Falafels are savory and packed with nutrients - the perfect meatless Monday or meal prep for lunches. But what are the best sides to serve with falafel pitas?
Sometimes the toughest part about planning a party or great family dinner is figuring out what to serve with your main dish. We want every side to be a rock star, but each has to play their part, right? The salty, the savory, the sweet, the sour.
Best Sides for Falafel Pitas
Like a professional symphony - or the 1996 Chicago Bulls - every memorable meal has an all-star at every position.
So today, we are exploring the best sides to serve with popular street food turned trendy vegan specialty - falafels. From Mediterranean sides and specialties to classic comfort food standby's, you'll find all the inspiration you need here!
If falafels are on the menu, I can't serve them without this flavor bomb of a simple side dish. The cumin and coriander mix with turmeric and fresh garlic to make a deeply flavorful rice recipe that is ideal with any Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dish. If you are looking for a traditional lemon rice, just stir in the zest of a lemon once the rice finishes steaming.
Homemade hummus is a simple way to remind yourself that all is not lost in the universe. If something this delicious exists, there is hope for the human race. If you really want to fill your heart with joy, save some of the garbanzo beans from your falafel fixings. Whip up a batch of Spicy Garlic Hummus and shmear a few tablespoons on your falafel pita. Then pile it high with crispy chickpea patties and spicy red peppers. Grab a bag of pita chips to serve with the leftovers!
Vegan red cabbage slaw is made without mayo and instead made with a creamy tahini sauce! This healthy slaw is easy to make, ready in 5 minutes and the perfect addition to any falafel-inspired meal!
Combining bright flavors of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and lime juice with a handful of fresh chopped herbs creates just the balance needed for the rich, savory falafel pitas. Jerusalem salad can be made ahead and served on top of the pita or as a side dish. And no falafel bowls are complete without the fresh acidity of this salad.
Nothing is as refreshingly delicious as a bowl of Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad to lighten up a savory falafel dinner. Perfect for lunch at work, a light dinner, or for a picnic.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables are bursting with the sweet flavors that develop when you roast veggies. The rainbow of vegetables are seasoned with oregano, thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice. These are the perfect side dish to pair with falafels, add to a rice bowl or a healthy side dish.
Mutabal is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip that's smooth and creamy, smoky, garlicky, nutty, and so nutritient-dense. Pair it with your falafel pita or raw veggies for the perfect savory side or appetizer that's ready in just 30 minutes.
This nutrient-dense, nutty, garlicky large bowl of goodness brings crazy good flavor to the party. If you're looking for a vegan option for your falafel meal, this garlic brown rice and quinoa will be an all star in your supporting cast.
This 5-minute savory yogurt sauce combines tahini with fresh herbs and garlic to create a the perfect creamy sauce to top your falafel pita wraps or falafel salad. The flavors pair beautifully with the warm spices in your vegetarian falafels!
Citrusy lemon and bright dill bring a metric ton of flavor to the party when you serve this Mediterranean Basmati recipe with your falafel wraps. Recipe includes tips and tricks for making the perfect pot of rice!
It's a simple greens side dish packed with flavor and nutrients, this spinach and garlic recipe is perfect served with Yellow Rice and Shawarma Sauce with your Falafels.
Fresh, hot and crispy potato wedges dipped in Cucumber Raita and served with Jerusalem Salad. You won't regret this one. I promise.
These garlic seasoned green beans with lemon and parsley offer a more sophisticated option for your falafel spread. They are buttery and herbaceous and all the best things you look for in a memorable vegetable dish.
This refreshing cucumber herb raita is a flavorful addition to your falafel party! Ligh and fresh and full of flavor, this one will disappear in minutes.
If you're looking to add a fish-forward side to your falafel wrap menu, try this impossibly crispy, shrimp and spiced-potato samosas. The dreamiest side dish and don't forget the Samosa Sauce!
Falafels, with their rich bean texture, sharp garlic notes and high herb level are just begging for acidic condiments to balance out all the salty richness. These pickled onions do the trick. I like to serve them in a small bowl so the pickling vinegar doesn't infiltrate the other toppings.
The Bottom Line...
Falafel's are one of the best options for a quick and delicious meatless Monday or a fun weekend potluck for neighbors. Make your falafels from scratch, then mix and match a few sides and toppings from this list and you'll have a houseful of happy faces and full bellies.
[…] are literally dozens of options – I covered most of them here. But my go-to sides include spicy garlic hummus, Jerusalem salad, Middle Eastern yellow rice and […]