Roast lamb holds a special place in many culinary traditions, renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture. If you’re planning a roast lamb dinner, you’re likely wondering, “What To Serve With Lamb?” The right side dishes can transform your meal from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re aiming for a classic Sunday roast or a more contemporary feast, the accompaniments you choose are key to creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
This guide will explore a variety of delectable side dishes perfectly suited to complement roast lamb. From vibrant salads that cut through the richness of the meat to comforting potato dishes and flavorful breads, you’ll find inspiration to create your ideal lamb roast menu. Let’s dive into some fantastic options to elevate your next lamb dinner.
Vibrant Salads to Brighten Your Lamb Feast
When serving a rich meat like lamb, a fresh salad can provide a welcome contrast in both flavor and texture. These salads are not just afterthoughts; they are carefully crafted to enhance your roast lamb experience.
Roasted Balsamic Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Labneh
This Roasted Balsamic Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Labneh offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Roasting carrots and beets brings out their natural sweetness, which is beautifully balanced by the balsamic glaze. The creamy labneh and crunchy dukkah add layers of texture and richness, making it a sophisticated and flavorful side. This salad is a fantastic way to introduce vibrant colors and earthy notes to your lamb dinner.
Close up of a plate of roasted balsamic beetroot and carrot salad with labneh
Make this recipe
Freekeh, Fava Bean, and Chickpea Salad
For a more adventurous salad option, consider a Freekeh and Fava Bean Chickpea Salad. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this salad is packed with fresh herbs, hearty grains, and protein-rich legumes. The combination of freekeh, fava beans, and chickpeas creates a satisfyingly chewy and wholesome base, while the fresh herbs and dressing add brightness and zest. Topped with sliced halloumi, this salad becomes a substantial and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavor of lamb.
A Bowl of Freekah, fava bean and chickpea salad with sliced halloumi on top
Make this recipe
Simple Burrata Caprese Salad
When simplicity and freshness are key, a Simple Burrata Caprese Salad is an excellent choice. This classic Italian salad, elevated with creamy burrata, showcases the best of summer produce. Juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, creating a light and refreshing side. The creamy burrata adds a touch of luxury and richness, making it a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to roast lamb, especially for a summer gathering or BBQ.
Comforting Potato Dishes: Classic Lamb Sidekicks
Potatoes and lamb are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether roasted, mashed, or in a gratin, potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying counterpoint to the richness of lamb.
The BEST Potato Salad
A good Potato Salad is a BBQ and roast dinner staple, and this recipe claims to be the BEST! Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured, a well-made potato salad is always a welcome addition to a roast lamb meal. It offers a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, savory lamb, and its familiar flavors are universally appealing, making it a safe and delicious side dish for any occasion.
Close up of a bowl of potato salad
Make this recipe
Colcannon Mash – Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage
For a comforting and traditional side, Colcannon Mash is a must-try. These creamy Irish mashed potatoes are elevated with the addition of cabbage or kale, adding both flavor and texture. Colcannon is more than just mashed potatoes; it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your lamb roast. The creamy and slightly savory notes of this mash make it an ideal pairing for rich roast lamb, especially on a cooler evening.
Make this recipe
Smashed Duck Fat Roast Potatoes with Truffle Salt
Take your roast potatoes to the next level with Smashed Duck Fat Roast Potatoes with Truffle Salt. Roasting potatoes in duck fat creates an incredibly crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, while the truffle salt adds an unparalleled level of gourmet flavor. These potatoes are indulgent and luxurious, transforming a simple side dish into a highlight of the meal. The richness of duck fat and the earthy aroma of truffle salt perfectly complement the savory notes of roast lamb, creating a truly decadent pairing.
A white enamel cast iron roasting pan full of smashed duck fat roast potatoes. A bowl of truffle salt sits on top.
Make this recipe
Black Garlic Potato Gratin
For a more elegant potato side, consider Black Garlic Potato Gratin. This gratin features thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, cheese, and the unique umami flavor of black garlic. Baking transforms it into a rich and decadent dish with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and savory garlic note. The sophisticated flavor profile of black garlic gratin makes it a wonderful accompaniment to roast lamb, adding a touch of refinement to your meal.
Make this recipe
Bread and Gravy: Essential Complements
No roast lamb dinner is complete without delicious bread to soak up the flavorful juices and a rich gravy to drizzle over everything.
Cast Iron Skillet Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Homemade bread elevates any meal, and Cast Iron Skillet Rosemary Focaccia Bread is surprisingly easy to make. This focaccia is infused with fragrant rosemary and has a wonderful chewy texture and crispy crust, thanks to being baked in a cast iron skillet. Freshly baked focaccia is perfect for serving alongside roast lamb, offering a delightful aroma and taste that complements the savory meat. It’s ideal for mopping up gravy and enjoying with all the delicious flavors on your plate.
Make this recipe
Cheese and Bacon Rolls
For a more fun and casual bread option, try Cheese and Bacon Rolls. These homemade bread rolls are loaded with savory bacon and melted cheese, making them incredibly flavorful and satisfying. They are soft, fluffy, and bursting with savory goodness. Cheese and bacon rolls are a crowd-pleasing side that adds a touch of indulgence and comfort to your lamb roast dinner, especially appealing to families and less formal gatherings.
Make this recipe
How to Make Roast Lamb Gravy (From Pan Juices)
Roast Lamb Gravy made from pan juices is the ultimate finishing touch to your roast lamb dinner. This classic gravy recipe is simple to make, utilizing the flavorful pan drippings from your roast lamb to create a rich and savory sauce. Homemade gravy is essential for bringing all the elements of your roast dinner together, adding moisture and depth of flavor to the lamb and side dishes alike. Don’t skip this crucial element for a truly complete and satisfying roast lamb experience.
A copper frying pan full of roast lamb gravy. A whisk sits inside the frying pan and fresh rosemary if beside the pan.
Make this recipe
Create Your Perfect Lamb Roast Feast
Choosing what to serve with lamb is about creating a balance of flavors and textures that enhance the main dish. From fresh salads and comforting potatoes to flavorful breads and rich gravy, these side dish ideas provide a range of options to suit any taste and occasion. Whether you opt for traditional pairings or more contemporary choices, the key is to select sides that complement the richness of the lamb and create a memorable dining experience. So go ahead, explore these recipes and craft your perfect roast lamb feast! Happy cooking!
