What to Serve with Paella – 26 Easy Side Dishes

If you’re searching for a side dish to go with your paella, consider rice pilaf. The mild taste of the rice complements the rich flavors of the paella well. You may also add some sautéed veggies to soak up the liquid from the paella and give it additional flavor.

Also see: What Wine Pairs With Paella? ten of the best wines

Combine your paella with these delectable side dishes for the most filling and attractive supper.

Paella is one of my favorite meals.

It’s a unique combination of Spanish and Mediterranean tastes, and the best thing is that it’s simple to create.

But I like paella for reasons other than its flavor.

It’s ideal for a party since it’s simple to prepare ahead of time and a crowd-pleaser.

It’s also a terrific supper to make when you’re expecting guests.

While paella is a classic in Spanish cuisine, the sides are some of the greatest dishes to accompany it.

Here are 15 amazing paella-friendly side dishes.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes With Paella?

Paella is a traditional Spanish meal. It is a rice, shellfish, and meat dish cooked in a special pan known as a paella pan.

This dish’s most popular components are chicken, beef, and fish.

There are, however, a variety of different ingredients that may be included to make your paella more nutritional.

It may be served as a main course or an appetizer.

Consider offering side dishes to complement the dinner if you want to make it even more delectable.

You may serve paella with a number of side dishes.

Serve them with paella to add flavor to your meal.

Another reason to provide side dishes with your paella is to let individuals to savor the flavors in their own unique ways.

If you’re having people around for supper, you may serve it with bread.

Bread will enhance the taste and texture of the other ingredients in the meal.

Serving paella with side dishes, on the other hand, is just one option. You may also serve the meal in bowls rather than using the special pan.

This way, you can still enjoy the tastes of the meal without having to worry about the rice scorching your lips.

What to Serve with Paella – 26 Side Dishes

Paella is an excellent meal to enjoy with friends and family. It is also often served in Spanish and French restaurants. It goes well with the typical Spanish cuisine of paella, as well as tortilla, rice, and even soup.

Veggie Crudités

When you want to prepare an authentic Spanish rice meal but don’t know what to accompany it with, Paella is a terrific alternative.

This is a really easy dish that requires very little time and effort to create, so you can make it as soon as your paella is finished.

Simply toss in any veggies you have on hand.

Asparagus, spring onions, green beans, broccoli, or even leftover roast chicken are all great additions!

Green Salad

Green salad is one of my favorite paella side dishes since it provides a unique blend of flavors and textures.

I prefer to combine leafy greens like rocket, watercress, and spinach.

In addition, I prefer to season the salad with a decent balsamic vinaigrette.

Baked Hash Browns

Baked potato wedges or hash browns are excellent accompaniments to paella, and are ideal for scooping up any leftover rice and saffron-infused broth!

If I’m serving this as a main course, I like to top it with chopped chives and paprika, as well as a dash of milk.

Broccoli Salad

Paella is a delicious meal, but it’s also one of the most difficult to get right when it comes to what to serve with it.

A salad that is full of flavor and freshness is a terrific alternative that will bring diversity to your main meal.

I adore this Broccoli Salad dish and feel that steamed broccoli tastes much fresher than boiled broccoli.

Caesar Salad

When I serve paella, I prefer to prepare a simple salad with the similar flavor profile but without the heavy cream and cheese that may sometimes interfere with the dish’s flavors and texture.

You may create your own by combining any ingredients you have on hand and seasoning with a squeeze of lemon or grated parmesan.

Bread

I adore serving paella with crusty bread since it creates a filling dinner with every bite!

However, choosing the proper bread is critical, since too many carbohydrates might make your paella overly heavy and unpleasant.

A baguette is a wonderful option, but you may want to check what bread is on sale at your local store to save money.

Fried Sweet Plantain Slices

Paella is a Spanish rice dish that is so popular that you may believe you’ve tasted it at every restaurant that serves it.

However, if you’re searching for something different, why not try this variation?

It’s equally as easy to prepare and has the extra bonus of being gluten-free!

It’s great as a side dish, but I also like to serve it with fried sweet plantain pieces.

Before frying the plantains, I toast them in olive oil and season with salt, and they truly do turn crispy when cooked.

Fried Pimientos De Padron

If paella isn’t your thing, try this variation instead.

It’s cooked with prawns and chicken and makes an excellent side dish for any seafood lover.

You may create your own with any ingredients you have on hand, but I like to add chopped tomatoes for a nice fresh flavor.

If desired, you might also add chopped olives and capers.

Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted peppers are an excellent way to add flavor to your paella without being too picky.

For my side dish, I prefer to blend mild, medium, and spicy peppers and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 220C or 400F.

This gives a beautiful smokey, savory flavor that complements the rest of the dinner and allows you to get creative with various toppings.

Cheese and olive platter

If you’re serving paella as a main meal, make sure you have enough of side dishes to go with it.

A cheese plate is usually an excellent option and may be served while you wait for the rest of the party to arrive.

Paella is a rich meal, and I prefer to serve it in a shallow bowl with a cover so everyone can see how much rice they’ve consumed!

A couple pieces of hard cheese are perfect, and if you’re feeling daring, you can add olives or bits of Spanish smoked paprika.

You might also try some fresh herbs or even a salad if you like.

Toasted Marcona almonds

If you want to take it a step further, roast the almonds beforehand to get that nice toasty scent drifting through the room.

They give added flavor and a toasted crisp that complements paella well.

Potato frittata

When it comes to what to serve with paella, a frittata is a terrific option.

I like to use any leftover potato or veggie into my frittata.

It offers a touch of texture, which helps keep your dish from becoming mushy.

Fried Shrimp

Paella is an excellent meal for entertaining, and it can be served without much hassle.

Paella is often made with a variety of ingredients, so you may create your own by selecting whatever works best for you and your family.

I prefer to serve it in small shallow bowls with frozen peas, chopped ham, or even smoked salmon.

Toasted Bread Slices

Consider serving a couple pieces of warm bread with your paella if you need something a bit more substantial!

I really like the flavor combination of olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and a sprinkling of sea salt, but you could serve them with your paella as well.

Griddled Asparagus Spears

This is another fast and simple side dish that works well with paella! Griddled asparagus spears are a delicious way to enjoy fresh spring veggies that are full of flavor and nutrition.

You may use whichever kind you choose, but I prefer to serve mine with balsamic vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.

Grilled Mushrooms

When I serve paella for supper, I always have lots of grilled mushrooms on hand!

Grilling them keeps them wonderfully crispy, and adding them to your dish means they’re ideal for soaking up the delicious liquids from the paella.

You may use either wild mushrooms or brown mushrooms, and you should use one of each to obtain the complete flavor and texture.

If you don’t have any on hand, you may always add some sautéed mushrooms at the end.

Pickled Onions

A side of pickled onions is another fantastic way to add flavor and texture to paella.

Choose your favorite pickled onions for this dish, then add them to your paella right before serving.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is an excellent accompaniment to paella. It’s a terrific option since it’s hearty and easy to prepare while yet retaining the flavor of paella. Cook your rice according to package directions, then add your veggies (I love baby corn, peas, and mushrooms) and saute for a few minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

Desserts To Serve With Paella

Crema Catalana

Paella is the ultimate dish for a casual meal.

There are several variations; you may cook paella for supper, lunch, or even morning.

And, since paella is a one-pot miracle, it’s ideal for serving a crowd.

You can serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, but we’re sharing our favorite dessert with paella (more on that here: What Dessert Goes with Paella).

A crema catalana, or Catalan custard, goes well with paella. It’s light, fluffy, and creamy, and it’s created with milk and eggs.

The cinnamon taste, which is also added to the paella cooking process, is what distinguishes it as Catalan.

Flan

Flan is a classic, and we like serving it as dessert to those who appreciate an excellent flan. It’s sweet and creamy, and it’s quite popular in Mexico.

It’s also quite adaptable since you can flavor it with chocolate, coffee, citrus zest, and even cover it with chocolate or caramel sauce.

Tiramisu

Another dessert that is simple to prepare yet difficult to screw up.

We like tiramisu because it is rich, creamy, and delicious, and it is an excellent way to conclude a dinner.

It’s one of our favorite sweets to bring to family gatherings since it’s simple to travel and a little goes a long way.

Sorbet

Sorbet is similar to ice cream but without the dairy. It’s quite refreshing, with a texture comparable to fruit but with added sweetness.

Our sorbet has a vibrant taste since it is created with citrus and pineapple juice. A sprinkle of honey adds a particular touch.

Olive oil cake

This dish is all about simplicity for us. It’s a terrific way to use up the last of your eggs and oil while making a cake that goes with any dinner.

And if you want a cake that is virtually a meal in itself, go no further. This is your recipe, then.

Fruit salad

Paella is a robust dish that can easily be turned into a meal-in-one by serving it with a dessert.

A light fruit salad is a great way to conclude a meal, and we enjoy the addition of candied lemon peel.

Rhubarb Pie

Because of its versatility, rhubarb is one of our favorite ingredients.

This is an excellent method to highlight it. Rhubarb pie is a light, delicate custard filling with a shortbread crust and sweetened rhubarb puree on top.

FAQ

what appetizer goes well with paella?

Paella is a typical Spanish meal that is prepared with seafood and chicken. It may also be served with vegetables or salads for a light and healthful appetizer.

Learn more about what to serve with paella by clicking here.

What Spanish salad to serve with paella?

When it comes to Spanish salads, you may opt for something basic or something a little more ornate. A basic salad is often served with the main course, but a more ornate salad is offered as a beginning.

A prepared Spanish salad, such as a potato or egg salad, is ideally served with paella. Salads featuring seafood, such as mussels or shrimp, are additional options.

What wine/drink to serve with paella?

Paella pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Riesling or Moscato. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the paella, and the wine’s refreshing taste pairs well with the spicy elements of the paella.

Learn more about what to drink with paella by clicking here.

And here to learn what wine to serve with paella.

What summer salad goes well with paella?

A summer salad complements paella well. This meal is popular in Spain and is ideal for a hot summer day. Choose a light and refreshing salad with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce. Serve this salad with a side of chicken or shellfish.

What green salad to serve with paella?

A green salad is an excellent accompaniment to paella. A tangy vinaigrette and a little of crunch combine for a fresh, light side dish that will please.

what bread to serve with paella?

Paella is often served with Spanish bread, which is usually offered with fish meals. If you’re feeling experimental, you can also serve it on French baguette, Italian bread, or even tortillas.

Learn more about what bread to serve with paella by clicking here.

What Dessert Goes with Paella?

There are several sweets that complement paella. If you wish to keep loyal to the dish’s Spanish heritage, offer flan or crema Catalana. A fruit salad or sorbet may be an excellent alternative if you’re searching for something lighter. Chocolate mousse or cheesecake are sumptuous possibilities if you want something more luxurious.

Learn more about what desserts pair with paella by clicking here.

What herbs and spices go in paella?

What Herbs and Spices Go in Paella?

Saffron, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic are the greatest herbs and spices to use in paella. Other herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, thyme, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, may be added to taste.

Learn which herbs and spices go best with paella by clicking here.

what to serve with chicken and chorizo paella?

A potato gratin is the perfect side dish to offer with chicken and chorizo paella. It’s a terrific side dish since it enhances the tastes of the paella and goes well with the chicken and chorizo.

Do you serve paella in a bowl or on a plate?

It all depends on how big the meal is and how it’s presented. Small bowls are ideal for serving individual servings of a meal, whilst huge plates may accommodate a large family at once.

what to serve with paella at a dinner party?

There are several dishes that may be served with paella during a dinner party. If you want to keep things light, add a salad on the side. Add chorizo or chicken for a heartier dinner. Saffron rice, veggies, or beans may also be added.

what is the best salad to serve with paella?

Salads may range from fruity alternatives like stewed pears and fruit salad to more savory options like a green salad with vinaigrette dressing. There are a dozen dish options that will compliment your paella well, depending on the kind of menu you want to serve.

Learn more about what salad to serve with paella by clicking here.

Conclusion

So, what can you serve with paella?

Paella is a one-dish meal that often includes fish and vegetables. If you’re searching for a side dish to go with your paella, try some crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes.

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