What to Serve with Saffron Rice (13 Tasty Ideas You Can Make)
Saffron rice, also known as yellow rice, is one of the most popular dishes in the world, and for a good reason. Its exotic flavor and aroma make it a favorite among food lovers everywhere.
I love saffron rice, and I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for colorful food, or maybe because I love saffron’s flavor. Either way, I think it’s a fantastic dish and I often find myself making it for friends and family.
It’s so versatile and can be paired with almost any type of side dish. I’ve had great success with many recipes and I’m excited to share my findings with you.
So, what should you serve with saffron rice? In this article, we will explore a variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with this fragrant grain. From simple steamed vegetables to complex curries, we have something for everyone! So what are you waiting for?
Let’s get started!
Side Dishes for Saffron Rice
- Persian Rice Salad
- Carrot and Apple Slaw
- Chicken Korma
- Carrots & Radishes With Yogurt Dip
- Korean Cucumber Salad
- Slow-Cooked Chicken Curry
- Lentil Daal
- Avocado Egg Salad
- Lamb Kabobs
- Coconut Potato And Chickpea Curry
- Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Cilantro Chutney
- Lemony Minted Asparagus
Persian Rice Salad
I will like to start with my personal favorite, the Persian Rice Salad. This dish is so flavorful and colorful, that it’s sure to please any crowd. The best part about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for potlucks or large gatherings.
To make this salad, you will need some basmati rice, a few Persian spices, and some fresh vegetables and herbs. I like to use carrots, red onions, and green peppers, but you can really use any combination of vegetables that you like.
To cook the rice, simply follow the package directions. Once it’s cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool completely. In a small bowl, mix together the spices and sprinkle them over the rice.
Add the chopped vegetables and toss everything together. Just before serving, stir in a handful of fresh herbs. I like to use parsley or mint, but cilantro would also be great.
My secret weapon is the garlic yogurt sauce. It really takes this salad to the next level. Simply whisk together some plain yogurt, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe!
This salad can be served at room temperature or cold, making it perfect for summertime gatherings.
Carrot and Apple Slaw
This is a great summertime dish that is perfect for picnics or barbecues. It’s light and refreshing, and the sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the fragrant saffron rice.
To make this slaw, you will need some shredded carrots, diced apples, green onions, and a few other simple ingredients.
Believe me, this dish is super easy to make and doesn’t take a long process to achieve.
Chicken Korma
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, Chicken Korma is a perfect choice. This Indian dish is full of flavor and spice, and it pairs perfectly with saffron rice.
Apart from the fact that I love chicken, I also love that this dish can be made in a slow cooker. Simply place all of the ingredients in the pot in the morning and let it cook all day.
When you’re ready to eat, simply shred the chicken and serve it over a bed of rice.
Carrots & Radishes With Yogurt Dip
If you know me, you know that I love dips. I could probably eat them all day long! This carrot and radish dip is one of my favorites. It’s so refreshing and perfect for summertime.
Try it as a healthy alternative to ranch dressing or serve it as a side dish with some grilled chicken or fish.
You’ll be stunned.
Korean Cucumber Salad
If you are the type of person who loves spicy food, then you will love this Korean cucumber salad. It’s the perfect side dish for saffron rice because it has a little bit of everything.
The best part about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
So, if you’re looking for a dish that you can make ahead of time, this is it!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry
This is another great dish that is crazy easy to make.
This curry is full of flavor and spice, and it pairs perfectly with saffron rice. You can tell that it will be delicious just by looking at it. Just look at all of those beautiful colors!
This dish can be made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. I would recommend making it in the slow cooker. Simply place all of the ingredients in the pot in the morning and let it cook all day.
By the time you’re home for dinner, it will be ready and waiting for you. So easy!
Lentil Daal
This Indian dish is perfect for those who are looking for a hearty and filling meal. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and it pairs perfectly with saffron rice.
I like to make this dish in the Instant Pot because it’s so quick and easy. Simply place all of the ingredients in the pot and let it do its thing.
Additionally, lentil daal is a great meal to make ahead of time and it will last for several days in the fridge.
Avocado Egg Salad
In this salad, avocado meets egg and there is an explosion of flavor. This salad is so good that you’ll want to eat it every day.
It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Simply hard-boil some eggs, mash up an avocado, and mix in some diced tomatoes, green onions, and a few other ingredients. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
You can’t go wrong with this salad!
Lamb Kabobs
I don’t know about you but I love kabobs. They are the perfect summertime food.
These lamb kabobs are so flavorful and they pair absolutely well with saffron rice. The best part is that appearance-wise, they are absolutely stunning.
They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. So, if you’re looking for a dish that you can make ahead of time, this is it!
Yogurt Dill Sauce
Anything that has yogurt in it has my heart. This yogurt dill sauce is no exception. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for lamb kabobs or chicken.
It’s also a great way to add some flavor to your saffron rice.
Simply mix together some plain yogurt, lemon juice, virgin olive oil, chopped dill, garlic, and a few other ingredients. And season it with salt to taste.
Cilantro Chutney
Being Indian, I love cilantro. So, when I found this recipe for cilantro chutney, I knew that I had to make it.
This chutney is the perfect side dish for saffron rice. It has a little bit of everything.
It’s spicy, tangy, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Making this dish will require some cilantro, mint, green chilies, lemon juice, sugar, and a few other ingredients.
Spicy Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)
Spicy broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that is related to broccoli. It’s one of my favorite vegetables and it pairs perfectly with saffron rice.
Rapini has a slightly bitter taste and it’s often used in Italian cuisine. It can be served as a side dish or as part of the main meal.
Lemony Minted Asparagus
Last but not the list, we have lemony-minted asparagus. This is a simple and flavorful side dish that is perfect for spring and summer.
Asparagus is one of my best vegetables. I love the way it pairs with lemon and mint. The flavors just work so well together!
This dish can be made in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
A list of other Options
Vegan and Vegetable Side Dishes
Spicy Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)
Salata
Carrot and Apple Slaw
Korean Cucumber Salad
Lemony Minted Asparagus
Dips and Soups
Haydari Yogurt Dip
Yogurt Dill Sauce
Slow Cooked Chicken Curry
Cilantro Chutney
Rice and Starchy Side Dishes
Homemade Naan
Persian Rice Salad
Lentil Daal
Chicken and Proteins
Persian Chicken
Butter Chicken
Spicy Basque Chicken
Baked Mediterranean Salmon
Chicken Korma
Lamb Kabobs
Miscellaneous combinations
Basmati Rice Pilaf with Peas and Onions
Vegetarian Arancini With Aubergines And Chickpeas
Avocado Egg Salad
Coconut Potato And Chickpea Curry
Carrots & Radishes With Yogurt Dip
Basmati Rice Pilaf with Peas and Onions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is saffron rice good for you?
Yes, saffron rice is good for you. It is a whole grain and it is packed with nutrients. Additionally, saffron has many health benefits.
How do you use saffron?
Saffron is often used as a spice or as a flavoring agent. Saffron can be used to make rice, soup, bread, and more.
What to serve with saffron rice for vegetarians?
There are many options for what to serve with saffron rice for vegetarians. Some ideas include Vegetarian Arancini With Aubergines And Chickpeas, avocado egg salad, carrot and apple slaw, lentil daal, and coconut potato and chickpea curry.
The Bottom Line
Saffron rice is a delicious and healthy option for a side dish. It is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits.
When choosing what to serve with saffron rice, there are many options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a vegan, vegetarian, or protein-packed option, there is sure to be a perfect dish for you!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the dish should be able to stand up to the strong flavor of the saffron. Second, the dish should complement the rice, not compete with it.
With these guidelines in mind, you are sure to find the perfect side dish for your next meal!
What to Serve with Saffron Rice (13 Tasty Ideas You Can Make)
Ingredients
- Persian Rice Salad
- Carrot and Apple Slaw
- Chicken Korma
- Carrots & Radishes With Yogurt Dip
- Korean Cucumber Salad
- Slow-Cooked Chicken Curry
- Lentil Daal
- Avocado Egg Salad
- Lamb Kabobs
- Coconut Potato And Chickpea Curry
- Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Cilantro Chutney
- Lemony Minted Asparagus
- Spicy Broccoli Rabe Rapini
- Salata
- Carrot and Apple Slaw
- Korean Cucumber Salad
- Lemony Minted Asparagus
- Haydari Yogurt Dip
- Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Slow Cooked Chicken Curry
- Cilantro Chutney
- Homemade Naan
- Persian Rice Salad
- Lentil Daal
- Chicken and Proteins
- Persian Chicken
- Butter Chicken
- Spicy Basque Chicken
- Baked Mediterranean Salmon
- Chicken Korma
- Lamb Kabobs
- Basmati Rice Pilaf with Peas and Onions
- Vegetarian Arancini With Aubergines And Chickpeas
- Avocado Egg Salad
- Coconut Potato And Chickpea Curry
- Carrots & Radishes With Yogurt Dip
- Basmati Rice Pilaf with Peas and Onions
Instructions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish