That moment when you're staring at your amazing paella and thinking, "What should we serve with this?" Paella (a saffron-scented rice dish from Valencia, Spain) 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. T1Buckle up, our palate 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 improve your paella experience:
1 - Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is a flavor bomb (with its garlicky, slightly spicy punch). 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 and pairs well with Spanish tortilla side ideas.
2 - Tomato and Olive Salad
Tomato and Olive Salad is a breeze to make (made with ripe Solanum lycopersicum tomatoes).
We chop ripe tomatoes, and juicy olives, then toss them with a mix of olive oil, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt, and it pairs nicely with tomato pie side ideas.
The fresh bite of tomatoes goes well with the salty kick of olives. We love this mix because it's simple yet bright 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 (typically fried until golden).
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 - they pair well with patatas bravas side suggestions.
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 (with a tender heart prized in Mediterranean cuisine).
Pair them with a tangy aioli for an extra kick, and they also complement grilled salmon side options.
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 (made with cured Iberian chorizo for smoky paprika flavor). Simple yet satisfying.
This is a go-to side dish that always wows and pairs well with spinach stuffed chicken side ideas.
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 (a nutty sheep's milk cheese from La Mancha), 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 and serve alongside cauliflower cheese side ideas.
7 - Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted Red Peppers are bright, tender, and smoky (usually made from sweet red bell peppers charred over high heat). 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 (Cucurbita pepo), 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 (often using a roughly 3:2 egg-to-potato ratio). 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 (often using Roma or plum tomatoes). 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 (often Manzanilla or Arbequina olives).
They get a hit of herbs, garlic, and sometimes citrus, making them zesty.
These olives are plump and full of 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 (a chilled Andalusian tomato-based soup). 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 filling and satisfying (chickpeas are a fiber-rich legume).
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.
