Rice pilaf is fabulous on its own (a seasoned rice dish usually made by sautéing rice in butter or oil then simmering it in broth), but let's admit it, we all love a little variety on our plates.
We've been experimenting in our tiny kitchens, pairing pilaf with different side dishes.
Ever tried it with some tangy roasted veggies? Oh, it's a useful.
How about a light, fresh salad?
Perfect for a balanced meal.
We've gathered our favourite sidekicks for rice pilaf and trust us, they're worth trying. So, if you're wondering what to serve on the side, read on for some tasty ideas!
Top 10 Side Dishes for Rice Pilaf
Here are our top 10 picks for side dishes to serve with rice pilaf:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredient | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Grilled Chicken Kebabs | Chicken | Savory, Smoky | Medium | 30 min |
| Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus | Earthy, Nutty | Easy | 20 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels Sprouts | Nutty, Cheesy, Garlicky | Medium | 25 min |
| Baked Salmon | Salmon | Rich, Buttery | Easy | 25 min |
| Sautéed Spinach with Garlic | Spinach | Garlicky, Savory | Easy | 15 min |
| Baked Chicken Thighs | Chicken | Crispy, Juicy | Easy | 45 min |
| Roasted Broccoli | Broccoli | Nutty, Crispy | Easy | 20 min |
| Grilled Pork Chops | Pork | Savory, Juicy | Medium | 25 min |
| Sautéed Mushrooms | Mushrooms | Earthy, Buttery | Easy | 20 min |
| Baked Cod | Cod | Flaky, Mild | Easy | 25 min |
1 - Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Grilled chicken kebabs are a rockstar side, made from marinated chicken pieces threaded onto skewers and charred over high heat. We love how the chicken gets charred and smoky on the outside.
Inside, it's juicy and tender.
Pairing it with rice pilaf adds a delicious contrast; see grilled salmon side ideas.
We often serve these at our weekend barbecues. They're always a hit!
2 - Roasted Asparagus
We need to talk about roasted asparagus. It's the crispy, green veggie we can't get enough of.
Snappy texture with a hint of smokiness, it's like the cool kid of vegetables. That charred flavor?
Incredible. Fresh-tasting and totally not boring.
Toss it with a bit of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces) and a sprinkle of salt. It's amazing with rice pilaf.
3 - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
We're talking roasted until crispy with a generous sprinkle of garlic and parmesan; similar garlic-rich pairings are in garlic butter shrimp side suggestions.
Crunchy on the outside, tender inside.
They're flavor-packed, slightly nutty, with a garlic kick after roasting at 425°F. Perfect with rice pilaf.
We love them so much we make extra for snacking! Pure veggie bliss.
4 - Baked Salmon
Okay, let's talk baked salmon. Flaky, tender fish that's packed with omega-3s-rich in EPA and DHA-it's just so good.
We usually bake it with a bit of lemon and dill. The burst of citrusy freshness is unbeatable.
The buttery texture pairs fantastically with rice pilaf; try baked beans side ideas for a heartier contrast.
We often save leftovers for lunch, but they rarely last that long!
5 - Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
It's simple to make and fits perfectly with rice pilaf; for complementary dishes see spinach stuffed chicken side ideas.
The spinach (a leafy green in the Amaranthaceae family) becomes wilted, tender, and deliciously garlicky. It's an explosion of flavor.
We like the slight bitterness balanced with the aromatic garlic. It's quick, healthy, and super tasty.
Got a busy weeknight? This is your go-to.
6 - Baked Chicken Thighs
Alright, folks, let's talk baked chicken thighs. We bake them to juicy perfection.
They have a lovely crispy skin and are wonderfully tender inside. Lemon and garlic improve the flavor (use about 1 tablespoon lemon juice per thigh).
So simple, yet incredibly tasty.
We usually pair them with rice pilaf for a balanced and hearty meal. It's comfort food at its best.
7 - Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is our crunchy go-to. It's charred with a hint of smokiness.
We love that crispy texture outside, with a tender interior.
Sprinkles of garlic and lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon lemon juice per head) improve its flavor. Pairing it with rice pilaf creates a balance of savory and fresh.
We often munch on leftovers as snacks.
So easy and tasty!
8 - Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are a great sidekick for rice pilaf. We love their juicy and savory flavors.
Garlic and herbs (like rosemary and thyme) make the meat tender and aromatic.
They always get crispy on the outside without losing that juicy bite inside. Fantastic balance with the pilaf's subtle flavors.
We often serve them on busy weeknights.
9 - Sautéed Mushrooms
Oh man, sautéed mushrooms are such a treat. They're earthy, rich, and just the right amount of chewy.
We love how they soak up flavors. Cook them with butter, garlic, and a touch of thyme (about ½ teaspoon dried).
It's a pop of umami goodness.
They add depth to any dish, especially alongside rice pilaf. Plus, they're super easy to make.
10 - Baked Cod
Baked cod is a light, flaky delight. The lemon juice and simple herbs (like parsley and dill) give it a fresh zesty taste. goes well with rice pilaf.
We love how it's tender yet firm.
It's perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner. We often whip this up during busy weeks.
Easy, tasty, and totally satisfying.
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.
