What to Serve with Black Beans and Rice: 10 Best Sides

When it comes to South American cuisine, I would have to say that Black Beans and Rice are probably my favorite, thanks to the savory, yet sweet flavors of the beans and the creamy, soft rice.

Black Beans and Rice are known for their unique flavor and easy preparation.

If you ever decide to serve this meal-in-one on your own, don’t forget about the side dishes! In fact, what better way to make your dinner more enticing?

Here’s a list of side dishes that go especially well with Black Beans and Rice.

But first…

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Veggie Side Dishes

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes For Black Beans and Rice?

Black beans and rice are simple and delicious meals.

It’s no wonder why they’re often served as the main dish at family dinners, or for large groups of people.

But what about serving side dishes with black beans and rice?

Although this combination of foods is a healthy one, there are several reasons why side dishes are important with these dishes.

One reason is that adding side dishes to black beans and rice makes them more filling and healthy.

Another reason is to add variety to the flavors.

If you serve black beans (see also these canned black beans recipes) and rice with a side dish, you can get a variety of tastes in each bite, which will keep you wanting more.

If you like sweet flavors, you’ll be happy to enjoy these dishes when served with a dessert side dish.

And if you’re looking for something spicy, you can always add a side dish with flavors like salsa, chile pepper, or other spicy dishes.

So, you can see that when you serve black beans and rice with side dishes, it makes the meal even more satisfying and enjoyable.

What to Serve with Black Beans and Rice: 10 Best Sides

Black beans and rice is a very popular combination for a quick, healthy meal.

It is a classic dish and can go with a variety of foods.

There are so many different ways to enjoy this combination, so it’s important to make sure that your guests have enough to eat.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with black beans and rice include:

1. Salsa

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Salsa is a delicious dip to serve with black beans and rice.

There are many variations of salsa and you can make your own, but you can also find jars of prepared salsa in the supermarket.

The flavor of the salsa will vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic are some of the most common ingredients in salsa.

Depending on how hot or spicy you want the salsa, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, fresh garlic or jalapeño peppers.

2. Guacamole

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Guacamole is a traditional Mexican side dish that can be served with a variety of soups or salads, but it is ideal as a condiment with black beans and rice.

The mashed avocado is a wonderful topping for the beans and rice, and adds a creamy texture and a richness of flavor.

You can use a food processor or a blender to puree the avocado.

3. Sautéed Mushrooms

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Sautéed mushrooms are tasty, as well as easy to make, and pair well with black beans and rice.

In fact, they go well with a lot of different dishes, including chicken and pork.

Mushrooms are rich in nutrients such as fiber, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants.

Since they are so versatile, you can make them into a number of dishes and enjoy them as a side dish or as the main course.

4. Stuffed Peppers

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Stuffed peppers are perfect for the black beans and rice.

Peppers can also be filled with cheese, ground beef, Italian sausage, ham, olives, spinach or any other filling you like.

Any combination of peppers and fillings can be used.

5. Salads

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A salad is a great accompaniment to this hearty meal. A traditional Italian salad is a good choice.

Try a Caesar salad with croutons and a creamy dressing or a garden salad tossed with red wine vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing.

A pasta salad can also go well with black beans and rice. Or, try a tuna salad with tuna, celery, carrot, olives and onion.

You can also serve a simple chopped salad with just lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

6. Spanish Rice Pilaf

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Spanish Rice Pilaf is a great side dish to serve with black beans and rice.

The pilaf has a wonderful flavor from the cumin, garlic and onion and a delicious aroma from the paprika.

The rice is cooked with a small amount of butter and seasoned with salt and pepper. This is a side dish you can serve hot or cold.

7. Mashed Potatoes

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Mashed potatoes are a common side dish to accompany many dishes. Try mashed potatoes topped with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of paprika to serve alongside black beans and rice.

You can also use a mixture of milk and cream and a bit of garlic salt to spice up mashed potatoes.

8. Cornbread

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Cooking in a cast-iron skillet is a great way to bake cornbread. You can make the batter in the skillet and bake it, or you can add it to a greased baking dish and bake it. Serve it whole or cut in wedges, it’s up to you.

9. Cilantro Lime Rice

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Cilantro lime rice is traditionally served with black beans and rice.

To make this dish, put a tablespoon of lime juice and some chopped cilantro in a small bowl and add a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Mix well and set aside. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add the rice and stir well. Add the black beans and stir to mix well. Cook the rice and beans for an additional minute.

Remove the pan from the heat and toss in the cilantro lime mixture. Serve immediately.

10. Roasted Vegetables

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There are many ways to serve roasted vegetables with black beans and rice.

You can use them as a side dish, or if you have a larger meal planned, you can use them as a main course.

Roasted vegetables are great with black beans and rice since they complement both types of dishes.

You can roast carrots, green beans, cauliflower or asparagus. You could also use roasted potatoes as a side dish, or serve the potatoes with the beans and rice.

5 Tips For Serving Sides For Black Beans and Rice

If you have a favorite side dish that you would like to serve with black beans and rice, and you’re not sure if it will work, here are 5 things to think about before you decide what to do.

1. Consider the flavor: The side dish should be flavorful enough that you can taste it against the flavor of the black beans and rice. If it isn’t, you might want to consider changing the recipe or making something else.

2. Be sure the side dish is healthy: A healthy side dish will help ensure that your dinner is nutritious. If the side dish isn’t healthy, consider making another one.

3. Make sure there’s enough food for everyone: Make sure there’s enough food for all your guests. You don’t want them to go hungry!

4. Choose a side dish that is easy to make: Some dishes are more complicated than others. It’s best if you choose a recipe that is easy for you so it won’t take a lot of time or effort. Also consider how much prep time is needed before cooking begins (don’t forget about side dishes!).

5. Choose a side dish that is quick and easy: Choose a recipe that won’t take too long to cook or prepare. You want your dinner party guests to enjoy themselves while they eat their meal!