What to Serve with Kebabs: The Ultimate Side Dish Guide

Mar 11, 2025
What to Serve with Kebabs: The Ultimate Side Dish Guide

If you’re wondering what to eat with kebabs, you’re in the right place! Whether you're firing up the BBQ or cooking indoors, kebabs deserve equally delicious sides. From fresh salads to fluffy Turkish rice and creamy dips, here’s our ultimate guide to the best sides for kebabs — packed with quick recipes and perfect pairings using The Kebab Club's authentic Turkish marinades and sauces.  

1. Turkish Rice (Pilav)

No kebab feast is complete without a serving of buttery Turkish rice. This simple yet flavourful rice is cooked with orzo for a nutty, slightly toasted flavour.

Quick Recipe:

  • 1 mug of Turkish baldo rice, washed 
  • 2 tbsp Orzo
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1tbsp Olive Oil 
  • 2 mugs of Boiling Water 
  • 1/2tsp Salt
  • 1/2tsp Black Pepper

👉 Sauté orzo in butter until golden. Add rice, stir to coat, then add stock and salt. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fluffy.

Perfect with:
Pair with our Chicken Shish Marinade for an authentic Turkish restaurant-style meal.


2. Cacık (Turkish Yogurt & Cucumber Dip)

Think of Cacık as the Turkish cousin to tzatziki — cooling, refreshing, and perfect for grilled meats.

Quick Recipe:

  • 200g Greek Yoghurt, full fat & strained 
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated 
  • 1/2tsp Dried mint 
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed 
  • 1/2tsp Salt 

👉 Mix all ingredients and chill before serving.

Perfect with:
Our Lamb Shish Marinade and a drizzle of Turkish Garlic Sauce.


3. Red Cabbage Salad 

A light, zesty Turkish salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley — a kebab essential!

Quick Recipe:

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1/4 red cabbage, finely sliced or grated
  • 5 fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 50 ml Turkish salad dressing

👉 Toss everything together and serve fresh.

Perfect with:
Pairs beautifully with Kofte Dry Rub kebabs and a side of Turkish Chilli Sauce for a spicy kick.


4. Turkish Pitta Breads

Wrap your kebabs or scoop up dips with soft, fluffy pitta breads.

Quick Homemade Recipe:

  • 220ml Water 
  • 100ml Milk 
  • 20g Fresh Yeast or 8g Quick Dried Yeast (we like Dove Farm Quick Yeast) 
  • 1.5tsp Salt
  • 500g Strong White bread Flour 
  • 1.5tbsp Olive Oil 

👉 Mix, knead, and let rise for an hour. Roll out and cook on a hot pan for 2 minutes per side.

Perfect with:
Our Chicken Shish Marinade for a Chicken Doner-style wrap topped with Garlic Sauce and salad!


5. Hummus (Classic Chickpea Dip)

Creamy, nutty hummus is a fantastic side dish to kebabs.

Quick Recipe:

  • 400g drained chickpeas 
  • 2tbsp Greek Yoghurt 
  • 2tbsp Olive Oil 
  • 1tbsp Tahini 
  • Juice of 1 Lemon 
  • 1.5tsp Salt 

👉 Blitz in a food processor until smooth.

Perfect with:
Our Kofte Dry Rub  or  Lamb Shish Marinade kebabs for an epic combo.


Bonus: Use Our Turkish Salad Dressing to Elevate Your Sides!

Drizzle over Black Eyed Bean Salad or a simple cucumber and tomato side to add a zesty, herby finish that brings your whole kebab feast together.


✅ Ready to Feast?

With these Turkish side dish recipes, you’re all set for an unforgettable kebab night. Whether it's a BBQ or cosy dinner, The Kebab Club's sauces and marinades make it easy to bring authentic Turkish flavour to your table.

👉 Shop our full range of marinades and sauces here and start building the ultimate kebab feast today!

Looking for even more recipes? Browse all our Turkish-inspired recipes here for extra ideas!

 

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Feb 25, 20250 commentsElizabeth Salih