If You’re Making Falafel, Don’t Skip These Pairings
Published Feb 21, 2026
Want to know what I serve with falafel? I love pairing it with sauces, wraps, salads, and condiments that make every crispy bite even better!
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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.
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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.
Sauces to Serve with Falafel
Lebanese Tahini Sauce
White Bean Hummus Recipe
Harissa Paste
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Toum Recipe (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
Tzatziki Sauce
Pomegranate Molasses
Homemade Labneh Recipe
Condiments to Serve with Falafel
Pickled Red Onions
Pickles
Pickled Turnips
Wraps to Serve with Falafel
Homemade Pita Bread
Yogurt Flatbread
Smash Falafel Pita
Salads to Serve with Falafel
Tabbouleh Salad Recipe
Tahini Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Bulgur Salad Recipe
Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe
Lebanese Cabbage Salad
Shirazi Salad
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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