14 Best Side Dishes for Kabobs

Grilled kabobs are one of my favorite summer dinners. I make them for potlucks, sunset suppers on the back patio, or even when out camping with the family.

They’re easy, versatile, and oh so yummy! But they’re not necessarily the most filling of entrees, so you always need some good sides to go with them. And when it comes to kabobs, the possibilities endless. 

Luckily, I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen scrumptious side dishes that go so well with skewered meats and vegetables. From coconut rice to dinner rolls, here are the 14 best sides to serve with kabobs. 

1. Coconut Rice

Grill up some Hawaiian-inspired chicken and pineapple skewers and make a big pot of coconut rice to continue the tropical flavors. This is perfect for a picnic, backyard barbecue, or just a cold day when you want to pretend you’re on a balmy beach vacation.

Simply cook your rice in coconut milk instead of water, add a dash of brown sugar at the end, and you have the perfect side for your tropical kabobs.

2. Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Go with a Mediterranean theme including pork kabobs (or even falafel balls), and mix up some easy cucumber yogurt dip. It will add a layer of refreshment to your grilled meal, plus offer some healthy probiotics.

You can dip your grilled meat and veggies in the yogurt mixture, or eat it as a subtle, chilled side salad. Yum!

3. Corn on the Cob

A freshly grilled corn cob dripping in butter and generously sprinkled with salt and pepper? Who could want for more?

Corn on the cob is a classic side for any meal that involves pulling out the grill. Whether it’s steak and potato kebabs, skewered cherry tomatoes and peppers, or even some juicy shrimp that you’re grilling, corn on the cob goes with it all.

4. Green Salad

For a meat-heavy kabob meal, go for an energizing green salad. Grab some romaine (or your preferred leafy greens), and tomatoes, and add some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a zippy change up against your grilled meat.

Or you can choose a classic cobb with boiled eggs for some extra protein and nutrients. 

5. Potato Salad

Another type of salad that goes well with grilled kabobs is a fortifying potato salad. Keep it simple with boiled potatoes, ranch dressing, onions, and celery for a quick and easy creamy side.

Or go all out and prepare a full potato salad before you fire up the grill. Using mustard, mayo, boiled eggs, and relish makes for a mouth-watering, flavorful side.

6. Corn Pudding

A creamy corn casserole like you’ve never had before, a corn pudding is essentially a mix of cornbread and creamed corn. It offers a nice contrast in texture to your crunchy veggies and chewy meat, plus a touch of sweetness that is needed with all the savory flavors.

This custard-like side is great for holiday celebrations, or outdoor potlucks, and is so simple, you can even make it on busy work-nights.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Baked, boiled, or fried, sweet potatoes are so diverse they can go with just about anything. With some skewered meats and vegetables, you might want a bit of starch to mix things up.

I love baking sweet potato wedges for a healthy alternative to french fries, or mixing it up some bacon bits, spinach, and caramelized onions for twice-baked sweet potatoes.

But whatever your favorite sweet potato recipe is, it is sure to taste delicious next to your kebabs. 

8. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Invigorate your taste buds with a tangy cucumber and tomato salad. Minus any greens, this salad is made up of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, slivered red onions, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.

This lively salad goes so well with marinated meats or fishes and it’s easy to mix up tasty variations. You can add other ingredients such as crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, avocado chunks, or chopped fennel to make it even more interesting and filling.

9. Orzo

Get your carbs in with a big helping of orzo. I love to make a Parmesan orzo that’s creamy and oh so cheesy. Plus, it tastes lovely next to chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu.

Orzo is easier and faster than rice, too. Cook it up, add in some butter, cream, cheese, and whatever spices suit your fancy, and your set.

10. Salt and Vinegar Potatoes

If you’re not including potato bites on your kabobs, roast up some potatoes, coat them in vinegar, olive oil, grated cheese, and a few tasty seasonings. This makes for a crispy, acidic treat that will leave everyone asking for more.

It’s absolutely crave-worthy, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And don’t worry, they’re not TOO vinegar-y, so even if you don’t enjoy salt and vinegar chips, you’ll be able to dig into this tater side.

11. Grilled Fruit

Kabobs are usually heavy on the veggies and rich flavors, so add in some variety with a few skewers of fruit instead. My favorite fruits to grill are pineapple, strawberries, melons, and big hunks of kiwi.

Grilling them brings out the sugars and caramelizes them for a perfect after bbq dessert.

12. Lemon Rice Pilaf

A fragrant white rice, cooked in a rich, onion-y broth and plenty of lemon juice, pilaf is an appetizing accompaniment to grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp. You can keep it simple or improvise with scallions, herbs, or pistachios. But whatever ingredients you use, rice pilaf is about to be your new go-to side.

13. Pasta Salad

A summer-time favorite, pasta salad is a nice way to have a cool side next to your steaming grilled kabobs. Pasta salads are easy, and offer a variety of veggies and flavors that you don’t get from your skewers.

Keep it light with olives and Italian dressing, or go for a hearty version with sausage and cheese. And don’t forget your choice of noodle! I love using spiral rotini for the fun shape and semi-rough texture.

14. Dinner Rolls or Sliders

No meal is complete without some bread, am I right? Whip up some fluffy, golden dinner rolls and serve them with plenty of butter.

You can also take your grilled meats and veggies off their skewers and make your rolls into mini sandwiches. Or go one step further and make sliders.

Ham and cheese sliders, mini hamburgers, or even pizza topped rolls would all be sinfully good with your kabob dinner.