12 + Yummy Side Dishes To Serve With Jambalaya

Jambalaya is an exceptional weeknight dish that elevates ordinary chicken and rice to new heights. This mouthwatering meal seamlessly blends Spanish, French, and African culinary traditions, creating a truly unique cultural experience. What’s impressive about jambalaya is its versatility – it effortlessly combines the three essential elements on our plates: carbohydrates from rice, protein-rich meat from chicken or sausage, and crunchy vegetables like peppers and onions.

As such, it can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. However, why settle for just that? By pairing your jambalaya with some innovative side dishes, you can take this already impressive meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore an array of mouthwatering options that will transform your weeknight dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Caesar Salad

If you’re looking to add a delightful contrast to your jambalaya’s bold flavors, let’s start with a timeless classic: Caesar salad. This renowned side dish is often paired with pasta, but its creamy, tangy goodness also pairs perfectly with the rice in this spicy Louisiana staple. And the best part? This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort for maximum return. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Savory Crepes

Savory crepes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pairing with jambalaya, but trust us, this recipe is a game-changer. For those who haven’t ventured into the world of savory crepes before, prepare for a delightful surprise. The best part? They’re surprisingly effortless to whip up and likely require minimal additional pantry staples, making them a great option for even the busiest of cooks.

The Very Best Cornbread

This iconic Southern cornbread is a match made in heaven when paired with jambalaya, but its versatility knows no bounds – it’s equally delightful alongside a wide range of dishes. We’re not exaggerating when we say this recipe yields the most scrumptious, tender, and airy cornbread we’ve encountered online. For a satisfying weeknight meal boost, simply prepare these bite-sized morsels of indulgence.

Hush Puppies

The allure of these bite-sized morsels is undeniable. Essentially, they’re cornbread on steroids – or rather, in crispy, golden-brown form. By deep-frying a classic Southern recipe, you unlock a whole new realm of flavor and texture. Whether serving as a neutralizing force to temper the bold flavors of jambalaya or enjoying them on their own as a satisfying snack, these fried cornbread bites are sure to delight.

Okra

When craving a harmonious blend of flavors and textures to accompany your jambalaya dinner, this recipe for perfectly cooked okra is the perfect accompaniment. What’s often perceived as an acquired taste due to its unique texture when poorly prepared can be transformed into a culinary delight with these simple cooking techniques.

For an added layer of indulgence, consider pan-frying the okra in bacon fat and combining it with sautéed onions, peppers, and tomatoes for a rich and savory experience.

Cheddar Biscuits

For many of us, a warm and flaky biscuit is the perfect accompaniment to our weeknight meals. And when it comes to cheddar biscuits, they truly don’t get much better than these. With their soft texture, chewy centers, and tangy flavor, it’s no wonder why we can’t get enough of them. What’s more, this recipe has the added benefit of freezing well, allowing you to prepare a batch in advance and save time when you’re busy cooking dinner.

So go ahead, indulge in the simplicity and delight of these cheddar biscuits – your taste buds will thank you.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread – a humble side dish that often steals the show. Who would have thought that its savory, aromatic flavors would pair so perfectly with the bold spices of jambalaya? This recipe is a masterclass in cheesy, buttery, and garlicky goodness. The secret to its success lies in the oven-baked texture, where crispy edges give way to a soft, fluffy interior.

Creamed Corn

Indulge in a game-changing twist on traditional corn on the cob with this creamy recipe. When paired with jambalaya, its flavor profile harmonizes perfectly with the spices, creating a match made in heaven. Despite its unassuming appearance, preparation is surprisingly straightforward. Simply grab frozen corn from your local supermarket, along with flour, salt, sugar, and half-and-half.

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – feel free to tailor the level of savory or sweetness to your liking by adjusting the proportions of salt and sugar.

Swiss Chard

When it comes to pairing green vegetables with jambalaya, Swiss chard is an excellent choice that often gets overlooked. However, we’re here to tell you that this leafy green was made for jambalaya – the combination is a match made in heaven. What’s more, preparing it as a side dish couldn’t be simpler. Simply heat some oil in a pan, add the Swiss chard, salt, and pepper, and let the magic happen. This quick and easy recipe requires minimal effort, yet yields maximum flavor.

Creamy Cucumber

While this recipe shares some similarities with traditional potato salad, its light and refreshing twist sets it apart. By swapping out potatoes for chopped cucumbers, you’ll achieve a texture that’s both creamy and incredibly fresh. The combination of cucumbers, onions, and a tangy sour cream dressing yields a truly unique flavor profile. To elevate the dish to new heights, add a touch of sugar to balance out the flavors.

This delightful recipe is perfect for hot summer days or pairing with spicy dishes like jambalaya.

Baked Zucchini Bites

Indulge in these heavenly bites, which belie their ease of preparation by appearing as if they’ve been carefully crafted over time. The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients: bisquick mix, cheese, and vegetables. With this trifecta, you can elevate your weeknight meal into a special occasion by serving them either as a side dish or an appetizer preceding the main course.

The bisquick-based bites offer a delightful contrast to the hearty jambalaya, making for a well-rounded culinary experience.

Rainbow Salad

Indulge in the sweet serenity of this vibrant fruit salad, where a symphony of colors meets a symphony of flavors. The natural sweetness of the fruits is expertly balanced by a zesty and refreshing lime-honey-zest dressing, making it an absolute delight to savor. To prepare this delightful dish, simply chop your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces and top them with the tangy dressing.

If you’re someone who enjoys a spicy jambalaya, this salad is the perfect accompaniment – its sweetness will beautifully temper the heat. Go To Recipe

Grilled Oysters

Elevate your jambalaya experience by serving this delectable appetizer that’s sure to impress. The harmonious blend of salty, buttery, and sweet flavors makes for a fantastic accompaniment to the main dish. Plus, it’s easy to create a tangy remoulade sauce to pair perfectly with these succulent oysters.

Crab Dip

When it comes to seafood-based sides that pair perfectly with jambalaya, there’s one dish that truly stands out: a creamy and indulgent dip that’s simply irresistible. Its velvety texture and rich cheesy flavor have the power to tantalize our taste buds from the very first bite. What sets this dip apart is its bold and complex flavor profile, which is expertly balanced by the harmonious union of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot pepper sauce, and jalapenos.

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of heat to your weeknight jambalaya, then this recipe is a must-try. With its perfect blend of spicy and savory, it’s guaranteed to elevate your culinary game.

Final Thoughts

While jambalaya is certainly a flavorful standalone dish, it can be elevated to new heights with the addition of a variety of tasty side dishes. For a unique twist on dinner tonight, consider preparing one or more of these delectable accompaniments that will surely impress your family and friends.