When you decide to make falafel at home, it’s important that you have a variety of accompaniments of what to serve with falafel.
While the falafel itself will be delicious, you don’t want to eat just that repeatedly, especially if you’re serving the falafel as part of an appetizer platter or buffet spread.
Make sure your menu consists of delicious sides like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and various salads before you present your family and friends with your homemade falafel recipe!
Shall we proceed with the list of what to serve with falafel?
1. Tamarind
The first on the list of what to serve with falafel is Tamarind. Tamarind goes extremely well with fried balls because it is acidic and tangy.
Try lemon juice, yogurt, and tamarind paste for a sweet, balanced taste. Add cumin, coriander seed powder, paprika powder, and cayenne pepper for an intense burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for something more sweet than spicy, then try honey or maple syrup with a touch of curry powder.
People usually add tamarind into their recipes for deep-fried spheroid and other foods dipped in batter and cooked in oil.
It also pairs well with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, which is a pita bread salad made from roasted eggplant puree.
But when it comes to falafel, the spice can be overwhelming, so start off slow by adding just 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste to your recipe if you don’t want the citrus punch that this condiment brings.
2. Mint Sauce
Mint sauce goes extremely well with fried balls because the freshness of the mint really makes the falafel refreshing.
For those who like a little heat, Sriracha is a great alternative that will give it an extra zing.
3. Hummus
What can be served with falafel if you’re looking for something more traditional? Hummus is always a good choice as it has a very similar texture to falafel.
Both are made from chickpeas and have the same creaminess and nutty flavor. Hummus pairs especially well with tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), which can be drizzled on top or served in dipping dishes on the side
Hummus makes a great substitute for tahini sauce or salad dressing because it can coat falafel nicely without making it soggy.
Another idea is hummus wrapped up in a pita pocket with veggies and tahini sauce drizzled over the top.
Hummus is a great accompaniment due to its earthy and rich flavors. It can be used as a dip for raw vegetables or as a sandwich spread.
Roasted red pepper hummus is one of the most popular options and would be a perfect pairing with falafel.
A few other good choices are baba ghanoush, tzatziki, and black olive tapenade. They all offer various flavors that will pair well with the falafel.
4. Chives
Chives go extremely well with falafel balls because they have a pungent flavor that is an excellent compliment.
One of my favorite ways to eat them is on top of the falafel before rolling them up in the warm pita bread.
They add just enough freshness and tangy zest without being overwhelming, especially if you’re serving this as an appetizer.
5. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves go extremely well with falafel meatballs because they have a distinct flavor that is strong enough to stand up to the bold spices in the dish.
They are also very healthy, as basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as iron and manganese.
People usually add basil leaves into their recipes for fried balls to be able to create a balanced flavor profile.
When choosing between the many varieties of basil available, it’s important to know what kind of dish you’re making before deciding what to serve with falafel will work best.
6. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves go extremely well with fried meatballs because they provide a contrasting flavor. The mint leaves also help cleanse the palate after each bite.
These types of leaves are usually added to dishes like this so people can enjoy the flavor but not be overwhelmed by it.
Since falafel is already a spicy dish, the mint leaf served with falafel will balance out that spice and make it more enjoyable for most palettes.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a pungent food product that goes really well with falafel balls because of its heat and spice. If you are not too big on spicy foods, it can be substituted for pepper which has less of an effect.
Alternatively, if you want to add more sweetness, honey would also go really well with what to serve with falafel balls. A great idea for something sweet and tangy would be adding some orange juice or lemon juice.
If you want more crunchiness, what to serve with falafel ball on top of a bed is celery sticks or cut-up vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.
8. Paprika
Another what to serve with falafel is Paprika. Paprika is another type of hot pepper used in Middle Eastern cuisine that can be added for a bit of spice.
It is available as a dried powder and can be purchased from specialty food stores or made at home by grinding dried uncooked red peppers.
If you decide to make your paprika, the process involves drying red bell peppers on screens and grinding them into powder.
The resulting paprikas are bright orange-red in color and have a stronger flavor than store-bought varieties.
A more subtle addition might be sumac, which also comes from the Mediterranean region. Just be sure to sprinkle some of the paprika onto the balls
9. Sour Cream
Sour cream goes extremely well with what to serve with falafel balls because it adds the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
In the Middle East, many people like to serve this dish as a sandwich by spreading the inside of pita bread with tahini sauce and topping it with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
10. Sesame Seeds
When coating your falafel balls in the sesame seeds, ensure they’re well coated. For a more authentic taste, toast the sesame seeds in a pan with some oil and a clove of garlic.
Once they are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool down before adding them as what to serve with falafel.
If you don’t have time for this step or would rather save on cooking time, then add them as is (or use pre-toasted ones).
11. Pita Sandwich
A falafel pita sandwich can be made in many ways. You can use a large, round pita bread and stuff it with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini.
Or you could fill the pita pockets with falafel balls sprinkled with the same toppings. Some people might want to make their sandwiches more substantial by adding hummus or baba ganoush on top of the veggies and adding cheese.
Other folks like to add tabouli as well. These are all great options for what to serve with falafel.
12. Yogurt Sauce
The yogurt sauce is another type of food product that goes extremely well as what to serve with falafel balls because it has a similar consistency.
You can buy it pre-made in grocery stores or make your own by whisking together a cup of plain Greek yogurt and three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Combine the two ingredients in a bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste. Then, you can top your bowlful with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for an extra touch!
13. Cheese
Cheese goes extremely well with what to serve with falafel balls because it has a similar texture and the strong flavors help each other. The top cheese for falafel is feta cheese.
Feta is a Greek cheese that can be crumbly or soft depending on what type you purchase, but all variations have a tangy taste that complements the spices of the falafel.
You can also use aged cheddar, goat cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese in your sandwiches or salads, as they are all amazing options!
14. Lemon Juice
Another what to serve with falafel on the list is Lemon juice. Lemon juice goes extremely well with falafel balls because of the sharp citrus taste that contrasts with the spice.
To serve, squeeze a fresh lemon over a bowl of fresh diced cucumber and tomatoes. Add olive oil and salt to taste, then top off with some chopped parsley or cilantro for color.
Alternatively, you could serve this dish alongside a refreshing salad for an equally great meal. For the most delicious combination of flavors, try adding sliced jalapeño peppers and spicy hummus on top!
15. Lemon Rice/Chicken Marsala
This rice is mixed with different spices that provide a lovely aroma and tang. It’s perfect for serving as a side dish.
If you don’t have any lemon on hand, you can use lime juice instead. It pairs well with falafel because of its citrusy flavor.
Chicken marsala sauce can be used in different ways, such as spreading it over pasta or as a dip for fries.
The thickness of the sauce can be changed by adding more or less flour to the mixture, which will also change its taste.
Adding more flour will give it a thicker consistency while decreasing flour content will result in a thinner, lighter mix that provides an elegant quality to your dish.
16. Lettuce wraps
Lettuce wraps are a great healthy choice to make of what to serve with falafels, and they’re delicious too! To make lettuce wraps, cook the falafels, then scoop them out of the pan onto a plate.
Spread some hummus or tzatziki on each leaf of lettuce, place one or two falafel patties on top and roll it up. You can also serve them in tortilla shells as tacos.
17. Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is a great choice to pair with your falafel for a light and refreshing summer meal. All you need are cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
It’s as simple as slicing up the cucumbers and tomatoes and adding all the other ingredients. You can add more or less of any ingredient based on what you prefer with what to serve with falafel.
18. Guacamole
Guacamole contains a ton of healthy fats that actually go really well with deep-fried falafel spheres. If you want the perfect balance, it is important to remember what to serve with falafel.
If you are eating guacamole on its own, feel free to add any extra toppings or salt and pepper for taste. Otherwise, pair it with veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots or a hearty grain like quinoa or rice for the best results.
It also tastes great when mixed into salads! For example, add some fresh pico de gallo and guacamole dressing over your next salad for an extra flavor boost.
19. Water Chestnuts
Water chestnuts are totally different from the other vegetables on this list because they’re not a vegetable that is typically served as a side dish.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t be great as what to serve with falafel! One of my favorite things to do is chop up some water chestnuts and put them in the bottom of a salad bowl, then place freshly-made falafels on top.
The crisp water chestnut layer at the bottom of the bowl is an unexpected and yummy surprise.
20. Carrots
The next on the list of what to serve with falafel is Carrots. Carrots go well with falafel balls because their earthy taste will help balance out the meat’s strong flavor.
One of my favorite things to do with carrots is shredding them into rounds or matchsticks and adding them raw to this dip.
You can also cook carrots in a pan on the stove until they’re tender before adding them raw if you prefer a crunchier texture.
21. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are yet another great accompaniment that pairs well with what to serve with falafels.
Try slicing them in half and topping them with a dollop of tzatziki sauce or mayonnaise and a few dashes of hot sauce.
They’re incredibly flavorful and offer a nice acidic bite to balance out the richness of the dish.
22. Radishes
The next of what to serve with falafel on the list is Radishes. Radishes make for an excellent side dish, too!
Thinly slice the radish and then toss it in olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander before roasting them at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
These bite-sized veggies have just enough bitterness to complement the hearty flavor of the fritters without being too overpowering.
23. Red Onion
A thinly sliced red onion is a perfect way to add some crunchiness to your meal as well! Mix chopped red onion with either salt or soy sauce before frying it up on medium heat until it becomes crispy (about 15-20 minutes).
24. Pita Chips
Pita chips are another fantastic addition you can make if you want to take your meal to the next level. They offer a nice crunchy texture and balance out the falafel.
It’s also a good idea to mix up some of your sauces. That way, everyone in your family can enjoy what they like best!
25. Spicy Sauces
Sauces are usually accompanied by a falafel pita sandwich or served on the side. The most popular sauce is tahini, which is made from sesame seeds and has a nutty flavor.
Tahini can be eaten plain with bread, used as an ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush, or drizzled on salads and vegetables.
Hummus is often served alongside falafel, combining tahini’s creaminess with garbanzo beans. Hummus has many variations, including the Lebanese style (with lemon juice) and the Syrian style (with vinegar).
26. Potatoes
Potatoes might seem like a random addition, but I swear they are perfect for what to serve with falafel. They go so well with this dish and are one of my favorite things about it.
You can make fries, mashed potatoes, or even tater-tot nachos! Here’s how you do it: Slice some potatoes into fry-sized pieces and put them in a pot of water.
Cook them for about 20 minutes until they are fork-tender, and then drain the water from the pot. Spray the fries with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (roughly 200 Celsius).
Add some tater tots, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro on top for an awesome snack or appetizer that is sure to please!
27. Sweet Peppers
Sweet peppers are another great food item as what to serve with falafel balls because they add a different flavor and texture.
They also provide a good source of Vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Eat them raw for an appetizer or on the side of your meal for extra nutrients.
28. Tzatziki Sauce
The tzatziki sauce is another great option of what to serve with falafel balls because it’s creamy and tangy. You can also use hummus as a spread or dip on the side.
Olive oil or tahini is always a good choice when choosing what kind of dressing you want to put on your bowl of salad or pita bread in order to top off your dinner.
Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based sauce often seasoned with dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. It tastes delicious with falafel and can be made as a dip or dressing for a salad.
Some other tasty options are hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, olives, and hot sauce.
29. Baba Ganoush
Another great dip that many people like to eat is baba ganoush. It’s made with many of the same ingredients as hummus, but it has a chunky texture instead of being smooth.
Traditionally, it’s eaten with pita bread and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. But you can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or burgers!
Baba ghanoush is a popular sauce made from eggplant puree. It also often accompanies falafel and can be found at most Middle Eastern restaurants
30. Hot Sauce
A delectable combination is created when hot sauce and falafel are combined. Hot sauce can be used as a dipping condiment or mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and salt for a unique blend of flavors.
Another option is to mix it with sour cream for an even richer taste. If you want your dish to be spicier, add cayenne pepper or other chili peppers such as jalapeno or habanero.
A simple recipe for hot sauce would include blending cilantro, garlic, salt, sugar, vinegar (can use rice vinegar), and olive oil together in a food processor until smooth.
31. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are another great accompaniment that combines well with your falafel balls because they have a similar texture and taste. They’re a little healthier than regular potatoes, too!
You can roast them in the oven until they’re browned and crispy on the outside, or you can fry them in a pan if you prefer them crunchier.
To roast them, simply wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then cut them into french-fry shapes. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned and tender.
If frying, oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough (test it by adding one small piece of sweet potato), add as many pieces as possible without crowding the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
32. Fresh Parsley
Fresh Parsley is another great option for what to serve with falafel or serving as a side dish. It also offers a different taste that can work nicely with the falafel.
You can add it as a garnish on top of the dish or serve it in a small container so people can sprinkle it on their own.
I recommend using parsley because this herb has amazing health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Fresh parsley has one of the best scents, making it perfect to use in this meal!
33. Pickled Carrots
Pickled carrots are another great accompaniment many people don’t think of, but they work well. I like to make a couple of jars at a time, so they’re always on hand in the fridge.
Mostly, they’re crunchy and have a unique taste that contrasts nicely with the chickpea fritters. You can also add some fresh lemon juice and garlic cloves to your pickling liquid, which will help keep them crisp.
34. Arugula
Arugula is another ingredient that will make falafel balls taste delicious. It’s an herb, so it won’t have any flavor when it gets cooked.
You can use this as a garnish or add it as a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and yogurt dressing. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor!
35. Creamy Salad
Creamy salad dressing goes really well with falafel balls because the creaminess and the acidity balance each other out. Just make sure you don’t serve it on the same plate as tzatziki sauce.
The sauce is too heavy for a light, refreshing dish like falafel*Avocado is an ideal pairing with this appetizer because of its earthy yet mellow taste.
Add some cucumbers and tomatoes for extra crunch, red onion for tartness, and garlic cloves or parsley leaves for aromatic flavoring.
36. Sesame-Soy noodles
The nutty flavor of sesame oil and the savory flavor of soy sauce combine perfectly in this recipe for zesty noodles that complement any vegetable or protein served alongside them.
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; add them at the last minute, so they retain their texture.
37. Pesto Sauce
The Pesto Sauce is next on the list of what to serve with falafel. Pestos sauce will give your falafel balls a rich taste, making them stand out.
It also provides a healthy serving of basil and garlic, making this dish even more of a nutritional powerhouse.
Basil pesto is traditionally made with pine nuts, but you can use any nut in your pantry if you don’t have any on hand.
If you are using the latter option, reduce the amount of oil by one tablespoon or so to compensate for the lack of fat content in the nut variety. You can also add olive oil or oil spray in its place if you prefer not to use nuts.
38. Salsa
Salsa is another great addition because of its earthy flavor and ability to be mixed with falafel for a more filling meal. It’s also perfect for dipping pita bread in or scooping up falafel balls.
Experiment with different salsas, such as spicy tomato, cilantro-lime, and roasted garlic. Don’t forget the guacamole!
39. Tabbouleh Salad
Tabbouleh salad is a great choice for what to serve with falafel. It’s light, tangy, and fresh and pairs well with the fried fritters.
Tabbouleh is traditionally made of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, onion, and mint. The ingredients are typically tossed together in a lemon juice dressing and then topped with olive oil.
For this recipe, I used quinoa instead of bulgur wheat as it gives the dish more protein and fiber while still imparting that great lemon flavor.
40. Pickled Vegetables
Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish traditionally made from ground chickpeas and fava beans. It’s often served with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and various vegetable salads such as pickled vegetables or chopped tomatoes.
You can also serve falafel with rice or as a replacement for hamburgers in a sandwich. You can use many pickling recipes, but the most popular are garlic dill pickles or beetroot pickles.
41. Pita Bread
Pita bread is the most popular to serve with falafel, and for a good reason. It’s fluffy, warm, and soft on the inside.
Plus it comes in many different flavors like whole wheat, sesame seed, and garlic. But you don’t have to stop there.
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish and an excellent vegan option for hearty, plant-based meals. But what should you serve with falafel?
There are many options to choose from, depending on your preference and dietary restrictions. Below are ten of the most common choices that go well with falafel.
42. Pickles
The next on the list of what to serve with falafel is Pickles. Mixing up your pickle options will keep things interesting!
These are some of our favorite recipes:
- Brined Dill Pickles: Ferment with dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brine for 3 days before serving. Yum!
- Pickled Jalapeños: Slice jalapeños into small pieces and combine with sugar, water, vinegar, and salt. Let sit for 2 hours before serving on top of your falafels or as a side dish.
43. French Fries
Falafel balls go really well when served with the perfect side of french fries. I love my fries crisp, crunchy, and loaded with salt.
My favorite is a long, skinny fry with a crisp outside layer and a soft inside. When you bite into it, it’s like biting into heaven.
I prefer mine doused in ketchup, but you could also dip them in malt vinegar or serve them with mayonnaise.
You can also cook up a batch of oven-baked wedges instead of frying them if you don’t have time to wait for your oil to heat up.
44. Tahini Sauce
The last on the list of what to serve with falafel is Tahini sauce. Served as a sauce for falafel, this paste is also a key ingredient in hummus.
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and can be used as an alternative to peanut butter or mayonnaise when making sandwiches.
It has a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. Mix it up with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you have one tasty sandwich sauce.
Tahini sauce is made from ground sesame seeds and water. It is often served with falafel as a dipping sauce or overtops the falafels themselves.
Tahini can be purchased at most health food stores in a jar or tub or made at home by grinding sesame seeds in a blender or food processor until they make a paste-like texture.
The ingredients involved are garlic, Salt, Juice, lemons, olive oil, and black pepper. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Conclusion
Falafels are delicious little balls of spiced chickpea and/or fava bean goodness that are fantastic served as part of an appetizer plate.
Or as a side dish, or even as the main course if you stuff them into pita bread with plenty of veggies and sauce.
But if you’re eating falafel, you probably want to eat what to serve with falafel at the same time. What should you choose? The fry sauce is a must! The tartar sauce is great, too!
What are your favorite ways to serve up your falafel? French fries are a good option, but they can get boring. I like to dip my falafel in eggplant hummus and enjoy it with pita bread.
Sometimes I will wrap my falafel in tahini and then put it in a pita pocket as what to serve with falafel for a tasty sandwich.
For dinner, you can make them into wraps and fill them with veggies or mix them with quinoa pasta for an Asian-inspired dish.
