What To Eat With Baba Ganoush? 15 Best Side Dishes
Not sure what to eat with baba ganoush?
Look no further!
Baba Ganoush is a creamy and delicious eggplant-based dip, loaded with flavors like garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and herbs.
It’s the perfect appetizer or snack for any special occasion, but sometimes it can be hard to know what goes best with this tasty treat.
That’s why I’ve put together 15 of the absolute best side dishes for your Baba Ganoush night.
Whether you want something traditional like naan bread or veggie sticks to complement your meal, or you feel like trying Moroccan spiced French fries as a fun twist on classic sides—you’ve come to the right place!
These recipes are guaranteed to give your yummy eggplant dip an extra edge.
Why Consider Serving Sides with Baba Ganoush?
- Texture: Baba ganoush is a creamy, smooth dip that pairs well with crunchy sides like pita chips or crudités.
- Flavor: The smoky flavor of baba ganoush can be complemented by the addition of other flavors such as lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Serving it with sides that have complementary flavors will enhance the overall taste experience.
- Variety: Adding different types of sides to your baba ganoush platter will provide variety for your guests and make the dish more interesting and appealing.
- Nutrition: Sides like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help balance out the fat content in baba ganoush while providing additional nutrition benefits to your meal or snack time spread.
- Presentation: A colorful array of side dishes served alongside baba ganoush makes for an attractive presentation that’s sure to impress any guest!
What To Eat With Baba Ganoush? 15 Best Side Dishes
Baba ganoush is a delicious Mediterranean dip made from eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
It’s usually served with pita bread or flatbreads, but it can also be paired with many other side dishes.
Here are fifteen great accompaniments to baba ganoush that will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish:
1. Fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/325103666866974939/Vegetables are great accompaniments with baba ganoush.
Raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes have a refreshing crunch that goes perfectly with the creamy dip.
Cut them into sticks or slices before serving and if you want to step it up a notch, try grilling or roasting them for even more flavor.
The vegetables will caramelize in oil when grilled – adding an extra layer of smoky goodness.
If you’ve got some fresh herbs lying around, chop them up and sprinkle on top as garnish for that added depth of flavor; but either way this colorful side dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
2. Grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or lamb.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/273734483593364541/Grilled or roasted meats like chicken and lamb go perfectly with baba ganoush.
The smokiness of the meat complements the creamy eggplant dip, making for a flavor fusion that can’t be missed.
Cut up your favorite cuts of meat into thin strips and either grill or roast until cooked through to ensure you get all the flavors from both dishes.
To make sure your meats don’t lose their juicy texture, brush them periodically with extra virgin olive oil while they cook on the stovetop or over hot charcoals.
With plenty of options available, it’s easy to vary up this meal just by switching out which type of meat you choose—try pork chops, beef ribs, shrimp skewers…the possibilities are endless
3. Falafel or other Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/39547302969580543/Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern meal that’s both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
It’s made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, then fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
This lightly spiced dish is perfect for dipping into creamy baba ganoush or pairing with other sides like hummus or tabbouleh salad.
If you’re looking to have an all-vegetarian night out, try stuffing warm pita bread with falafel balls mixed with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, and fresh parsley – even die-hard carnivores will love this delicious combo!
4. Hummus or other dips.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/76209418686051853/When it comes to serving baba ganoush, hummus is a no-brainer side dish. But there are other options too!
Instead of your usual store-bought dip, why not whip up some homemade tzatziki, garlic tahini sauce or chermoula?
They are all incredibly delicious and go perfectly with a range of Mediterranean dishes.
If you’re looking for a less garlicky option, try serving creamy avocado cubes or roasted red pepper puree as an accompaniment alongside some fresh vegetables like carrots and radishes.
The possibilities are endless!
5. Olives and pickles.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68735623811/Round out your meze spread with a bowl of pickles and olives.
The salty tanginess from the briny olives and tartness from the dill pickles balance out the richness of baba ganoush, making it easier to savor each dip without feeling overwhelmed.
What’s more, adding these sides creates texture contrast to elevate your culinary experience.
The crunchy additions also offer holiday colors for an Instagram-ready meal!
6. Rice dishes, such as pilaf or biryani.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27443878972151127/For a modern twist on classic Mediterranean flavors, try serving up baba ganoush with a steaming bowl of rice.
Choose one of your favorite varieties, such as creamy and fragrant Pilaf or aromatic biryani, to provide an extra layer of flavor to the vegetarian dip.
The simple combination looks beautiful when served in colorful side dishes that also fit any occasion – be it a holiday dinner or weekend gathering at home.
Apart from being easy-to-make and highly nutritious, this Mediterranean rice dish is also incredibly delicious making it perfect for sharing!
7. Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/382172718391509942/Pair baba ganoush with some lightly grilled or roasted vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms.
These veggies offer a perfect contrast to the smooth texture of the dip.
They can be marinated in olive oil and herbs prior to cooking, like oregano and thyme, for an extra punch of flavor.
This combination also adds a beautiful variety of color and different textures that’ll have your guests asking for more!
Serve it as an appetizer at dinner parties or outdoor summer barbecues – it’ll definitely be a hit!
8. Feta cheese or other soft cheeses.
Upgrade your baba ganoush game by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese or soft goat’s cheese on top.
The saltiness and the creamy texture of the cheese helps to balance out the tangy flavors of eggplant, tahini, garlic and lemon juice in this dish.
Serve with a generous side portion of flatbreads for dipping, or use softer, creamier cheeses alongside salad greens for a delightful Mediterranean salad.
9. Tabouli or other salads.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/112027110549465640/Adding some green to your plate?
Baba ganoush goes great with salads like Tabbouleh, a Mediterranean salad made of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions and parsley.
This combo also works wonders as an appetizer at any dinner party – rich and smoky baba ganoush combined with dressed herbaceous tabouli gives everyone a flavor adventure they won’t soon forget.
Other possibilities include a traditional Greek salad or arugula-cucumber salads seasoned with bright lemon vinaigrette.
Paired together the vegetables are markedly more flavorful and give you that mouthwatering mediterranean taste!
10. Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.
For an ultra-herbal, delicious twist on baba ganoush, try pairing it with bright, fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
These greens add a simple but powerful flavor support that complements the eggplant’s earthy and smoky notes. Sprinkle them into the dip for an instant upgrade.
You can also serve whole sprigs of herbs alongside your ganoush as a tasty accompaniment to crunchy pita chips or toasty flatbreads.
Dip away!
11. Lentil soup or other hearty soups.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/182255116161774640/Pairing baba ganoush with a delicious soup adds substance to the meal and creates an inviting spread.
Try lentil soup, which is packed with proteins and fiber, or any of your favorite hearty soups like minestrone, split pea, or roasted vegetable.
These flavorful soups are great on their own but even better when dipped into smooth and creamy baba ganoush.
Top off your creation with freshly-chopped herbs for added brightness.
12. Roasted or pickled beets.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/325877723048745685/Pair baba ganoush with a crunchy side like roasted or pickled beets.
The earthy sweetness of the smoky eggplants brings out the flavour in any type of beet dish, adding an extra layer of complexity to this already delicious dip.
Whether you decide to roast them with your favorite herbs and olive oil, or serve with a light vinegar finish from pickled beets, their sweet juiciness will help balance out the bold flavors of baba ganoush for an appetizer that’s sure to please.
13. Grilled or roasted fish, such as salmon or trout.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/103019910218303244/Fish and baba ganoush make a delicious duo.
Grilling or roasting your chosen fish until golden brown and flaky and then combining it with creamy, smoky baba ganoush gives your meal an extra level of flavour.
Try drizzling some olive oil or fresh lemon juice over the fish – this simple trick enhances the flavour profile while keeping things light.
Serve alongside warm pita bread or flatbreads to round out the meal.
14. Crusty bread or breadsticks.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/707065210269030053/Crusty bread or breadsticks are great to pair with baba ganoush.
Consider getting a fresh baguette or ciabatta in the bakery of your local grocery store and bake it in high heat oven until crusty and golden.
Instead of just serving plain bread, get creative by sprinkling some spices like garlic powder, Italian herbs, capers, red pepper flakes into soft butter and spread over slices before baking.
Savory focaccia flatbreads are another great accompaniment for this dip – you can use ready-made dough from the store or make your own homemade version with olives, rosemary leaves, sundried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
15. Spicy pickled vegetables, such as pickled peppers or kimchi.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165577723791743792/Pickled vegetables, such as peppers or kimchi, are a flavorful and simple way to liven up any appetizer spread.
Pair them with baba ganoush for a zesty zing that is sure to please.
With the creamy eggplant base contrasted with a kick of spice from the pickles, this makes a perfect side dish alongside pita chips and flatbreads.
For an added bonus, try sprinkling some fresh herbs over top!
What To Eat With Baba Ganoush (15 Best Sides)
Ingredients
- Fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or lamb.
- Falafel or other Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes.
- Hummus or other dips.
- Olives and pickles.
- Rice dishes, such as pilaf or biryani.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
- Feta cheese or other soft cheeses.
- Tabouli or other salads.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.
- Lentil soup or other hearty soups.
- Roasted or pickled beets.
- Grilled or roasted fish, such as salmon or trout.
- Crusty bread or breadsticks.
- Spicy pickled vegetables, such as pickled peppers or kimchi.
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
- Organize your ingredients and utensils.
- Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
- Prepare and serve for delicious meal!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.