Are you looking for some delicious Spanish Side Dishes to make your next party even more amazing? Check out these 25 recipes that will amaze your guests!
We think the sides are just as important as the main course when it comes to Spanish cuisine.
And it’s even hard to have one without the other!
Just picture this: you’re in a fine Spanish restaurant—one with red velvet curtains, five-star service, and incredible food.
You order your main course, delivered to you on a steaming silver platter.
You take your first bite, and…wait.
Your mouth is watering.
The flavors are incredible, and it’s the first time you’ve had something like this.
But after you’ve finished that bite, what now?
You’ll want to be filled when you sit at the table because it’s nice to see a full plate while everyone else is eating.
That’s why we’re so excited about this list of 25 Spanish side dishes that will go perfectly with any meal.
Whether you’re looking for hearty, traditional Spanish dishes or fresh, modern recipes, you’ll please any crowd with these tasty and easy sides.
Pisto Manchego, Gambas Al Ajillo, and Coliflor Rebozada are not only fun to pronounce and say but they are very delicious side dishes, you should give them a try.
But whatever dish you choose here, we’re sure you’ll like #23 better than the rest.
It’s the best thing since sliced bread!
So, let’s begin!
1. Gazpacho
This is the only Gazpacho recipe you will ever need.
It’s fresh, light, and packed with flavor!
If you want, you can even make it a day in advance so that the flavors can blend together.
So, if you’re looking for something lighter than heavy summertime meals, this chilled soup is your ticket.
What should you do when all peppers are on sale, and you only need a lot for that one hot sauce you’re making?
Make Piperade!
Piperade is a sautéed pepper that’s great on its own or a good side dish for pasta or sandwiches.
And, of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use the leftovers to fill vegan fajitas!
This recipe is easy to cook, but we promise you’ll be wowed.
It’s a great starter for any meal, or you could even make it into a side dish.
Plus, the carrots are boiled before being marinated, so this recipe is also PERFECT for anyone who has trouble eating raw veggies.
Patatas Bravas, the dish that proves the cliche “less is more,” is still a cliche because it’s true.
They’re easy to make too!
You basically just cook potatoes in oil and then put some hot sauce on them.
Spain is known for its fantastic way of eating.
There, you can eat a lot of small dishes together in one big meal.
And trust us, this Spanish garlic cauliflower is worthy of your next tapas-style meal!
With minimal ingredients and easy prep work, this cauliflower is a great appetizer or side dish for any meal.
You know the old saying: Spanish vegetable and white bean soup calls, but kale answers.
And that’s why we love this dish—it’s got all the ingredients we need to feel like spring has arrived, but it’s light enough without being too much.
This recipe also uses smoked paprika to this dish, giving it an extra-smoky flavor that will warm your soul and body.
There’s something about stuffed mushrooms that just screams “party food!”
Maybe it’s the mushroom shape.
Maybe it’s their savory, slightly salty flavor.
Whatever it is, these vegan stuffed mushrooms are an easy and delicious way to show off your culinary prowess without spending hours in the kitchen.
They’re full of fresh ingredients like herbs and garlic as a side dish.
But you can also serve them as an appetizer or a light main dish with a fresh salad and some crusty bread.
What is the result when you combine all of your favorite Mediterranean vegetables in one easy dish?
The answer is Pisto Manchego, a traditional Spanish dish that mixes peppers, onions, tomatoes, courgettes (zucchini ), and sometimes even eggplant!
Sometimes, it goes by the name of Spanish ratatouille.
Simple, seasonal dishes are often the best!
This is especially true when using ultra-fresh ingredients, like this recipe for Mallorcan Tumbet.
With eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes, it is a great way to use up the last of your summer vegetables in the fall and winter when you have very little time to cook.
How much better can it get?
Roasted eggplant and red peppers are a surprisingly interesting vegetarian side dish.
While we’re sure that you’ve eaten plenty of eggplant in your life, this one is different because it is roasted and has a smoky flavor that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
The red bell peppers are also roasted, but they’re left raw until they become slightly charred, so they still have a little crunch and gooeyness that makes them irresistible.
This kind of veggie dish will make even meat lovers reconsider their food choices.
There are many Spanish potato recipes, but this is the one you need.
And despite the name, this dish is anything but poor in flavor.
It’s also a rustic dish made with simple ingredients (basically where it got its name) that come together to create something that tastes great.
And like many Spanish recipes, its base is also olive oil, onion, and garlic.
12. Ensaladilla Rusa
When people think of Spanish side dishes, they often think of tortillas, croquetas, and patatas bravas.
But there’s one more dish that deserves to be at the forefront of your mind: Ensaladilla Rusa (Russian potato salad).
It is an internationally popular potato salad recipe that’s mayonnaise-based.
It also features cubed carrots, peas, boiled eggs, tuna, onions, and black olives.
13. Papas Arrugadas
Papas Arrugadas, or “wrinkled potatoes,” are a bit of a misnomer.
Yes, they’re wrinkled, but they’re delicious!
The recipe is also pretty simple: just potatoes and salt when you think about it.
Although the flavors are less interesting than other side dishes, the way its process works is really fascinating.
Homemade Chorizo Sausage is the best!
The store-bought stuff might be ideal for those who are okay with average things.
But for those who want the freshest and tastiest ingredients, there is only one choice: homemade.
The recipe is so simple that it’s silly.
Plus, you can use these sausages in breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs and cheese on corn tortillas.
Amazing, right?
This recipe is a game-changer.
It’s easy to make, and you’ll want to keep it on hand for busy days or when you’re just feeling lazy.
You can also have it as a side dish or top it off on a bed of greens with your favorite meat.
The best part?
It’s totally friendly to your budget and made with ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry!
Spanish Garlic Mushrooms—love them or hate them.
Their unique texture and umami taste make them a classic in kitchens all over the world.
Also, this is a recipe that anyone can cook at home because it’s so simple and easy to prepare!
Plus, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s impossible to hate this dish because it has a soft texture with a lot of lemon juice and garlic.
It just sounds irresistible!
17. Mojo Verde
Are you in the mood for a sauce that goes with everything?
Well, you’re in luck!
Because Mojo Verde (aka Spanish green sauce) will be your new go-to.
With a kick of chili, this sauce is so fresh and flavorful you’ll want to add it to everything from fish and grilled meats to potatoes and tacos.
Plus, it’s easy to throw together in a blender or food processor—simply add olive oil, cilantro, parsley, garlic, chili powder, cumin, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Just like that: endless possibilities!
Whether in Barcelona or San Sebastian, there are always new culinary treats waiting to be tasted.
But if there is one side dish you should try before you die, it’s pan-fried Padron peppers.
They resemble chili peppers in shape and color but are smaller and less wrinkled.
And did you know that these green peppers are a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike because they are so easy to prepare?
It’s so cool!
19. Pan Con Tomate
Pan Con Tomate, or “bread and tomato” in Spanish, is the perfect breakfast for anyone who’s trying to limit their carb intake but also loves bread.
It’s also great for anyone who has a hard time cooking because all you need here is a knife and a piece of bread.
And if you have any herbs leftover from last week’s recipe, this will make an excellent use for them!
If you’re searching for a recipe to use up your kale or spinach that’s easy, delicious, and vegan, look no further than this simple stewed Spanish Garbanzos and Greens!
And it’s easy to see why this dish is so popular.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and simple enough to throw together on a lazy Saturday.
Plus, it makes those vegetables taste delicious!
Gambas Al Ajillo is a fantastic dish for anyone who knows their way around a garlic clove (which we hope is all of you!)
And it’s super easy to make at home.
Just set aside 15 minutes and prepare yourself for a flavorful explosion.
The recipe is simple: garlic, prawns (or shrimp if you’re in the US), olive oil, parsley, fresh chili peppers (optional), and lots of paprika—all cooked up together in one little pan.
Seriously though, one pan is all you need.
Are you ready for some fun with zucchini?
Then get ready to try Crema De Calabacín!
This beautiful Spanish soup is also known as Andalusian Cream of Zucchini, and it’s deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Plus, it’s both simple and versatile!
So, if you’re into veggies, you can make this recipe without any modifications.
And if you’d want some protein, you can easily add chicken or shrimp!
There’s a reason Romesco is often described as the Spanish equivalent of pesto.
It has all the same qualities, and it’s just as tasty.
But have you ever tried it with sautéed calamari?
You should!
The sauce is smokey, spicy, and sweet—it pairs perfectly with the buttery calamari and its crispy pancetta coating.
24. Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade is a perfect example of how the simplest ingredients can add something remarkable to your food.
It’s basically just olives and oil, but when you taste it, you’ll find that it adds a whole new dimension of flavor to whatever you’re eating!
That’s why this recipe is so great—it’s simple but so flavorful!
And you can use it to make anything like sandwiches and salads
You’ll love to make this recipe every weekend, but it’s so easy that you can make it on a weeknight too!
The garlic softens and sweetens as it simmers and then gets mashed into the potatoes, infusing them with luscious garlic flavor.
The chorizo then gives it a smoky heat that will make your eyes roll back in your head. And the poblano pepper?
She’s just there to add some color and make sure everything stays balanced.
Yes, this meal is so delicious that we think of it as a living, breathing entity.
The bottom line
Hopefully, after browsing this list, you now have some excellent recipe ideas to try out.
These dishes are a must for any Spanish dinner party, as they are delicious and reasonably easy to prepare.
And when you get to make these Spanish side dishes, make sure that everyone has a good time.
This is the best way to guarantee that they remember your good cooking.
25 Best Spanish Sides
25 Best Spanish Side Dishes for your next Latin-themed dinner party; delicious and easily made side dish recipes!
Ingredients
- Gazpacho
- Piperade (Spanish Bell Pepper Sauté)
- Zanahorias Aliñadas (Spanish Marinated Carrots)
- Patatas Bravas
- Coliflor Rebozada (Spanish Garlic Caulliflower)
- Smoky Spanish Vegetable And White Bean Soup With Kale
- Stuffed Mushroom
- Pisto Manchego (Spanish Ratatouille)
- Mallorcan Tumbet
- Escalivada Catalana (Catalan Roasted Vegetables)
- Patatas A Lo Pobre
- Ensaladilla Rusa
- Papas Arrugadas
- Homemade Fresh Chorizo
- Ensalada de Alubias Blancas (Spanish Bean Salad)
- Champiñones Al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Mushrooms)
- Mojo Verde
- Pimientos De Padron (Fried Padron Peppers)
- Pan Con Tomate
- Spanish Garbanzos And Greens
- Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
- Spanish Zucchini Soup
- Sauteed Calamari With Smokey, Spanish Romesco Sauce
- Olive Tapenade
- Mashed Potato With Spanish Chorizo And Poblanos
Instructions
- Take a look at our Spanish Side Dishes list!
- Bring the ingredients to create a new favorite dish.
- Woohoo! You created a home-cooked meal!
- Comment your thoughts on our Facebook page!