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Lamb<\/a> is one of the most flavorful meats you can cook. Whether it\u2019s a slow-braised lamb shank<\/a>, a roasted leg<\/a>, or pan-seared lamb chops<\/a><\/strong>, it’s great on it’s own. But, the right side dishes<\/a> can also balance its richness, from bright citrusy salads to creamy potatoes<\/a> and hearty grains. Below, you\u2019ll find more than 40 of the best side dishes for lamb\u2014no matter how you like to cook it.<\/p>\n Arguably one of the greatest lamb scenes in cinema (is this something people argue about?) comes by way of My Big Fat Greek Wedding<\/em>, the 2002 rom-com that had a $5 million budget but went on to gross over $240 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n Protagonist, Toula, is introducing her boyfriend to her family when she has to break the news that he\u2019s a vegetarian. Her aunt is horrified. \u201cWhat do you mean he don\u2019t eat no meat?\u201d she screams. The room goes silent. But then, her aunt realizes a solution: \u201cThat\u2019s okay, that\u2019s okay,\u201d she says, squeezing his cheeks. \u201cI make lamb!\u201d<\/p>\n But what will she make to go with<\/em> the lamb? This is important. Lamb works just as well with minerally, bitter ingredients<\/a> as mild, sweet ones\u2014the tough part is knowing how to narrow down.<\/p>\n Luckily, we have some ideas. Below are some of the very best side dishes for lamb.<\/strong><\/p>\n Fresh & Bright Asparagus Sides for Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Bitter & Bold Veggie Sides to Balance Rich Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Sweet & Savory Carrot Sides That Complement Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Homemade Buttery, Fluffy Dinner Rolls<\/a><\/p>\n Peas of All Kinds<\/a><\/p>\n The Best Potato Sides to Serve With Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Quick & Easy Radish Recipes to Try With Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Feta-Laced Salads That Pair Beautifully With Lamb<\/a><\/p>\n Updated in April 2025 to include even more delicious side dishes to serve with lamb\u2014because you can never have too many options.<\/em><\/p>\n A simple, yet impressive side that proves asparagus doesn\u2019t always need to be cooked. In fact, with a rich protein like lamb, leaving it raw\u2014shaved into ribbons like pappardelle\u2014is a great match.<\/p>\n When smooshed through a fine-mesh sieve, hard-boiled eggs turn into fluffy snow. Here, that falls on brown buttered asparagus, but don\u2019t hesitate to try this on any green vegetable.<\/p>\n This addictive roasted asparagus recipe is a top 10 favorite<\/a>, featuring pancetta, leeks, garlic, and citrus zest\u2014a deliciously savory side dish for roast lamb or grilled lamb chops.<\/p>\n Instead of the old-school mint jelly, try serving lamb with fresh mint, in one way or another. Here, it\u2019s an herby salad with Parmesan and hazelnuts.<\/p>\n Recipe developer EmilyC<\/a> offers up a foolproof fattoush formula: crispy pita + vegetables + herbs + dressing. This version here with translucent-crisp radishes, quickly toasted asparagus, and heaps (heaps!) of fresh dill will bounce some spring into your lamb\u2019s step.<\/p>\n Barely blanched asparagus gets dotted with oozy eggs, crispy crunchy ‘chovy crumbs, and fruity Calabrian chile. I estimate a pound (yes, a pound!) of springtime goodness per person, but feel free to halve or quarter the serving size if serving as a side.<\/p>\n This lovely, fra\u00eeche salad from A Cozy Kitchen<\/a> features crisp butter lettuce leaves, tender asparagus stems, and snappy peas tossed in a yogurt dressing and<\/em> served with a ball of burrata. Dairy on<\/em> dairy? Yes, please.<\/p>\n From Ruth Rogers of the beloved River Cafe London comes this recipe for creamy, herby pasta with asparagus. The asparagus are cut to the same thickness as the pasta, making for surprising bites (is it pasta or is it asparagus?) we just can\u2019t pull our forks away from.<\/p>\n Sorta counterintuitively, charring radicchio undermines its bitterness. Cherries and balsamic add sweetness, while arugula and black pepper bring spice.<\/p>\n This dish made our co-founder Amanda Hesser<\/a> look at broccoli rabe in a brand new way. And yes, you should give the lemon-cream treatment to other bitter things, like radicchio or escarole.<\/p>\n A heavy-on-the-Pecorino salad for any season. If you can\u2019t find oversize gigante or corona beans (psst: you can order online from Rancho Gordo<\/a>), opt for cannellini.<\/p>\n A simple broccoli rabe salad that\u2019s all about the sesame seeds. Soy sauce adds salty-savoriness and a pinch of sugar keeps everything even-keeled.<\/p>\n Add this to your list of \u201cWays to Use Up Stale Bread.\u201d With garlic, chiles, and lots of olive oil, it\u2019s reminiscent of a greens-stuffed, crispy-bottomed bread pudding.<\/p>\n Fall, shmall.<\/em> Carrots are<\/em> technically a spring vegetable, too! A head of treviso, fluffy herbs, and beady lentils get tossed in a cumin- and fennel-spiced vinaigrette.<\/p>\n This Genius recipe<\/a>, comes to us from beloved N.Y.C. institution, Union Square Caf\u00e9. Raw and roasted brussels are hashed and tossed in a bright, nutty, fruity dressing. Topped with a fried egg, this would also make for a wonderful light main.<\/p>\n Our readers voted this recipe \u201cOur Best Green Holiday Side,\u201d which means you can keep it on rotation from Easter through Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n Spring root vegetables get deep, caramelized flavor from roasting, while horseradish butter adds just the right kick\u2014an easy, earthy match for lamb.<\/p>\n This chopped radicchio salad from Ella Henry combines crisp, slightly bitter greens with crunchy sourdough croutons for a satisfying texture contrast (a great way to use up a day-old loaf). Tossed in a simple, tangy vinaigrette, it\u2019s a refreshing and easily customizable.<\/p>\n Think of pomegranate molasses as the easiest glaze your carrots will ever meet. Not to mention, the fruitiest and tangiest, to boot.<\/p>\n Sweet from honey (maple syrup would also be lovely), smoky from smoked paprika. Dorie Greenspan dreamed up this recipe for her book Everyday Dorie<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n Cumin seeds and coriander seeds team up with maple syrup\u2013smooched carrots. We wouldn\u2019t complain if you sprinkled some fresh herbs on top, like cilantro, dill, and\/or mint.<\/p>\n Carrots, but with the tenderness and silkiness of mashed potatoes. You might be tempted to skimp on the olive oil. Don\u2019t.<\/p>\n Despite how intimidating making a souffl\u00e9 may seem, you don\u2019t have to worry about this one collapsing mid-bake. Carrot pur\u00e9e is whipped with egg whites, sugar, and vanilla to create a sweet, airy mixture that\u2019s then baked. If you\u2019re looking for a spring side dish to serve with lamb, this is it.<\/p>\n I know I said no holiday feast is complete without mashed potatoes, but it\u2019s really<\/em> incomplete without at least one basket of dinner rolls<\/a> (but ideally there\u2019s one at each end of the dinner table and a backup batch warming in the oven). There are so many variations of dinner rolls, but these are as classic as it gets.<\/p>\n These milk buns are soft, fluffy, and irresistible, with just the right balance of sweetness. Topped with a rich salted maple butter, they\u2019re the perfect accompaniment to roasted lamb.<\/p>\n The title just told you most of the ingredients in this fuss-free recipe. Feel free to swap in frozen peas; just adjust the cook time accordingly.<\/p>\n Peas can be salad, too. Here, they\u2019re dressed up with fresh mint, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan (a vegetable peeler is up for the task).<\/p>\n As bright and happy as soup gets. If you can\u2019t find watercress, feel free to swap in spinach (yes, frozen works!). This plus roast lamb plus bread would be a dream.<\/p>\n Creamy burrata can\u2019t get enough of perky-crunchy vegetables, like snap peas and radishes. Mozzarella works in a pinch.<\/p>\n Lamb loves garlic almost as much as I do. This roasted-not-boiled potato salad uses four cloves, which you could certainly increase if you dare.<\/p>\n Squashed is usually an unfortunate fate, but in this case, it\u2019s a blessing. The potatoes become exceptionally crispy with irregular, craggy edges.<\/p>\n Za\u2019atar is a spice blend, fragrant with thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. Here, it\u2019s a superpower for roasted potatoes (assorted colors are pretty but not necessary).<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can you say about a simple potato dish that goes with everything?\u201d Mimi Thorisson<\/a> writes. \u201cEverything\u201d obviously includes lamb, lamb, and more lamb.<\/p>\n These scalloped potatoes are so not your grandmother\u2019s, but even she might admit they\u2019re better. In between layers of sliced potatoes, cheese, and a rich b\u00e9chamel sauce are sweet caramelized onions.<\/p>\n Yes, every holiday feast should have mashed potatoes. Sorry, I don\u2019t make the rules (okay, maybe in this case I will declare one spud-tastic rule, but everyone will be better off for it). But if you\u2019re bored of a classic mashed potato side dish, try this: Yukon gold potatoes and leeks, pressure cooked and then mashed with buttermilk and heavy cream.<\/p>\n Of course, you\u2019d expect to find a sweet potato dish on the table for Thanksgiving<\/a> but it\u2019s not exactly a side dish that comes to mind for roast lamb. By roasting the orange-hued taters with coconut oil, they take on an even lighter, sweeter flavor that just makes sense for spring dinners.<\/p>\n Anchovies underscore lamb\u2019s savoriness. In this salad\u2014with raw radishes, capers, and parsley\u2014all you need is one tiny fish.<\/p>\n The next time you pick up a bunch of radishes with their greens still attached, don\u2019t throw those greens out. Instead, whip up this cheerful braise with butter and tarragon.<\/p>\n Roasting renders radishes caramelized and fork-tender. This oregano-y almond salsa verde is the perfect teammate (awesome with just about any roasted vegetable, too).<\/p>\n The key to this chewy-crunchy salad is mixed<\/em> grains\u2014say farro and quinoa or rice and wheat berries. This component adds loads of texture and nuttiness.<\/p>\n The more types of herbs, the better. Make sure you buy feta in a block (preferably in brine), then crumble it yourself; its flavor and consistency are way more delicious.<\/p>\n Escarole is bitterish, yes. That\u2019s where the fatty walnuts and sticky-sweet honey come in. Don\u2019t hold back on the latter.<\/p>\n A salad that\u2019s full of lamb\u2019s favorite words: lemon, feta, onion, marjoram (or, if you can\u2019t find it, oregano\u2014another favorite word).<\/p>\n Broccoli stalks, now full of purpose. This would be dreamy alongside (or piled on top of!) juicy-rare lamb chops.<\/p>\n This bright, herby fattoush is the perfect match for lamb\u2014it\u2019s loaded with crunchy pita, tangy sumac, and salty feta, all of which balance the richness of the meat. The fresh greens and juicy tomatoes add a refreshing contrast, making every bite feel light yet satisfying.<\/p>\n Spring means lamb, and lamb loves fennel. This crisp, citrusy salad cuts through the meat\u2019s richness, making it a fresh, vibrant pairing for the season.<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/h2>\n
\nFresh & Bright Asparagus Sides for Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Shaved Asparagus & Arugula Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Brown Butter, Lemon & Eggs Mimosa<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Absurdly Addictive Asparagus<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Shaved Asparagus & Mint Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n5. Crispy Chickpea Fattoush with Asparagus and Radishes<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n6. Asparagus With Soft-Boiled Eggs & Anchovy Bread Crumbs<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n7. Pea, Asparagus, & Avocado Salad With Burrata<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n8. Tagliarini with Asparagus and Herbs<\/a>
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\nBitter & Bold Veggie Sides to Balance Rich Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Charred Radicchio With Arugula, Cherries & Parmesan<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Broccoli Rabe in Lemon Cream<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Marinated White Bean & Radicchio Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Broccoli Rabe Goma-ae<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n5. Berardino\u2019s Crispy Pancotto<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n6. Fall Salad with Lemony Brown Butter Vinaigrette<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n7. Union Square Caf\u00e9\u2019s Hashed Brussels Sprouts with Poppy Seeds & Lemon<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pears & Pistachios<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n9. Roasted Spring Root Vegetables with Horseradish-Thyme Butter<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n10. Chopped Radicchio Salad With Sourdough Croutons<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n
\nSweet & Savory Carrot Sides That Complement Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Pomegranate Roasted Carrots<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Sweet Smoky Roasted Carrots<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Buttery Maple Cumin Carrots<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Carrots Cooked Forever<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n5. Golden Carrot Souffle<\/a>
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\nHomemade Buttery, Fluffy Dinner Rolls<\/h2>\n
1. Classic Dinner Rolls<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Milk Buns with Salted Maple Butter<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n
\nPeas of All Kinds<\/h2>\n
1. Peas in Mint Cream<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Pea Salad With Parmesan & Mint<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Creamy Watercress, Pea & Mint Soup<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Radish, Snap Pea & Burrata Salad With Chives & Lemon<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n
\nThe Best Potato Sides to Serve With Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Garlicky Roasted Potato Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Squashed Potatoes<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Medley of Roasted Potatoes With Homemade Za\u2019atar & Aleppo Pepper<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Potatoes a la Lyonnaise<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n5. Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n6. Instant Pot Buttermilk & Leek Mashed Potatoes<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n7. Sweet Potatoes Roasted in Coconut Oil<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n
\nQuick & Easy Radish Recipes to Try With Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Radish Salad With Anchovy Sauce<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Pan-Braised Radishes & Greens<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Roasted Radishes With Almond Salsa Verde<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Radish & Pecan Grain Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n
\nFeta-Laced Salads That Pair Beautifully With Lamb<\/h2>\n
1. Herb Salad With Chickpeas & Feta<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n2. Wilted Escarole With Feta, Walnuts & Honey<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n3. Lemony Green Bean Salad With Feta, Red Onion & Marjoram<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n4. Shaved Broccoli Stalk Salad With Soft Feta & Golden Raisins<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n5. Pita Panzanella with Sumac & Feta Cheese<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\n6. Shaved Fennel Feta Salad<\/a>
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