The best sides for Falafel are Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce, Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce, Greek Tzatziki, Spicy Garlic Aioli, and Hummus.
Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce -
Lemon herb tahini sauce is a classic accompaniment to any falafel dish.
For something lighter, swap in Hummus instead.
It is one of the most beloved Middle Eastern dishes.
However, one burning question remains - what sauce goes with falafel?
The answer to this question can be complicated as there are many different options available depending on individual tastes and preferences.
For a truly authentic falafel experience, a tart tahini sauce is usually the go-to choice.
Also, other popular sauces include garlic yogurt, creamy hummus, and spicy harissa sauce.
With these 10 best options as an array of flavorful condiments to choose from, you're sure to find a combination that works for you.
Why Sauces are Important for Falafel?
Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made up of ground chickpeas, herbs and spices that is usually served in a pita sandwich or on its own.
While falafel can be enjoyed on its own, it truly shines when topped with a variety of condiments and sauces.
Sauces are an essential ingredient when it comes to falafel - and exploring Philly cheesesteak sauce options shows how versatile sandwich sauces can transform fillings.
They add texture, flavor, and generally make the dish more enjoyable.
The most popular sauces for falafel are tahini sauce, toum sauce, hummus sauce, amba sauce (mango pickle), spicy green chili sauce, yogurt-based sauces like tzaziki and raita and so on.
Each sauce brings something unique to the table in terms of flavor and texture.
For example, hummus adds a creamy texture and tanginess that really goes with the herbal flavors of falafel; while tahini provides an earthy sweetness that brings out the best of the chickpeas' flavors.
Toum is another traditional accompaniment to falafels which contributes lots of garlic flavor as well as creaminess.
Amba is a sweet-sour sauce made up of pickled mangoes which is perfect for adding just the right amount of tanginess to the dish; while yogurt-based sauces like tzaziki provide a coolness that balances out all the other flavors nicely.
Whether you prefer one particular kind of sauce or like to mix it up depending on your mood - no matter what you choose to top your falafel with - there's always sure to be something tasty for everyone.
Sauces That Perfectly Match Falafel
The taste of falafel can be enhanced with various types of sauces and chutneys, making it even more flavorful and delicious.
But how do you know which sauces pair best with falafel? Compare with gammon sauce pairings guide to see how different proteins influence sauce choices.
1. Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
Lemon herb tahini sauce is a classic accompaniment to any falafel dish - similar citrusy sauces appear in lemon ricotta ravioli sauce ideas that highlight bright, herbal flavors.
This creamy, slightly tangy sauce is made with tahini paste, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and mixed herbs.
Its zesty flavor goes well with falafel and adds a nice texture contrast to the crunchiness of the fried chickpea balls.
To make a delicious lemon herb tahini sauce, combine tahini paste with freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt and pepper.
Once blended together to a smooth consistency add in your favorite mix of chopped herbs such as dill or parsley.
Stir or blend again for a delicious creamy homemade condiment for any falafel dish.
2. Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce
This cilantro lime yogurt sauce is a great alternative to more traditional sauces and has a zesty and creamy flavor - similar creamy dips appear in egg roll dipping sauce ideas that balance tang and richness.
This sauce goes well with falafel and also works well as a salad dressing or a dip for vegetables.
To make this sauce, blend together ¾ cup of yogurt with the juice of two limes, 1 handful of fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
For an extra spicy kick, add in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve the sauce immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
3. Greek Tzatziki
Greek tzatziki is a classic dip made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, fresh garlic, olive oil, and dill - see Greek salad dressing ideas for other dressings that use similar fresh, herb-forward flavors.
Traditionally served with falafel balls and pita bread-sometimes even as the primary filling for the sandwich-it can also be used as a mustard substitute for any other hot dish.
Its lemony tang pairs brilliantly with the earthy flavors of falafel.
The traditional recipe involves peeling, steeping, and straining the cucumbers to make them extra flavorful and creamy.
A simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing can be just as good if time is short.
4. Spicy Garlic Aioli
Spicy garlic aioli is a perfect option for those who love the flavors of garlic and spice together - similar pairings are explored in garlic bread pairing ideas that highlight complementary textures and flavors.
This sauce combines rich mayonnaise with fresh garlic, chili powder, and Tabasco for a rich, creamy finish.
It's simple to make and it adds an impressive flavor to your falafel dish.
To make it at home, mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise with two cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and one teaspoon of Tabasco sauce.
Add more Tabasco if you prefer it spicier.
Serve with your favorite falafel dishes for an extra kick.
5. Hummus
Hummus is a traditional and popular accompaniment to falafel, being made from many of the same ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini and olive oil - pair with chips to eat with hummus for a crunchy contrast in a falafel spread.
Hummus has a creamy texture and is full of rich, nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the herbs and spices in falafel.
It can also be used as a dip for raw vegetables or pita chips if you wish to prepare more than one sauce for your meal.
Hummus is easy to make at home or available prepared in most supermarkets.
6. Spicy Harissa Sauce
Harissa is a popular sauce in Middle Eastern cuisine, made from chilies, garlic and spices - for a different protein perspective see schnitzel sauce pairings list that highlights sauces for fried cutlets.
It has a velvety texture that makes it an ideal accompaniment for falafel.
You can make your own harissa by blending together fresh chilies, garlic, olive oil and some spices of your choice.
Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made versions from most Middle Eastern grocers or specialty stores.
This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their falafel.
If you'd like to spice up your meal without reaching for the jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes, Harissa is the way to go.
7. Red Pepper Sauce
Red pepper sauce is a slightly spicy, flavorful accompaniment to any deep-fried falafel dish.
It typically contains red bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, and other herbs like cilantro or basil.
Depending on your preferred level of spice and taste you can adjust the heat with hot sauce or even salt and pepper.
Red pepper sauce goes particularly well with lighter-colored falafel patties since the red coloring offers a nice color contrast when served.
The red pepper flavor pairs especially nicely with tahini dressing or garlic aioli sauces as well - offering an unexpected dish to impress your family and friends.
8. Green Tahini Sauce
Green Tahini Sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that goes well with falafel.
Made with sesame paste or tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, it is packed full of flavour as well as nutrition.
Serve it drizzled over falafel - either homemade or from a store - pita bread and salad to add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
It's also vegan and gluten-free so can be enjoyed without worrying about dietary restrictions.
To make it, simply mix together tahini, fresh garlic cloves, water, fresh parsley leaves, lemon juice and sea salt until blended before adding some chopped vegetables of your choice such as tomatoes and cucumber for added texture and flavor.
And there you have it - a delicious green tahini sauce that makes the perfect accompaniment to any falafel dish.
9. Beet Pesto
Beet pesto is another great option to add to your falafel plate.
It's simple to make and features cooked beets, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or arugula, and vegan parmesan cheese.
The combination of sweetness from the beets along with the other ingredients creates a flavor that goes well with falafel's savory elements.
You can spread bread with a thin layer of this pesto before adding falafel for texture variation.
Try adding beet pesto to a wrap or pita for a delicious lunchtime meal.
10. Boom Sauce
Boom Sauce, also known as Boom Boom Sauce or sometimes Holy Grail Boom Boom Sauce, is a cult favorite and originated in the Midwest.
It combines sour cream, mayo, garlic, onion powder and a few other ingredients to create a creamy sauce full of flavor.
This sauce has become popular with fried shrimp, crab cakes and sandwiches, but it pairs very nicely with Falafel too.
The mild garlic-onion flavor works to bring out the nutty flavor of your Falafel without overpowering it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce Lemon herb tahini sauce is a classic accompaniment to any falafel dish. This sauce goes well with falafel and also works well as a salad dressing or a dip for vegetables.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce Lemon herb tahini sauce scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
What Sauce Goes with Hush Puppies? 9 BEST Options is a useful reference for more fried-dough pairings: hush puppy sauce suggestions. For sandwich-centric cheese choices and sides see chicken sandwich sauce pairings.