15 Easy Side Dishes for Kebabs

Explore the flavorful world of sides beyond white rice.

Spicy Beef Kebabs With Watermelon Salad
Photo: Christopher Baker

Round out your chicken skewers or shish kebab meal with these great, easy recipes for side dishes for kebabs. Whether you're making chicken kebabs, lamb skewers, or doing your own take on the classic kebab, these side dishes will complement your meal nicely.

Kebabs are a great summer food option because they're light, fresh, and traditionally grilled. Because the main course—the humble kebab—is on the lighter side, you want your kebab sides to be light, too. That's why we've chosen salads, couscous, and more dishes that bring plenty of flavor and fresh ingredients without feeling heavy to pair with a kebab dinner. Whether you're craving veggies, a nice salad, or something a little more hearty—but never heavy—there's a great, easy side dish for kebabs here for you.

01 of 15

Pluot Tabbouleh

Pluot and Cucumber Tabbouleh
Greg DuPree

This traditional tabbouleh calls for parsley and English cucumber for a fresh, nutritious side dish.

Get the recipe: Pluot Tabbouleh

02 of 15

Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita

Lemony Chopped Salad
Victor Protasio

The red wine vinegar add a zestiness that's balanced out by the sweet, crisp cucumbers.

Get the recipe: Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita

03 of 15

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad
Greg DuPree

You can make this salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Get the recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad

04 of 15

Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous
John Kernick

For added flavor, try cooking the couscous in equal parts water and chicken broth.

Get the recipe: Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

05 of 15

Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs Recipe
Greg DuPree

There's barely any cooking required in this kebab side dish recipe—just fold sauteed onions and corn into the couscous while it's still warm, then add toppings the next day before serving.

Get the recipe: Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

06 of 15

Spiced Rice With Crispy Chickpeas

Spiced Rice With Crispy Chickpeas Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Starring nutrient-dense chickpeas, this side dish is loaded with protein.

Get the recipes: Spiced Rice With Crispy Chickpeas

07 of 15

Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

Sides for kebabs - Tomato and Corn Salad
Paul Sirisalee

This no-cook salad features raw corn, which provides a crisp, juicy pop of sweetness to complement your kebabs.

Get the recipe: Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

08 of 15

Spinach and Radish Salad With Feta

Spinach and Radish Salad With Feta
Greg DuPree

Roast the bread pieces alongside the bacon to allow its meaty saltiness to infuse the croutons.

Get the recipe: Spinach and Radish Salad With Feta

09 of 15

Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata

Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata
Greg DuPree

Crunchy almonds and salty burrata bring this simple salad to life.

Get the recipe: Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata

10 of 15

Green Salad With Cornichon Vinaigrette

Green Salad with Cornichon Vinaigrette
Victor Protasio

The punchy vinaigrette dressing complements the chopped cornichons and mixed baby greens as well as it adds to your kebabs.

Get the recipe: Green Salad With Cornichon Vinaigrette

11 of 15

Herb Potato Salad

Sides for kebabs - Herb Potato Salad
Anna Williams

Give potato salad a lighter twist with this side for kebabs, which calls for your choice of fresh herbs and whole-grain mustard for plenty of flavor without heavy mix-ins.

Get the recipe: Herb Potato Salad

12 of 15

Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli

Fusilli with Minty Pea Pesto
Jennifer Causey

For extra flavor, try adding a handful of fresh herbs before serving, such as mint, basil, or cilantro.

Get the recipe: Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli

13 of 15

Sesame-Ginger Potato Salad

Sesame Ginger Potato Salad
Greg DuPree

This potato salad looks simple, but the added flavors—including fish sauce, fresh ginger, and zesty lime—makes it outstanding.

Get the recipe: Sesame-Ginger Potato Salad

14 of 15

Zucchini Tzatziki Slaw

Zucchini Tzatziki Slaw
Greg DuPree

Use zucchini in a new way by mixing it with shredded cabbage, pumpkin seeds, and honey in this kebab side dish.

Get the recipe: Zucchini Tzatziki Slaw

15 of 15

Minted Watermelon Salad

Spicy Beef Kebabs With Watermelon Salad
Christopher Baker

Fresh watermelon and mint add a fruity zing to your kebabs.

Get the recipe: Minted Watermelon Salad

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