What To Serve With Empanadas (15 Easy Ideas)

You can eat empanadas for any meal because they are delectable and adaptable. They are perfect for a fast snack or a filling meal. But what ought to be served beside the empanadas?

There are many delectable options available, but we’ve put together a list of 15 traditional Mexican small dishes that are certain to go nicely with your empanadas.

On this list, there is something for everyone, including crispy fries and refried beans.

Genuine Mexican Side Dishes For Empanadas: 15 Recipes

1. Spanish Rice

Mexican rice is a great option if you’re looking for a filling and simple side dish to go with your empanadas. This meal is bursting with taste and has a wonderful texture that complements the flaky dough of an empanada well.

Although brown rice can also be used, white rice is most commonly used to make Mexican rice. This rice is prepared in a tomato sauce and broth mixture that gives it a rich flavor.

To give it even more zing, you may also add additional spices like paprika or chili powder. Try putting some chopped veggies, such as onions, peppers, or corn, in this recipe to improve it.

For a heartier supper, you could also add some shredded meat or chicken. Make sure that anything you choose to add harmonizes nicely with the various ingredients in the dish.

2. Coleslaw

Easily prepared in a short amount of time, and full of fantastic flavor! fantastic on tacos and sandwiches with pulled pork. Make a batch right away!

Empanadas must be served with coleslaw as a side dish.

The crispiness and creaminess are perfectly balanced, and the fresh acidity breaks through the decadence of the empanadas.

The fact that coleslaw is so simple to make is its best feature. Just combine some finely chopped cabbage with mayo, vinegar, salt, and sugar.

For sweetness and texture, you can also include diced apples or carrots. Try mixing in a couple tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles or some finely finely diced herbs including dill and mint to elevate the coleslaw to a whole new level.

For a lighter version, you may instead use yogurt as well as sour cream for the mayonnaise. Coleslaw always serves as a flavorful and reviving side dish, regardless of how it is prepared.

3. Beans With Rice

The dish of rice and beans is loved by a large number of people worldwide. It is a straightforward recipe that can be prepared in a number of ways, however the key is to achieve the ideal harmony of flavor and texture.

The beans ought to be tender but not mushy, and the rice must be cooked until fluffy and light.

This recipe can also be improved by adding other ingredients such as caramelized onions, peppers, chillies, and even some chopped bacon or sausage.

You could also add some meat or chicken shreds to the beans and rice if you want a heartier dish. This will increase the protein content and filling factor of the dish. Beans and rice are a recipe that every person at the table will enjoy.

4. Corn On The Cob

This is a traditional side dish that is the perfect complement to empanadas. In addition to being tasty, this straightforward dish is a fantastic way to add extra color and diversity to your meal.

Usually cooked or grilled, it can be eaten with butter, pepper, and salt.

The flavor is earthy and slightly sweet, while the consistency is soft and chewy. When prepared correctly, the kernels ought to be fully cooked while still having some crunch.

There are numerous ways to improve this straightforward side dish. You may, for instance, roast the corn on the cob before adding cilantro-lime butter to the top.

Or, if you’re feeling daring, you might even attempt creating elote, a delicious and impressive Mexican street snack made with grilled maize.

5. Plantain Chips

Nothing compares to a crunchy, salty plantain chip. They make the ideal dish for any entrée or can serve as a snack by themselves. Typically, plantain chips are fried, giving them their distinctive crunch.

Serve your plantain chips with condiments like aioli, ketchup, and BBQ sauce to further enhance them. Or, if you’re feeling daring, attempt chocolate dipping them.

Before serving, garnish the chips with some diced herbs or spices for an additional crunch.

6. Yuca Fries

Yuca fries are a recent addition to the food scene. A root vegetable with a sweet, starchy flavor akin to potatoes, yuca is indigenous to South America. 

As more people become aware of their distinctive flavor and texture, yuca fries are growing in popularity. Yuca fries include a crisp outside and a fluffy, soft interior.

They could be served with your preferred condiments or toppings and are typically fried or baked. The ability to readily alter yuca fries to your preferences is one of their best features.

Here are some suggestions to help you improve your yuca fry skills:

Serve them with a fresh herb dipping sauce if you can. Before cooking, season your yuca fries with chili powder or cayenne pepper to add some heat. Create some original toppings.

Try topping yuca fries with crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, or even shredded cheese.

7. Fruit Salad

The ideal side dish with empanadas is a fruit salad. It is flavorful, flavorful, and light. Fruit salads are great because you can make them anyway you like them.

Any fruit variety, in addition to different kinds of seeds, nuts, and sauces, are optional. A fruit salad’s flavor ought to be juicy and sweet. For the finest flavor, the fruit must be fresh and in season.

An excellent fruit salad should contain a variety of both softer and crunchier fruits for texture.

An experience that is more intriguing and delightful results from the contrast in textures. A straightforward fruit salad can be improved in countless ways.

Using fresh mint for a cool spin, using a tangy glaze or dressings for a hint of sweetness, or including cheeses or chopped bacon for a meaty flavor are a few suggestions.

8. Salsa Verde

This is a tasty and adaptable sauce that goes well with a variety of foods. Bright, acidic, and spicy in flavor with a slight kick.

Its smooth, creamy texture makes butter ideal for spreading or dipping. There are countless methods for improving this dish. For instance, you could incorporate chopped fresh herbs, avocado, or cheese.

Additionally, you may utilize it as a sauce for vegetables or meats. There are countless options. Even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy this tasty condiment’s ability to enliven any dish.

9. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a tasty, nutritious grain that may be used in many different recipes. Quinoa salads are full of flavor and texture and ideal as a side dish or for a light meal.

We adore quinoa salads because they are so adaptable. Any fruits, vegetables, and spices you have available can be added.

The high protein content of quinoa will keep you satiated until your next meal. Here are some suggestions to help you improve your quinoa salad:

• For an additional protein boost, add some shrimp or chicken that has been barbecued.
• Add a basic vinaigrette or your preferred dressing on top.
• Add microgreens or fresh herbs as a garnish.

10. Black Bean Soup

A rich, hearty soup is ideal for a chilly winter day. It has a creamy texture and a flavor that is rich and earthy. 

To give the soup more taste, you may, for instance, add some bacon or sausage. When serving the soup, you might also sprinkle some grated cheese over the top of it.

The soup will become creamier and tastier as a result. If you want to give black bean soup a truly original touch, consider adding chocolate to the recipe. This will impart a deliciously rich, chocolatey taste to the soup.

11. Gazpacho

A variety of fresh vegetables, as well as numerous topping and serving options, are used in this chilled summer soup recipe. A requirement for the summer! The traditional Spanish soup gazpacho is created from raw, pureed vegetables.

It’s a flavorful, light, and reviving dish that is ideal for summer. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and red onions are the most popular vegetables used in gazpacho.

Depending on your desire, gazpacho could be served as an appetizer or a main course and in either a thick or thin consistency. 

The flavor of gazpacho is sweet and delicious with a touch of tomato acidity. The vegetables add a slight crunch to the smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

By topping gazpacho with fresh herbs, chopped avocado, or grated cheese, you can improve it.

• For the finest flavor, use ripe tomatoes.
• Before mixing the cucumbers, remove the seeds.
• For acidity, add a few drops of vinegar.
• Make sure to add a little salt and pepper.

12. Mexican Street Corn Salad

The ideal accouterment for your upcoming gathering or potluck is this tasty dish. It is flavorful and has a wonderful texture. By topping the dish with some crumbled cotija cheese, you may improve it.

The saltiness and flavor of Cotija cheese complements the sweet maize quite well. You may also add some chopped jalapeno if you want it to have a little heat. It can be prepared in advance and is refrigerator-storable for up to three days.

13. Arroz Con Pollo

Many people like the dish arroz con pollo. It is easy to prepare and versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. Rice and chicken are prepared together in a flavorful broth in this dish.

The rice absorbs the tastes of the broth while the chicken contributes a juicy and moist texture. Adding veggies like peas or carrots or using different cuts of chicken, such thighs or drumsticks, might improve this recipe.

The finest accompaniment to this dish is a side of cooked garlic green beans. Everyone may enjoy the flavorful and simple to prepare meal known as arroz con pollo.

14. Strawberry Salsa

With a touch of heat, this recipe strikes the ideal harmony between sweet and savory flavors.

It’s ideal for picnics and barbecues in the summer. The fact that this dish is so simple to prepare is its best feature. Just combine the ingredients after they have been chopped.

You may serve this meal plain or you can dress it up by adding chips or by placing it on top of roasted chicken or fish. Using ripe strawberries is the secret to making this dish.

To level out the other tastes in the salsa, the strawberries should be nicely sweet.

To add some spice, we also prefer to add a small amount of sliced jalapeño. You can omit the spice or replace it with green pepper if you don’t like it. You can include some sliced avocado for a creamier salsa.

Though it is best served right away, this meal stays well in the refrigerator for one or two days.

We would suggest cutting all of the ingredients and combining them all—with the exception of the strawberries—if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

15. Qdoba Queso

There are various ways to enjoy the delectable, cheesy meal known as qdoba queso.

The queso’s flavor and consistency make it ideal for dipping, spreading over sandwiches, and even eating straight from the jar.

There are countless ways to improve this recipe, but here are some pointers:

• Red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos can be used to add some heat.
• Add additional Greek yogurt or sour cream to make it extra creamy.
• Add some chopped bacon and smoked paprika to give it a smokey flavor.
• Add some sliced chicken, beef mince, or black beans to make it a full dinner.

Final Thoughts 

There are a variety of delectable and simple side dishes that pair well with empanadas.

There is a dish for everyone to enjoy, including salads, soups, and fruit salsa. 

We hope that this article has inspired you to offer something tasty alongside your upcoming batch of empanadas.