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What To Serve With Calabacitas? 10 Best Side Dishes

When you know what to serve with calabacitas, your meal will be the talk of the town.

Calabacitas is a Mexican dish made of zucchini, corn, and cheese, topped off with fresh pico de gallo on top.

It’s perfect for a summertime kick-off or a cool winter night—no matter the occasion, it’s sure to be delicious!

But any full meal requires sides to really round things out.

That’s why I’m here to share ten tasty side dishes that pair perfectly with calabacitas.

These mouthwatering recipes make for unforgettable meals every time.

Whether you’re preparing an elegant evening spread or a casual lunch buffet for your friends and family, these delicious side dishes complement any flavor combination you choose for your main course: calabacitas!

Calabacitas

Why Consider Serving Sides With Calabacitas?

  • Texture: Serving sides with your calabacitas can add a variety of textures to the dish, such as crunchy tortilla chips or creamy refried beans.
  • Flavor: Sides can also help enhance the flavor of your calabacitas by adding complementary flavors like spicy salsa or tangy guacamole.
  • Color: Adding colorful sides to your plate will make it more visually appealing and inviting for guests.
  • Nutrition: Serving nutritious sides with your calabacitas can help round out the meal nutritionally, providing essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the main dish alone.
  • Variety: Offering a selection of different side dishes gives diners more options to choose from and helps ensure everyone is satisfied with their meal!

What To Serve With Calabacitas? 10 Best Side Dishes

Calabacitas (Mexican-style zucchini) is a delicious Mexican dish that can be served as a side or main course.

But what goes best with it?

Here are 10 great side dishes to serve alongside calabacitas:

1. Mexican Rice

A crowd-pleasing side dish that is sure to pair perfectly with calabacitas, Mexican rice is easy to throw together once you get the hang of it.

The key to its flavor and texture lies in sauteing your onion, garlic, and other vegetables until they are caramelized.

From there, give your grainy long-grain rice a good toast for a few minutes before adding stock or water.

With herbs like Mexican oregano and cumin as well as warm chiles or chipotles for extra depth of flavor, spruce up this popular accompaniment with everyone’s favorite additions from tomatoes to bell peppers.

2. Refried Beans

Calabacitas is a Mexican side dish of vegetables that makes a great accompaniment to your meal. Refried beans are an ideal addition to complete the experience.

They provide protein and fiber, and when you combine them with calabacitas, they make for a satisfying combination.

Plus, they add color—the red of refried beans against the green of calabacitas is beautiful on any plate!

Refried beans cook quickly, so all you have to do is warm them up before adding them in.

Top it off with freshly made guacamole or salsa and you’ll be the talk of the town.

3. Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a savory, earthy addition to any dish you prepare.

Show off your culinary skill with sautéed mushrooms and calabacitas — the perfect side dish for any Mexican feast!

Quick and easy to make, it only takes 3 ingredients: butter, parmesan cheese, and sliced mushrooms.

Fry them up in a skillet until golden brown then sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy as an accompaniment to crispy baked or fried chicken wings and calabacitas for a meal that’s sure to be the talk of the town!

4. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Serve Mexican street corn salad alongside calabacitas for a complete meal that will be the talk of the town.

Hot off the grill and sweetly spiced, this dish featuring charred corn kernels tossed with salty Cotija cheese and a hint of chili powder is perfect for those who love creamed corn but are looking to add more exciting flavors.

Add diced scallions, bell peppers, red onions, or jalapenos to kick things up a notch – no matter how customizable you choose to keep it, this Mexican-inspired side dish makes any gathering feel like an occasion worth celebrating.

5. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to your calabacitas dish.

Plus, they only require a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, so they’re super low maintenance while your calendar is packed with weekend activities.

A variety of fresh summer veggies marinated in lime juice and red pepper flakes makes for an irresistible side plate that will have everyone talking about the star of the show: your meal!

6. Guacamole

Serve guacamole alongside your calabacitas for a one-of-a-kind Mexican feast.

This fast and easy dip is made with mashed avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.

Best of all, it offers the perfect creamy counterpoint to the vegetables in your dish.

Toss in some shelled edamame or crunchy bell peppers if either strikes you fancy.

For extra zingy flavor balance out with some pomegranate arils or a spicy topping like pickled jalapeno rings.

7. Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Complete your Mexican-inspired meal with this vibrant, easy-to-make chopped salad.

Combining crunchy iceberg lettuce and creamy avocados makes for a well-rounded side dish to complement the classic calabacitas.

This healthy meal is complemented by naturally sweet honey lime dressing that adds an extra flavorful touch you won’t want to miss.

The end result will be one that everyone can enjoy, no matter what their dietary preferences are!

8. Chicken Chile Verde

Delicious and savory, chicken chile verde is a Mexican classic that pairs perfectly with calabacitas.

Made with fresh hatch peppers and tomatillos, the rich flavor of this homemade sauce gives your meal a southwestern charm.

You can make it mild or spicy to suit your preferences; just add more jalapenos for heat or top with crunchy radishes for texture.

Prepare in batches to feed an army at parties and dinners—your guest will be begging you for the recipe!

9. Red Cheese Enchiladas

Red cheese enchiladas, or enfrijoladas de queso, make a great side to calabacitas.

This Mexican classic is loved by all ages and brightens up any plate.

Focus on finding the right cheese that has enough flavor to stand out against a spicy kick of the red sauce and toppings such as sliced tomatoes and crunchy lettuce.

You’ll definitely get compliments not only for its intense flavors but also for its beautiful presentation!

10. Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Baked corn tortilla chips are a delightful, crunchy addition to any plate featuring calabacitas.

Their lightly salted flavor complements the mellow sweetness of zucchini and squash.

By baking the chips in a thin layer of oil instead of deep frying them, you get less fat but just as much flavor.

These chips provide a little something extra for your guests, ensuring that your meal will be the talk of the town.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calabacitas is a delicious Mexican dish with a variety of possible side dishes.

The best sides to serve with calabacitas include Mexican rice, refried beans, sautéed mushrooms, roasted corn, grilled vegetables, guacamole, Mexican salad, green chile stew, cheese enchiladas, and chile-lime tortilla chips.

These sides can be served as part of a larger meal or as a snack.

With these 10 side dishes, you can make sure that your meal is flavorful and satisfying.

Calabacitas

What To Serve With Calabacitas? 10 Best Side Dishes

Once you know what to eat with calabacitas, you'll never look back! Calabacitas is a delicious Mexican dish, and I'm sharing my top 10 side dishes that will pair perfectly with it. From veggies and starches to salads, I'll provide all the details you need to make sure your meal is complete. With these side dishes, you'll be able to create a delicious, balanced meal that you and your family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Mexican Rice
  • Refried Beans
  • Sautéed Mushrooms
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Guacamole
  • Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
  • Chicken Chile Verde
  • Red Cheese Enchiladas
  • Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
  • Organize your ingredients and utensils.
  • Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
  • Prepare and serve for delicious meal!
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.