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Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2022 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

What To Serve With Paella

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What to serve with paella pin for all the best seafood paella side dishes.

For what to serve with paella, check out this list of the best side dishes to compliment this flavor-packed Spanish dish! Whether you choose chicken, seafood, rabbit, or a combination of meats, these recipes will pair with your paella, no matter the protein. Round out this hearty meal with crusty bread or a light salad for an amazing meal!

The Best Sides For Paella

Paella is an incredibly hearty Spanish dish that is beloved throughout the world. The bold flavors of saffron, rice, and an assortment of proteins satisfy any appetite and warm the soul.

But what side dishes should you see with Paella to round out the meal? Take a look at the equally delicious side dishes below to see our recommendations on what to serve with paella!

What to serve with paella collage image featuring 4 recipes.
Jump to:
  • The Best Sides For Paella
  • 1. Rustic Bread
  • 2. Quick French Bread
  • 3. Broccolini Salad
  • 4. Spanish Mussels
  • 5. Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • 6. Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing (Without Anchovies)
  • 7. Mangu (Mashed Plantains)
  • 8. Sautéed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
  • 9. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
  • 10. Cucumber Vinegar Salad
  • 11. Sautéed Green Beans
  • 12. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
  • 13. Roasted Peppers and Onions
  • 14. Caldo de Pollo Mexicano
  • 15. Coctel de Camarones
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • What To Serve With Paella: Oven Garlic Bread (+More Great Recipes!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

1. Rustic Bread

The perfect side for any paella dish is an easy-to-make crusty rustic bread recipe. The chewy crust is perfect for tearing apart and scooping up your tasty paella!

Rustic Bread
This rustic bread is an easy-to-make tasty bread with a delightful crust and the perfect amount of chewiness! Mix up your dough, let it rise, then turn it out and shape it with as little handling as possible for a super all-purpose bread that the whole family will love! You don't even have to knead the dough!
Check out this recipe
large rustic bread loaf sliced open on wooden cutting board.

2. Quick French Bread

When searching for a side dish to serve with paella, why not try some French bread? This quick French bread recipe is perfect when served warm and topped with a dollop of creamy butter.

Quick French Bread Recipe
One of my personal favorites for fabulous sandwiches!
Check out this recipe
Quick French Bread Recipe

3. Broccolini Salad

Sometimes we want to serve a side dish that is uniquely delicious but also healthy! This broccolini salad is perfect for those who may be health-conscious or people who just want to add more vegetables to their meals.

Broccolini Salad
My quick and easy broccolini salad is the perfect weeknight side dish to pair with practically any main dish or meaty entree! It’s tossed with a delicious Asian-inspired dressing that elevates this dish to restaurant quality!
Check out this recipe
Broccolini salad on white plate with mushrooms, shaved carrots, and light Asian dressing.

4. Spanish Mussels

Spanish mussels are a great served as an appetizer, side, or on top of paella because they compliment the dish so well. These mussels are moist and juicy to begin with, so the added clam juice enhances them even further!

Spanish Mussels
Easy to make, intensely flavorful Spanish Mussels are a must-make dish that combines sweet, tender mussels and infuse them with rich Spanish flavors! You’ll adore just love how delicious these mussels are with flavorful smoked paprika, saffron, garlic, and wine!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Spanish mussels in a white sauce pan with lemon slices.

5. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp can be a great dish to serve with paella because it is juicy and packed full of flavor. This garlic butter shrimp recipe uses lemon juice which makes it perfectly tangy!

Garlic Butter Shrimp
This garlic butter shrimp combines tender sauteed shrimp with rich and flavorful butter and garlic for a quick and delicious meal! The succulent shrimp are drenched in this flavorful sauce to make the best simple shrimp dish you’ll ever make! Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete dinner!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the garlic butter shrimp garnished with parsley.

6. Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing (Without Anchovies)

Everyone loves a good Caesar salad paired with their main course. This Caesar salad with homemade Caesar dressing is cool and crisp, the perfect complement to savory paella.

Caesar Salad Dressing Without Anchovies
This Caesar salad dressing without anchovies is delicious, creamy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. It whips up in minutes with no eggs or anchovies needed. Soon, you'll have a rich, flavorful dressing ready to use.
Check out this recipe
Wide closeup on the creamy Caesar salad dressing no anchovies tossed with greens and served with croutons.

7. Mangu (Mashed Plantains)

Mangu is one of my favorite dishes to eat with paella, the mashed plantains add texture and help keep you full. Use a spoon to make a shallow crevice in your mangu and scoop the paella on top, you will thank me later!

Mangu (Dominican Mashed Green Plaintains)
This tasty mangu (Dominican mashed green plantains) is a creamy, rich side dish made with just 4 ingredients that can be enjoyed with a variety of things! Often served with fried cheese, bacon, and eggs, mangu is so versatile it can also make a wonderful main course or side dish!
Check out this recipe
Mangu is a tasty side dish of mashed green plantains that is served as a side dish and that we love with breakfast.

8. Sautéed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Sautéed asparagus and cherry tomatoes not only add wonderful colors to your plate, but it also adds an abundance of flavor! This sautéed asparagus and cherry tomatoes recipe will have your guests begging for more!

Sauteed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
The combination in this simple Sauteed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes side dish is a match made in heaven! The delicious asparagus is complemented by the tangy cherry tomatoes to make a dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or special occasions!
Check out this recipe
large square image sauteed asparagus and cherry tomatoes in cast iron skillet.

9. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These garlic butter mushrooms are so easy to make and only take about 10 minutes from start to finish. Top your paella with these mushrooms or serve them on the side!

Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These garlic butter mushrooms are decadently flavorful and are one of the easiest side dishes or appetizers you can make! They are savory, caramelized, and full of rich, buttery flavor! Just 10 minutes is all you need to saute this amazing dish to perfection!
Check out this recipe
Garlic butter mushrooms in sauce wiht parsley garnish.

10. Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This cucumber vinegar salad is fresh and robust, which will have you and your guests eating every bite. If you need the ultimate salad to serve at your next dinner party you must try this cucumber vinegar salad!

Cucumber Vinegar Salad
This delightfully refreshing cucumber vinegar salad with dill, red onion, and cherry tomatoes makes a perfect light appetizer or side for any meal. This salad is nice and crisp with the perfect combination of tangy and sweet- it doesn't get any better.
Check out this recipe
Amazingly tasty cucumber vinegar salad with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill.

11. Sautéed Green Beans

Sautéed green beans are a dish that everyone at the dinner table will love and enjoy. These sautéed green beans are seasoned with delicious garlic and onion powder which make them taste just right!

Sauteed Green Beans
These sauteed green beans are simple, easy, and delicious and make a flavorful, healthy side dish in a snap! This simple recipe requires fresh green beans, but no blanching is required, and you will have perfectly tender-crisp green beans every time! They are perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sauteed green beans in a serving dish with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over.

12. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes

If you want the perfect side dish to serve with paella then you must try these Parmesan roasted mashed potatoes. Parmesan roasted mashed potatoes are thick and creamy with just the right amount of seasoning!

Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
A delightfully cheesy, crispy version of your standard mashed potatoes that's simply perfect for holiday meals!
Check out this recipe
Easy Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes

13. Roasted Peppers and Onions

Roasted peppers and onions are such a universal side that they can pair with almost any main course. If you need something to serve with paella at your next dinner party you must try these roasted peppers and onions!

Roasted Peppers and Onions
I enjoy making my roasted peppers and onions for a versatile and flavorful side dish. They are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously caramelized texture. This easy recipe is perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or serving alongside your favorite main courses.
Check out this recipe
Easy, flavorful roasted peppers and onions served with fresh thyme as garnish.

14. Caldo de Pollo Mexicano

Caldo de pollo Mexicano is an amazing chicken soup that contains zucchini, onions, garlic, and celery. Our recipe will allow your dinner guest to explore new flavors and really enjoy what they are eating!

Mexican Chicken Soup (Caldo de Pollo Mexicano)
This tasty Mexican chicken soup (caldo de pollo) is a flavorful comfort food chicken soup with chicken, vegetables, peppers, and cilantro. Add avocado and lime when serving for a hearty, delicious, South-of-the-border version of homemade chicken soup that you will love.
Check out this recipe
Square image of a white bowl of caldo de pollo Mexicano.

15. Coctel de Camarones

Coctel de Camarones is similar to a shrimp cocktail, but with a twist! This coctel de Camarones recipe combines creamy avocado, juicy lime, spicy Mexican hot sauce, and fresh cilantro into a dish that will impress your friends and family!

Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)
This Coctel de Camarones (Mexican shrimp cocktail) is a delightfully fresh combination of shrimp and veggies in a clam and tomato sauce! It's cool, refreshing, and full of classic Mexican flavor. Serve it as the perfect appetizer for your taco night or as a light meal of its own!
Check out this recipe
Coctel de Camarones Mexican shrimp cocktail served in margarita glasses.

We hope to have helped you decide on what to serve with your paella. If you enjoyed any of these recipes let us know in the comments below!

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What to serve with paella collage image featuring 4 recipes.
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5 from 8 reviews

What To Serve With Paella: Oven Garlic Bread (+More Great Recipes!)

For what to serve with paella, check out this list of the best side dishes to compliment this flavor-packed Spanish dish! Whether you choose chicken, seafood, rabbit, or a combination of meats, these recipes will pair with your paella, no matter the protein. Round out this hearty meal with crusty bread or a light salad for an amazing meal!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 269kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 15 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 loaf French bread (or Italian or baguette)
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4).
  • Cut your 1 loaf French bread in half down the length of the loaf.
  • In a small bowl combine the ½ cup butter, 2 tablespoon garlic powder, and optional ½ cup Parmesan cheese until nice and creamy.
  • Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on to each of the sides of the bread.

Method 1: Crispy Garlic Bread

  • Place bread onto a baking sheet each side facing upward in the center of the oven—Bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  • Remove from oven and slice, serve and enjoy!

Method 2: Soft Garlic Bread

  • Place the two buttered sides back together. Wrap completely in aluminum foil.
  • Place directly in the center of the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil and slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal (13%) | Carbohydrates: 28g (9%) | Protein: 8g (16%) | Fat: 14g (22%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg (12%) | Sodium: 494mg (21%) | Potassium: 92mg (3%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 403IU (8%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 105mg (11%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Appetizers, Side Dish
Cuisine American

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

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