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16 Best Paella Side Dishes

I have 16 Delicious Paella Side Dishes that will go with your next tapas spread! Paella is one of those dishes that is made in love and demands a full table of people. While the flavors of the herbs, saffron, chicken or seafood are amazing on their own, a full array of different textures from the side dishes will complement a paella beautifully .

A large pan of seafood paella topped with shrimp, clams, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs, set on a dark surface with pieces of paper underneath for a paella side dishes round up.
Chicken and Seafood Paella.

All of these recipes pair perfectly with my Chicken and Seafood Paella and this Breakfast Paella. From refreshing drinks like Stone Fruit Sangria to sip alongside the rice, to tapas and appetizers such as Garlic Steak Bites, Bison Meatballs, and Harissa Cottage Cheese Dip that keep everyone happy while the paella finishes cooking, and even something sweet like Cherry Empanadas for a finishing touch –  this roundup has everything you need for a full paella spread.

Drinks to Serve with Paella

You have to wash down these meals with something refreshing and I got you covered!

Sparkling Nectarine Sangria with Peaches and Plums
When the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool down than with a refreshing glass of Nectarine Sangria. This fruity and vibrant drink is the perfect accompaniment for warm summer days, offering a delightful blend of stone fruits and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a summer send off party or just relaxing on your patio, this Nectarine Sangria with Peaches and Plums will become your go-to drink for all your summer occasions.
Check out this recipe
Sparkling Nectarine Sangria with Peaches and Plums
Refreshing White Sangria Mocktail
Get ready for a delicious and alcohol-free twist on a classic Spanish favorite. It’s time to impress your guests with a refreshing White Sangria Mocktail. This drink is easy to make, delivers a burst of fruity greatness and is inspired by Spanish White Sangria. Invite your girls over and tell them you’re having a Tapas Night!
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a white sangria mocktail in a glass with a sugared rim, garnished with peach slices and a sprig of rosemary. The fizzy, refreshing drink features orange slices visible in the blurred background.

What to Serve with Paella: Tapas and Appetizers

Warning: The side dishes for Paella listed below are delicious, high in protein, satisfying and offer a variety of protein choices such as Ground Chicken Empanadas, Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs and Spanish Tortilla Made with Mexican Chorizo.

Harissa Cottage Cheese Dip
Harissa Cottage Cheese Dip is a bold and high protein dip that only takes a couple of minutes to make. This easy dip is a little bit smoky, tangy and creamy. It pairs perfectly with fresh chopped veggies, grilled pita bread or spread it on avocado toast.
Check out this recipe
A plate with sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, pita wedges, and a bowl of harissa cottage cheese dip garnished with herbs and a lemon slice, set on a gray napkin.
Spanish Tortilla With Mexican Chorizo
This Spanish Tortilla with Mexican Chorizo is a tasty and satisfying appetizer. A traditional Spanish tortilla uses potatoes, eggs and onion- and in this version, I am using Mexican chorizo to add a spicy twist.
Check out this recipe
A baked frittata with golden-brown edges, sliced potatoes, herbs, and cheese sits in a black skillet—a perfect meal idea for things to do in a power outage. Nearby are chopped parsley, salt, a beige cloth, and two forks on a black plate.
Italian Bison Meatballs
Homemade meatballs truly are the perfect comfort food. My Italian Bison Meatballs are a lighter and wholesome twist. This ground bison meatball recipe contains simple ingredients and the best part is that it has amazing flavor and heartiness just like classic meatballs.
Check out this recipe
Braised Italian Ground Bison Meatballs with Marinara
Baked Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply craving a healthier meatball alternative, try my Baked Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs. These tasty turkey meatballs showcase that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor if you want to enjoy gluten free foods. They are made with lean ground turkey, simple spices and they’re great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Plate of meatballs on a white plate.
Ground Chicken Empanadas
Little bites of goodness loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean. My Spinach and Feta Empanadas with Ground Chicken are quite tasty AND you just can't have one! These freshly baked empanadas are a delightful combination of fresh spinach, feta cheese, and ground chicken- all wrapped in a golden brown, flaky pie crust. With both protein and nutrients, you can't go wrong with this dish!
Check out this recipe
Spinach Feta Empanadas with Ground Chicken
10 Minute Garlic Steak Bites
Who can say no to juicy cubes of steak?! My 10 Minute Garlic Steak Bites are perfect for any steak lover looking for a delicious and simple meal. These bite size pieces of steak are perfect as a main course or as an appetizer for special occasions. This garlic butter steak bites recipe has a Mediterranean flare added to it with fresh lemon, mint and parsley.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of Mediterranean garlic butter steak bites garnished with chopped parsley. A spoon holds a piece of the seasoned steak, highlighting its juicy texture. A lemon wedge is visible in the background for added flavor.

Salad Vegetable Side Dishes for Paella

Cauliflower Tabbouleh and Rosemary Carrots are some of the community favorites plus they pair perfectly with Paella.

Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad (Vegan & Whole30)
Creating a grain free and gluten free tabbouleh is easier than you think. My Cauliflower Tabbouleh is fresh, loaded with flavor and light on the carbs. This Mediterrenean cauliflower salad uses riced raw cauliflower florets and fresh herbs such as mint leaves and parsley. Plus it has classic cucumbers and tomatoes with extra-virgin olive oil and a burst of fresh lemon. You can make this for meal prep or have it as a super easy lunch or enjoy with your favorite protein.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of fresh Cauliflower Tabbouleh salad with chopped vegetables and herbs sits on a light surface. Nearby are lemon wedges on a green plate, two spoons, plus small bowls of salt and pepper beside a dark teal napkin.
Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad with Quinoa
If you want an elegant side dish or just a heart healthy lunch, this one’s for you! My Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad with Quinoa is a vibrant and beautiful dish. It hits all textures of creamy and crunchy plus just a little bit of sweet. The juicy pomegranate arils are combined with protein packed quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes and shaved brussel sprouts.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of quinoa salad with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds. A small dish of vinaigrette is beside the bowl. Two forks and a maroon napkin are also on the table.
Easy Oven Roasted Rosemary Carrots
If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any meal, Rosemary Roasted Carrots are the answer. This carrot recipe is ideal for holiday dinners, weeknight dinners, and everything in between. Using fresh rosemary, these roasted carrots are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Check out this recipe
close up shot of rosemary carrots.
Baked Za’atar Fries with Feta
Savory and amazingly flavored, these baked za’atar fries bring a unique Middle Eastern twist to your table. Generously seasoned with a Za’atar spice mix and served with a touch of fresh parsley and feta cheese, these fries are a perfect side dish or a delicious snack you won’t be able to resist. This baked dish is super easy to make yet comes with bold flavors. Let’s dive in!
Check out this recipe
baked za'atar fries

Desserts to Finish the Meal

What would a unique Tapas experience be without something sweet in the end. You can’t go wrong with chocolately and crunchy Dessert Dates, or flaky Apple Empanadas, Cherry Empanadas and Fig Empanadas.

3 Ingredient Dessert Dates
If you have a sweet tooth and want something easy and simple, you’ll fall in love with my delightful and easy 3 Ingredient Dessert Dates. The different ways to incorporate dates into a healthy dessert has been making waves on TikTok, and for a good reason. Dessert dates are not just a sweet craving satisfaction; they’re a great way to enjoy a healthier treat with the added health benefits of natural sweeteners. Let’s explore this easy dessert recipe that you can make with just 3 ingredients!
Check out this recipe
Easy Baked Apple Empanadas
Easy Baked Apple Empanadas are everything you love about apple pie– cinnamon spiced, wrapped in a golden flaky crust and baked to perfection. With tender diced apples cooked in warm spices , these apple pie empanadas are a must try during fall!
Check out this recipe
Apple empanadas on a sheet pan.
Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling
If you love Fig Newtons, then you will definitely enjoy the delicious fig taste in an empanada. Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling are both delicious and an impressive appetizer. The pastry dough is filled with fresh figs that are simmered in spices and combined with the delicious flavor of the tangy goat cheese. The walnut gives the fig empanadas a nice added crunch and texture.
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Cherry Dessert Empanadas with Pre-made Pie Crust
Cherry hand pies for the summer season are a win win, which is why you must try my Cherry Empanadas Dessert with Pre-made Pie Crust! Dark sweet cherries are met with delicious spices and cooked down to make the perfect cherry filling. These sweet empanadas are balanced out with spicy jalapeno and honey chevre. To make this an easy recipe, we are using store-bought pie crust and using fresh cherries since it is indeed cherry season!
Check out this recipe
Cherry Empanadas with Jalapeño and Honey Chèvre

If you’re planning a tapas party, these side dishes for paella dinner nights will round out your table with protein, crunch and a little something for everyone. I hope you enjoy!

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