Let's be real, Chicken Shawarma is the bomb (a Middle Eastern dish of spiced, rotisserie-style sliced chicken). We love it so much we could eat it on its own.
But sometimes, we crave a little variety on the plate.
So, we've dug deep to discover the best side dishes to improve our shawarma game. From tangy tzatziki to crunchy pickles, we've got it all.
We even tested them out, so you don't have to guess. Because, who has time for that?
Buckle up and let's talk sides that are easy, tasty, and make us look like pros.
Top 10 Side Dishes for Chicken Shawarma
Here are the top 10 side dishes we recommend to serve with your delicious chicken shawarma:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Hummus | Chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic | Creamy, nutty, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Tabbouleh Salad | Bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, mint, lemon, olive oil | Fresh, herby, citrusy | Moderate | 20 mins |
| Fattoush Salad | Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pita chips, lemon, sumac | Crunchy, tangy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Basmati Rice | Basmati rice, spices | Fragrant, fluffy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Pita Bread | Flour, yeast, water, salt | Soft, chewy | Moderate | 2 hrs |
| Falafel | Chickpeas, herbs, spices | Crispy, flavorful | Moderate | 30 mins |
| Baba Ganoush | Eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic | Smoky, creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Lentil Soup | Lentils, vegetables, spices | Hearty, comforting | Easy | 45 mins |
| Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, yogurt, mint, lemon | Cool, refreshing, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Garlic Sauce | Yogurt, garlic, lemon | Creamy, garlicky, tangy | Easy | 5 mins |
1 - Hummus
Hummus is the creamy, garlicky dip making our shawarma next-level (made from mashed chickpeas and tahini). We love the velvety texture and nutty flavor.
It brings a zesty zing with lemon juice and a smooth finish from tahini.
It's a classic for a reason.
Every bite of shawarma with hummus feels rich and satisfying. We load it on, no regrets.
2 - Tabbouleh Salad
Tabbouleh Salad? Count us in.
This fresh, herby salad is a light, zesty partner for chicken shawarma. The cracked wheat (bulgur) gives a chewy bite. Parsley?
Loads of it.
It's bright and green. Tomatoes and cucumbers add a crunchy freshness.
Lemon juice and olive oil, essential. Together, they create a balance that's both tangy and smooth.
Totally refreshing!
3 - Fattoush Salad
What's great with chicken shawarma? Fattoush Salad - for other crunchy, vegetable-forward sides see antipasto salad side suggestions.
It's got crunch from toasted pita.
Crisp lettuce and fresh veg like cucumbers and tomatoes balance it out. We mix in parsley for that green pop.
Tangy sumac spice (made from dried Rhus coriaria berries) kicks it up a notch. Zippy lemon and olive oil round out the flavors.
4 - Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is fragrant and fluffy (a long-grain rice from the Indian subcontinent with a nutty aroma). goes well with shawarma's spiced flavors.
We love how it absorbs the juices, yet stays firm - similar hearty grains are explored in wild rice side pairings.
We added some saffron once, wow, next level! It's light, doesn't overpower.
Makes shawarma stars shine brighter.
5 - Pita Bread
Who doesn't love warm, fluffy pita (a soft Middle Eastern flatbread)?
It's the ultimate shawarma sidekick, much like some sourdough bread side dishes.
It's super soft, yet can handle all the fillings.
Pita is the best edible utensil. Once, we stuffed ours with extra hummus, and oh boy, it was bliss!
Seriously, a must-try!
6 - Falafel
Falafel is crispy outside, tender inside (made from ground chickpeas or fava beans). Earthy, nutty, with a hint of spice.
Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley make it pop. We love that it's plant-based and filling.
Perfect with tangy tzatziki.
Fried to golden perfection, falafel balls add great crunch. Dip them, stuff them in pita, or eat them alone-satisfying any way.
7 - Baba Ganoush
This smoky, creamy dip is eggplant magic (made from roasted eggplant). Baba Ganoush hits with that charred eggplant taste, super smooth from tahini, and a zing from lemon juice.
Garlic kicks it up a notch, while olive oil adds a rich finish. We've dipped our pita and veggies into it, and wow, it's love at first bite.
Perfect shawarma side kick.
8 - Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is filling and comforting (often made with brown or red lentils). It's rich with spices, and vegetable goodness.
We love the thick broth.
Pair it with chicken shawarma for a satisfying meal, and for other cozy soups see sweet potato soup side ideas.
The warm spices add depth.
It's our go-to for something cozy. T4We can't get enough of it.T5
9 - Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is crisp and refreshing. Cool cucumbers meet tangy vinegar (often dressed in a simple vinaigrette).
Every bite is a pop of freshness.
The mix of herbs adds a fragrant note. We sprinkle some sesame seeds for crunch.
We've had it many times, and it never gets old.
Pairs great with shawarma, cutting through the richness. So crisp. So simple.
10 - Garlic Sauce
Oh yes, the classic garlic sauce! It's creamy, pungent, and absolutely fantastic with shawarma.
We like our garlic sauce thick and rich. It adds a bold punch to every bite (often made as an emulsified garlic sauce called toum).
Its sharpness perfects the balance with warm shawarma spices. We've slathered it on generously, and let's just say, our breath wasn't thanking us!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
