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Not sure what to eat with falafel? I get it. It can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine. Is it a side dish? A snack? A main course? The good news is that you can’t go wrong either way. Falafel can be served in multiple ways, depending on your preference and the meal style. Here are some popular options.
24 Recipes to Serve with Falafel
Serve falafel warm and crispy with a drizzle of tahini sauce or a dollop of hummus. I love stuffing them into fluffy pita with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips, and fresh herbs for that classic street-food vibe. They’re also delicious over a big salad, or wrapped up with crunchy veggies and your favorite sauce for an easy, feel-good meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
This Garlic Sauce (Toum) is a popular condiment in Lebanese restaurants served often with chicken; made with only 4 ingredients: garlic, oil, lemon and salt
Tzatziki Sauce
Make this Tzatziki Sauce Recipe in only 5 mins and 6 basic ingredients. This creamy Greek yogurt sauce is easy to make and perfect with gyros, kebabs & pita.
Pomegranate Molasses
Homemade pomegranate molasses is made with pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon. Slow-simmered until thick and syrupy for dressings, marinades, and desserts.
1 hour 35 minutes
Homemade Labneh Recipe
This homemade labneh is a tangy Mediterranean-style yogurt cheese made with just two simple ingredients, full fat yogurt and salt. It takes a little waiting, but is so worth it.
2 days 5 minutes
Hummus
My hummus recipe is the BEST; an easy authentic Lebanese recipe made with 5 ingredients in a food processor with a tip to make it extra creamy
Condiments to Serve with Falafel
Pickled Red Onions
This is an easy tutorial for how to pickle red onions. I share the quick method that’s ready in half hour and the slow method that takes a bit longer to make, but lasts longer in the fridge.
1 hour 15 minutes
Pickles
Learn how to make homemade dill pickles with cucumbers, garlic, dill weed, and a quick vinegar brine. No canning required. Easy, quick pickling guide! Makes slices, spears, and whole dill pickles!
1 day 20 minutes
Pickled Turnips
These pink pickled turnips are a Lebanese staple! If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern food & acidic accompaniments you need pickled turnips in your fridge!
5 days 10 minutes
Wraps to Serve with Falafel
Smash Falafel Pita
Smash Falafel Pita is a new way to enjoy falafel by smashing the batter on pita and frying it on a skillet – it’s an easy quick trend to try!
12 hours 20 minutes
Salads to Serve with Falafel
Tabbouleh Salad Recipe
This authentic tabbouleh salad is a fresh Middle Eastern classic made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and a bright lemon dressing; serve as a side or light meal!
Tahini Salad Recipe
This tahini salad is a Lebanese staple made with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and fresh vegetables. Can be eaten on its own or spooned over rice and grilled dishes.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Make this Mediterranean Chopped Salad for a large crowd. It’s full of veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives and tossed in a lemony herb dressing!
Lebanese Cabbage Salad
This easy 10 minute salad is a delicious and vibrant side. Dressed in a lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s light, refreshing and full of flavor.
Shirazi Salad
This Iranian Shirazi salad is a quick to make side dish full of fresh and vibrant flavors. Dressed with olive oil & lime, it pairs well with many dishes!
Tips for Making Falafel Side Dishes
- Use seasonal ingredients. One of the best things about Middle Eastern food is that it is always loaded with fresh produce like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
- Make ahead for convenience. Many side dishes for falafel, such as grains and some salads, can be prepared in advance, saving time when you’re ready to serve.
- Offer a variety of dips. To add flavor and options, serve falafel with a nice selection of dips like hummus, tahini, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush. This is especially helpful when you’re serving guests.
- Keep seasonings light. Since falafel is flavorful on its own, keep the seasoning of sides light and fresh. Go with a simple lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs to bring some bright flavors without overpowering the falafel.
How To Store Leftovers
- Follow the recipe instructions. Some dishes need to be refrigerated immediately, while others can sit at room temperature for a few hours. I recommend referring to the storage instructions in the individual recipe to ensure food safety and freshness.
- Store dry and wet foods separately. Keep dry ingredients like falafel separate from wet foods like tomatoes and pickled ingredients. If serving green salads, consider serving salad dressing on the side to keep the salad fresh longer.
- Freeze for longer storage. Many ingredients, including falafel, are freezer-friendly, making it easy to have ready-made meals for busy weeknights.
- Lunch meal prep. Consider packing a well-balanced meal for your school or work lunches using compartmentalized containers to keep your food fresh and separate.
FAQs
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or patties and, depending on the recipe, either deep-fried or baked until crispy and delicious. Now, falafel is a very popular street food served all over the world, and there are many variations. I have three falafel recipes to get you started.
Crispy Falafel—This classic recipe starts by soaking chickpeas and blending them with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, then deep-frying them for a crispy outside.
Air Fryer Falafel – If you’re looking for a simpler version with much less oil, consider this air fryer falafel. It still has that authentic flavor but without deep frying!
Smash Falafel Pita – This ‘smashing‘ hit takes traditional falafel and adds it to the top of a pita and crisps it up, after it’s ready for all the fillings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and a creamy tahini sauce.
If you’re serving falafel in wraps like pita bread or flatbread, spread some hummus or another creamy dip for moisture. Then add sliced tomatoes and pickled vegetables like onions and pickles, and top with falafel. You can add a drizzle of tahini sauce for more creaminess. Wrap it like a burrito and enjoy.
Falafel is typically served hot, right after it’s fried or baked, to maintain crispiness. However, it can also be served cold or at room temperature, primarily in salads or wraps. If serving falafel as a vegetarian main course, I recommend serving it hot.
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