25 Simple and Flavorful Side Dishes to Serve with Kebabs

1. Pluot Tabbouleh

This classic tabbouleh combines parsley and English cucumber for a vibrant, healthful side. Packed with chopped veggies and bulgur wheat, it's a simple yet nutrient-rich Mediterranean-inspired salad.

2. Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita

The tangy kick of red wine vinegar pairs perfectly with the refreshing sweetness of crisp cucumbers. The addition of pita not only provides a satisfying crunch but also adds a touch of heartiness to the salad.

3. Moroccan Couscous Salad

Couscous is thought to have originated in Morocco during the 11th to 13th centuries. This couscous salad can be prepared a day ahead and kept fresh in the fridge.

4. Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

Swiss chard, though slightly bitter, offers a milder taste compared to spinach and makes an excellent kebab side. Enhance the dish by cooking the couscous with a mix of water and chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

5. Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

This kebab side dish requires minimal cooking—simply mix sautéed onions and corn into warm couscous, then add your favorite toppings just before serving the next day.

6. Spiced Rice With Crispy Chickpeas

This dish highlights the nutrient-packed superfood, chickpeas, rich in fiber, healthy fats, and with a low glycemic index. The rice is also a great source of protein.

7. Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

This refreshing no-cook salad uses raw corn for a sweet, juicy crunch that pairs perfectly with kebabs. The addition of sliced avocado introduces healthy fats, enhancing the dish's nutritional value.

8. Spinach and Radish Salad With Feta

Watermelon radishes bring a vibrant burst of color to this refreshing side. Roasting bread pieces with bacon infuses the croutons with a savory, salty flavor.

9. Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata

This salad comes alive with crunchy almonds and the creamy richness of burrata, a luxurious Italian cheese. When peaches are in season, they make a perfect addition to this dish, pairing wonderfully with kebabs.

10. Green Salad With Cornichon Vinaigrette

The tangy vinaigrette, featuring chopped cornichons (small pickles known as gherkins in England), pairs beautifully with mixed baby greens. Its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to kebabs.

11. Herb Potato Salad

This lighter take on potato salad uses fresh herbs of your choice, creating a refreshing side for kebabs. Whole-grain mustard delivers a bold, tangy flavor without the need for heavy ingredients.

12. Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli

The pesto gains a vibrant freshness from mint and parsley, while Romano cheese adds a creamy richness. Enhance the dish by tossing in fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro just before serving.

13. Sesame-Ginger Potato Salad

This potato salad may appear simple, but its standout flavors—like fish sauce, fresh ginger, and tangy lime—elevate it. Customize the heat by blending chile-garlic sauce with soy sauce dressing, or skip the spice entirely while still savoring its rich taste.

14. Zucchini Tzatziki Slaw

Tzatziki, a classic Greek sauce made from strained Greek yogurt, shines in this dish. Reinvent zucchini by combining it with shredded cabbage, pumpkin seeds, and honey for a unique kebab accompaniment.

15. Minted Watermelon Salad

Watermelon is a powerhouse of health benefits, packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight disease. In this dish, it also brings a sweet, refreshing contrast to your kebabs.

16. German Beet-and-Potato Salad

This traditional German potato salad is elevated with the addition of beets, bacon, and a tangy cider-mustard vinaigrette. Steam-roasting the potatoes and beets ensures they turn out tender and creamy.

17. Every-Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego

The citrus medley—featuring navel oranges, grapefruit, and blood oranges—is beautifully balanced by the rich, semi-hard Manchego cheese, fresh parsley, and crunchy roasted almonds. The dressing, a blend of maple syrup, shallots, and Dijon mustard, adds a unique twist. 

18. Grilled Halloumi Salad

Garlic, olives, and crisp cucumbers combine with our favorite grilling cheese to create a mouthwatering side dish that complements kebabs perfectly. Halloumi, with its salty flavor, can be sliced into thick, tofu-like planks.

19. Spring Green Salad

This salad is a celebration of healthy veggies, made even more delicious with a creamy dressing featuring yogurt, lemon juice, anchovy, avocado, chives, and fresh mint.

20. Ginger-Lime Melon Salad

This refreshing blend of honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe is an ideal accompaniment for a summer outdoor meal. The zesty ginger and lime flavors also make it a great breakfast option—store leftovers for the next morning.

21. Herby Rice Salad With Chickpeas and Pistachios

This delicious side dish is rich in plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians who might skip the kebabs. Pistachios, one of the highest protein nuts, add a nutritious crunch.

22. Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries

A half-cup of dry white wine adds a delightful tang to this rice dish, while cranberries provide a sweet-and-sour contrast. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and tarragon on top.

23. Brussels Sprouts Salad

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts take center stage in this dish, supported by pecans, bitter radicchio, and dried cranberries. A tangy apple cider vinegar dressing and shavings of aged provolone complete the flavor profile.

24. Spicy Street Corn Salad

This flavorful salad features grilled corn enhanced with herbs, spices, cheese, and jalapeños. Beans add fiber and make it more satisfying. If cotija cheese is unavailable, substitute with aged cheddar or parmesan.

25. Peach, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad

Peaches have a brief peak season, so take advantage of this incredibly simple recipe while you can. This salad can be refrigerated for several hours before serving.