What to Serve with Mujadara

Ever wondered what to serve with Mujadara? The famous Arabic pure comfort food of lentils and rice. In this article, I'll share a variety of mujadara side dishes enjoyed by my Middle Eastern family.

a collage of different salads, soups and tofu skewers

I have written about the different types of mujadara and even explain in that article where its origins lie.

I have also documented the varying simple recipes that will surprise you with how flavorful they are;

Mdardara

Mujadara hamra - the red version

Mujadara safra - the yellow version

Mujadara makhbousa

So it’s only fitting that I delve into the side dishes my Lebanese family enjoys alongside mujadara.

I must also point out that fresh produce, in some form or fashion, is always served with every meal. You'll notice this pattern.

At the end of this roundup, you will find a couple of non-traditional sides that I personally like to eat, because mixing it up is sometimes fabulous!

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for the perfect complement, this list of sides will leave you feeling inspired and satisfied.

mujadara topped with caramelized onions, chopped radish and a side of salad

What To Serve With Mujadara?

Any one of the following side dishes can be served alongside mujadara on its own and will build a complex flavor profile.

However, sometimes, a combination of these side dishes can be plated together to create a well-varied plate.

For example, we might take a dollop of the cucumber yogurt salad, with a serving of cabbage slaw with vinaigrette and some pickles to enjoy alongside mujadara.

If you're eating the porridge style of lentils and rice then you could pair it with oven-baked pita bread. I have to say, this is super tasty!

🍅Fresh and Pickled Sides with Mujadara

As a general rule of thumb, when enjoying a savory Lebanese dish, you can almost always be guaranteed a plate of fresh vegetables.

This is what we like to call the Lebanese vegetable side plate.

It normally will consist of freshly cut radish, tomato, mint leaves, and onion.

It also includes olives, pickled green chilies and pickled pink turnip, we refer to these types of pickles as "kabees" in Arabic.

🥗Fresh Salads With Mujadara

Malfouf Salad

This is known as Lebanese cabbage salad, and is a perfect example of taking a few ingredients and creating something delicious. The sourness of this salad coupled with the flavors of mjadara will make your taste buds sing.

Lebanese Slaw

cucumber yogurt salad in a terracotta plate

Khyar bi Laban

Another simple salad of finely diced cucumber in a garlic and yogurt sauce. This really does help to create complex flavors.

Khyar bi Laban

Fatush Salad

A rock-star of a salad. It is one of Lebanon’s best. Think of it as an amped up garden salad, tossed in a sour and sweet dressing with crunchy pita pieces. This salad is the perfect pairing with mjadara.

Fatush Salad

A white bowl of parsley salad with two silver spoons

Taboule

The famous Lebanese national salad, its main ingredient is freshly chopped parsley tossed in a lemon dressing with diced tomato, onion and cracked wheat. Take a spoonful of this with the mjadara and you won't be disappointed.

Taboule Salad

a white bowl filled with chopped colourful vegetables as a salad

Arabic Salata

Is a go-to chopped salad. Fairly simple to prepare and a tasty way to get additional fibre into your meal.

Arabic Salata

Tomato and Onion Salad

A sweet, juicy and bitey salad made with tomatoes and onions dressed in sumac. A perfect contrast to the rice and lentils.

Tomato Onion Salad

🥣Soups With Mujadara

During cooler months, we like to enjoy either of the following soups as a starter. Creating a lovely cozy meal.

white bowl of yellow soup toped with chop parsley and slices of lemon

Shorbet Adas

This Lebanese lentil soup is a mixture of vegetables, red lentils and spices. When we eat this with mjadara, it is normally watered down.

Shorbat Adas

Carrot and Celery Soup

A very basic clear soup, that is great before eating rice. Made with simple vegetables. This soup can be easily added to.

Clear Celery Soup with Carrots and Onions

🍢Non Traditional Side Dishes

There is no good reason why you can't enjoy food the way you like it, though some traditionalists like to argue this. You know who you are.

So here are some foods that aren't so typical. You can also gander at this list of Lebanese side dishes.

a round white plate with orange and green salad

Orange and Fennel Salad

A juicy, crispy and bitey salad made with sliced fennel, onion, arugula and segmented oranges. This pairing surprised me. The marriage of the sweet juicy salad with the lentils and rice really is a winner.

Orange and Fennel Salad

Vegan Shish Tawook

Enjoy the flavors of shish tawook with these Middle Eastern tofu skewers. Place a couple of skewers on the side, with a salad of choice from the above and you've got a chefs kiss situation.

Vegan Shish Tawook

Similar vegan Lebanese recipes that also include grains or lentils to check out include lentils and pasta soup.

You can wash your meal down with a refreshing Lemonana, which is a lemonade with mint.

Did you figure out what to serve with Mujadara? Which side appealed to you?

Or do you have a recommendation that is not on this list?

Leave a comment below, I would love to know.

You might also be interested to read ideas for what to serve with falafel.

What to Serve with Mujadara

What To Serve With Mujadara?

🍅Fresh and Pickled Sides with Mujadara