If you’re planning a kabob extravaganza this weekend, don’t worry about what to serve alongside – we’ve got you covered! This popular Greek dish, also known as Shish Kabobs, has its roots in the Middle East. With countless variations of ingredients and seasonings globally, preparing mouth-watering kabobs is just half the battle. The question remains: what sides complement these flavorful skewers best? For a comforting start, consider soups like Pumpkin Soup or Coconut Lime Curry Soup.
If salads are more your style, options abound – Greek Pasta Salad, Apple Spinach Salad, and Brussels Sprouts Salad all make great pairings. For something simple yet satisfying, try Coconut Rice or Fruit Kabobs. Our comprehensive list of kabob sides is sure to inspire a match made in culinary heaven, catering to your taste buds and mood this weekend.
Herbed Potato Salad
A refreshing twist on the classic French potato salad, this mayonnaise-free version boasts a rich herby flavor profile. Unlike traditional potato salads that rely heavily on mayonnaise, this variation incorporates lemon juice for an added layer of brightness and zest. The result is a creamy yet light salad that’s perfect as a side dish accompaniment to kabobs or other grilled meats.
With its effortless preparation and bold flavors, it’s no wonder this potato salad has earned a spot as a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Greek Pasta Salad
This mouthwatering Greek Pasta Salad is the ultimate make-ahead side dish for any backyard barbecue or kabob gathering. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy hosts and guests alike. The harmonious blend of al dente pasta, plump tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, salty olives, and melted cheese all come together in a rich Greek dressing, creating a flavorful accompaniment to any meal.
If you’d like to elevate this dish further, simply add some grilled chicken or your preferred protein for a satisfying main course. Whichever way you choose to serve it, this salad is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Apple Spinach Salad
This simple yet satisfying apple spinach salad is a great accompaniment to your kabobs, and its versatility makes it easy to customize to your taste. The base ingredients include fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced apples, crumbly goat cheese or feta, sweet dried cranberries, and thinly sliced onions. A drizzle of tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings the flavors together.
For added texture and depth, you can also toss in toasted nuts and other dried fruits alongside different types of cheese to create endless variations on this classic salad.
Coconut Rice
Coconut Rice is a timeless favorite that pairs perfectly with kabobs featuring chicken, fish, vegetables, or shrimp. This straightforward side dish requires only two essential ingredients: rice and coconut milk. To achieve the perfect fluffy texture, it’s crucial to incorporate diluted milk. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your Coconut Rice never becomes gluey, but instead remains light and airy with each serving.
Rice Pilaf
When it comes to pairing side dishes with kabobs, a simple yet flavorful option is Rice Pilaf. This dish allows your main course to take center stage while still providing a delicious complement. One key to achieving perfect rice pilaf every time is using long grain rice. This type of rice provides a great foundation for the dish and helps to bring out its natural flavors. Another advantage of Rice Pilaf is that it offers plenty of opportunities for variation and customization.
Consider adding aromatics like shallots, celery, carrots, or garlic to give your pilaf an extra boost of flavor.
Pesto Lemon Rice
When you’re working with leftover pesto, consider creating a deliciously simple side dish that pairs perfectly with kabobs: Pesto Lemon Rice. This tasty combination takes the appetizing flavors of basil and lemon to the next level by incorporating them into the rice. The result is a mouthwatering accompaniment to any type of protein, elevating your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Chickpea Spiced Rice
Satisfy your craving for the perfect side dish to pair with those mouthwatering kabobs by trying this aromatic spiced rice recipe. The combination of sautéed shallots, sweet dates, and crunchy chickpeas creates a delightful flavor profile that complements tender meat on skewers. A blend of warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom adds depth and warmth to each bite, making this spiced rice an ideal accompaniment for your kabobs.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
To break the monotony of rice dishes and salads, sweet potatoes bring a delightful twist to the traditional kabob sides. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it stand out – all you need to do is slice your sweet potatoes into thin strips, drizzle them with olive oil and add a pinch of seasoning. Then, simply place them alongside your kabobs on the grill for a flavorful and quick side dish that’s sure to please.
Toasted Orzo
When it comes to pairing toasted orzo with a Mediterranean flair, consider combining it with any variation of kabobs for a harmonious match. With only three key ingredients – sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan, and orzo pasta – you can quickly whip up a delectable side dish in just 15 minutes. For those short on time, this recipe is an ideal option to let it shine alongside your main protein.
Lemon Couscous
Elevate your kabob game by pairing it with a flavorful and refreshing side dish – lemon couscous. This simple yet impressive recipe requires just three ingredients: Moroccan Couscous, lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning. The result is a vibrant flavor that complements a wide range of main dishes, making it an ideal accompaniment to your menu.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
If you’re still pondering what to pair with kabobs, fear not! By combining just 7 ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering Brussels sprout salad that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. The harmonious blend of tart lemon, sweet cranberries, earthy Brussels sprouts, and salty cheese is a match made in heaven – and it can be prepared well ahead of mealtime, making it a convenient addition to your dinner plans.
Tzatziki
The quintessential Mediterranean cuisine would be considered incomplete without the iconic Greek tzatziki sauce. At its core, tzatziki’s creamy texture and refreshing flavor rely heavily on Greek Yogurt as its main ingredient. However, if you’re unable to source Greek yogurt, a clever hack is to remove excess moisture from plain yogurt to achieve a similar consistency and taste profile.
Potato Wedges
If you’re a potato enthusiast looking for a simple side dish that complements rather than overpowers your main course, this recipe is perfect. With just two ingredients – potatoes and seasoning – you’ll be rewarded with crispy, flavorful wedges that are both savory on the outside and fluffy within.
Garlic Bread
By pairing kabobs with a side of bread, you’re already off to a great start. Taking it to the next level is adding garlic bread to the mix, as the savory flavors will complement each other beautifully. The key to achieving this perfect harmony lies in replicating the rich, buttery goodness found in restaurants within your own home kitchen.
Grilled Pineapple
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of grilled pineapples as another delectable option on our list. By dipping the pineapples in a rich blend of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lime, then grilling them to perfection, you’ll create a mouthwatering side dish that will leave you yearning for more.
Tabouli
Tabouli, also known as Tabbouleh, is a vibrant and citrusy salad originating from Lebanon. This flavorful side dish or appetizer is perfect for pairing with kabobs. The harmonious blend of fresh green vegetables and freshly squeezed lemon juice creates a refreshing and tantalizing taste experience.
Pumpkin Soup
Indulge in the harmonious union of a kabob and a warm, comforting bowl of sweet and savory curried pumpkin soup. The latter’s rich, creamy texture perfectly balances the five fundamental flavors – salty, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter – creating a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Coconut Lime Chicken Curry Soup
Transforming the humble kabob into a memorable meal, this coconut and chicken curry soup serves as the perfect accompaniment. Its subtle sweetness and rich flavors will have you reaching for spoon after spoon. Elevate its presentation by garnishing with fragrant green onions and toasted coconut flakes – the resulting harmony of textures and tastes is sure to tantalize your palate.
Horiatiki
Indulge in a taste of Greece by preparing a classic Horiatiki salad. This traditional Greek dish is a symphony of fresh flavors, combining juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers with tangy cheese and aromatic seasonings. Serve it alongside your kabobs for a well-rounded meal that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast with every satisfying bite.
Grilled Fruit
Elevate your vegetable and meat skewers by incorporating vibrant fruit kabobs for added visual appeal. Consider grilling an assortment of fruits like pineapple, peaches, strawberries, melons, apples, and bananas. By combining different colors and textures, you’ll create a stunning and mouth-watering presentation that’s sure to impress.
Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your next barbecue or grill night by preparing these mouth-watering Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms alongside your kabobs. This easy-to-make side dish combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the richness of cheese, all wrapped up in a savory package that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. To create this flavorful treat, you’ll need just three main ingredients: fresh mushrooms, melted cheese, and juicy sausages.
Simply prepare your mushrooms by cleaning and filling them with a blend of cheese and sausage, then fire up your grill and cook until they’re golden brown and bubbly.
Corn And Bacon Side Dish
Indulge in the ultimate culinary delight, where the sweet and savory harmonize in perfect unison. This delectable corn and bacon side dish is an absolute must-try for any food enthusiast. To create this treat that will tantalize your taste buds, all you require are a few simple ingredients: fresh corn, crispy bacon, rich butter, and a pinch of black pepper. Pair it with your favorite kabobs for a match made in heaven.
Pesto
When it comes to kabobs, pesto sauce is a classic combination that never goes out of style. The original name for this beloved condiment is actually ‘pesto alla genovese’, and it’s essential to use fresh basil and high-quality parmesan cheese to unlock the full flavor potential.
Dinner Rolls
When it comes to pairing dinner rolls with kabobs, having soft, buttery, flaky, and fresh rolls can elevate the entire dining experience. To achieve this tender and flavorful texture, you’ll want to focus on creating a rich dough with a higher fat content. The good news is that achieving perfection in just 7 ingredients, including milk, flour, yeast, sugar, salt, one egg, and butter, is well within reach.
Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to pairing Roasted Asparagus with other dishes, one popular combination is with kabobs. The subtle green hue of the asparagus provides a nice contrast to the rich red meats typically featured on skewers. What makes this pairing truly special is the delicious seasoning used in the roasted asparagus – a thoughtful blend of sesame seeds and sesame oil that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
The bottom line
When it comes to pairing side dishes with kabobs, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re serving up veggie-filled skewers or loaded with meat, there’s a wealth of delicious options to complement your main event. Consider trying out one or two of these mouthwatering suggestions the next time you fire up the grill! With 25 fantastic side dish ideas to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice and ensure that your kabob night is nothing short of spectacular.
