16 Easy Side Dishes for Kebabs

By Real Simple Editors Updated June 24, 2020

Credit: Getty Images

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 or an easy kebab recipe, these side dishes will complement your meal nicely.

Kebabs make a great summer food 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.

RELATED: Pulled Pork Sides

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Spinach Tabbouleh

Credit: Christopher Baker

Traditional tabbouleh calls for parsley, but this recipe swaps in spinach for a fresh, nutritious variation.

Get the recipe: Spinach Tabbouleh

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Greens With Radishes and Snap Peas

Credit: Charles Masters

The radishes add a spiciness that's balanced out by the sweet, crisp peas.

Get the recipe: Greens With Radishes and Snap Peas

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Couscous Salad With Grapes and Feta

Credit: Kana Okada

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

Get the recipe: Couscous Salad With Grapes and Feta

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Couscous With Roasted Red Peppers, Feta, and Mint

Credit: Levi Brown

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

Get the recipe: Couscous With Roasted Red Peppers, Feta, and Mint

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Couscous With Carrots, Spinach, and Pistachios

Credit: Levi Brown

There's barely any cooking required in this kebab side dish recipe—just fold carrots, spinach, and nuts into the couscous while it's still warm.

Get the recipe: Couscous With Carrots, Spinach, and Pistachios

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Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

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

Get the recipes: Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas

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Tomato, Corn, and Red Cabbage Salad

Credit: 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

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Bibb, Radish, and Pine Nut Salad

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

Perk up this easy salad with toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.

Get the recipe: Bibb, Radish, and Pine Nut Salad

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Spinach Salad With Bacon and Croutons

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

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

Get the recipe: Spinach Salad With Bacon and Croutons

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Herb Salad Mix With Tomatoes, Pepper, and Feta

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

Crunchy pita chips and salty Feta bring this simple salad to life.

Get the recipe: Herb Salad Mix With Tomatoes, Pepper, and Feta

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Red Leaf, Roasted Red Pepper, and Pecorino Salad

Credit: Paul Sirisalee

The slightly sweet honey-mustard dressing complements the briny capers and sharp pecorino cheese as well as it adds to your kebabs.

Get the recipe: Red Leaf, Roasted Red Pepper, and Pecorino Salad

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Herb Potato Salad

Credit: 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