What Foods Pair Well With Beef Kabobs?

Serving beef kabobs is a smart way to control portion size when you don't want to give up red meat. Choose a lean cut, such as top round steak, which contains 170 calories and 8 g of fat in each 3 oz. serving, and cube the meat yourself. Serve your kabobs with healthy low-fat side dishes, emphasizing nutrient-rich vegetables, seasonal fruits and whole grains.

Beef kabobs on a plate of lettuce. (Image: margouillatphotos/iStock/Getty Images)

Salads

A simple green salad pairs well with any dish, but including plenty of vegetables and dressing it with flavors that complement your kabobs creates something special. Combine baby greens, arugula, grated carrots and jicama, and top with a low-sodium ginger and soy dressing to serve with teriyaki kabobs. A salad of tomatoes, basil and spinach goes wonderfully with herb-crusted kabobs served with a yogurt sauce.

Vegetables and Fruits

Grilling beef kabobs creates the perfect opportunity to grill vegetables and fruits to accompany them. Brush slabs of eggplant or whole bell peppers with a little olive oil and grill with your kabobs. Fill a wire grill basket with medallions of zucchini, whole cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, or thread the vegetables on the skewers along with the beef. The smoky, sweet flavor of grilled peaches cut in half and pineapple rings balance the richness of beef kabobs.

Grains

Serve beef kabobs on a mound of grains for an appealing presentation. Look for whole grains, such as whole wheat orzo or couscous. Whole grains contain insoluble fiber, which is good for your digestive system. Make brown rice into a pilaf with mushrooms or mix dried apricots and slivered almonds into your couscous. Nestle kabobs on a bed of whole wheat pasta mixed with chopped spinach and drizzled with olive oil and chopped, fresh herbs.

Sauces and Dips

Fruit salsa is a good topping for spicy or strongly flavored beef kabobs. Make yours with pineapple, mango or papaya and serve with saffron rice and curried vegetables. Teriyaki sauce works as a marinade and basting sauce for kabobs, as well as a dip to serve on the side of plates. Spice up a creamy peanut sauce with hot sauce, chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes and serve drizzled over kabobs or on the side as a dip.