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Home » Dinner Recipes

50+ Delicious Recipes for Shish Kabob Side Dishes

Published: May 23, 2023 by Samantha Ferraro · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Just in time for grilling season, here are over 50 delicious and colorful shish kabob side dishes! While the grill is going, toss together a grilled panzanella salad or drizzle creamy tahini sauce over your kabobs.

A collection of over 50 side dish recipes to serve with shish kabobs.

Summer is here and so are all the grilling recipes! Kabobs always make an appearance during the warmer season, whether it's chicken shawarma skewers or grilled Turkish kofta kebabs and with that, you need some stand out accompaniments to serve with.

Here, I'm sharing over 50 shish kabob side dish recipes to add to your grilling menu. Everything from crisp salads, creamy dips and vibrant vegetable side dishes to serve alongside the main course.

Jump to:
  • 🍢 What is Shish Kabob?
  • 🍡 What's the difference between shish kebab and kofta kebab?
  • 🥗 Salads
  • 🥙 Dips and Spreads
  • 🍚 Rice and Pasta
  • 🍆 Vegetable Sides

🍢 What is Shish Kabob?

Kabob, also spelled 'kebab" is chunks of meat and or vegetables that are skewered. Shish translates to skewer in Turkish and kebab translates to roasted meat.

🍡 What's the difference between shish kebab and kofta kebab?

Shish kebab usually contains chunks of meat and or vegetables, where as kofta is ground up meat that is formed onto skewers than you can order here.

🥗 Salads

Healthy Greek salmon salad with fresh dill and mint.

Greek Salmon Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Let me introduce you to the ultimate Greek salad that will be on your table in nearly 20 minutes! Full of crisp vegetables, briny olives and creamy feta cheese and topped with a perfectly seared filet of salmon.

Grill summers produce and make this grilled panzanella salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, grilled vegetables and charred bread.

Grilled Panzanella Salad

Savory grilled panzanella salad is full of weet charred peppers and grilled onions along with toasted ciabatta, sweet cherry tomatoes and dressed with the most delicious slightly sweet and tangy vinaigrette.

Lebanese tabbouleh salad topped with fresh lemon and green onions.

Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

this grilled panzanella salad! Sweet charred peppers and grilled onions are tossed with toasted ciabatta, sweet cherry tomatoes and the most delicious slightly sweet and tangy vinaigrette.

Arugula salad with shaved parmesan and chopped pear.

Arugula Pear Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette

This fresh arugula pear salad features baby arugula, sweet pears and sliced fennel all dressed in a flavorful and tangy Parmesan vinaigrette. The combination of the peppery arugula, sweet pears, and tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors!

Kale salad with roasted beets and citrus with orange segments off to the side.

Winter Kale Salad with Radicchio and Roasted Beets

When you are in need of colorful dish, this colorful kale salad welcomes the harvest with pops of color and layers of flavor. Massaged kale is tossed with radicchio, roasted beets and sweet orange segments and finished with creamy goat cheese.

Serve the kale cranberry salad on a platter with crumbled feta cheese and apples.

Kale Salad with Cranberries, Apples and Feta

If there was a salad I could eat every single day, it would be this kale salad with dried cranberries. The trick is to massage the Dijon dressing into the kale greens to soften. Then toss in crisp apples, salty feta, toasted almonds and sweet cranberries to bring all the flavors together.

Parmesan Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pistachios

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pistachios

This parmesan brussels sprouts salad has been made for years! Shaved brussels sprouts are tossed with nutty pistachios and loads of grated Parmesan cheese and dressed with the most delicious balsamic dijon vinaigrette.

This colorful summer fruit caprese salad is arranged in a wide bowl and is full of sliced peaches and nectarines, quartered strawberries and sweet orange cherry tomatoes. The caprese salad is topped with roughly torn fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.

Summer Fruit Caprese Salad

It doesn't get any better or more simple than this sweet summer fruit caprese salad. Full of the seasons best ingredients, including peaches and nectarines, sweet cherry tomatoes, deep red strawberries and topped with creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

Image for Heirloom Tomato Fattoush Salad

Heirloom Tomato Fattoush Salad

Heirloom tomato fattoush salad is a gorgeous and robust Mediterranean salad that is full of colorful heirloom tomatoes, crispy pita chips and dressed with a tangy pomegranate molasses vinaigrette.

Image for Burrata Caprese with Herb Oil

Burrata Caprese with Herb Oil

 slight twist on the classic salad, this burrata caprese salad boasts colorful wedges of heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese and a fresh and bright herb oil drizzled on top.

Image for Mediterranean Watermelon Salad

Mediterranean Watermelon Salad

You may not be able to stop once you dive into this bright and fresh Mediterranean watermelon salad. Sweet cubes of watermelon are gently tossed with creamy feta, and pickled sumac onions. Garnish the watermelon salad with a healthy amount of fresh mint for a gorgeous summer salad.

Greek quinoa salad with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, artichoke hearts, olives and cubes of feta cheese. The quinoa salad is tossed with a lemon vinaigrette and fresh mint and fresh dill.

Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Lemon Vinaigrette

Greek quinoa salad with chickpeas is the perfect recipe for when you are craving something simple, fresh and flavorful. Inspired by bright Mediterranean flavors, the salad is dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette and tossed with creamy feta cheese, artichoke hearts, olives and loads of fresh herbs.

Image for Chopped Kale and Chickpea Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Chopped Kale and Chickpea Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

When you need to whip up a quick salad, this one is a favorite. Chopped kale is massaged with a bright and creamy tahini dressing and savory chickpeas. Also holds up for a day or so very well!

Image for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets, Blood Orange and Feta

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets, Blood Orange and Feta

A colorful quinoa salad with roasted yellow beets, tangy blood orange, salty feta cheese and sweet pomegranate seeds all dressed with a simple blood orange vinaigrette.

The perfect accompaniment to any Mediterranean dish, Israeli chopped salad is simple and fresh with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and bright lemon.

Israeli Chopped Salad

The perfect accompaniment to any Mediterranean dish, Israeli chopped salad is simple and fresh with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and bright lemon.

Quinoa tabbouleh is a healthy and hearty modern twist on the traditional tabbouleh salad with parsley, mint and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Mint and Lemon

Quinoa tabbouleh is a healthy and modern twist on the traditional tabbouleh salad with parsley, mint and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

Image for Kale Tabbouleh with Pomegranate and Quinoa

Kale Tabbouleh with Pomegranate and Quinoa

Kale tabbouleh is a twist on the Mediterranean salad, with nutty quinoa, sweet pomegranate seeds and tossed with a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette.

🥙 Dips and Spreads

Homemade tzatziki sauce with homemade pita chips.

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (with Pita Chips)

Homemade tzatziki sauce is an easy yogurt and cucumber sauce that takes less than 10 minutes to make! Flavored with fresh lemon juice, a touch of garlic and a good amount of mint.

Easy and creamy homemade hummus is garnished with olive oil and sprinkle of paprika on top.

Creamy Homemade Hummus

There is nothing quite like a well made hummus. Made with simple ingredients including nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice and my personal touch, a dash of warm cumin and paprika.

This easy and creamy tahini sauce is mixed with garlic, fresh lemon juice and spices that is the perfect addition to drizzle over grilled meats and vegetables.

Tahini Sauce

The sauce I put on just about anything! This easy and creamy lemon tahini sauce is mixed with garlic, fresh lemon juice and spices that is the perfect addition to drizzle over grilled kabobs and vegetables.

Zucchini Baba Ghanoush

Smoky Zucchini Baba Ghanoush

Another use for summers bountiful zucchini harvest is this smoky zucchini baba ganoush. INstead of the traditional eggplant, roast or grill zucchini, then puree with tahini, lemon juice and garlic.

Muhammara is a savory Turkish red pepper and walnut dip flavored with pomegranate molasses and warm spices. Perfect for grilled meats or simple pita bread.

Turkish Red Pepper and Walnut Dip (Muhammara)

Muhammara is a savory Turkish red pepper and walnut dip flavored with pomegranate molasses and warm spices. Perfect for grilled meats or simple pita bread.

Red and yellow oven baked beet chips are served alongside a creamy lemon labneh dip.

Baked Beet Chips with Creamy Labneh Dip

Get ready for a flavor explosion with homemade baked beet chips! These colorful and flavorful oven baked beet chips offer a sweet and earthy taste with just a handful of ingredients. Serve the beet chips with a creamy labneh dip for the perfect bite!

Creamy avocado hummus garnished with olive oil, za'atar and fresh herbs.

Creamy Avocado Hummus with Za'atar

This creamy avocado hummus starts with the classic homemade hummus recipe and made even creamier with the addition of ripe avocado. Add a generous sprinkle of za'atar and sumac on top for a pop of zesty flavor!

Image for Loaded Hummus

Loaded Hummus

Grab the pita bread because this loaded hummus is a true showstopper of flavors! Creamy homemade hummus is generously garnished with all the fresh and flavorful toppings including chopped salad, creamy feta cheese, olive oil and bold spices.

This will be your new favorite hummus! Sweet roasted beets and smoky cumin are added to homemade hummus creating the most stunning, vibrant and delicious creamy hummus.

Roasted Beet Hummus

This will be your new favorite hummus! Sweet roasted beets and smoky cumin are added to homemade hummus creating the most stunning, vibrant and delicious creamy hummus.

🍚 Rice and Pasta

Greek rice pilaf with orzo and fresh dill.

Greek Rice Pilaf with Orzo

20 minutes is all you need for the most flavorful and easy side dish! Greek rice pilaf with orzo is flavored with fresh lemon zest, loads of fresh dill and toasted pine nuts and pistachios for extra crunch.

Easy lemon orzo salad is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil.

Lemon Orzo Salad with Corn and Basil

This light lemon orzo salad comes together in a breeze! Cooked orzo is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil. Easy, quick, light and fresh is what I look for in the perfect pasta salad.

Pearled couscous with colorful roasted vegetables.

Israeli Couscous Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Full of vibrant colors and layers of flavors, this simple recipe for Israeli couscous salad with roasted vegetables is warm and satisfying. Serve the warm Mediterranean couscous salad alongside your favorite protein or alone as a vegetarian main course.

Persian Jeweled rice with dried fruit, orange and fragrant basmati.

Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian jeweled rice is a gorgeous dish with specks of candied orange, pistachios, dried fruit and saffron. A feast for both the eyes and pallet and a stunning centerpiece for any dinner celebration.

Creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad with carrot, onion and Best Foods mayo.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

If you have ever been to Hawaii and had a "plate lunch", you know how creamy and delicious Hawaiian macaroni salad is! Creamy and slightly sweet, Hawaii's mac salad is a comfort food favorite!

Image for Adas Polow (Persian Rice and Lentils)

Adas Polow (Persian Rice and Lentils)

Adas polow is a gorgeous Persian rice dish that is studded with lentils, tart barberries and crispy potato tahdig.

Persian rice with dates, chopped pistachios and aromatic cardamom is steamed together with an additive and crunchy saffron crust called tahdig.

Persian Rice with Dates and Pistachios

Persian rice with dates , chopped pistachios and aromatic cardamom is steamed together with an additive and crunchy saffron crust called tahdig.

Image for Lemony Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Asparagus

Lemony Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Asparagus

This simple and bright lemon couscous salad is the perfect light and bright side dish. Lemony couscous is tossed with tender asparagus, savory chickpeas, lots of fresh herbs and a bright and citrusy vinaigrette.

A simple recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to other Mediterranean dishes.

Lemon Herb Couscous

A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.

Image for Tahdig (Persian Rice)

Tahdig (Persian Rice)

Learn how to make perfect Persian rice called Tahdig with step by step instructions. Tah-dig is a Persian rice dish with a crispy bottom and saffron and turmeric.

🍆 Vegetable Sides

Image for Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Fragrant vegetarian stuffed grape leaves filled with basmati rice, chickpeas, tomato and fresh aromatic herbs.

Greek fries with crumbled feta, lemon, fresh herbs and cucumber yogurt sauce to dip into.

Greek Fries with Feta and Tzatziki

Greek Fries with Tzatziki will be your favorite side dish to date! Thick potato wedges are generously seasoned with spices and roasted to a perfect golden brown. Then finished with crumbles of tangy feta cheese and drizzled with a fresh lemon vinaigrette and served with a bright tzatziki sauce to dip into, for the perfect bite!

Image for Roasted Eggplant with Tahini, Beets and Chickpeas

Roasted Eggplant with Tahini, Beets and Chickpeas

Roasted eggplant halves are flavored with warm spices of cumin and topped with crispy chickpeas, creamy tahini and sweet roasted beets. I also like to add thinly sliced lemon to caramelize with the eggplant.

Turkish borek with spinach and feta filling that is cut into triangles.

Turkish Borek (Spinach and Feta Pie)

Turkish borek is a staple in Turkish cuisine! These savory pastries are filled with a mixture of spinach, feta and herbs that are layered between phyllo that is brushed with a tender buttery glaze.

Image for Jeweled Cauliflower Rice with Pomegranate and Pistachios

Jeweled Cauliflower Rice with Pomegranate and Pistachios

Jeweled Cauliflower Rice, with all the flavors of the traditional dish including saffron, turmeric, dates and pistachios, but low-carb!

No mayo potato salad with grilled asparagus, capers and dressed in a bright vinaigrette.

Grilled Potato Salad (No Mayo)

Full of zesty flavors and smoky vegetables, this no mayo potato salad is inspired by the light and flavorful German potato salad. Grilled potatoes and asparagus are tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette along with briny capers and loads of fresh herbs.

Image for Roasted Cauliflower with Rosemary and Raisins

Roasted Cauliflower with Rosemary and Raisins

An easy and impressive side dish. Roasted cauliflower seasoned with fragrant spices of cumin and curry along with fresh rosemary and sweet raisins.

Pesto broccolini is full of flavor and made in under 30 minutes! Roasted broccolini is tossed with fresh pesto and finished with bright lemon zest.

Pesto Broccolini

Pesto broccolini is the ultimate side dish! Though, I will happily enjoy this as a main course too! Roasted broccolini is tossed with an herbaceous homemade pesto and garnished with toasted almonds, fresh lemon zest and a healthy drizzle of olive oil.

Sauteed balsamic brussels sprouts topped with balsamic, toasted pine nuts and dried cranberries.

Sautéed Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

These sautéed brussels sprouts may be my favorite way to cook up these baby cabbages! Shredded brussels sprouts are sautéed with olive oil and garlic and finished with a drizzle of complex aged balsamic, sweet dried cranberries and savory toasted pine nuts.

Acorn squash is drizzled with tahini and topped with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Tahini

This roasted acorn squash with pomegranate may be one of my all time favorite vegan recipes! Maple and cinnamon are brushed onto wedges of acorn squash and roasted until tender and caramelized. Then the squash wedges are topped with a sweet creamy maple tahini sauce, tart pomegranate molasses and fresh pomegranate seeds. This one is a true feast for both the eyes and palate.

Parmesan Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage

Parmesan Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage

This Parmesan roasted delicata squash recipe is loaded with crunch and texture and is a perfect side side for your holiday dinners! Sweet roasted delicata squash is topped with a crisp and flavorful panko breadcrumb mixture that is seasoned with aromatic sage, loads of fresh Parmesan cheese and a touch of savory garlic to bring it all together.

re whisked together with sweet maple syrup and tangy pomegranate molasses and lathered on top of rainbow carrots and sweet anjou pears. Once caramelized, the roasted carrots and pears are finished with pomegranate seeds and Aleppo pepper.

Roasted Carrots with Pomegranate and Pears

Cinnamon and allspice are whisked together with sweet maple syrup and tangy pomegranate molasses and lathered on top of rainbow carrots and sweet anjou pears. Once caramelized, the roasted carrots and pears are finished with pomegranate seeds and Aleppo pepper.

Acorn squash is stuffed with a Lebanese rice mixture called hashweh that is layered with warm spices of cinnamon, ground beef and tart cranberries.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Spiced Rice (Hashweh)

Acorn squash is stuffed with a Lebanese rice mixture called hashweh that is layered with warm spices of cinnamon, ground beef and tart cranberries.

Savory round borek are filled with wilted greens, sauteed shallots and cheese all rolled up in a delicious savory pastry.

Round Borek with Cheese and Wilted Greens

Savory round borek are filled with wilted greens, sautéed shallots and cheese all rolled up in a delicious savory pastry.

Image for Savory Turkish Zucchini Pie

Savory Turkish Zucchini Pie

Savory Turkish zucchini pie with ricotta and updated with the addition of shredded gruyere. Also called almodrote, this easy Turkish casserole will become everyone's favorite dish.

Image for Pomegranate Roasted Vegetables with Tahini

Pomegranate Roasted Vegetables with Tahini

Colorful vegetables are tossed with tangy pomegranate molasses and honey before being roasted and caramelized, then finished with a good drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, pomegranate seeds and almonds.

More Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipes

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    Mediterranean Inspired Easter Dinner Menu
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    Seafood and Chorizo Paella
  • Lebanese mujadara is a vegan lentil and rice dish with fried onions and warm spices.
    Mujadara (Lebanese Rice and Lentils)
  • Salmon with lemon pearl couscous.
    Seared Salmon with Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous

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Comments

  1. Shay says

    July 03, 2025 at 11:26 am

    So this is a joke right, 50 side dishes for kabobs but you don’t list or show them? I don’t get it!

    Reply
    • Samantha Ferraro says

      July 03, 2025 at 1:32 pm

      Yikes Shay, Thank you for pointing that out, The Page website for that recipe has some kind of weird glitch, we can't even read it. We are on it, this will be fixed. Thank You, Samantha. https://littleferrarokitchen.com/

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Samantha! I started this blog for my love of world cuisine and cultural flavors! You’ll find everything here from Jewish recipes, Middle Eastern, Italian and more!

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