What to Serve with Shakshuka? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Are you ready to spice up your dinner plate? Have you heard of the traditional Middle Eastern dish called shakshuka?

If not, it’s time for you to expand your culinary horizons and give this scrumptious meal a try.

Not only is shakshuka incredibly delicious and easy to make, but it also has interesting origins that span through North African, Israeli, and Egyptian cuisines.

But with so many flavors packed into one thing, what are some great side dishes to pair with it?

Don’t worry – today I’m here to offer 12 must-try side dishes for any occasion where you might be serving some flavorful shakshuka!

What to Serve with Shakshuka? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Spicy Harissa Roasted Carrots

–

These Spicy Harissa Roasted Carrots are the perfect side dish for your shakshuka.

They are roasted to perfection with a slightly charred exterior and a tender interior.

The harissa gives them a nice spice, while the honey balances it out with sweetness.

Carrots are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your meal.

Plus, they are easy to make and can be roasted in advance, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

To elevate this dish, I suggest serving the carrots with a dollop of yogurt or tahini.

This will help cool down the spice from the harissa and add some creaminess to the dish.

You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

2. Smashed Chickpea Salad with Feta and Mint

–

This Smashed Chickpea Salad with Feta and Mint is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summertime BBQs and potlucks.

The salad is made with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

The chickpeas are smashed so that they are still intact but have a slightly flattened shape.

This allows them to absorb more of the dressing and flavors from the other ingredients.

The salad has a bright and citrusy flavor from the lemon juice, which is balanced out by the creaminess of the feta cheese.

The mint adds a lovely touch of sweetness and freshness.

I like to serve this salad with grilled chicken or fish, but it would also be great on its own as a light lunch or starter salad.

To make this salad even more special, you could add in some chopped avocado or roasted cherry tomatoes.

If you are serving it as a main dish, you could also add in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein and staying power.

3. Garlic-Herb Pita Chips

–

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish to accompany your shakshuka, look no further than garlic-herb pita chips.

These crispy, flavorful chips are the perfect way to add a little something extra to your meal.

Pita chips are traditionally made from pita bread that has been cut into thin slices and then fried or baked.

The end result is a crispy, delicious chip that is perfect for dipping or eating on its own.

Garlic-herb pita chips take things one step further by adding in some extra flavor.

Garlic and herbs are a classic combination that goes well with just about anything, and it’s no different here.

The addition of these two ingredients takes the already tasty pita chips and makes them even better.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making garlic-herb pita chips.

First, make sure to use fresh herbs if possible.

Fresh herbs will have more flavor than dried herbs, so they’ll make a big difference in the taste of the finished dish.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs.

If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to leave it out or substitute another herb in its place.

The same goes for the type of pita bread you use – whole wheat or white pita bread will both work well.

Making garlic-herb pita chips is easy and only takes a few minutes.

Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then slice your pita bread into thin strips.

Next, toss the strips with some olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs.

Spread the strips out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and enjoy.

4. Marinated Olives

–

Marinated olives are a classic side dish that can be served with just about anything.

They are savory, slightly acidic, and full of flavor.

The key to making a good marinated olive is to start with high-quality olives.

Once you have your olives, the rest is easy.

To elevate this dish, try using a mix of different types of olives.

This will give the dish more depth of flavor and make it more interesting to eat.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade.

Some good options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes.

If you want to get really fancy, you can stuff the olives with things like garlic or almonds before marinating them.

This will take the dish to the next level and make it even more delicious.

5. Quick Pickled Onions

–

Pickled onions are a delicious and easy way to add some extra flavor to your meals.

Unlike traditional onions, which can be quite sharp, pickled onions are much milder and have a slightly sweet taste.

They’re also incredibly versatile – you can add them to salads, sandwiches,sautés, pizzas, and more.

And best of all, they’re very easy to make at home.

If you want even more flavor in your pickled onions, try adding some spices such as peppercorns or bay leaves to the jar.

You can also experiment with different types of vinegar – white vinegar will give you a milder flavor, while apple cider vinegar will add a touch of sweetness.

6. Tahini Sauce

–

Tahini sauce is a delicious, creamy sauce made from ground sesame seeds.

It’s often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and it’s the perfect finishing touch to a dish of shakshuka.

Tahini sauce is rich and nutty, with a slightly bitter taste.

The texture is smooth and creamy, similar to peanut butter.

It’s also very versatile – you can use it as a dip, a spread, or a sauce.

To elevate your tahini sauce, try adding some lemon juice or zest for a bright flavor or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

You could also add a bit of heat with some chili pepper flakes or harissa paste.

Whatever you do, be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

7. Za’atar Spiced Flatbread

–

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your shakshuka, look no further than Za’atar spiced flatbread.

This flatbread is bursting with flavor thanks to the addition of za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.

The bread is soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy outer crust, making it the perfect vessel for sopping up all of the shakshuka goodness.

To give the flatbread even more flavor, try brushing it with olive oil before baking.

This will give the bread a nice sheen and ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

You can also top the flatbread with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, try adding a few spoonfuls of shakshuka to each piece of flatbread before eating – trust us, it’s amazing.

8. Charred Lemon Wedges

Charred lemon wedges are the perfect way to add a little bit of acidity and brightness to your shakshuka.

The dish can sometimes be heavy and savory, so the addition of lemon is a great way to balance it out.

Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of char on their food?

These wedges are easy to make and only require a few minutes of cook time.

Simply slice up some lemons, toss them in a hot pan, and let them char on both sides.

Once they’re done, squeeze the wedges into your shakshuka and enjoy.

If you want to elevate this dish even further, try adding some herbs like thyme or basil.

Or, for an extra hit of flavor, grate some fresh lemon zest over the top before serving.

9. Yogurt Sauce

–

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your shakshuka, look no further than yogurt sauce.

This simple sauce is made with yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic, and it’s the perfect way to add a little brightness and creaminess to your meal.

The best yogurt sauces are made with full-fat yogurt, which provides the best taste and texture.

If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use low-fat yogurt, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

For the best flavor, be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice.

It makes all the difference.

To elevate your yogurt sauce, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like mint or dill.

You could also stir in some grated cucumber for a cooling effect.

10. Spicy Feta Cheese Dip

–

This Spicy Feta Cheese Dip is the perfect blend of creamy and spicy.

The feta cheese gives the dip a smooth, creamy texture, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of spice.

Serve this dip with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetables for a delicious appetizer or snack.

The taste of this Spicy Feta Cheese Dip is both creamy and spicy.

The feta cheese provides a smooth, creamy base for the dip, while the jalapeños add a kick of heat.

If you’re looking for a bit more spice, you can add additional jalapeños or other hot peppers to the dip.

For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them to the dip.

This Spicy Feta Cheese Dip can be easily elevated by adding additional toppings such as chopped tomatoes, olives, or herbs.

For an even creamier texture, you can add sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dip.

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the dip with celery sticks or other vegetables instead of tortilla chips.

11. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

–

This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a flavorful and creamy dip that’s perfect for any occasion.

Made with roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, and a few other simple ingredients, this hummus is always a hit.

The taste and texture of this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus are out of this world.

The roasted red peppers give it a slight sweetness, while the tahini and chickpeas provide a smooth and creamy base.

The garlic and lemon add the perfect amount of zing, making this hummus irresistible.

There are a few tips and tricks to make this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus even better.

First, be sure to roast the red peppers until they’re nice and soft.

This will help them blend into the hummus more easily and give it a smoother texture.

Second, add a little bit of water to the mix if you find that the hummus is too thick.

This will help thin it out and make it easier to dip into.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavors.

Adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can really elevate the dish.

12. Eggplant Caviar Dip

–

Eggplant caviar is a delicious and healthy dip that is perfect for any occasion.

This dish is made with roasted eggplant, which gives it a rich and creamy texture.

The eggplant is then blended with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to create a flavorful and versatile dip.

Eggplant caviar has a unique taste and texture that is sure to please any palate.

The eggplant provides richness and creaminess to the dip, while the garlic and lemon add a zesty flavor.

This dish can be served as-is or with some creativity; you can elevate it to new heights.

• Add some heat by adding in some chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes.
• Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavor boost.
• Swap out the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
• For a truly indulgent experience, top your eggplant caviar with some crumbled feta cheese or grilled shrimp.

Conclusion

There are so many delicious options for what to serve with shakshuka.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your next meal.

From traditional sides like pita bread and hummus to crowd-pleasing options like roasted red pepper dip and smashed chickpea salad, there is something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking.