What to Serve with Empanadas? 15 Mexican Side Dishes

Are you looking to take your empanada game to the next level?

Whether it's homemade or store-bought, everyone loves snacking on these savory Latin American turnovers.

But no meal is complete without a great side dish that adds flavor and texture!

Spice things up with Mexican cuisine and fill out your dinner spread with 15 authentic sides.

From signature salsas to unique vegetables, get ready to explore Mexican flavors and discover why they complement empanadas so well.

15 Authentic Mexican Sides for Empanadas

1. Mexican Rice

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This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that goes well with the flaky pastry of an empanada.

Mexican rice is usually made with white rice, but you can also use brown rice if you prefer.

The rice is cooked in a mixture of broth and tomato sauce, which gives it a lot of flavors.

You can also add some spices like cumin or chili powder to give it an extra kick.

To improve this dish, try adding some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or corn.

You could also throw in some shredded chicken or beef for a heartier meal.

Whatever you decide to add, just make sure that it pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.

2. Coleslaw

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Coleslaw is a must-have side dish for empanadas.

It's the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy, and its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the empanadas.

The best part about coleslaw is that it's so easy to make.

Simply mix together some shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

You can also add shredded carrots or diced apples for sweetness and crunch.

To take your coleslaw to the next level, try adding in a few tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or chopped fresh herbs like dill or mint.

You could also swap out the mayonnaise for yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.

No matter how you make it, coleslaw is always a delicious and refreshing side dish.

3. Rice and Beans

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Rice and beans are a dish that is enjoyed by many people all over the world.

It is a simple dish that can be made in a variety of ways, but the most important thing is to get the right balance of taste and texture.

The rice should be cooked so that it is fluffy and light, while the beans should be soft but not mushy.

You can also add other ingredients to this dish to improve it, such as sauteed onions, garlic, peppers, or even some chopped-up bacon or sausage.

If you are looking for a heartier dish, you can also add some shredded chicken or beef to the rice and beans.

This will give it a protein boost and make it more filling.

No matter how you make it, rice and beans are a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

4. Corn on the Cob

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If you're looking for a This simple dish is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to add some color and variety to your meal.

Corn on the cob is typically boiled or grilled and can be served with butter, salt, and pepper.

The taste is sweet and slightly earthy, while the texture is tender and slightly chewy.

When cooked properly, the kernels should be cooked all the way through but still retain a bit of their crunch.

There are endless ways to improve this simple side dish.

For example, you could try grilling your corn on the cob and then topping it with cilantro-lime butter.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making elote (a Mexican street food made with grilled corn), which is delicious and sure to impress your guests.

5. Plantain Chips

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There's nothing quite like a crispy, salty plantain chip.

They're the perfect side dish for any meal or even a snack on their own.

Plantain chips are usually fried, which gives them their signature crunch.

The taste is similar to a potato chip but with a slight sweetness from the plantain.

To really improve your plantain chips, try serving them with dipping sauces like aioli, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try dipping them in chocolate.

For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped herbs or spices on top of the chips before serving.

6. Yuca Fries

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Move over, french fries.

There's a new fry in town, and it's called yuca fries.

Yuca is a root vegetable that is native to South America, and it has a delicious, starchy flavor that is similar to potatoes.

Yuca fries are becoming more popular as people discover their unique taste and texture.

Yuca fries have a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior.

They are usually fried or baked, and they can be served with dipping sauces or toppings of your choice.

One of the best things about yuca fries is that they can be easily customized to suit your palate.

If you're looking for a way to improve your yuca fry game, here are some tips:

• Try serving them with a dipping sauce made with fresh herbs.
• Add some spice to your yuca fries by sprinkling them with chili powder or cayenne pepper before cooking.
• Get creative with your toppings. Try serving yuca fries topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or even crumbled bacon.

7. Fruit Salad

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A fruit salad is the perfect side dish for empanadas.

It is light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

The best part about a fruit salad is that it can be customized to your liking.

You can add any type of fruit that you like, as well as different types of nuts, seeds, and dressings.

A fruit salad should be sweet and juicy.

The fruits should be ripe and in season for the best flavor.

As for texture, a good fruit salad should have a mix of both soft and crunchy fruits.

This contrast in textures makes for a more interesting and enjoyable experience.

There are endless ways to improve a simple fruit salad.

Some ideas include adding mint leaves for a refreshing twist, using a balsamic glaze or dressing for a touch of sweetness, or adding in some cheese or crumbled bacon for a savory element.

No matter what you choose to add, a fruit salad is sure to please everyone at the table.

8. Salsa Verde

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Salsa verde is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be used on all sorts of dishes.

The taste is bright and acidic, with a bit of a spicy kick.

The texture is smooth and creamy, making it perfect for dipping or spreading.

There are endless ways to improve this dish.

For example, you could add fresh herbs, diced avocado, or crumbled cheese.

You could also use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

The possibilities are endless.

This flavorful condiment will brighten up any dish and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

9. Quinoa Salad

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Quinoa is a delicious, healthy grain that can be used in a variety of dishes.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy quinoa is in a salad.

Quinoa salads are packed with flavor and texture, and they're perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

What we love about quinoa salads is that they're so versatile.

You can add whatever vegetables, fruits, and herbs you have on hand.

Quinoa is also a great source of protein, so it will keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.

If you're looking for ways to improve your quinoa salad, here are a few tips:

• Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of protein.
• Throw in some chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture.
• Top with a simple vinaigrette or your favorite dressing.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens.

10. Black Bean Soup

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Black bean soup is a thick, hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.

The soup is made with black beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.

It has a rich, earthy flavor and a creamy texture.

Black bean soup can be made even more delicious by adding some additional ingredients.

For example, you could add some chopped bacon or sausage to the soup to give it some extra flavor.

You could also add some shredded cheese on top of the soup when you serve it.

This will make the soup even more creamy and delicious.

If you are looking for a really unique twist on black bean soup, you could try making it with chocolate.

Chocolate black bean soup sounds strange, but it is actually surprisingly good.

To make this soup, simply add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the soup when you are cooking it.

This will give the soup a rich, chocolatey flavor that is absolutely delicious.

11. Gazpacho

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Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup made of raw, blended vegetables.

It's the perfect summer dish because it's refreshing, light, and packed with flavor.

The most common vegetables used in gazpacho are tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.

Gazpacho can be served as a starter or main course, and it can be either thick or thin, depending on your preference.

The taste of gazpacho is both sweet and savory, with a slight acidity from the tomatoes.

The texture is smooth and creamy, with a little bit of crunch from the vegetables.

Gazpacho can be elevated by adding fresh herbs, diced avocado, or crumbled cheese on top.

For a heartier dish, you can add cooked shrimp or diced chicken.

• Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Remove the seeds from the cucumbers before blending.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Mexican Street Corn Salad

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This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect side dish for your next party or potluck.

It's full of flavor and has a great texture, thanks to the corn, black beans, and diced avocado.

You can easily improve this dish by adding some crumbled cotija cheese on top.

Cotija is a salty, flavorful cheese that goes really well with the sweetness of the corn.

If you're looking for a bit of heat, you can also add some diced jalapeno to the salad.

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

It can be made ahead of time and will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

13. Arroz Con Pollo

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Arroz con pollo is a dish that is enjoyed by many.

It is simple to make and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes.

The dish consists of rice and chicken, which are cooked together in a flavored broth.

The chicken provides a juicy and moist texture, while the rice soaks up the flavors of the broth.

This dish can be enhanced by adding vegetables such as peas or carrots or by using different types of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks.

For a more intense flavor, the chicken can be marinated in a spice rub before cooking.

This dish is best served with a side of green beans sauteed in garlic.

Arroz con pollo is a tasty and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

14. Strawberry Salsa

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This Strawberry Salsa recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a little bit of spice.

It's perfect for summer barbecues and picnics.

The best part about this dish is that it's so easy to make.

Simply chop up the ingredients and mix them together.

This dish can be served as is, or you can improve it by serving it with chips or on top of grilled chicken or fish.

The key to this dish is to use ripe strawberries.

You want the strawberries to be nice and sweet so that they balance out the other flavors in the salsa.

I also like to add a little bit of diced jalapeno for some heat.

If you don't like spice, you can leave it out or substitute it with bell pepper.

For a creamier salsa, you can add some chopped avocado.

This dish is best served fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for a day or two.

If you want to make it ahead of time, I would recommend chopping up the ingredients and mixing everything together except for the strawberries.

Add those right before you're ready to serve.

15. Qdoba Queso

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Qdoba queso is a delicious, cheesy dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

The taste and texture of the queso are perfect for dipping, spreading on a sandwich, or even eating straight out of the container.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to improving this dish, but here are a few tips to get you started:

• Add some spice with diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it extra creamy by stirring in some sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Give it a smoky flavor by stirring in some chopped bacon or smoked paprika.
• Make it a complete meal by adding in some shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans.

15 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Empanadas

In conclusion, there are many delicious and easy side dishes that go great with empanadas.

From salads to soups and even fruit salsa, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

I hope this article has given you some inspiration on what to serve with your next batch of empanadas.

Be sure to try out some of these recipes, and let us know your favorite in the comments below.