What to Serve with Falafel – The Best 25 Sides

1. Hummus

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip that pairs perfectly with falafel. Made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, hummus is a creamy and flavorful addition to any falafel meal.

The rich and savory flavor of hummus complements the crispy and spicy falafe, adding a smooth and creamy texture to the mix. It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

You can serve hummus on the side for dipping or spread it on pita bread for a delicious falafel sandwich. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top of the hummus and sprinkle some paprika for added flavor.

Hummus is widely available in grocery stores, but you can also make it at home. All you need is a food processor and a few simple ingredients. Homemade hummus also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

2. Homemade pita bread

When it comes to pairing falafel, no other food item can quite match homemade pita bread. Pita bread, a type of flatbread, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and complements the rich, savory flavors of falafel perfectly.

The soft, fluffy texture of pita bread makes it an ideal accompaniment, as it can be used to scoop up falafel or even to make a falafel sandwich.

The softness of the bread combined with the crunchiness of the falafel creates a satisfying contrast of textures, while the mild flavor of the bread balances out the robust flavors of the falafel.

Homemade pita bread adds a personal touch to the meal. Plus, you can make extra to store for future use, ensuring you always have the perfect pairing for your falafels.

3. Tabbouleh salad

When it comes to pairing a dish with your crispy, flavorful falafel, a tabbouleh salad is a delicious choice. This traditional Middle Eastern salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that complements the deep flavors of falafel perfectly.

Tabbouleh salad is primarily made of finely chopped parsley, with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur (cracked wheat) or lentils, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The fresh, zesty flavors of this salad provide a wonderful contrast to the rich, spiced falafel.

Not only does it add a pop of color to your plate, but it also provides a range of textures. The crunch of the fresh vegetables and the softness of the bulgur wheat create a pleasing contrast to the crisp exterior and soft interior of the falafel.

To serve, you can either place a generous spoon of tabouleh salad on the side of your plate or put a small amount on top of each falafel for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Maple Dijon tahini sauce

If you are talking about falafels, tahini sauces always need to be mentioned. This creamy, rich, and slightly bitter sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served with falafels.

Making tahini sauce at home is quite simple. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a food processor. You can also adjust the ingredients according to your preference. If you like a more tangy flavor, add more lemon juice. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more sesame paste.

To serve, simply drizzle the tahini sauce over your falafe or use it as a dip. The creamy texture and complex flavors of the sauce take falafels to the next level.

Not only does it complement the flavors of the falafel, but it also adds a touch of creaminess that balances out the crunchiness of the falafel balls.

5. Tzatziki sauce

This refreshing, creamy sauce is a perfect counterbalance to the rich, deep flavors of this fried vegan dish.

Made from a combination of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, tzatziki sauce is both tangy and cooling, making it the ideal complement to the spicy and hearty vegan balls.

When serving, you can either drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the falafel or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, the combination of the crispy, flavorful falafel with the cool, tangy tzatziki sauce is sure to be a hit.

Not only does the tzatziki sauce enhance the flavors of the falafel, but it also adds a creamy texture that makes the dish even more satisfying.

6. Fattoush salad

A Fattoush Salad is an ideal side dish to serve with falafel. This Levantine salad is a colorful combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy pita bread.

The combination of crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, radishes, and green onions provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried goodness of these vegan balls.

The salad is tossed with a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac, a Middle Eastern spice with a tart, lemony flavor.

It not only adds a vibrant, colorful side to your falafe meal, but it also provides a balance of flavors and textures.

7. Baba ganoush

When it comes to pairing dishes with falafel, the creamy, smoky flavor of Baba Ganoush is a perfect match.

This Levantine appetizer is made by mashing cooked eggplant into a paste and mixing it with tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, and various seasonings.

The result is a deliciously smooth and flavorful dip that complements the crispy texture.

To serve Baba Ganoush with falafel, simply place a generous dollop of the dip on the side of your plate or spread it on warm pita bread.

The rich, smoky flavor of the Baba Ganoush enhances the spices in the falafel, making each bite a burst of Middle Eastern flavors.

8. Toum sauce

Toum is a classic Lebanese garlic sauce that is a great option. It is a creamy, tangy, and incredibly flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with the deep-fried chickpea balls.

It is a simple blend of fresh garlic, oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, all whipped together to form a smooth, mayo-like sauce.

To serve, simply place a bowl of Toum sauce on the side when presenting your falafel.

Guests can then help themselves, adding as much or as little as they like. For those who love garlic, this sauce will be the star of the show.

9. Cous cous

Falafe’s rich and robust flavors pair wonderfully with the light and fluffy texture of couscous. This North African staple, made from tiny steamed balls of semolina flour, is a versatile side dish that can be served either hot or cold, depending on your preference.

When served hot, couscous can be prepared with a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, to complement the spices commonly found in falafel.

Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes not only brings color to your plate but also adds a nutritional boost to your meal.

For a cold option, consider a couscous salad. This can be made with fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, along with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.

The tangy freshness of the salad balances out the deep, fried flavors of the falafel, making for a well-rounded meal.

10. Roasted beet hummus

Beetroot hummus is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with falafel.

The earthy sweetness of beetroot combined with the creaminess of hummus creates a unique flavor profile that complements the savory, spiced falafels.

Beetroot hummus can be served as a dip for falafe or as a spread on pita bread. Its sweet and tangy flavor adds a refreshing twist to the meal, making it more enjoyable.

11. Pickled onions

The tangy flavors of pickled onions provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty and rich flavor of these vegan deep-fried balls.

The crunch from the onions also adds an extra texture that makes it taste even better. They are also great to add to a falafel sandwich.

To serve, simply top your falafel with a generous helping of pickled onions. You can also add them to the pita bread if you’re making a falafel sandwich.

The pickled onions not only add flavor and texture but also a vibrant color that makes your dish more appealing.

12. Mediterranean cucumber salad

A Mediterranean cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs great with rich, deep flavors of this dish.

This salad is a combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onions, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

The vinaigrette adds a tangy brightness that balances everything out. It is a great classic side that you will love.

13. Sumac salad

This Middle Eastern-inspired salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with the warm, spicy flavors of falafel.

The key ingredient in this salad is sumac, a tangy, lemony spice that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.

It adds a unique and vibrant flavor to the salad that contrasts and balances the rich, hearty falafel.

14. Lemon rice

Lemon rice is a bright, tangy accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with the rich, hearty flavors of falafel.

Originating from South India, this vibrant dish is made by sautéeing cooked rice in a mixture of mustard seeds, turmeric, red chilies, and fresh lemon juice.

The final result is a flavorful dish with a refreshing citrusy note that cuts through the deep-fried goodness of falafel.

To serve, simply spoon a generous portion of lemon rice alongside your falafel. The contrasting flavors will make for an exciting and satisfying meal.

15. Quinoa stuffed peppers

Quinoa stuffed peppers are an excellent side dish to serve with falafel. The rich and nutty flavor of quinoa pairs wonderfully with the savory, crunchy falafels.

The best part is they are quite versatile and customizable. You can add any other ingredients to the stuffing such as black beans, corn, or even chopped spinach.

Drizzle some tahini sauce on top for extra flavor before serving.

16. Air fryer potato wedges

Air fryer potato wedges are a great, delicious option! Plus, it is also healthier than traditional deep-fried potato wedges.

The air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior without the excess oil and calories.

They provide a satisfying crunch and a neutral flavor that balances the rich, aromatic spices of the falafel.

You can serve them with a variety of dips, such as a simple ketchup, creamy garlic aioli, or even a spicy harissa for an extra kick.

17. Muhammara sauce

Muhammara sauce is a spicy and tangy dip originating from the Middle East. It’s a versatile sauce that can be served alongside falafel, adding an extra layer of flavor and complexity to the dish.

The sauce is made from a unique blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and pomegranates, resulting in a flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy.

To serve, simply place a bowl of Muhammara sauce next to your falafel platter. Guests can either dip their falafel directly into the sauce or spoon a bit of the sauce onto their plate to use as a condiment.

18. Black olive tapenade

The bold, tangy notes of a black olive tapenade perfectly complement the falafel’s earthy, savory flavor.

Originating from the Provence region in France, tapenade is a spread made from finely chopped or pureéd olives, capers, and olive oil. The name comes from the Provençal word for capers, “tapenas”.

To serve, simply spread the tapenade on warm pita bread or add a dollop on top of each falafe. The briny, garlicky tapenade adds a depth of flavor that elevates the falafel to the next level.

19. Yellow rice

Yellow rice is an aromatic and colorful side dish that pairs beautifully with falafel.

Originating from the Middle East, this vibrant rice is seasoned with turmeric or saffron, which gives it its distinctive yellow hue.

The rich, earthy flavor of the spices complements the savory notes of these fried vegan balls.

When serving falafel with yellow rice, you can either place the falafel on top of the rice or serve them side by side.

You can also garnish the dish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, or even a dollop of yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.

20. Homemade pita chips

Pita bread has to be falafel’s best fried. But why not take it a step further and transform your pita bread into crispy, flavorful chips?

Homemade pita chips are not only easy to make, but they also add a fun and crunchy element to your meal.

Homemade pita chips are perfect for scooping up bits of falafel and any accompanying dips or sauces. They’re also a great way to use up any leftover pita bread you might have.

21. Tossed green salad

A refreshing and vibrant tossed green salad is a perfect companion to the rich and hearty falafel.

The light and crisp texture of the salad complements the dense and flavorful falafel, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

To elevate your salad, consider adding some Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Olives, feta cheese, and chickpeas are all great choices that tie in nicely with the falafel.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of honey can enhance the flavors without overpowering the falafel.

22. Sauteed mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms are another great choice. The earthy flavors work beautifully.

Serve sauteed mushrooms on the side or incorporate them into your falafel sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.

It is a great side dish that is easy to prepare and also adds a nutritious element to your meal.

23. Lentil soup

For a warm and comforting side, consider a lentil soup. This hearty and nutritious soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect pair for the crispy and flavorful falafel.

It will make a comforting and cozy lunch or dinner for the whole family, even if they are not all vegans or vegetarians.

It is easy to make and will add a filling, satisfying element to your falafel meal. I am sure you will love it!

24. Mediterranean Rice Pilaf

Another classic option that is popular and delicious is some Mediterranean rice pilaf.

It is packed with flavors and aromas that go beautifully with the spices and herbs used to make falafel.

This rice features delicious ingredients such as raisins, pistachio nuts, and a variety of herbs and spices for a fluffy and tasty combination with falafels.

25. Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant is a delicious accompaniment to falafels that you can serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main dish!

It is incredibly easy to make and tastes even better. This recipe features tender grilled eggplant drizzled in a flavorful marinade sauce.

The flavors work perfectly with these vegan balls, and you will love the combination.