When serving chili rellenos, choose sides that enhance their rich and smoky flavor. Spanish rice is a classic, seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and chili powder, adding depth to your meal. Refried beans offer a hearty, nutritious complement, packed with protein and fiber. Elote, grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, provides a savory and tangy contrast. Guacamole brings creamy richness, while pico de gallo adds fresh, zesty flavors. Expand your menu with roasted tomatoes, hash browns, and a Mexican kale salad. Quick-pickled red onions add a crisp, tangy bite. Discover more exceptional sides ahead.
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice, with its robust flavors and vibrant colors, serves as an ideal accompaniment to chili rellenos.
This Mexican rice, seasoned with onions, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder, offers a rich and savory taste that complements the cheesy and spicy notes of chili rellenos.
Easily customizable and made with pantry staples, it adds depth and complexity to the overall meal, enhancing the dining experience.
Refried Beans
Alongside the flavorful Spanish rice, refried beans provide a hearty and nutritious side dish that perfectly complements the spicy and cheesy chili rellenos.
Made from cooked and mashed pinto or black beans, refried beans are seasoned with garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder for a rich, savory taste.
They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.
Elote (Mexican Corn)
Elote, a beloved Mexican street food, provides a delightful blend of flavors that harmoniously enhances the chili rellenos dining experience.
This traditional dish features grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Its sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes perfectly balance the richness of chili rellenos.
Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, elote is a must-try for Mexican-inspired meals.
Guacamole
Guacamole, a staple in Mexican cuisine, offers an invigorating and creamy complement to the bold flavors of chili rellenos. Made from mashed avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, guacamole pairs beautifully with chili rellenos.
Its rich, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins enhance the meal, while its tangy, creamy texture balances the spiciness. Homemade guacamole is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Pico De Gallo
Pico de Gallo, often prepared with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, brings a vibrant and zesty flavor to chili rellenos.
This fresh, uncooked salsa adds a burst of color and freshness, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the dish.
A versatile condiment, pico de Gallo can be customized with lime juice or avocado, making it a healthy and delightful addition.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Following the vibrant flavors of pico de gallo, cilantro lime rice offers an invigorating and aromatic complement to chili rellenos. This popular Mexican side dish combines zesty lime with the fresh aroma of cilantro, creating a revitalizing twist on traditional rice.
Its citrusy notes balance the richness of chili rellenos, making it a perfect, easy-to-make addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup, with its robust flavors and nutritional benefits, serves as an excellent accompaniment to chili rellenos. The protein-rich black beans add heartiness, while the customizable nature of the soup allows for added vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Packed with fiber, iron, and plant-based protein, this soup is also a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans, perfectly complementing the rich taste of chile relleno.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad consistently offers a light and revitalizing contrast to the rich flavors of Chili Rellenos. This invigorating side dish combines grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, creating a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Served cold or at room temperature, it provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures that complements the savory taste of Chili Rellenos beautifully.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach offers a quick and nutritious side dish that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of chili rellenos. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, this vibrant green vegetable is easy to prepare using olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Its earthy flavor complements the richness of the Chile Relleno, creating a balanced and visually appealing plate.
Buttermilk Coleslaw
As you savor the nutritious sautéed spinach alongside your chili rellenos, consider complementing the meal with a creamy buttermilk coleslaw.
This slaw, made with mayo, buttermilk, and sour cream, offers a tangy and invigorating flavor. The crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots add texture, while the creamy dressing provides a rich contrast to the spicy and cheesy chili rellenos, making it an ideal side dish.
Tomato and Avocado Salad
A tomato and avocado salad serves as a tasty and invigorating side dish, perfectly complementing the rich and spicy notes of chili rellenos.
This tomato salad combines juicy tomatoes and creamy avocados, enhanced by fresh cilantro, offering a delightful balance of textures and vibrant colors.
It not only refreshes the palate but also adds a wholesome, delicious contrast to the meal.
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes, with their concentrated flavors and aromatic profile, serve as an excellent accompaniment to chili rellenos. Baked with balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese, these tomatoes offer an intense flavor that balances the rich, savory taste of the main dish.
On-the-vine tomatoes not only enhance the presentation but also add sophistication, making roasted tomatoes a simple yet delicious addition to any meal.
Hash Browns
Hash browns, with their crispy texture and comforting flavor, serve as an ideal side dish to complement chili rellenos. Easy to prepare in large batches, they are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Their savory taste balances the rich flavors of chili rellenos, making them a versatile option for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Customize with different seasonings to suit your palate.
Mexican Kale Salad
Often a delightful addition to any meal, Mexican kale salad brings a burst of vibrant flavor and texture to your table, making it an excellent side dish for chili rellenos.
This invigorating side dish features roasted chickpeas and jalapenos tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing.
The combination of kale, chickpeas, and jalapenos adds a unique twist, ensuring a healthy and delicious complement to your main course.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Chili Rellenos also Suitable for Chili Baked Potatoes?
When it comes to the best side dishes for chili baked potatoes, many of the same options that pair well with chili rellenos are also suitable. Classic choices like Mexican street corn, refried beans, or a refreshing side salad complement both dishes perfectly. Additionally, rice and black beans are great accompaniments for both.
Quick-Pickled Red Onions
Building on the vibrant flavors of the Mexican kale salad, quick-pickled red onions offer a tangy and crisp contrast that perfectly complements the richness of chili rellenos.
Soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt creates this easy-to-make condiment.
When paired with tomatoes and onions in dishes like tacos or sandwiches, they enhance the overall taste profile, adding brightness and refreshment.