes. For a more dramatic tangy taste, go for red onions.

Calories Per Serving: 36

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

18. Pickled Onions 

Pickled onions have slowly gained popularity over the years, and without a doubt, once you try them, you will feel as if you were missing out. The texture and unique flavor of pickled onion complement falafel particularly well. 

Use spices, mainly pepper, for different taste variations. Note that pickled onions last long in the fridge and taste better the longer they get pickled.

Calories Per Serving: 11

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

19. Pesto Sauce 

Pesto sauce is an excellent pick if you are seeking falafel with a savory salty taste.  The sauce goes with most deep-fried foods, making falafel a perfect choice.

Since both are particularly salty, go easy on the falafel saltiness; otherwise, the meal will be uneatable.

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

20. Arugula 

Arugula is another side dish that is perfect when looking for extra saltiness in your dish. The texture of the earthy leaves complements the falafel balls perfectly, giving them a unique flavor. However, for the ultimate Arugula dish, add some butter for a smooth velvety taste.

Calories Per Serving: 25 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

21. Cilantro Lime Sauce 

Cilantro lime sauce can either be a salad or a dip, depending on the amount of Greek yogurt used.  The sauce often incorporates taco seasoning, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. To enhance the flavor, add some garlic to the dish.

Calories Per Serving: 40

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

RELATED: 20 Best Jamaican Vegetarian Recipes

22. Tahini Sauce 

A great reality is that falafel and tahini sauce are a perfect match…better than any other option. It comes as a surprise since tahini is made from simple ingredients of tahini paste, like garlic and fresh parsley. To enjoy the sauce, have it chilled and serve it over warm falafel.

Calories Per Serving: 89

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

23. Pickled Turnips 

For a more tangy flavor with a tinge of sweet nectar flavor, go for pickled turnips. The combination of the dishes makes for a fabulous delicious meal.

Calories Per Serving: 67

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

24. Creamy Italian Salad Dressing 

Creamy Italian salad dressing works well with falafel balls as it allows family and friends to savor the goodness of the fried foods. Use the best ingredients, especially parmesan cheese and olive oil, to get high-quality, delicious salad dressing.

Add spices and herbs reasonably to avoid taking focus from the main dish. Remember to re-shake before use as it refrigerates well.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

25. Lettuce Wraps 

For those seeking a gluten-free meal, lettuce wraps are a great option. With pita bread often used to make falafel sandwiches, lettuce wraps do it better, especially when paired with balsamic vinegar to help enhance the flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 130

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Take Falafel With Side Dishes? 

Although tasty, Falafel needs some side dishes to enjoy the meal optimally. With different side dishes offering contrast and a balance of flavors, choosing one will offer variety in taste and help diversify the meal.

Falafel is a traditional meal; not many side dishes will blend well with it, thus making it essential to choose a side dish that will complement it.

Are Falafels Healthy? 

Falafel is highly nutritious and full of fiber and protein. Simple to make, it helps curb appetite and keep a healthy blood sugar level, helping reduce the chances of weight gain and chronic heart diseases. The fact that it is tasty is just an added advantage. 

What Are Falafels Made Of? 

Falafels are deep-fried patties or balls made of fava beans or chickpeas with salt and pepper. Depending on the recipe followed, it can also include fresh herbs and spices.

Falafel is a popular street food along the Mediterranean sold casually by street vendors or in casual chilling spots.