Bring the bright, bold flavors of Spain to your kitchen this summer with these easy and irresistible Spanish recipes!
When I think of summer cooking, I find myself turning to Spanish recipes again and again. They strike the perfect balance of rustic and elegant, often requiring just a few pantry staples, plenty of fresh ingredients, and a generous amount of good Spanish olive oil.
Whether you’re planning a paella party, looking for a hearty main dish, or in need of a make-ahead pitcher drink for a summer get-together, I’ve pulled together my favorite Spanish recipes from the site to give you plenty of inspiration all season long. We also have a list of Spanish tapas recipes to make your feast complete!
Table of Contents
- Spain’s Famous Rice Dishes
- Easy Chicken Paella
- Easy Seafood Paella
- Simple One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
- Spanish Rice and Beans
- Summery Spanish Mains
- Skillet Shrimp with Chorizo and Squash
- Tomato and Pepper Poached Cod (Bacalao a la Riojana)
- Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna
- Catalan Fideuà (Spanish Seafood Vermicelli)
- Chorizo Pasta with Spinach
- Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
- Mussels with Chorizo and Saffron
- Spanish Drinks for Summer Evenings
- Red Sangria
- Agua de Valencia
- Tinto de Verano (Spanish Red Wine Cocktail)
- White Sangria
- Watermelon Sangria
- Non-Alcoholic Sangria with Hibiscus and Thyme
- Sweet Treats from Spain
- Crema Catalana
- Churros con Chocolate (Spanish Churros with Chocolate)
- Apple Empanadas (Spanish Apple Hand Pies)
- Torrijas de Leche (Spanish French Toast)
- More Recipe Roundups
Spain’s Famous Rice Dishes
Whether studded with beans or topped with tender chicken or seafood, rice dishes are at the heart of Spanish cuisine. And there’s no better time to enjoy them than summer, when a big, sunshiny pan of spiced rice is the answer to making a meal that needs little else to accompany it.
Easy Chicken Paella
A timeless Spanish dish with golden saffron-scented rice, tender chicken, and bright veggies. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for a weekend dinner or special occasion. Just avoid the temptation to stir the rice once you’ve added the stock! Leaving it undisturbed will help you get that golden crispy layer at the bottom known as the socarrat. Add a tangy olive salad for a fresh touch on the side.
Easy Seafood Paella
A beautiful shrimp and lobster paella is both impressive and easier than you’d think, and you can customize yours with any shellfish you like. No need for a special paella pan, a large, sturdy cast iron skillet works just as well. Start the meal with marinated anchovies or cups of Classic Gazpacho for a meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Simple One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Smoky sausage and juicy chicken are always a family favorite! This one-pan wonder is a cozy, flavor-packed rice dish of bone-in chicken with onions, bell peppers, and a smoked paprika-based spice rub that comes together quickly. I call for fresh chorizo in this recipe, but it would be just as delicious with dry-cured Spanish-style chorizo. Two of my favorite sides for this recipe are an heirloom tomato salad or a refreshing spinach mango salad.
Spanish Rice and Beans
This weeknight-friendly dinner recipe is a budget-friendly favorite that’s high in plant-based protein and big on flavor. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes, smoked paprika, and a variety of vegetables give it great color and lots of savoriness. It’s great for meal prep or as a base for grilled shrimp or vegetables.
Summery Spanish Mains
These main dishes celebrate seasonal ingredients and bold Spanish flavors. Many of them come together in one pan, making them perfect for low-fuss summer cooking.
Skillet Shrimp with Chorizo and Squash
This one-pan dinner is bursting with fresh summer veggies, smoky cured sausage, and quick-cooking shrimp. It’s a 30-minute meal that still feels special enough for company. Serve with Patas Bravas on the side and a refreshing granita for dessert.
Tomato and Pepper Poached Cod (Bacalao a la Riojana)
In this light, yet satisfying one-pan Spanish fish recipe, tender cod filets cook gently in rich, smoky tomato and red pepper sauce. It’s traditionally made with salt cod, but our version uses fresh cod instead for a fast-cooking dinner. Smoked Spanish paprika is essential for giving this dish its smoky flavor, as is a crusty baguette for mopping up the sauce!
Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna
When tomatoes are abundant, why not stuff them with a Spanish filling featuring caramelized onion, tuna, olives, and parsley? The tomatoes soften pleasantly in the oven but hold their shape nicely. These are often served as a first course for a three-course lunch. Add saffron rice and an arugula salad on the side to serve them for dinner.
Catalan Fideuà (Spanish Seafood Vermicelli)
Fideua is paella’s pasta-based cousin, and it’s bursting with the briny flavor of fresh shellfish. Made with thin noodles called fideos or vermicelli in place of rice, it cooks faster and is a showstopper of a main dish for sharing with friends. It’s perfect with Roasted Artichoke Hearts and a glass of white wine or White Sangria.
Chorizo Pasta with Spinach
This bold, flavor-forward pasta combines smoky cured Spanish chorizo, roasted red peppers, and lots of green spinach. A little tomato paste gives great color and makes it just saucy enough. A crunchy Radicchio Salad would be a lovely complement to the rich pasta.
Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
I know some people will say that stew isn’t summer food, but I disagree! A crumbly mixture of toasted almonds and bread spiked with garlic, vinegar, and warm notes of cumin adds loads of texture and flavor to this quick and nourishing vegetarian chickpea stew from Seville. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and is also often served at room temperature along with a spread of tapas. To do just that, add squares of Spanish tortilla, thin slices of Spanish cured ham or cheese, and assorted olives.
Mussels with Chorizo and Saffron
Spain is a leading producer of farmed mussels, and this easy one-pot dish packed with lots of Spanish flavors is a great recipe to show them off! The plump shellfish simmer in a saffron-infused broth with smoky chorizo. Tender potatoes soak up all the flavor. All you need on the side is a simple green salad.
Spanish Drinks for Summer Evenings
When it comes to summer sips, Spain knows how to keep things cool. These festive Spanish drinks are made for long, lazy afternoons or get-togethers with friends.
Red Sangria
Red wine-based sangria is fruity, bold, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Orange juice, fresh fruit, and brandy make it a party staple. Serve it with Beef Empanadillas and Salmorejo, chilled Spanish-style tomato soup, for a bold spread of tapas.
Agua de Valencia
This Spanish twist on a mimosa combines fresh orange juice with cava and a splash of gin or vodka. It’s festive, fizzy, and made for celebrations. It’s perfect for a warm-weather brunch with Watermelon Gazpacho or sweet Strawberry Crêpes.
Tinto de Verano (Spanish Red Wine Cocktail)
Want a beverage with the same vibe as sangria, but one that you can mix by the glass? Tinto de Verano is Spain’s ultimate summer refresher. A combination of red wine, fruit, and soda, it’s low-effort and totally delicious, a perfect cooling sipper for a weeknight cocktail hour. Add Pan con Tomate, and a cooling bowl of Ajo Blanco for a chilled out supper.
White Sangria
A fruity, citrusy, white wine-based sangria is perfect for summer entertaining. Featuring citrus fruits, apples, and peaches and a sprig of mint for an extra-refreshing touch. It’s a great partner to Spanish seafood dishes like Gambas al Ajillo or Tuna Empanadillas.
Watermelon Sangria
This not-too-sweet watermelon sangria recipe is ready in minutes! Rather than macerating fruit like a traditional sangria, I blend the watermelon so it quickly mixes with the wine, then serve it over ice. It’s a refreshing summer sipper you’ll drink all season. Try it with grilled corn salad and salmon burgers for a super summery meal.
Non-Alcoholic Sangria with Hibiscus and Thyme
How do you make a non-alcoholic sangria that boasts just as much depth of flavor as the original? Simply steep tart dried hibiscus flowers with warming spices, fresh thyme, a touch of honey, and citrus. The result is a complex infusion that’s vibrant and perfect for hot days when you want something fun but alcohol-free. Serve it with Spanish Meatballs for a weeknight dinner or Fried Calamari as part of a party spread.
Sweet Treats from Spain
Round out your summer meal with something sweet! These Spanish desserts are simple, satisfying, and just indulgent enough.
Crema Catalana
Spain’s take on crème brûlée—that’s slightly easier to pull off—is this baked citrus-and cinnamon-scented custard, and has a caramelized sugar top. Make it the night before your next dinner party or special occasion and serve it with Carajillo, spiked Spanish coffee.
Churros con Chocolate (Spanish Churros with Chocolate)
No trip to Spain would be complete without trying this beloved Spanish sweet! Churros are a decadent breakfast or late-night treat. A Spanish recipe for simple fried dough sprinkled with sugar, they’re not difficult to make. Our recipe includes a luxurious melted chocolate sauce scented with cinnamon and star anise.
Apple Empanadas (Spanish Apple Hand Pies)
In Barcelona, tender olive oil pastry turnovers filled with spiced apples are called crestes de poma, but they’re common throughout northern Spain as empanadillas de manzana. And they’re a delicious treat to make when the first apples of the year ripen in August. Try them for an afternoon snack or in the morning with some healthy breakfast egg muffins for some protein.
Torrijas de Leche (Spanish French Toast)
In this Spanish version of French toast, thick slices of day-old bread are soaked in sweetened milk until soft and custardy and scented with cinnamon and citrus. Add a drizzle of summer berry compote for even more seasonal flavor.
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