Flavor-Packed Side Dishes for Lamb

Arica's Green Beans and Feta on a white plate
Photo: naples34102

You don't need a special occasion to prepare lamb, though Passover Seder and Easter lunch count among the many reasons to cook the succulent meat. Other valid reasons to cook lamb? The following 14 side dishes—all of which bring out of the best in full-flavored lamb.

01 of 14

Arakas Latheros (Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill)

Areakas Latheros (Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill)
Diana Moutsopoulos

Cooks often pair peas with lamb, but the addition of crushed tomatoes, potato wedges, and fresh dill takes things to a delicious new level. Try this with Greek Orange Roast Lamb.

02 of 14

Sauteed Radishes

Sauteed Radishes
Photo by lutzflcat. lutzflcat

When cooked, radishes lose their usual bite and gain a sweetness that tastes impeccable with leg of lamb. Plus, reviews attest that this recipe changes people's minds about this vibrant, peppery vegetable.

03 of 14

Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash

Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash
Allrecipes Magazine

"The couscous and squash on their own were delicious, but mixing the two together was amazing," says reviewer McCrearyacres." Easy to make and fancy looking —great for guests!" Give this a try with Moroccan Lamb with Shiraz Honey Sauce.

04 of 14

Israeli Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Israeli Tomato and Cucumber Salad
France C

For some, lamb just isn't complete without mint. Even if your lamb recipe doesn't call for the herb, serving this refreshing salad on the side will please the palate. For optimal flavor, wait until tomatoes are in season, then serve with Grilled Spicy Lamb Burgers.

05 of 14

Moroccan Spicy Carrot Salad

Moroccan Spicy Carrot Salad
Photo by laurah. laurah

"Wow, I think these were the best tasting carrots that I have ever had! Extremely flavorful and such interesting flavors at that," Kristen B. says. This salad packs a lot of heat but remains balanced—it would be heavenly next to Lamb Ribs with Honey and Wine.

06 of 14

Apricot Almond Pilaf

Apricot Almond Pilaf
Photo by lutzflcat. lutzflcat

Carrot, saffron, and apricots give this rice its gorgeous golden color, along with a flavor that rounds out lamb with deep, slightly sweet notes. You could serve this as a bed for Little Lamb Meatballs in a Spicy Eggplant Tomato Sauce.

07 of 14

Roasted Za'atar Potatoes

Za'atar Roasted Potatoes in a white dish on a green and white tablecloth
Kim's Cooking Now

"Small potatoes roasted in za'atar seasoning are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor," says Soup Loving Nicole. Chef John's Roasted Leg of Lamb would make a good partner for this rustic potato side dish.

08 of 14

Baked Eggplant Salad

Grilled Eggplant and Asparagus Salad
Photo by terra matris. terra martin

Dressed in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and cilantro, this salad would be a natural next to simple grilled lamb chops. The bright, tangy flavors in this dish would contrast spectacularly with the earthen chops.

09 of 14

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

side view of a square white platter of roasted asparagus, focusing on the tips
Kim's Cooking Now

"The roasting method kills the natural bitterness of asparagus," says swedishmilk. A simple, elegant side dish for Roasted Rack of Lamb. Check to make sure your asparagus are cooked thoroughly for a tender bite.

10 of 14

Chef John's Perfect Polenta

bowl of cheesy polenta in patterned white bowl
Chef John

This buttery polenta would be perfect with Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks spooned over the top. A classic Italian cornmeal dish, polenta is sturdy enough to stand up to the rich flavors of lamb.

11 of 14

Arica's Green Beans and Feta

Arica's Green Beans and Feta on a white plate
naples34102

A bright, simple dish that will help cut through the richness of lamb. The vibrantly fresh flavor is made up of only 6 ingredients, and can be whipped up quickly in a time constraint.

12 of 14

Sweet Potato and Fennel Hash

sweet potato fennel hash
Seattle2Sydney

This smoky-sweet hash would pair perfectly with lamb chops. Jalapeños, whiskey, and brown sugar give this hash a serious edge. Pile a chop on top of this flavorful side for a stick-to-you-ribs brunch experience.

13 of 14

Beet and White Bean Salad

beets, white, beans, crumbled bleu cheese, and greens
SunnyDaysNora

"I have not had beets since I was a child and wasn't the biggest fan but I thought I would give this salad a try. I am so glad I did," shares Happyschmoopies. "I am now a beet fan! This salad had so many great flavors —from the creamy beans to crunchy walnuts and tangy blue cheese."

14 of 14

Red Lentil Soup with Lemon-Mint Yogurt

lentil soup swirled with lemon mint yogurt
Rose.rock014

A slightly tart, comforting soup to serve alongside perfectly cooked lamb. It doesn't get any better than lentils simmered in cayenne and chicken broth, then swirled with a zesty yogurt.

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