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!
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!
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:
4.89 from 9 votes
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!
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.
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.
Welcome to your new favorite last minute vegetable side dish! You can cook this sautéed frozen broccoli straight from frozen (yep, no defrosting necessary!). Season with dried basil and garlic, lemon and parmesan for the kind of perfectly tender and browned seasoned broccoli that can convert even the most ardent of broccoli haters. The best part? It's on your dinner table in only 10 minutes!
A quick and easy side dish that you can pull together in literally 5 minutes. Simply pull out a bag of frozen spinach and throw it into a hot pan with garlic – without defrosting first! Finish with fresh tangy lemon juice, salt and pepper, and a large drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This goes so well with any meat or fish dish!
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.
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?
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!
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:
4.72 from 226 votes
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!
Delicious mini roasted cubed potatoes that don't need any parboiling! Potatoes parmentier are the perfect quick and easy weeknight baked potato dish, but also look so classy at a dinner party. Five minutes' prep, then the oven does the rest!
Greek potato salad doesn't have mayo in it, but you won't miss it! Lemony and packed with herbs and 'pickled' onions, it's easy and delicious, and ready in about 20 minutes. This is the perfect choice for a summer BBQ or family dinner, especially when you really don't want to turn on the oven.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
5 from 7 votes
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!
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!
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!
A refreshing and unique salad with crunchy aromatic fennel, juicy oranges and tangy shaved parmesan cheese. This is a great option midweek with something simple in the summer, but also makes a perfect salad option for your holiday table when oranges and fennel are in season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
4.85 from 40 votes
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!
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!
This penne pesto pasta is a perfect all-in-one side to go with your BBQ lamb, chops, meatballs, sausages and more. Packed with colourful and nutritious Mediterranean veggies, it isn't drenched in mayonnaise and is really easy to make.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
5 from 17 votes
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?
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.
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!
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
A sweet, smoky and vaguely nutty dip made from roasted peppers and eggplant and tahini paste. These flavours will perfectly complement your juicy lamb!
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!
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!
