Perfect Companions: 7 BEST Side Dishes to Serve with Paella

Have you ever tried Paella? It’s a delicious rice dish.

It originated in Valencia, Spain, and is so popular that it has become the most typical Spanish dish.

There are many versions, but the most common and essential ingredients include rice (usually Calasparra or bomba), saffron, olive oil, chicken or rabbit (or both), garlic, onions, and red or green bell pepper.

Paella is both delicious and nutritious.

It’s traditionally made in a large pan over an open fire, but you can make your own to eat around the table with your family.

It’s a great option to enjoy a delicious and easy meal at home.

However, you have to choose the perfect side dishes if you want your meal to be even tastier.

Therefore, we’ll tell about the seven best side dish recipes to serve with Paella in the following list.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Paella?

Although Paella is very delicious on its own, you can make it even better if you serve it with the perfect side dish.

Have you ever wondered why?

Well, serving a rice dish with several different ingredients makes complete sense.

The reason is quite simple: Paella has a very plain taste, like white bread despite its intense and delicious flavor.

Once the main dish is ready, you can start adding flavors to your dish.

These will bring a different texture and a completely different taste.

For instance, if you serve Paella with ham croquettes, you’ll have a much tastier dish.

Only choose the best croquettes for your rice, as they’re going to be one of the ingredients that give flavor to your meal.

Another reason why you should consider serving side dishes for Paella is because it’s a vibrant dish in terms of nutrients.

It contains a lot of protein, complex carbs, and fibers that are essential to our body.

In other words, it’s very nutritious.

Therefore, if you want to keep your diet under control, choose low-calorie options for your side dish recipe.

What to Serve with Paella – 7 BEST Side Dishes

As you can see, there are many reasons to choose side dishes for your Paella.

It will make your meal healthier and more delicious at the same time.

Now, let’s talk about the seven best side dish recipes you can consider serving with this rice delicacy.

1 – Tomato Salad

This salad is an excellent option to serve with Paella because it’s fresh and extremely easy to prepare.

You have to chop the tomatoes in small cubes, add some lettuce leaves or rocket leaves if you want, then season it with salt, olive oil, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice.

If you like your salad spicy, we recommend adding some chopped jalapeño peppers.

The best thing about this salad is that it’s highly nutritious.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that promote eye health, increase your immune system and fight off free radicals.

Hence, combining this healthy salad with your Paella will bring more health benefits to your dish.

2 – White Asparagus Salad

This is another fresh and very easy to prepare side dish recipe you can choose for your Paella.

It’s also high in fiber and antioxidants that fight off free radicals.

You have to peel the asparagus, boil it until it’s tender, then cut it into small pieces.

After that, you can season your salad with salt, oil, and fresh lemon juice.

The best thing about this dish is that it goes well with any food.

Therefore, there are many occasions where you can serve white asparagus salad.

For instance, if you want to serve it with meat or poultry, this side dish will be an excellent choice.

3 – Garlic Green Beans

This is another excellent option to serve with your Paella because it’s an easy side dish recipe that contains many nutrients.

The good thing about green beans is that they’re high in proteins and fibers.

You have to cook them and season them with garlic, salt, and pepper powder.

Although this dish is straightforward to prepare, it contains an intense flavor that will perfectly accompany your rice delicacy.

The best thing about garlic green beans is that they’re ready in under 20 minutes.

Hence, if you want a quick side dish option, you can try this recipe.

4 – Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is another excellent choice to serve with your Paella.

It’s also very easy to prepare, as you have to chop some lettuce leaves, add the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.

You can use Parmesan cheese or any croutons that you like.

After that, all you have to do is season with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice.

Caesar salad is very nutritious because it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

It also contains essential fatty acids useful to our body, proteins, and fibers that aid digestion, phosphorus that boosts brain function, and calcium for healthy bones.

Moreover, if you’re on a diet or want something low-calorie to eat with your Paella, Caesar salad is the best choice.

5 – Potato Frittata

This is a simple and easy dish you can try to serve with your Paella.

You have to whisk eggs, add some spices, then pour the mixture into a pan that contains bacon bits or ham.

After that, put the pan under preheated broiler and cook until it’s golden brown and firm.

Potato frittata is a healthy alternative for your Paella because it’s high in protein and low in calories.

This dish will bring you less than 400 calories, which is an ideal option to lose some weight or fight off diseases such as obesity or diabetes.

You can also add any ingredient that goes well with eggs.

Hence, if you’re looking for an easy-to-prepare side dish, you can try this recipe.

6 – Fried Plantains

They are another exotic dish you can try to serve with your Paella.

If you want, you can also add some spices or cheese, which will perfectly go along with the sweetness of plantains.

After that, all you have to do is slice them and fry them in a pan until they’re golden brown.

Then, set them on a plate and sprinkle them with a bit of salt or powdered cheese.

Fried plantains are very nutritious because they’re packed with fibers, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

Therefore, if you eat this dish with your Paella, you will get the energy your body needs to prepare for another beautiful day.

You can also try adding some sweet spices to plantains, so it tastes more delicious.

7 – Mango Pudding

This is another great dessert option you can serve with your Paella.

It’ll make a satisfactory ending to a fantastic meal.

The good thing about this dish is that it’s very easy to prepare, as you have to mix mangoes, sugar, and milk.

After that, pour the mixture into small cups or bowls and put them inside the fridge to cool.

Mango pudding tastes excellent and it’s a nice alternative to rice pudding.

You can also have it with sweet sauces or just as is.

Your family will love this dish, so give it a try today.

Tip – you can also serve mango pudding with different types of fruit, such as strawberries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paella is a very versatile dish, and this is why everyone can find something to serve with it, but you need to take your time and choose whatever fits best.

Always consider how much effort you’re willing to make the side dishes and match your efforts with the number of people you’ll be having for dinner.

Remember, first and foremost, make Paella because you enjoy cooking and eating it.

Let the side dishes be an addition that you’ll take as much or as little time as needed, but always remember that if you want to serve a complete meal with your Paella, there has to be something green for salad and some starch.

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