50 Best Easy Side Dishes For Lamb

Whether it’s a lamb roast, lamb chops, or another type of lamb you’re serving, it’s going to be a special meal that deserves only the very best sides. But keep the lamb the star of the show! From simple roasted vegetables to crispy Greek lemon potatoes, here are 50 favorite easy side dishes to pair perfectly with your lamb!

Closeup of grilled lamb chops with crispy potatoes and peas and thyme sprigs on a white plate and pale green napkin.

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What to serve with lamb

Lamb is always a great choice for a special occasion, whether it’s slow roasted Greek lamb (kleftiko!) for Easter or a roasted rack of lamb for a Valentine’s dinner.

You’ll want to keep the hearty, juicy, succulent meat as the main attraction, so simple sides make the perfect partners for lamb.

The great news is that robust lamb goes with a wide variety of flavours, from mild and sweet to zesty, punchy and spicy. It’s particularly delicious with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, which is why you’ll see so many of those in the list.

Whatever you have in mind – vegetables, potatoes, salads, rice, pasta, or bread – take your time to browse the variety of delicious sides below and pick the very best for your main course!

Wondering what wine to serve with your delicious lamb feast? Scroll down to the end for some FAQs!

Vegetable side dishes for lamb

You can’t go wrong with some simple spring vegetables such as pan-fried asparagus or green beans. Simply pan-fry in a little olive oil and plenty of garlic for 5-10 minutes until lightly golden and delicious.

Or how about broccolini sautéed for 5 minutes with a little olive oil and garlic? Toss a few squeezes of lemon juice through at the end!

Alternatively, toss your favorite dressing through a fresh green salad, sprinkle simple garnishes over your lamb such as lemon zest, crumbled feta or fresh herbs. Grab some fresh crusty bread and dinner is served.

Here are more delicious veggie side ideas:

Amazing Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots

Roast TWO humble veggies in one! Toss them in a honey mustard balsamic dressing that's a perfect pairing for lamb shanks, meatballs, casserole and more. Crisp and caramelized outside and soft and delicious inside!

See recipe

Closeup of roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a white plate and blue background

Mediterranean Roast Vegetables (Oven Or Air Fryer)

Throw Mediterranean style vegetables on a baking dish, toss with olive oil, herbs and spices, and roast for 30 mins (or just 15 mins in your air fryer). These are low-carb, and would go particularly well with lamb shanks, or a leg or shoulder of lamb with a gravy.

See recipe

A dish of Mediterranean roast vegetables on a white background with a spoon in it and a green tea towel in the background

10-minute Sautéed Frozen Green Beans

Welcome to your new favorite last minute vegetable side dish! You can cook these sautéed frozen green beans straight from frozen (yep, no defrosting necessary!). Choose your own simple flavors for perfectly tender and browned seasoned green beans on your dinner table in only 10 minutes.

See recipe

Closeup of someone squeezing half a lemon into a black cast iron pan of sauteed frozen green beans with a pale green tea towel in the background.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Caramelized Onions, Pine Nuts And Feta

A warm salad to convert even the most ardent brussels sprouts hater! Toss with a simple dressing while still warm and crispy. Then sprinkle over crunchy pine nuts and feta for an incredibly tasty side that would go so well with lamb chops, souvlaki or even a roast.

See recipe

A plate of honey balsamic brussels sprouts with pine nuts and feta

Baked Eggplant With Tomato And Feta

A simple Mediterranean side dish of baked eggplant with tomato sauce and feta cheese. Perfect served with grilled lamb chops, steaks or cutlets. Or how about some tasty lamb meatballs or koftas with garlic bread or olive oil toasts on the side?

See recipe

our favourite baked eggplant with tomato and feta

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Tahini Sauce And Almonds

These Mediterranean style brussels sprouts can turn anyone into a brussels lover! Simply roast brussels sprouts in olive oil, then drizzle with a delicious and simple tahini sauce and toasted almonds. Absolutely delicious with harissa lamb or marinated lamb chops!

See recipe

A white bowl filled with crispy brussels sprouts with tahini sauce and almonds

Potatoes to go with lamb

Mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, skinny fries, wedges, scalloped potatoes and more. You can serve literally any kind of potatoes with your lamb for an easy yet luxurious meal.

Need a super quick, easy and delicious side dish that will go with your quick lamb chops or burgers – or frankly any kind of lamb? Just toss sweet potato wedges in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and dried herbs. Roast for around 30 minutes (turning half way) at 230C/450F for crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes that everyone will love.

Or pick one of these delicious potato sides for lamb:

The Best Greek Potatoes

These Greek potatoes truly deserve to have the words 'the best' in their title. They're tasty, creamy, and crispy all at the same time, and go with any kind of lamb (actually anything at all!). You might find yourself eating the whole pan to yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you!

See recipe

A closeup of an overhead of some golden brown cooked Greek potatoes in a baking dish with a blue tea towel in the corner and with a sprinkle of parsley on top.

Potato Bake With Bacon (Boulangere Potatoes)

This super tasty, crispy, cheesy bacon-y potato bake, AKA boulangere potatoes, is the perfect ‘posh’ side for for your lamb main. You’ll find them a little lighter than a typical creamy potato gratin, but they’re just as delicious and easy. Also great for making ahead.

See recipe

A red baking dish of boulangere potatoes, or potato bake with bacon, on a blue background and with a blue and white striped tea towel in the background

Mini Parmesan And Garlic Hasselback Potatoes

If you're a fan of crispy potatoes, you're going to love these super cute mini parmesan and garlic hasselback potatoes. They're a simple side dish yet so classy – perfect for your next lamb dinner party!

See recipe

Mini parmesan and garlic hasselback potatoes on a baking tray

Potato And Cauliflower Mash (Make Ahead)

Mash made with delicious roasted cauliflower and potatoes and cheese. These are the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted, and would go well with literally any kind of lamb you can think of.

See recipe

An overhead shot of some roasted cauliflower mashed potatoes in a small red dish garnished with cauliflower florets

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes (Dauphinoise Potatoes)

You could say these luxurious creamy, cheesy, garlic-y potatoes are a perfect pairing for your lamb roast. Serve them for Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving, or whenever you want a quick, easy but crowd pleasing side to go with your meat.

See recipe

A red oval baking dish of creamy garlic parmesan potatoes with a spoon in it and a multi-coloured stripy tea towel in the foreground

Greek Crispy Smashed Potatoes (With Air Fryer Version)

A quick and easy potato side that's perfect if you have an air fryer! (Or make them in your oven!) You'll love the crisp and deliciously simple Greek flavors. Perfect with literally any kind of lamb.

See recipe

Someone holding a fork with a Greek style crispy smashed potato on it over a whole bowl of them

The Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes

The perfect baked sweet potatoes are easy to make! The sweet flavour goes really well with the earthy, grassy flavours of lamb. Learn how long to bake sweet potatoes, and how to know when they are really ready to be served. Recipe from Michelle at Sunkissed Kitchen.

See recipe

Rosemary fries with roasted garlic dip – Lazy Cat Kitchen

You just can't go wrong with some delicious fries to go with literally any kind of lamb. These rosemary fries from Lazy Cat Kitchen come with an addictive roasted garlic dip. They are super easy to make, crispy and indulgent despite being baked. Vegan, gluten-free.

See recipe

Rosemary fries with roasted garlic dip - Lazy Cat Kitchen

Salad ideas

Grilling some marinated lamb on the BBQ and want ideas for salads to go with it? If you have something on the lighter side in mind, you’ve come to the right place.

I often serve a simple mixed leaf or spinach salad with my famous Greek lamb kleftiko. I simply toss through a simple dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey. Add some chopped spring/salad onions and a little chopped dill as well if you like.

Another very easy but delicious choice is a tomato salad. Use a variety of different shapes and sizes and chop them roughly. Then drizzle in your favorite dressing, or just olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze. Scatter over some fresh basil for the most delicious simple salad ever.

These would both be good options for lamb shanks, lamb moussaka, lamb tagine or any other dish where you really want to keep the lamb the star of the show.

Serving simple grilled lamb, meatballs, souvlaki or koftas? You might be up for something a little different!

Here are some ideas:

Classic Greek Salad

This delicious crowd pleasing salad contains tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, black olives, feta cheese, oregano and olive oil. It's a perfect side dish for Greek lamb, harissa lamb, lamb koftas or just plain juicy lamb chops!

See recipe

Part of a big Greek salad in a white bowl with a big slice of feta cheese and oregano on top from above.

Burrata Caprese Salad

Try dreamy, creamy Italian burrata cheese in this show-stopping twist on a classic caprese salad. With juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tangy red onion, and creamy burrata, it's a must-try salad or appetizer for guests!

See recipe

An overhead view of a burrata caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, croutons and fresh basil in a blue patterned blow with a big whole ball of burrata cheese in the middle, and with serving spoons in it.

Simple Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

A Greek lettuce salad is the best tossed green salad ever! It's super simple, with only 6 ingredients (3 in the salad, 3 more in the dressing), but it tastes fresh, zingy and delicious. Goes with virtually anything, adding vibrance and crunch to your plate in a matter of minutes!

See recipe

Overhead of a chopped lettuce salad and salad servers in a white dish with blue rim on a grey background with ingredients all around it.

Quinoa Salad With Crispy Chickpeas

A simple but very addictive salad with healthy quinoa and super delicious crispy chickpeas. A perfect side for your delicious juicy lamb!

See recipe

A close up of crispy fried chickpeas on a salad

Spinach Salad With Blueberries, Bacon And Avocado

A simple 4-ingredient blueberry spinach salad fancied up with crowd pleasing crispy bacon and avocado. Drizzle with the most delicious blueberry vinaigrette. This goes surprisingly well with a roasted rack of lamb, or lamb cutlets or chops.

See recipe

A close-up of a spinach avocado salad with blueberry vinaigrette on it

Quinoa Salad With Fennel, Feta And Blueberries

A juicy, crispy and crunchy quinoa salad full of fresh green leaves, herbs, fruit, nuts and cheese. This is bursting with flavour and would be a great option for serving on the side with your barbecued or grilled lamb.

See recipe

A corner of a glass bowl of quinoa salad with feta, fennel and blueberries from above on a black background

Halloumi Salad With Sundried Tomatoes, Mint And Honey-balsamic Spinach

This delicious salad including crispy halloumi, spinach, honey, sundried tomatoes and a tasty minty lemony yogurt is another perfect partner for your lamb. Particularly yummy with harissa lamb, koftas or any Mediterranean style lamb.

See recipe

2 plates of halloumi spinach salad with forks on them

Crispy Halloumi Salad With Tomatoes, Avocado And Corn

This is a take on a classic tomato, corn, avocado, and basil salad – but it's all topped with addictively crispy halloumi cheese and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing. Delicious with crusty bread and tender lamb of your choice.

See recipe

A square plate of crispy halloumi salad with tomato, corn and avocado on a white and blue tea towel

Healthy Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw With Greek Yogurt

A healthier coleslaw made with brussels sprouts and Greek yogurt to pair perfectly with your lamb sausages, chops, burgers and more.

See recipe

Closeup of a clear bowl of brussels sprouts coleslaw.

Fennel Orange Salad With Radishes, Feta and Pistachios

Cheer yourself up with this refreshing and colourful salad of blood oranges with fennel, radishes, pistachios and feta. Roasting the fennel and radishes gives them a beautiful sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the citrus, nuts and cheese. Perfect with chops!

See recipe

Blood orange and roasted fennel & radish salad on a square plate and checked green mat

Fennel, Peach And Parmesan Salad

This simple, summery salad combines the aniseed tones of crunchy fennel and fresh tarragon with juicy peaches and sharp parmesan cheese. Drizzle over a light lemon-olive oil dressing and you're done. So perfect with grilled lamb!

See recipe

Rice and pasta sides

From a hearty and comforting macaroni and cheese to a cold pasta salad with asparagus, a rice or pasta dish can make a great easy and tasty side dish for your lamb.

I’d choose one of these to go with simple grilled, barbecued or pan-fried lamb. I hope you find something you like!

Pasta Alla Norma (Tomato And Eggplant Pasta)

Pasta Alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, basil and cheese. It's perfect for those nights when you want a healthy home cooked dinner, but without any fuss. Serve by itself, or – you guessed it – with lamb chops on the side!

See recipe

A white bowl of pasta alla norma on a light green tea towel

Greek Mac And Cheese

This is a super easy and comforting Greek baked mac and cheese packed with spinach and feta and topped with crispy panko crumbs. It tastes a bit like a Greek spanakopita pie. Great with cold lamb leftovers. The best part? It's on the table in just 30 minutes!

See recipe

a really easy Greek mac and cheese bake being served with a big spoon

Mediterranean Penne Pasta Salad

This penne pasta salad is a perfect all-in-one side to go with your BBQ lamb, chops, meatballs, sausages and more. Packed with colourful and nutritious Mediterranean vegetables, it isn't drenched in mayonnaise and is really easy to make.

See recipe

Mediterranean penne pasta salad in a clear glass container on a marble background

Greek Lemon Rice (With Chickpeas)

A lemony, Mediterranean style rice dish with chickpeas that's delicious served with lamb chops. It's healthy, economical, and ready in just 20 to 25 minutes. Make it on your stove top or in your instant pot!

See recipe

Lemony Mediterranean rice with chickpeas in a blue bowl from above with lemons in the background

Orzo Salad With Asparagus, Tomatoes And Chickpeas

Looking for something refreshing, simple, and healthy to go with your grilled, barbecued or pan-fried lamb? This orzo salad with feta, asparagus and chickpeas could be the perfect choice.

See recipe

A closeup of a blue bowl of asparagus, tomato and chickpea orzo salad with a spoon across the top.

Eggplant Lasagna

This is perhaps the 'wild card' option to serve with your lamb. But it goes so well! Simply layer a simple eggplant sauce with a ricotta mixture and lasagna sheets. There's no white sauce to make, and it's ready in just an hour. Delicious with leftover roast lamb.

See recipe

A red baking dish of eggplant lasagna with a piece missing on a cooking rack and with a red checked tea towel in the foreground

Simple Orzo Salad With Pesto

Another orzo salad packed with fresh basil pesto, pine nuts, spinach and parmesan cheese. This is a simple but very tasty salad that would be perfect served with your lamb chops, steaks or burgers.

See recipe

A closeup of an overhead view of a white bowl of pesto salad with orzo with grated parmesan and basil on top, all on a brown wicker background with a spoon in the background at the top.

Pan-fried Gnocchi With Cherry Tomato Sauce

This gnocchi is a delicious meal in itself, but add some grilled lamb on the side and you have a very luxurious meal. No one will believe it's so easy to make. Pan fry gnocchi until golden and crispy, then toss in a simple but very tasty cherry tomato and basil sauce.

See recipe

A closeup of an overhead view of a dish of pan-fried gnocchi in cherry tomato basil sauce with feta cheese sprinkled on top.

12-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta

Casarrecia pasta! It might be basic, with just 7 pantry ingredients, but this 'pasta sciue sciue' is extremely delicious if you use the best quality ingredients you can find. Serve with any roasted or grilled lamb for a perfect simple summer dinner.

See recipe

Closeup of someone picking up some casarecce pasta in a simple cherry tomato and basil sauce, with the rim of the white plate in the foreground and background.

Bread

If you’ve already chosen a veggie side to go with your lamb, add fresh bread and there’s your perfectly balanced meal.

If you’re short on time, by all means grab a freshly baked olive, herb or sundried tomato artisan bread from your favourite bakery.

If you’re feeling adventurous, however, here are a few (really easy) homemade bread ideas:

No Knead Focaccia Bread

A quick and easy traditional Italian focaccia with only 6 pantry ingredients. Make this to go with your lamb shanks, lamb kleftiko or casserole and you'll impress every time. Ready in 20 minutes, and why not make a lamb sandwich with your leftovers?

See recipe

Freshly baked Italian focaccia bread in the baking tin

2-minute Toasted Bread With Olive Oil And Salt

These olive oil toasts are possibly the easiest option on this list! But you'll be amazed how tasty they are. Just toast your favourite bread, then drizzle with olive oil and scatter with salt. Serve with literally any meal where lamb is the star attraction.

See recipe

A platter of toasted bread with olive oil and salt being held

2-ingredient Flatbread

All you need is yogurt and flour (plus a little salt) to make the most delicious flatbread ever. Serve it on the side with your lamb masterpiece, or make delicious lamb wraps with your leftover roast lamb, hummus, salad and tahini sauce. Yum!

See recipe

A brown ceramic pot with hummus in it sprinkled with pine nuts, olive oil and herbs and with ingredients scattered around.

Even more sides for lamb!

10-minute Tomato Salsa

This fresh tomato salsa is so simple and delicious, and only takes 10 minutes to make. It's delicious scooped up with nachos, of course, but how about spooning it over some grilled or barbecued lamb?

See recipe

Closeup of a dish of 10 minute tomato salsa from above

5-minute Greek spicy Feta Dip (tyrokafteri)

A tasty feta dip made with 5 simple Mediterranean ingredients – roasted peppers (from a jar!), feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice and chili flakes. Smear onto 2-ingredient flatbread, add leftover roast lamb, salad and tahini sauce for another tasty lamb wrap.

See recipe

Someone scooping up spicy feta dip with a homemade pita chip from an oval shaped dish with black and white rim on a black plate and blue background with more pita chips in the background.

Baked Feta With Tomatoes, Peppers And Olives

A wonderfully simple Greek style side dish of baked feta cheese with tomatoes, peppers, olives, oregano and paprika. Imagine something like a warm Greek salad! Wonderful with simple grilled lamb. Smoosh it onto bread and serve with a glass of ouzo or wine!

See recipe

A dish of baked feta with tomatoes, peppers and olives from above

Cauliflower Fritters With Feta And Mint

Lightly crispy fritters packed with healthy roasted cauliflower and tangy feta cheese and mint. Serve with literally any kind of lamb, but they'd be delicious with lamb shanks or meatballs in a sauce.

See recipe

A plate of cauliflower fritters on a plate with lemon slices and a purple tea towel in the background

Roasted Vegetable Couscous With Halloumi

Delicious roasted vegetables with a Greek twist. Add couscous to the dish, and top with crispy halloumi cheese. This one pan dish is another great choice to go with virtually any kind of lamb.

See recipe

One pan Greek couscous with halloumi in a rustic bowl and on a green checked place mat

Perfect Hummus With Pine Nuts And Paprika (With 2-ingredient Flatbread)

Hummus and flatbread go perfectly with lamb, particularly harissa lamb, or lamb koftas or souvlaki. Don't skip the bread – it's so delicious and easy. Then why not make a lamb wrap by stuffing with shredded roast lamb, hummus, tahini sauce and salad?

See recipe

Roasted Red Pepper And Eggplant Dip

A sweet, smoky and vaguely nutty dip made from roasted peppers and eggplant and tahini paste. These flavours will perfectly complement your juicy lamb!

See recipe

Appetizer and dessert ideas

Lamb is such a great option for easy entertaining. It makes a substantial meal, and it’s usually a real show piece. So you’ll want to keep your appetizers and desserts on the lighter side.

Here are a few ideas:

Appetizers

These crispy halloumi fries have literally never let me down. They take mere minutes to make, and everyone loves them, from the kids to the grandparents.

Another crowd pleasing option is these crispy zucchini fries. They’re delicious served with a little tzatziki on the side, but light enough so that they won’t spoil your appetite.

Desserts

Here are my top picks for a quick and easy dessert to go with your lamb main. You can make either of them ahead so you can put all your attention on your delicious lamb centrepiece!

You honestly can’t go wrong with this 6-ingredient gooey Swedish chocolate cake. I’ve been making it for years, and it never lets me down.

This dramatic looking (but very easy) San Sebastian cheesecake is incredible! Otherwise known as a burnt Basque cheesecake, it’s a crustless cheesecake with a delicious dark golden top.

Lamb side dish FAQs

What garnishes go best with lamb?

Maybe you haven’t had time to marinate your lamb or rub it with spices. Luckily there are some simple garnishes you can add to complement the flavors of the lamb and make a truly delicious (not to mention attractive!) meal.

To lift your simple grilled lamb chops to another level, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill or coriander. Fresh mint is also a surprisingly good choice since it features in many Middle Eastern lamb dishes.

Or why not sprinkle over some lemon zest? Then top with lemon wedges for squeezing over at the table.

You might also be surprised to hear that a sprinkle of feta cheese can taste fantastic with Greek lamb kleftiko, on a lamb burger, or over any kind of grilled lamb.

A last little ‘trick’ to easily garnish your lamb is to top with a little sauce (how about tsatziki?), salsa, pesto, chimichurri (from The Forked Spoon) or even vinaigrette. You’ll be surprised what a delicious meal you’ll enjoy by just doing this. Store bought is fine if you’re short on time!

What wine goes best with lamb?

It’s no secret that red wines pair perfectly with lamb. There are no firm rules and endless possibilities! But the best choices might be those that can stand up to the intense flavour of the lamb.

With a traditional lamb roast with herbs, you won’t go wrong with a classic Bordeaux which can include fruity, full-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. A nicely acidic Chianti or Rioja can go beautifully with lamb shanks, casserole or stew. Or try a softer Pinot Noir with your tender lamb chops!

I’d love to hear what delicious lamb dish you made, and which of these easy recipes you chose to go with it in the end!

Enjoy!

Also wondering what to do with your roast lamb leftovers? Check out this list of delicious and creative lamb leftovers ideas including soups, curries, stews, sandwiches and more!

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What to serve with lamb

Vegetable side dishes for lamb

Potatoes to go with lamb

Salad ideas

Rice and pasta sides

Bread

Even more sides for lamb!

Appetizer and dessert ideas

Appetizers

Desserts

Lamb side dish FAQs

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