Saag paneer is a delightful dish known for its creamy texture and mix of flavorful spices. It's a cornerstone of vegetarian cuisine, blending the mildness of paneer with the earthiness of spinach.

To complement this dish, here you can find 14 tasty side dishes that match its flavors perfectly, enhancing your meal with a variety of textures and tastes.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with saag paneer are basmati rice, roti, crispy tofu, shredded chicken, naan bread, jasmine rice, vegetable biryani, aloo gobi, chicken curry, dal makhani, gobi manchurian, chana masala, paneer tikka, and samosas.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Basmati Rice
2. Roti
3. Samosas
4. Shredded Chicken
5. Naan Bread
6. Crispy Tofu
7. Jasmine Rice
8. Vegetable Biryani
What To Serve With Saag Paneer

1. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, with its long, fragrant grains, is the perfect backdrop for saag paneer. Its fluffy texture and slight nuttiness absorb the creamy spinach sauce well, making every bite a delightful mix of flavors. Cook it with a cinnamon stick and a couple of cardamom pods to add an extra layer of aroma to this classic pairing.

2. Roti

Roti, a whole wheat Indian flatbread, offers a soft, chewy texture that's ideal for scooping up saag paneer. Its mild taste and rustic feel complement the richness of the dish, providing a balance of flavors. Making roti fresh at home and serving it warm adds a comforting element to your meal, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.

3. Samosas

Samosas, with their crispy outer shell and savory filling, usually made of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, provide a crunchy, flavorful start to the meal. Their deep-fried goodness and the complexity of spices within make samosas an irresistible side that adds an extra layer of texture and taste, complementing the creamy consistency and rich flavors of saag paneer.

4. Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken, lightly seasoned and cooked until tender, is a simple yet flavorful side that complements saag paneer. Its lean protein and subtle taste blend well with the bold spices of the dish, offering a meaty component that's both nutritious and filling. Mix the chicken with a touch of curry powder for an added kick.

5. Naan Bread

Naan bread, with its pillowy softness and slight char, is an excellent side for saag paneer. The yogurt in the dough gives naan a slight tang, enhancing the flavors of the spinach and paneer. Brush it with garlic butter and sprinkle with cilantro before serving for an irresistible aroma and taste that's hard to beat.

6. Crispy Tofu

Crispy tofu adds a wonderful contrast in textures to saag paneer. Marinate tofu cubes in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then fry until golden. The exterior crunch and interior softness of the tofu provide a satisfying bite against the creamy paneer, making it a great option for adding protein to your meal.

7. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice, though less traditional, can be a delightful pairing with saag paneer. Its floral aroma and slightly sticky texture make it another great option for soaking up the dish's creamy sauce. The subtle sweetness of jasmine rice also offers a nice contrast to the savory, spicy elements of saag paneer, providing a unique twist on the classic combination.

8. Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani, rich in spices and loaded with a variety of vegetables, is a flavorful side that stands up to the robust taste of saag paneer. The aromatic basmati rice, infused with saffron, turmeric, and a mix of spices, along with veggies like carrots, peas, and bell peppers, adds layers of flavor and texture to your meal, making it a feast for the senses.