What to Serve With Spanish Rice: 23 Pairings to Try ASAP

Last updated on September 10th, 2024

Spanish rice may be scrumptious on its own, but once you pair it with a variety of flavorful side dishes, you’ll create a flavorful delight! So when you plan your next Spanish-themed dinner party, know that there are many pairings that’ll have your tongue tingling, and tummy grumbling in excitement! Have a go at some of the side dishes listed below.

What is Spanish Rice?

Spanish rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a flavorful and colorful rice dish that’s a staple in Mexican and Spanish-inspired cuisines. Unlike traditional plain rice, it’s simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder, giving it its signature reddish hue and slightly smoky, savory flavor. The rice is often sautéed in oil before cooking, which creates a light, fluffy texture while adding depth to the dish.

Spanish rice is commonly served alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, but it can also stand on its own! If you love rice, that’s great news, especially for a quick meal.

What Goes Well With Spanish Rice? 23 Best Side Dishes

Yes Spanish rice is typically served with heavier dishes like refried beans, tacos, or chips and salsa (which I do mention). But you can serve this dish alongside more simpler dishes.

Let’s check out these suggestions!

Refried Beans

Refried beans can be served hot or cold, savory or mild, depending on your personal preference.

Try to go easy on the spices, otherwise this dish can quickly become overpowering, preventing you from enjoying the delicious aromatic flavors of Spanish rice.

Coleslaw

Another side dish that can be served hot or cold, is this creamy coleslaw.

Coleslaw can be quite spicy or tangy, and it may capture the attention of your dinner guests, so much that they’ll forget about the Spanish rice entirely!

For a lighter version of this creamy side, opt for a sweeter flavor, with a hint of twang. To do this use mayonnaise and lemon juice for the dressing.

Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa are a common side dish that is often served as an appetizer.

Salsa can be spicy if you add jalapenos to it, but the fluffiness of Spanish rice can help balance the flavors, preventing your meal from becoming incredibly spicy.

Mexican Lime Chicken

Scrumptious Mexican lime chicken can be served alongside Spanish-style rice, or cooked in with the rice, to make a delicious one pot meal.

To make this scrumptious side dish:

• Simply coat chicken breasts in a zesty marinade consisting of paprika, sugar, olive oil, coriander, juice and zest of one lime.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and once you’re ready to bake.
• Cover your baking dish with garlic cloves, chilies, and lime wedges, before adding your marinated chicken to the dish.
• Roast for 35 minutes at 375 degrees F.
• Serve with delicious Spanish rice for a delightful treat.

Green Beans

Green beans are another great side dish to serve alongside Spanish rice. They can be served hot or cold, and seasoned to your liking, to make a great addition to your entire meal.

Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are a common side dish to have with many main dishes, and for Spanish rice there is no exception. They happen to offer an incredible variety of flavors and textures, that compliment any rice dish well.

Baked potatoes can be served hot or cold, and topped with lots of cheese, for a fluffy cheesy addition to your meal.

Alternatively, you can simply mash these potatoes after boiling, and top with garlic powder and parmesan cheese, for a delicious, creamy addition to your main course.

You can find out what else goes well with baked potatoes to help plan your future meals!

Fajitas

While fajitas may make great appetizers, they also make quick and fantastic side dishes.

This dish requires raw peppers and vegetables, and sometimes chicken if you’re planning to take your meal to the next level.

Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos are a great side dish to serve alongside many rice dishes like this one. The best part? They’re entirely customizable.

From mild to spicy, simply slip in some jalapenos alongside the chicken inside of your tortilla, and take a huge bite!

Sautéed Prawns

Arroz Marinero is another type of traditional Spanish dish, featuring rice and seafood. Which is why these sautéed prawns make a delicious side for your main.

You can choose to include this into your Spanish rice, or serve this as a side with some sauce.

Carnitas

Carnitas are a brilliant side dish to have alongside Spanish rice, because of its delicious flavors and super easy preparation.

Simply serve these atop your Spanish rice for a scrumptious flavorful explosion!

Grilled Chicken

Smoky chicken with spicy rice – what a satisfying and balanced meal.

To boost flavor and tie the dishes together, try a quick marinade: mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, and oregano, coat the chicken, and let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling. 

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Grilled chicken is also a time-saver – start grilling when your rice is halfway done, and they’ll finish cooking around the same time. 

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is another excellent companion to Spanish rice, offering a protein-rich option.

For best results, grill salmon at 400°F (204°C). Brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a pink center.

To enhance the flavors, add a squeeze of lemon or lime before serving. This citrus touch cuts through the salmon’s richness and complements the rice flavors. For extra zest, try grilling lemon halves alongside the salmon. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can add color and freshness to the dish.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Choose a mix of red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers for variety. Each color has a slightly different taste, with red being the sweetest and green having a stronger flavor.

For the filling, quinoa works well as a base. It’s protein-rich and absorbs flavors easily. Combine it with vegetables like corn, black beans, tomatoes, and zucchini. Add minced garlic and onions for extra flavor. Season the mixture with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

A squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro can add freshness. Stuff the peppers with this mixture and bake until the peppers are tender and slightly charred. The filling should be hot, with any cheese melted on top.

Spicy Lamb Chops

To prepare the lamb chops, create a spice rub using cumin, chili powder, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon. Rub the spices into the chops and let them marinate for an hour or two to enhance the flavor.

Grill the lamb chops over high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. This quick cooking method gets you a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

To balance the heat, consider serving a cool yogurt sauce with mint and lemon on the side. 

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

To prepare the asparagus, start by removing the woody ends. Toss the spears in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender-crisp with some char marks.

Once grilled, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. This adds brightness to the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile. And for extra flavor, you can grill lemon halves alongside the asparagus.

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Paprika

Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The result is tender cauliflower with crispy edges, infused with garlicky and smoky flavors.

For added freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the cauliflower just before serving. This adds a bright, acidic note that balances the dish. 

Grilled Halloumi with Mint and Honey

Halloumi is a firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that maintains its shape when grilled, developing a crispy exterior while staying soft inside.

Slice the halloumi into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Brush with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until you see golden-brown grill marks. The cheese won’t melt completely due to its high melting point.

After grilling, drizzle the halloumi with honey. This adds a sweet note that balances the cheese’s saltiness and pairs well with the spices in Spanish rice. Finish by sprinkling fresh mint leaves over the cheese.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cumin

Cube sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. The result should be golden-brown exteriors with soft interiors.

The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the spices in your rice. Cumin creates a flavor connection. For added flavor, try sprinkling fresh cilantro over the sweet potatoes before serving. 

Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Sauce

To make zucchini fritters, grate fresh zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix the zucchini with flour, eggs, and herbs like dill and mint. For extra flavor, add some crumbled feta cheese. Fry spoonfuls of the mixture in hot oil until golden brown. Pair these fritters with a simple yogurt sauce: mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh herbs, and season it with salt and pepper. This cool, tangy sauce complements both the fritters and the rice.

To serve, arrange the fritters on a platter and offer the yogurt sauce on the side. This way, everyone can select what they wanna eat. And the fritters are versatile too – you can add other vegetables like carrots or corn to the mixture if you have them on hand.

Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan

To prepare, slice eggplant into rounds and salt them to remove bitterness. After patting dry, dip the slices in beaten egg and coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.

Layer the crispy eggplant slices with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and more parmesan cheese. Bake again until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Mushroom and Spinach Stir-Fry

Start by slicing a mix of button and shiitake mushrooms. Heat some olive oil in a pan over high heat, then add the mushrooms. Cook them until they turn golden brown, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the pan. They’ll cook down quickly, absorbing the flavors from the mushrooms.

For seasoning, add minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce. If you want to tie the flavors to your Spanish rice, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. Keep stirring the vegetables as they cook. The whole process should only take about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine

Start by browning the meat to develop a flavorful crust. Then, slow-cook the ribs in a mixture of red wine, beef broth, and herbs. This long, slow cooking process results in meat that’s incredibly tender and full of flavor.

When choosing wine for braising, choose a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. The wine not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with complex flavors. For best results, use bone-in short ribs, and don’t rush the browning process. Consider making this dish a day in advance, as the flavors often improve overnight. Adding root vegetables like carrots to the braising liquid can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Grilled Pineapple with Chili Lime Seasoning

To prepare, slice a ripe pineapple into rings about half an inch thick. Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks and the fruit softens slightly. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, enhancing its sweetness.

While the pineapple is still hot, sprinkle it with a mixture of chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This seasoning adds a spicy and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Serve the pineapple warm alongside the rice for a flavorful and visually appealing meal. For variety, you can also chop the grilled pineapple and mix it directly into the rice.

Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish rice can be made in one pot, with additional ingredients like seafood, beans, or chicken.

Try my version of this recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 ½ cup long grain white rice
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (1 cup diced)
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 14 ½ oz. canned diced fire roasted garlic tomatoes (undrained)
• 8 oz. canned tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Preparation

1. Combine olive oil and butter in a saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Heat until the butter has melted.
2. Add rice, onion and bell pepper, then cook until the rice is golden brown, and the veggies are tender.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant for 30 seconds.
4. Then add undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper; stir well.
5. Bring this to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes. After this the rice should become tender, with little to no liquid in the saucepan.
6. Allow the rice to sit, covered for 15 minutes on very low heat.
7. Stir and fluff with a fork, then serve with your favorite side dish.

What to Serve With Spanish Rice – Delicious Side Dish Options!

Spanish rice is commonly served as a side dish, but can also be served as a main meal. Especially when accompanied by a bunch of fulfilling sides!

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