What to Serve with Kabobs

Are you serving shish kabobs for dinner soon? I've got some great ideas for the best side dishes that pair well with them, so you don't have to spend time on what to serve with kabobs while you are meal planning.

I grew up with many Kebab recipes, from ground beef, lamb, and steak kabobs to chicken, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The Mediterranean cuisine is full of flavorful kabob recipes.

Whether you are serving shrimp kabobs, steak, or chicken kebabs, you will find something in this list that pairs well with all of these options. So, skip the endless scroll on Pinterest looking for recipes, and check out my ideas below.

Jump to:

• What Makes Kabobs So Great
• Are Kabobs And Kebabs The Same Thing
• What's The Best Meat To Use
• The Best Salads and Sides To Serve With Kabobs
• Rice and Pasta Sides
• Bread and Potato Sides That You Don't Want To Miss
• Beverages To Sip On
• End Your Meal With A Sweet Dessert
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What Makes Kabobs So Great

Kabobs are a quintessential summer dish that's versatile and easy to prepare, making them a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. One of the reasons kabobs are so beloved is their flexibility in ingredients.

You can mix and match various meats, vegetables, and even fruits to create a meal tailored to your tastes. Additionally, kabobs cook quickly, making them ideal for a fast, flavorful meal.

Whether grilled outdoors or broiled inside, they offer a delightful char and smokiness that's hard to resist. Plus, their skewer presentation not only makes serving a breeze but also adds a fun and engaging aspect to mealtime.

Are Kabobs And Kebabs The Same Thing

The terms "kabobs" and "kebabs" often create confusion. Still, they essentially refer to the same cooking method — meat and often vegetables threaded onto skewers and cooked over a grill. The difference mainly lies in regional spelling and culinary traditions.

"Kebab" is a term that originates from Middle Eastern cuisine, encompassing a wide range of meat dishes that are either grilled or roasted.

On the other hand, "kabob" is more commonly used in American English, retaining the basic concept but often featuring a broader range of ingredients, including more diverse types of vegetables and even fruits.

Despite these slight distinctions, the two share the essential heart of skewered, grilled meat, making them beloved across different cultures for their simplicity and simple ingredients.

What's The Best Meat To Use

When choosing the best meat for your kabobs, consider a few key points to ensure your meal turns out juicy, flavorful, and tender. Chicken, beef, and lamb are among the most popular choices, each offering a unique taste and texture that will make your taste buds happy.

Some of my favorite kebob recipes to make are Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Chicken Kofta Kabobs, or even Kofta Kebabs. No matter which tasty recipe you choose, make sure to use quality, fresh ingredients for the best results.

The Best Salads and Sides To Serve With Kabobs

Kabobs are best enjoyed with sides that complement their flavors without overshadowing them. A side of fresh salad works wonderfully, especially during the warmer months. However, other fresh vegetable sides pair well also!

• You will find this Egyptian Salad served in every kebab shop in Egypt.
• I love to pair them with simple vegetable-based sides and salads such as Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Arugula Salad, White Bean Salad, or even Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables.
• A simple green salad like this Greek salad is a great side dish.
• Watermelon salad is a favorite sweet and salty lighter side.
• Need a dipping sauce? Look no further, boy, I have a lot. Tahini Sauce, Hummus, Muhammara, Mutabbal, and Baba Ganoush.
• And if you have some Greek yogurt, make this east tzatziki sauce; it is so delicious, especially with kofta.

Rice and Pasta Sides

However, you can also serve them with carb-based sides; they make the perfect kabob sides, such as:

• Mediterranean rice pilaf is a fragrant side dish with toasted nuts and dried fruit that will take your meal to the next level.
• Next time you make kabobs pair them with this light and creamy Ricotta Cheese Pasta.
• Lebanese Rice is a classic everyday rice that pairs well with any kebab recipe.
• Yellow Rice is a vibrant golden rice with a delicious aromatic flavor in every bite.

Bread and Potato Sides That You Don't Want To Miss

Bread sides not only add a delightful component but also help soak up the juices from the kabobs, making every bite even more delicious.

• A great choice is a batch of Homemade Whole Wheat Pita Bread. It's perfect for wrapping pieces of meat and vegetables from your skewers.
• Taboon Bread can serve as an excellent base for creating kabob wraps or just for dipping into sauces and dips. No matter which bread you choose, these sides will make your kabob meal even more memorable.
• Pair your favorite chicken shish kabobs with Lebanese pita bread for the ultimate Middle Eastern experience.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish for this wonderful family meal.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread is an easy side dish that takes only a few minutes.
• How about some french fries or sweet potato fries?

Beverages To Sip On

Beverages complementing your meal shouldn't be an afterthought; they can enhance the dining experience. For kabob dinners, consider serving chilled, refreshing drinks that can balance the smoky flavors of the meat.

• For those preferring something with a bit of sparkle, try one of these virgin cocktails, such as this Virgin Margarita or a Virgin Mojito.
• Ayran drink is so refreshing, especially after a heavy meal like kebabs.

End Your Meal With A Sweet Dessert

After a flavorful meal, there's nothing like ending on a sweet note with a dessert that complements the taste of kabobs. For a perfect finish, consider desserts that are light yet indulgent.

• Fruit-based desserts like this Fruit Salad with honey lime dressing, Raspberry Danish, or Mini Raspberry Cheesecake all make for a deliciously refreshing treat.
• If you prefer something a bit richer, try Butter Crunch Cookies or this Milk Pudding. No matter which dessert you choose, ensure it complements the rich, smoky flavors of the kabobs without overwhelming the palate.

All of these kabob sides and dessert options are sure to impress your guests and elevate any mealtime occasion. Experiment with different flavor combinations, have fun creating unique skewers, and enjoy the endless possibilities of this versatile dish. Bon Appétit!

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