fbpx

What to Serve With Paella Dessert: 15 Best Side Dishes

To perfectly cap off your paella feast, several delightful desserts and side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Consider serving a invigorating Fresh Fruit Salad, offering a light complement to the meal. Almond Biscotti provides a satisfying crunch and pairs wonderfully with coffee. Spanish Flan, with its rich and creamy texture, and Churros, crispy and sweet, are both traditional favorites. Citrus Sorbet provides an exhilarating, tangy finish to cleanse the palate. Other fantastic options include Crema Catalana, Olive Oil Cake, Sangria Jelly, and Spanish Rice Pudding. For more delicious pairings and surprises, continue exploring!

Fresh Fruit Salad

healthy summer picnic option

A fresh fruit salad provides a light and rejuvenating complement to the rich flavors of paella.

This delightful dessert can be elevated by adding a yogurt parfait for a creamy texture or a few coconut macaroons for a touch of sweetness.

The combination of juicy fruits with these elements creates a balanced and revitalizing end to your meal.

Almond Biscotti

crunchy italian dessert biscuit

Complementing the invigorating fruit salad, almond biscotti offer a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a post-paella coffee or dessert wine.

With their Italian origin, these twice-baked cookies come in many biscotti variations. They provide a delightful contrast to the soft and juicy fruit, making them a perfect choice for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Spanish Flan

creamy custard dessert dish

While showcasing a rich and creamy texture, Spanish flan serves as an exquisite conclusion to a paella meal. To achieve its perfect consistency, use fresh eggs and milk, and bake it in a water bath.

For serving suggestions, drizzle caramel sauce on top and garnish with fresh berries. This classic dessert balances the savory flavors of paella, making your meal truly memorable.

Churros

delicious fried dough treat

For those seeking a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of Spanish flan, churros offer a crispy and sugary treat that pairs wonderfully with paella.

Originating in Spain, these fried dough pastries boast a rich history and are often served with delicious dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.

Their crunchy exterior and sweet flavor provide a perfect finale to any Spanish-inspired meal.

Citrus Sorbet

tangy refreshing summer treat

Citrus sorbet provides an invigorating and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of paella, making it an excellent choice for a palate-cleansing dessert.

This revitalizing palate cleanser offers a burst of citrus pairing, perfect for ending a hearty meal on a light note.

Its bright and zesty flavors rejuvenate the taste buds, leaving you satisfied without feeling overly full.

Cheese Board

charcuterie on marble platter

A well-curated cheese board can serve as a sophisticated and complementary dessert to follow a traditional paella meal.

An ideal cheese selection might include Manchego, Cabrales, and Mahón, offering diverse flavors and textures.

Pair these cheeses with a carefully chosen wine pairing, such as a robust Rioja or a crisp Albariño, to enhance the dining experience and provide a delightful conclusion.

Turrón

traditional spanish christmas treat

Turrón, a traditional Spanish nougat, offers a sweet and satisfying conclusion to a paella meal with its unique blend of almonds, honey, and egg whites.

This delightful treat comes in many regional variations, each adding its own twist to the classic recipe.

Often enjoyed during holiday traditions, turrón brings a festive touch to any gathering, making it an ideal dessert to follow a hearty paella.

Marcona Almonds

crunchy salty mediterranean snack

Known for their smooth texture and rich, buttery flavor, Marcona almonds are a prized Spanish delicacy that pairs beautifully with paella desserts. Their gourmet origins and numerous health benefits make them an excellent choice.

Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, these almonds add a delightful crunch and elegance to any dessert, enhancing both taste and nutritional value. Enjoy them as a sophisticated treat.

Honey-Drizzled Figs

sweet figs with honey

Complementing the rich, buttery flavor of Marcona almonds, honey-drizzled figs offer a luscious and naturally sweet addition to paella desserts.

Various fig varieties, such as Black Mission and Kadota, each bring unique textures and flavors.

Not only do these figs enhance the dish, but they also provide health benefits, including fiber and antioxidants, making them a delightful and nutritious choice.

Caramelized Pineapple

sweet and tangy treat

A delightful addition to paella desserts, caramelized pineapple introduces a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the dish's flavors. To enhance this treat, follow grilling tips for an even caramelization.

Pineapple benefits include rich vitamin C content and digestive aid properties, making it both a delicious and healthful choice. Its vibrant taste and texture complement the rich, complex flavors of paella.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

sweet indulgent romantic treat

For another exquisite pairing with paella desserts, chocolate-dipped strawberries offer an indulgent and visually appealing option. These treats combine the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the richness of chocolate, creating a delightful contrast. Their decorative presentation adds elegance to any table setting.

Pairing wines, such as a sparkling rosé, can further enhance the flavors, making this dessert a truly memorable experience.

Crema Catalana

delicious spanish dessert custard

As a traditional Spanish dessert, Crema Catalana offers a creamy, citrus-infused custard with a caramelized sugar crust that pairs perfectly with the flavors of paella.

Rooted in Catalan history, this dessert has been beloved for centuries.

Traditional recipes often include hints of lemon or orange zest, and its delicate texture and sugary topping make it a delightful end to a savory meal.

Olive Oil Cake

sweet and savory delight

In addition to the luxurious Crema Catalana, Olive Oil Cake provides a unique and moist alternative that complements the rich flavors of paella. With its historical origins in Mediterranean cuisine, this cake's subtle taste highlights the dish.

Baking tips include using high-quality olive oil and zesting citrus for added flavor. It's a delightful, simple dessert that pairs beautifully with the main course.

Sangria Jelly

juicy fruit sangria spread

Sangria Jelly offers an invigorating and fruity finish that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of paella.

This delightful treat employs gelatin techniques to create a firm yet jiggly texture, perfect for a revitalizing dessert.

The alcohol infusion from traditional sangria ingredients, such as red wine and citrus fruits, provides a unique and exciting flavor profile, making it an excellent complement to paella.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Both Paella and Turkey Salad?

When it comes to pairing side dishes with paella and turkey salad, versatility is key. The best side dishes for turkey salad, such as cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or quinoa salad, can also complement the flavors of paella. The key is to choose sides that enhance the main dish while offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Spanish Rice Pudding

delicious dessert with history

Spanish Rice Pudding, known as 'Arroz con Leche,' offers a creamy and comforting dessert option that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of paella.

Traditional preparation includes simmering rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Flavor variations may include zest of lemon or vanilla.

This dessert's luxurious texture and gentle sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the savory, complex notes of paella.