Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your paella?
Paella is a classic Spanish dish, and the right side dishes can make it even more special. The right side dishes can add flavor, texture, and color to your meal. But, it’s not always easy to decide what sides will work best with your paella. That’s why I’m here to help! In this article I will provide you with some great ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your paella.
I have selected a variety of side dishes that are simple to make and are sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or something more indulgent, I have got you covered! So let’s get started and explore some of the best side dishes for paella!
When it comes to side dishes that pair well with paella, I suggest a simple salad or vegetables like grilled asparagus or roasted red peppers. You could also consider a light soup or a dish of steamed mussels.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Paella
Paella is a delicious Spanish dish that is full of flavor. It typically consists of rice, vegetables, seafood, and sometimes meat. To make the perfect paella, you need to choose the right side dishes to complete the meal. Vegetables are a great choice for side dishes with paella because they provide a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish. Here are some vegetable side dishes that will complement your paella and make it even more delectable:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with paella. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the other ingredients in paella. To make them, simply toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in an oven until they are crispy.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilling vegetables is one of the best ways to bring out their natural flavors. You can grill a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and squash to serve with your paella. Simply toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
- Ratatouille: Ratatouille is a French stewed vegetable dish that goes great with paella. It consists of eggplant, zucchini, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers and herbs cooked in olive oil until they become soft and fragrant. This side dish has a light yet flavorful taste that will pair nicely with your paella.
- Garlic Green Beans: For an easy yet flavorful vegetable side dish for paella try making garlic green beans. Simply sauté green beans in butter or olive oil until they are tender then add minced garlic for flavor. You can also add other herbs such as oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
These are just some ideas for vegetable side dishes to serve with paella. With these sides you can create a complete meal that is sure to please everyone at your table!
Salads to Serve with Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that combines rice, vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients. It is a versatile meal that can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal. To complement this savory dish, consider serving a variety of salads. A few ideas include:
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad: This simple salad pairs tomatoes and cucumbers with red onion, garlic, and oregano for a bright and flavorful accompaniment to paella. Top the salad off with some chopped parsley for added flavor.
- Mixed Green Salad: A mix of lettuce greens topped with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes makes for an easy-to-assemble side dish. Consider adding some sliced almonds or feta cheese for added flavor.
- Spinach Salad: Spinach is always a great addition to salads. Try adding some cooked bacon bits, boiled eggs, mushrooms, and croutons to your spinach salad for extra crunch and flavor.
If you’re looking to add more color to your plate without adding too much effort, consider serving a simple fruit salad. This can be made with fresh seasonal fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, kiwi, pineapple chunks, apples, oranges, etc. You can also add in some nuts or seeds for extra texture.
For something more indulgent try making a creamy potato salad. Simply boil potatoes until fork-tender then combine them with mayonnaise and your favorite herbs such as dill or parsley.
If you want something even heartier to serve alongside paella try making a bean salad. You can use canned beans of your choice such as black beans or cannellini beans then add in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers and some herbs like cilantro or oregano.
No matter what type of salads you choose they will all pair perfectly with paella! Salads are also healthy and nutritious so they are an ideal accompaniment when you want to round out the meal without overindulging!
Starchy Side Dishes to Complement Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish of rice, seafood, and vegetables. It is a one-pot meal that is full of flavor, texture, and color. To make paella even more delicious, you can serve it with a variety of starchy side dishes. These side dishes will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Here are some great options for starchy sides that pair perfectly with paella:
- Rice: Rice is an obvious choice for a paella side dish. You can use long-grain white rice or brown rice as a base for your paella. You can also choose to use Basmati or Jasmine rice if you want something different.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are another great option for a starchy side dish to serve with paella. Roasted potatoes are easy to make, and they will add a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. You can also choose to make mashed potatoes or potato wedges.
- Pasta: Pasta is always a crowd pleaser! Choose from spaghetti, farfalle, fusilli, or other pasta shapes for your starchy side dish. Serve it plain or toss it with some herbs and spices for an extra flavor boost.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to white rice in many dishes. It has a nutty taste and chewy texture that pairs nicely with paella. Try adding some cooked quinoa to your paella before serving.
No matter what type of starchy side you choose to serve with your paella, the combination will be sure to please everyone at the table!
The Best Sauces for Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that is made with saffron-flavored rice, vegetables, and one or more types of seafood. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an individual meal or shared with friends and family. To enhance the flavor of the paella, it is often served with a tasty sauce. Here are some of the best sauces to serve with your paella:
- Sofrito: Sofrito is a classic Spanish sauce made from onions, garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. It is slow-cooked to create a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with paella.
- Alioli: Alioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil, which can be served on its own or flavored with herbs or spices. It adds an extra layer of flavor to paella and other dishes.
- Romesco: Romesco is a classic Catalan sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices. It has a smoky flavor that complements the ingredients in paella.
- Mojo Verde: Mojo verde is a green sauce made from parsley, garlic, cumin, oregano, and olive oil. It has a bright flavor that pairs well with seafood-based paellas.
These sauces can all be used to create flavorful variations on traditional paellas. Experiment with different combinations until you find one that you love!
The Best Breads to Serve With Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that combines rice, vegetables, seafood, and sometimes meat. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish. To make your paella even better, you should consider serving it with the right type of bread. Here are some of the best breads to serve with paella:
French Baguette: A French baguette is a long, thin loaf of crusty bread perfect for dipping in sauces and other flavorful liquids. It’s also great for mopping up all the delicious juices from your paella.
Focaccia: This Italian flatbread has a crunchy outside and a soft inside that pairs well with paella. It’s usually topped with herbs and makes for a great accompaniment to the flavorful dish.
Chapati: This Indian flatbread is usually made from wheat flour and is usually served alongside curries and other spicy dishes. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for pairing with paella.
Sourdough: Sourdough is a classic type of bread that has a slightly tangy flavor. Its crusty outside makes it ideal for dipping into saucy dishes like paella.
Farinata: Farinata is an Italian style flatbread made from chickpea flour. It has an earthy flavor that goes well with the flavors in paella. It’s also gluten-free so those following special diets can still enjoy it.
No matter which type of bread you choose to serve with your paella, these are all excellent options that will pair perfectly with the dish.
Creative Sides to Serve With Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that is usually enjoyed as a main course. While the ingredients of paella often vary, it typically consists of rice, vegetables, seafood, and sometimes meat. For an authentic Spanish experience, try pairing your paella with these creative sides!
Tortilla Española: This classic Spanish omelet is a delicious way to add some extra flavor to your meal. It’s made with potatoes, onions and eggs, and can be served either hot or cold. It’s an easy side dish that adds a bit of variety and sophistication.
Grilled Vegetables: Paellas are often full of vegetables, so why not take them up a notch by grilling them? Grilled peppers and squash are especially delicious additions to paella. Simply coat them with oil, seasonings and your favorite spices before cooking them on the grill for a few minutes until they’re tender.
Chorizo: Chorizo is a type of spicy sausage that can be found in many dishes in Spain. It adds great flavor to paella and can easily be cooked on the stovetop. Try adding it to your paella for an extra kick!
Gazpacho: Gazpacho is a popular Spanish soup that can be served either cold or hot. It’s typically made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and garlic and is perfect for adding some acidity to your meal. Serve it alongside your paella for a truly authentic experience.
Pan con Tomate: This classic Spanish appetizer is made with just two ingredients – garlic-rubbed toast and tomato puree. It’s simple but delicious, making it the perfect accompaniment for any paella dish.
Potato Salad: Potato salad is always a crowd pleaser and makes the perfect side for any type of paella. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you like – add some cooked vegetables such as carrots or peas if you want more color or layer in some bacon or chorizo if you want more flavor!
Savory Appetizers to Pair With Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that is often served as the main course at a meal. It is usually made with a variety of ingredients, including seafood, chicken, pork, vegetables, and spices. To make paella even more special, you can pair it with savory appetizers that will complement the flavors of the dish. Here are some delicious appetizers to serve alongside paella for your next dinner party:
Tortilla Española: This traditional Spanish omelet is made with potatoes and onions and can be served either warm or cold. It’s a great way to start the meal off with something light and flavorful.
Aceitunas: Olives are an essential part of Spanish cuisine, so it only makes sense to serve them as an appetizer alongside your paella. Try serving them marinated in garlic and herbs for a flavorful twist.
Gambas al Ajillo: This traditional Spanish shrimp dish is made with olive oil, garlic, parsley, and chili peppers. It’s a great way to get your guests’ appetites going before they dive into the paella.
Croquetas de Jamón: These fried croquettes made with ham are another classic Spanish tapa that goes perfectly with paella. Serve them hot out of the fryer for maximum flavor.
Patatas Bravas: These crispy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce are popular all over Spain—and they’re perfect for pairing with paella. Serve them hot so that your guests can enjoy the crunchy texture.
Ensalada Mixta:
- This classic salad consists of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, onions, and other vegetables.
- It’s light and refreshing—the perfect accompaniment to any paella.
- You can also add some cured meats such as serrano ham or chorizo for an extra flavor boost.
These savory appetizers are sure to make your next dinner party extra special when paired with paella.
Conclusion
Paella is a delicious and impressive dish, perfect for entertaining or serving at special occasions. Its flavor is bold and the texture amazing, so it can stand on its own as a main dish. However, if you’re looking to make it even more special or want to add something else to your meal, there are plenty of good side dishes that pair well with paella. Consider adding a salad, such as a green salad with oranges or artichokes and feta cheese. You could also serve some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for more color and texture. And of course, you can’t forget about the bread! Buttered crusty bread or garlic bread will help soak up all the wonderful flavors from the paella.
No matter what side dishes you choose, paella is sure to be the star of your next dinner party! Serve it up with any of these tasty accompaniments for an unforgettable meal.