You know that moment when you’re staring at your amazing paella and thinking, “What should we serve with this?” Paella is a feast on its own, but a few extras make it even better.
We’re talking about simple sides that bring a new level of fun to the table. Let’s pair that paella with something special. From crunchy salads to tasty bread, we’ve got plenty of ideas.
Let’s get right into it with these options that transform a meal. Buckle up, our taste buds are in for a treat. Grab a seat and let’s find out what goes well with paella!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Paella
Here are 13 delicious side dishes that will elevate your paella experience:
1 – Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is a flavor bomb. We all love its garlicky goodness. Think juicy shrimp tossed with loads of garlic, chilli, and olive oil.
This dish packs a flavorful punch. It’s zesty from the lemon, and the parsley gives it a fresh bite. We love to soak up the sauce with crusty bread. Want details? Here you go: olive oil, garlic, shrimp, red chilli, lemon juice, and parsley.
This side goes perfectly with our paella. It’s bold and bright, and it adds a fun twist to our meal.
2 – Tomato and Olive Salad
Tomato and Olive Salad is a breeze to make.
We chop ripe tomatoes, and juicy olives, then toss them with a mix of olive oil, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt.
The fresh bite of tomatoes pairs perfectly with the salty kick of olives. We love this mix because it’s simple yet vibrant and brings a bright, tangy twist to our meal.
3 – Patatas Bravas
Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes? Patatas Bravas are a classic. These golden beauties serve up a crunch with every bite.
We toss fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a mix of paprika, garlic, and chili flakes. The flavors? Bold, smoky, and slightly tangy.
Simple ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, paprika, chili flakes. We enjoy them warm, with a heap of sauce. Extra napkins, please!
4 – Grilled Artichokes
Grilled artichokes are a total win. Ever peeled back those leaves, dipped, and savored the delicious bites? We slather ours in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic, then toss them on the grill.
The charred flavor is unbeatable. They’re smoky, rich, and have that slight nuttiness. Pair them with a tangy aioli for an extra kick.
5 – Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
We adore Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms for their rich, savory flavor. Start by hollowing out mushrooms and stuffing them with crumbled chorizo, onions, and breadcrumbs. Bake these until juicy and golden.
The chorizo gives a spicy, smoky taste that contrasts beautifully with the tender mushrooms. Simple yet satisfying. This is a go-to side dish that always wows.
6 – Manchego Cheese and Quince Paste
Who doesn’t love a sweet and savory combo? Manchego Cheese and Quince Paste is a total win. We slice Manchego, layer it with tangy quince paste, and bite into magic.
The cheese is nutty, the paste sweet, and together they’re bliss. Ingredients are simple: Manchego cheese and quince paste. Mix these up for a flavor fiesta.
7 – Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted Red Peppers are bright, tender, and smoky. We love to char them until the skin blisters, then peel it off for pure roasted goodness.
Ingredients are simple: red peppers, olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Charring enhances their sweetness. They blend a soft bite with a slightly tangy flavor.
They’re an eye-catching and tasty side.
8 – Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies make any meal special. Carrots, zucchinis, bell peppers, and red onions are our favorites. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need.
The flavors? Sweet, smoky, and slightly charred. Roasting veggies brings out their natural sweetness.
We love how they caramelize and get crispy edges. Perfect for a tasty meal!
9 – Spanish Tortilla
We adore Spanish tortilla. It’s like an omelette, but better! Eggs, potatoes, and onions create the base. All cooked until crispy on the outside, soft inside.
Flavor: savory, a touch sweet from caramelized onions. Ingredients are simple: potatoes, eggs, onions, olive oil, salt.
Feels like home, comfort food for us. A no-fuss dish that’s satisfying and delicious.
10 – Pan con Tomate
Pan con Tomate, a simple delight. We start with fresh bread, toasted to perfection. Then, ripe tomatoes are grated and mixed with a bit of olive oil and salt. The result is a tangy, juicy spread over crunchy bread.
It’s refreshing and adds a bright touch to our meal. It’s like a Spanish bruschetta, so fresh and tasty.
Ingredients: bread, tomatoes, olive oil, salt.
11 – Marinated Olives
Marinated Olives are a snack we love. The olives are juicy and soaked in brine. They get a hit of herbs, garlic, and sometimes citrus, making them zesty.
These olives are plump and bursting with flavor. Here’s the simplest recipe: olives, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and orange zest.
12 – Gazpacho
Gazpacho is our go-to for a cold, refreshing side. It’s a chilled tomato soup that bursts with freshness. We’ve got tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and some bread for thickness. The flavor? Light, tangy, and crisp.
This dish cools us down, especially in summer. We’ve had it as a starter and loved its zing.
13 – Spinach and Chickpea Stew
Last, but not least is Spinach and Chickpea Stew! Packed with protein and fiber, it’s hearty and satisfying. We’ve got chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cumin.
The flavors are earthy, rich, and a bit tangy from the tomatoes. It’s a wholesome dish we turn to for comfort.
Serve it warm and sop up the broth with crusty bread. This stew hits all the right spots.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.