Looking for some delicious lamb side dishes? Simple, spicy, vegan, low-carb, or Middle Eastern, these best sides will satisfy all tastes!
Whatever your lamb-based entrée is, I’ve got you covered! With twenty-seven delightful and carefully designed recipes that are anything but boring, your match is definitely hiding in this post.
Even if you’re a lamb-cooking newbie, these recipes below will show you that finding best side dishes that pair well with lamb is not an overwhelming task.
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What to Serve with Lamb?
If lamb is not that regular on your table, it can be tricky to pinpoint which side dishes pair well with this red meat, and which may not work so well.
And while there are always the classics potatoes, rice, and roasted veggies, to execute a lamb dinner perfectly, you need to have at least some insight.
Generally, everything that’s even a tad exotic or Middle Eastern is a safe bet. Loaded with fresh herbs, aromatic, and deep in flavors are side dishes that will work well.
But don’t shy away from the simple roasts or salads, though, as they can always offer a nutritious and delightful punch.
Side Dishes for Lamb Chops
Are lamb chops on your dinner menu tonight? Then you better find a side dish that will complement their taste, and you better do it now.
Here are six incredibly delicious choices for your main course. They will enhance the flavor of lamb chops and offer a great way to enjoy your dinner.
1. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
The tender and slightly browned, and crispy broccoli are topped with melted cheddar, flavored with garlic, and generously sprinkled with salt and pepper.
Perfect with any meat-based dish, especially red meat cuts such as lamb chops. This is also a lovely side dish for BBQ chicken.
2. Carrot and Beetroot Salad
A shredded beet and carrot salad that will surely surpass your expectations. This is one of those delicious side dishes that’s a must-try with your lamb.
Drenched in an olive oil, balsamic, and honey mixture, these crunchy shreds are not only super nutritious but sweet and delicious, as well.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted squash has to be one of the most versatile side dishes ever. Easily paired with any meat dish these orange cubes offer natural sweetness to your dishes that go amazing with red meat.
Enjoy this side with chili.
4. Asparagus Salad with Potatoes and Lentils
A bunch of spring veggies and mint, all tossed together with a bright and lovely lemony dressing.
Lentils, asparagus, potatoes, radishes, and snap peas all join forces to give you rich-in-texture bites that are also super nutritious.
5. Creamed Peas with Basil
Creamed peas with basil have to be one of the most delightful spring side dishes. It is all green after all!
Perfect for any protein-packed entrée, and absolutely irresistible alongside lamb chops!
For best results make sure to use garden-fresh peas.
6. Creamy Parmesan Polenta
This recipe uses shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs to intensify the taste. Then silky butter is added and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top.
Side Dishes for Leg of Lamb
When a whole leg of lamb is on the table, that means you’re in charge of pleasing a crowd. And these lovely lamb side dishes below will definitely help you feed and please a large group.
Enjoy these favorite side dishes for a delicate flavor. They’re a great option for family dinner and more.
7. Mexican Bean Salad
Loaded with all of the Mexican staples you can think of – this filling salad will bring a refreshing and zesty touch to your lamb.
I suggest at least a couple of hours in the fridge before serving so that the black beans can absorb all of the flavors.
What a great Mexican side dish!
8. Air Fryer Radishes
Cut in half, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, and air-fried to tender and crisp perfection, this healthy radish dish doesn’t even need oil. But we’re drizzling some olive oil, just because it’s healthy!
Toss the radishes occasionally while they’re frying, to ensure even cooking and a unanimous texture with every bite.
9. Creamy Pea Salad
The peas here are accompanied by crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and crunchy red onions, for the absolute best combination of textures and flavors.
For a spicy kick, swap the paprika with chili powder, or even better, add some sliced chilies to the mix. Feel free to serve this side dish with ribs.
10. Creamy Cauliflower Gratin
Creamy, low in carbs, loaded with melted cheese, and topped with a crisp crust, this has to be the definition of comfort food.
The recipe uses fontina and parmesan cheese, but anything that melts well will practically do a good job here.
11. Vinegar Coleslaw
Somewhat similar to broccoli but with a crispier and juicier flavor, kohlrabi pairs perfectly with carrots and red cabbage in this recipe.
Smothered in a vinegary and mustardy olive oil dressing this side dish is perfect with red meat cuts such as a rack of lamb!
12. Creamy Cucumber Salad
This Greek-style creamy salad is nothing if not ideal for your lamb dinners.
The red onions here offer a spicy crunch that gives some life to the neutral yogurt, and the dill and cucumbers are just an obvious match.
Make this side dish for brisket as well!
13. Air Fryer Eggplant
First, there is a rich garlicky tomato and red pepper sauce.
Then, there are breaded eggplant slices, coated with a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, and air-fried to the most satisfying crispiness.
And finally, there are these golden and crusty eggplant slices stacked on top of that super flavorful sauce.
Side Dishes for Rack of Lamb
A rack of lamb has to be one of the fanciest-looking meat dishes ever. And such beauty deserves an equally presentative partner by its side. Here are the best rack of perfect sides to make for special occasions that will take a delicious dish to a whole new level.
14. Bulgur Wheat Salad
Loaded with broccoli, avocado, lettuce, green onions, and dill, I cannot think of a more nutritious filling side dish that tastes so good.
The lemon juice is an absolute must in this recipe, as it gives a lively kick that practically makes the green-veggie flavors pop.
Season with salt and pepper generously.
15. Roasted Asparagus Salad
Preserved lemons are a must here. The umami flavor they provide is so worth the effort.
Once you combine that with the caramelized tenderness from the roasted asparagus, the freshness of cherry tomatoes, and the generous crumbled cheese topping, all you’ll need more is lamb.
16. Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes for a soft and fluffy interior and a lovely crispy skin on the outside!
The potatoes are left to rest for five minutes after baking, then they are cut in half lengthwise, topped with some butter, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
17. Crispy Herbed Hasselback Potatoes
For best results, choose larger Russet potatoes that are roughly the same size.
And then with some butter, fresh herbs, and some slicing, culinary magic is about to happen.
Crispy, tender, and rich in flavor, how can these potatoes be anything other than the perfect pairing for your lamb dinner?
18. Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Glazed with lemon juice, maple syrup, and mustard, these browned Brussels Sprouts will wipe away all the prejudice you have had against this veggie.
You really don’t need more than a sprinkle of salt and pepper, but feel free to bring your seasoning game if you are into all things spicy.
19. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate
These crispy and sweet Brussels Sprouts with bacon and pomegranate make one heck of a palatable side.
I’d finish off with some shredded sharp cheese on top, but that is totally optional!
20. Creamy Carrot and Swede Mash
With a generous amount of butter and a few nutmeg gratings, this velvety and rich mash is sure to satisfy anyone who gives it a try.
Make sure to cook the cubed veggies with a couple of bay leaves, for a real flavor infusion that will make a total difference.
Middle Eastern Side Dishes for Lamb
If you’re looking to bring some Middle Eastern vibes to your lamb dinner party, then these recipes below will surely help you find the perfect side dish to serve:
21. Couscous Salad with Chickpeas
The buttery couscous, tons of spices, and dried apricots give this dish an incredibly velvety, well-seasoned, and sweet flavor that is perfect for any Middle Eastern meat dish.
The secret ingredient here is the preserved lemon, which gives this salad an umami freshness that cannot be recreated with fresh lemons.
22. Roasted Chickpea Salad
The roasted chickpeas give this salad a deep and smoky kick.
A diced red pepper and the all-time favorites lemon, cilantro, olive oil, and garlic, are all you need to prepare this fiber-loaded side dish that will taste even better alongside your lamb.
23. Lemon Rice Pilaf
Loaded with Middle Eastern freshness, this rice side dish offers nothing but a rich taste, herbal aroma, and tons of texture.
With lemon, parsley, dill, pistachios, pine nuts, and orzo, who can pass on this delight?
24. Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
Loaded with cranberries, apples, pecans, and the freshest herbs, this wild rice bowl can healthify and complement any meal.
The recipe suggests Granny Smith apples for a touch of tartness to combine beautifully with the sweet cranberries but feel free to use another kind if that’s what you prefer.
25. Instant Pot Couscous
Made with shallots, pine nuts, raisins, and cinnamon, this flavor-packed side will provide you with the carb-part of your meal in the most delightful way possible.
And the Instant Pot doesn’t hurt either. Cooked in a jiffy with absolutely no guesswork involved, this recipe is made for your busy weeknight dinners.
26. Green Lentil Tabbouleh Salad
Nutritious and packed in fiber, this tabbouleh salad with green lentils, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, is perfect as a salad alongside a lamb roast.
The zesty lemon, mint, and parsley balance out the protein-rich lentils and give fresh touches that combine perfectly with the garden veggies.
27. Tzatziki
Yogurt-based and incredibly creamy, Tzatziki has to be one of the most refreshing sauces I’ve ever tried.
Rich in Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, mint, and a touch of garlic, Tzatziki is nothing but delightful creaminess that can perfectly round out any lamb dish.