Beef kabobs are a classic summer grilling recipe. The tender, juicy meat is packed with flavor from a simple marinade and gets nice char marks from the grill. They make for a fun and interactive meal since everyone can customize their skewer. While the kabobs alone are delicious, pairing them with the right side dishes elevates the entire meal.
When planning sides for beef kabobs, you’ll want options that complement the smoky, savory flavor of the meat Sides that feature fresh, bright ingredients help balance the richness You’ll also want to include some classic barbecue favorites and dishes you can make ahead. With this in mind, here are 15 sensational side dishes to serve with beef kabobs off the grill.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are pretty much guaranteed to go well with grilled meat. When making beef kabobs, take advantage of the hot grill by throwing on some veggie skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms all work nicely. The vegetables pick up that great char flavor and their natural sweetness balances the hearty kabobs. Grilling veggies ahead helps free up space to cook the kabobs.
Garlic Bread
Warm from the oven or grill, garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to beef kabobs. The rich, buttery garlic flavor pairs beautifully with grilled meat. Focaccia, baguette, or ciabatta all make excellent bases. For added flavor, brush with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before grilling. The bread helps soak up the delicious juices from the kabobs too.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are a classic barbecue side. Their golden brown exterior and fluffy interior pair perfectly with juicy beef kabobs. Toss quartered potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary before roasting. For a fun twist, make loaded baked potato foil packs. Top baked potatoes with cheese, bacon, and scallions for a hearty side.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a versatile side that works well for both casual weeknight dinners and backyard BBQs. Bowtie, rotini or wagon wheel pasta holds up well and you can add any combination of fresh vegetables cheese, herbs, and dressing that complement the beef kabobs. Get creative with pesto, sundried tomato, or Greek flavors. Make it ahead for an easy potluck dish.
Corn on the Cob
Buttery corn on the cob is a classic grilling side. Leave the husks on while grilling for the most flavor and moisture. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the hearty kabobs. Let guests dress their own with flavored butters, cheese, lime juice and other fun toppings for an interactive meal.
Greek Salad
A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta is a fantastic light side for beef kabobs. The vegetables and briny olives cut through the richness of the meat while the feta adds a nice saltiness. Make a simple dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. This salad holds up well at room temperature too.
Hummus
Creamy hummus makes a delicious and healthy accompaniment to beef kabobs. It provides protein and nutrition from the chickpeas and sesame paste. The lemon, garlic, and olive oil also help cut through the smokiness of the grilled meat. Traditional hummus is always a good choice but don’t be afraid to switch it up with flavors like roasted red pepper or spicy chipotle.
Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw adds great crunch and acidity to balance rich kabobs. Use bagged slaw mix for an easy shortcut or make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots. Creamy coleslaw with mayo and vinegar is classic. For a lighter option, dress the slaw with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Top with toasted almonds or peanuts for extra texture.
Tabbouleh
This Middle Eastern salad features bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion and lemon. The fresh herbs and tomatoes pair nicely with grilled beef kabobs. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing add brightness. Make this nutrient dense salad ahead since the flavors meld as it chills. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Baked Beans
No barbecue is complete without baked beans. Their sweet and smoky flavor is a perfect complement to beef kabobs. Jazz up canned beans with molasses, brown sugar, ketchup and mustard. Or make them from scratch for the best flavor. Top with crispy bacon pieces and barbecue sauce before baking. Baked beans can be made ahead too.
Fruit Salad
For a light and refreshing contrast, serve a colorful fruit salad alongside the hearty kabobs. Fruit like watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and berries make classic combinations. Drizzle the fruit with a honey lime dressing for a sweet pop. The fruit’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the beef. This antioxidant packed salad takes no time to toss together.
Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous salad is a nice change from pasta or potato sides. Cook the couscous according to package directions, then let it cool. Toss with cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, fresh herbs and a red wine vinaigrette. The Mediterranean flavors pair beautifully with grilled beef kabobs. Make this hearty salad ahead for easy entertaining.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf makes an excellent base for beef kabobs. It provides texture contrast and soaks up the meat juices. Sauté the rice with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots and celery before adding broth and simmering until tender. For extra flavor, use chicken or beef broth. Stir in fresh herbs before serving for brightness. Rice pilaf can be made ahead too.
Cornbread
Warm cornbread right off the grill or out of the oven is irresistible. The sweet corn flavor complements smoky kabobs perfectly. Bake cornbread from scratch in a cast iron skillet for golden edges with a custardy interior. For fun individual portions, bake in muffin tins. Or pick up a prepared cornbread mix to keep things simple.
Caprese Salad
A caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil makes a fantastic accompaniment to beef kabobs. The juicy tomatoes help cut through the richness of the meat while the creamy mozzarella adds satisfying contrast. Drizzle with good olive oil and balsamic reduction just before serving. Make mini caprese skewers for a pretty presentation.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a classic potluck and barbecue side. The pasta, vegetables and mayo-based dressing pair well with grilled meat. Customize this salad by adding veggies like bell peppers, celery, onions and carrots. Consider zesty additions like pickles, olives, mustard and hot sauce. The creamy pasta salad feels indulgent next to the simply seasoned kabobs.
Whichever sides you choose, beef kabobs warrant a fun and flavorful spread. Try offering an array with different textures, tastes and colors. Pair fresh, light sides with indulgent baked beans and cheesy pasta salads. Add a few grilled options and dishes that can be made ahead for easy entertaining. With fluffy hummus, vibrant salads, warm bread and more, you’re sure satisfy everyone at your cookout.
What’s The Best Meat To Use
When choosing the best meat for your kabobs, consider a few key points to ensure your meal turns out juicy, flavorful, and tender. Chicken, beef, and lamb are among the most popular choices, each offering a unique taste and texture that will make your taste buds happy.
Some of my favorite kebob recipes to make are Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Chicken Kofta Kabobs, or even Kofta Kebabs. No matter which tasty recipe you choose, make sure to use quality, fresh ingredients for the best results.
What Makes Kabobs So Great
Kabobs are a quintessential summer dish thats versatile and easy to prepare, making them a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. One of the reasons kabobs are so beloved is their flexibility in ingredients.
You can mix and match various meats, vegetables, and even fruits to create a meal tailored to your tastes. Additionally, kabobs cook quickly, making them ideal for a fast, flavorful meal.
Whether grilled outdoors or broiled inside, they offer a delightful char and smokiness thats hard to resist. Plus, their skewer presentation not only makes serving a breeze but also adds a fun and engaging aspect to mealtime.
BEEF SHISH KABOBS (with the best marinade) for the ultimate summer grilling recipe!
FAQ
What is a good side dish for beef kabobs?
I’d recommend a lot of really good, bright salad (panzanella, fattoush, a chopped greek salad), some grilled veggies (zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, potatoes), and grilled flatbreads. Also some dips that double as condiments for the kabobs, like tzatziki and hummus.
What is traditionally served with kebabs?
Serve kebabs with pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and yoghurt sauce on the side. Wedges of lemon are also a great accompaniment.
What are shish kebabs served with?
Shish kabobs, hot off the grill with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad and Mediterranean dips like baba ganoush, tzatziki, and hummus is my idea of the perfect summer party. In the Middle East and the Mediterranean, shish kabobs are synonymous with gathering together to enjoy a meal.
What is kebab eaten with?
Kebabs are often eaten with yogurt sauce and served with rice.