To elevate your enchilada meal, consider pairing it with flavorful sides like Mexican rice, which brings vibrant color and a comforting taste. Refried beans offer a creamy, savory touch, while guacamole adds a rich, invigorating contrast. Pico de gallo's fresh burst of tomato, onion, and lime enhances the dish, and elote, with its tangy, creamy blend of grilled corn, tangy mayonnaise, and seasonings, is a street food favorite. Chiles rellenos, Mexican slaw, cornbread, and salsa verde are also great options to round out your meal. For even more delicious ideas, explore the full list of side dishes.
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice, with its vibrant color and rich flavors, serves as a quintessential accompaniment to enchiladas. This beloved side dish is crafted through traditional preparation methods, typically involving sautéed rice, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Flavor variations abound, with some recipes incorporating vegetables or spices for added depth. Its comforting taste and gorgeous hue make it an essential addition to any enchilada meal.
Refried Beans
Refried beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine, provide a creamy and savory complement to enchiladas. Whether you choose classic or vegetarian refried beans, their rich texture and flavor enhance the meal.
A refried bean dip can also be a delightful addition, offering a delicious and easy-to-make side. This versatile dish guarantees your enchilada night is both satisfying and memorable.
Guacamole
Guacamole, with its creamy texture and vibrant flavor, serves as an excellent accompaniment to enchiladas.
Homemade guacamole, crafted from ripe avocados, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, enhances the dish's richness.
There are various guacamole variations to explore, such as adding diced tomatoes, onions, or even a hint of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
It's a versatile and delightful side that complements enchiladas beautifully.
Pico De Gallo
Another vibrant and flavorful accompaniment to enchiladas is Pico De Gallo, a fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
This tomato salsa uses only fresh ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor with every bite.
Its invigorating and rejuvenating taste perfectly complements the rich and savory enchiladas, adding a delightful contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
Elote
Elote, a popular Mexican street food, offers a delectable blend of grilled corn, creamy toppings, and savory seasonings that perfectly complement enchiladas.
The grilled corn is typically slathered with a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream mixture, then sprinkled with a generous cheese topping and chili powder.
The result is a deliciously smoky, tangy, and creamy side dish that enhances the flavors of enchiladas.
Black Bean Salad
Enhancing the vibrant flavors of enchiladas, black bean salad offers an invigorating and nutritious side dish that combines protein-rich beans with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing.
The color contrast between the black beans, red tomatoes, and green cilantro creates a visually appealing plate.
Texture variety, from the crunchy bell peppers to the creamy beans, guarantees each bite is a delightful experience.
Spanish Rice
Complementing the robust flavors of enchiladas and black bean salad, Spanish rice adds a savory and aromatic element to the meal.
This dish harmonizes well with the enchiladas, providing complementary flavor combinations.
Simple cooking techniques such as sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes before simmering with rice and broth guarantee a delicious and consistent texture, making Spanish rice a delightful side dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice offers a zesty and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of enchiladas, making it a popular accompaniment. This side dish combines the bright, zesty flavor of lime juice with the aromatic freshness of cilantro.
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro serves as a fresh garnish, adding both color and a touch of herbal brightness to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Mexican Street Corn
Another delightful side that pairs well with enchiladas is Mexican street corn, known for its creamy and spicy flavors.
This dish features a grilled corncob slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder. It's then generously sprinkled with cotija cheese.
The combination of smoky, tangy, and savory elements creates a delicious complement to the rich and hearty enchiladas.
Avocado Salad
A invigorating avocado salad provides a light and creamy contrast to the rich flavors of enchiladas. This fresh side dish, with its smooth avocado slices, is as comforting as avocado toast and as revitalizing as an avocado smoothie.
Tossed with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing, it adds a delightful burst of flavor and texture to your meal.
Sautéed Peppers
To complement the invigorating avocado salad, sautéed peppers introduce a vibrant and slightly smoky element to the array of side dishes for enchiladas.
Bell peppers, known for their colorful vegetables, add both visual appeal and a delightful crunch.
Lightly seasoned and quickly cooked, these peppers provide a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly balances the richness of the enchiladas.
Chiles Rellenos
Incorporating chiles rellenos as a side dish introduces a delightful combination of stuffed, roasted peppers that are both flavorful and satisfying.
These cheese-filled delights complement enchiladas perfectly, adding a rich, creamy texture and a bit of spice.
The stuffed peppers, often filled with melty, gooey cheese, provide a savory contrast that enhances the overall meal experience, making it both memorable and enjoyable.
Mexican Slaw
Mexican slaw provides a revitalizing and crunchy contrast to the rich and savory flavors of enchiladas.
This dish combines fresh cabbage, carrots, and cilantro, dressed with lime juice and a hint of chili for spicy flavors.
The colorful presentation not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness, making it a delightful and complementary side dish.
Cornbread
Cornbread, with its subtly sweet and crumbly texture, offers a delightful balance to the rich, savory enchiladas. Its flavor variations, such as jalapeño-cheddar or honey-butter, can cater to different palates.
Serving suggestions include pairing it with a bit of butter or a drizzle of honey to enhance its natural sweetness. This combination creates a harmonious contrast, making your meal truly memorable.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Enchiladas Similar to the Best Side Dishes for Empanadas?
When it comes to the best side dishes for empanadas, the options may differ from those for enchiladas. While both dishes are popular in Latin cuisine, enchiladas are often served with rice, beans, or a side salad, whereas empanadas are typically paired with a fresh salsa or guacamole.
Salsa Verde
As an accompaniment that brings a burst of vibrant flavor, salsa verde is an excellent choice to complement the savory depth of enchiladas. This tangy flavor, green sauce, made from tomatillos, cilantro, and lime, adds a revitalizing zest that balances the rich taste of the enchiladas.
Its bright, herbal notes guarantee a delightful contrast, making each bite more enjoyable and well-rounded.