What To Serve With Enchiladas – 25 Best Side Dishes

Enchiladas are one of the most popular Mexican dishes around.

They’re easy to make and incredibly delicious.

But what do you serve with them?

Enchiladas pair well with a variety of sides such as refried beans, Spanish rice, Mexican-style corn, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also serve it with salads like Caesar salad or green salad. For something sweet, you can have churros or sopapillas for dessert.

Finding the perfect side dish for your enchiladas can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.

From a simple salad to classic Mexican sides like refried beans and rice, there are plenty of options that will make your meal complete.

In this article, I’ll share 25 of my favorite side dishes for enchiladas that will take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary!

Read Also: Enchiladas Wine Pairing: The 10 Best Wines for Enchiladas

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Enchiladas?

• Side dishes can provide a variety of flavors and textures to complement the enchiladas. For example, a side salad with fresh vegetables or a light soup can add crunchiness and brightness to the meal.
• Serving side dishes with enchiladas allows for more creative presentation options. You can arrange the sides in an attractive way on the plate, making it look more appetizing and inviting.
• Side dishes are also great for adding nutrition to your meal. Adding some steamed vegetables or grains like quinoa or brown rice will help make your dish healthier and more balanced overall.

What To Serve With Enchiladas – 25 Best Side Dishes

Enchiladas are a delicious, filling meal, but they can be even better when served with the right side dishes.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so here are 25 great sides that will pair perfectly with your enchiladas:

1. Tangy Mexican Slaw

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• What Is It? Tangy Mexican Slaw is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and a few other ingredients for an extra kick of flavor.
• How To Make It: Start by shredding one head of green cabbage and two carrots into thin strips. In a large bowl combine the cabbage and carrots with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Add in 1/2 cup diced red onion and 1 seeded jalapeno pepper (or more if you like it spicy). For the dressing mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar (optional), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt to taste. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish for your favorite Mexican dinner!

2. Spanish Rice

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• What Is It? Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that is often served with Mexican meals. It is made from long-grain white rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. The ingredients are cooked together in one pot to create a savory and aromatic dish that pairs well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
• How To Make It: To make Spanish rice at home you will need long-grain white rice (not instant), diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), onion, garlic cloves, vegetable oil or butter for sautéing the vegetables, chicken broth or water for cooking the rice in. Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Then add the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down into a sauce. Next add the uncooked rice to the pan along with enough chicken broth or water to cover it by about an inch of liquid. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Fluff with a fork before serving!

3. Black Beans and Rice

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• What Is It? Black beans and rice is a classic Mexican side dish that combines cooked black beans with white or brown rice. The combination of the two ingredients creates a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes.
• How To Make It: Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened then add drained black beans to the pan along with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through then stir in cooked rice. Serve warm as a side dish or topped with cheese for an easy main course meal!

4. Guacamole

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• What Is It? Guacamole is a traditional Mexican side dish made from mashed avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It is often served as an accompaniment to tacos or burritos but can also be enjoyed on its own with chips or crackers.
• How To Make It: Start by mashing two ripe avocados in a bowl until they are smooth. Add the juice of one lime and mix well. Then add diced onion, tomato, and cilantro to taste. Mix everything together until it’s combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled with chips or crackers for a delicious side dish!

5. Chips and Salsa

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• What Is It? Chips and salsa is a classic Mexican side dish that consists of tortilla chips served with a spicy tomato-based salsa. The chips can be either store-bought or homemade, while the salsa is usually made from fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
• How To Make It: To make your own chips and salsa at home, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut up some corn tortillas into triangles and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle them with salt and bake for 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by combining diced tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves (minced), jalapeno peppers (seeded and minced), cilantro leaves (chopped), lime juice, olive oil, salt to taste in a bowl. Mix everything together until combined then serve alongside the freshly baked chips!

6. Elote Corn Pudding

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• What Is It? Elote Corn Pudding is a Mexican side dish made with corn, cheese, and spices. The creamy pudding is a delicious accompaniment to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes.
• How To Make It: To make Elote Corn Pudding, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk, 2 tablespoons (30 g) of melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of chili powder. Whisk until combined then add 2 cups (280 g) of fresh or frozen corn kernels and stir until evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup (120 g) of shredded cheese such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Serve warm with your favorite Mexican meal!

7. Mango Jicama Slaw

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• What Is It? Mango Jicama Slaw is a delicious and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with Mexican dinners. This slaw combines the sweetness of mango, the crunch of jicama, and the zing of lime juice for a flavorful combination that will have your guests asking for seconds.
• How To Make It: Start by combining diced mango, jicama, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in a large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper until combined. Pour over the slaw mixture and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature as an accompaniment to tacos or burritos.

8. Refried Beans

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• What Is It? Refried beans are a traditional Mexican side dish made from cooked and mashed pinto beans. The beans are usually fried in lard or oil, then mashed and seasoned with spices such as cumin, garlic, onion, chili powder, and oregano.
• How To Make It: Start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two. Next add the rinsed pinto beans to the pan along with some chicken broth or water to help soften them up. Simmer for about 10 minutes before mashing them up with a potato masher or fork until they reach your desired consistency. Finally season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano and any other spices you like! Serve warm alongside tacos or burritos for an easy but delicious side dish!

9. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

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• What Is It? Mexican shrimp cocktail is a delicious side dish that combines cooked shrimp with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice for a zesty flavor. The shrimp are cooked in the sauce and served cold or at room temperature.
• How To Make It: To make Mexican shrimp cocktail, start by cooking the shrimp in boiling water until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Then drain them and set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño pepper (optional), chopped cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooled shrimp to the mixture and stir until everything is combined. Serve chilled or at room temperature as an appetizer or side dish for your next Mexican dinner!

10. Corn Fritters

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• What Is It? Corn Fritters are a delicious side dish that can be served with Mexican dinners. They are made from corn, flour, eggs, and spices and then fried in oil until golden brown. The result is a crispy outside and a soft inside full of flavor.
• How To Make It: To make Corn Fritters, start by combining the corn kernels, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, cumin powder and baking powder in a bowl. Mix everything together until it forms a thick batter. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite Mexican dinner!

11. Mexican Street Corn Salad

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• What Is It? Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious side dish that combines the flavors of grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy lime juice. The salad is typically served with enchiladas or tacos but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone side dish.
• How To Make It: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the ears of corn until they are lightly charred on all sides, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting off the kernels and transferring them to a large bowl. Add in diced red onion, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until combined and serve immediately or chill for later use. Enjoy!

12. Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

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• What Is It? Charro beans, also known as frijoles charros, are a traditional Mexican side dish made with pinto beans cooked in a flavorful broth. The broth is typically made with bacon, onion, garlic, jalapeño peppers, and spices such as cumin and oregano. The result is a hearty and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas or tacos.
• How To Make It: Begin by soaking the pinto beans overnight in cold water. Drain the beans and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the jalapeños to the pot along with cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaves and chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender. Serve warm alongside your favorite enchiladas!

13. Pico de Gallo

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• What Is It? Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a Mexican condiment made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños or other chiles, lime juice and salt. It is typically served as a side dish with enchiladas or tacos.
• How To Make It: To make pico de gallo for enchiladas start by finely chopping one large tomato and one small onion. Add the chopped vegetables to a bowl along with 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves that have been finely chopped. For some heat add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeño peppers (seeds removed). Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and season with salt to taste. Mix everything together until combined and serve alongside your favorite enchiladas!

14. Mexican Street Corn on the Cob (Elote)

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• What Is It? Mexican Street Corn on the Cob (Elote) is a popular side dish in Mexico. It consists of grilled corn on the cob that is slathered with a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with cheese, cilantro, and lime juice. The combination of flavors makes it an irresistible accompaniment to enchiladas or tacos.
• How To Make It: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred all over. Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin in a small bowl until combined. Once the corn has finished grilling, brush each ear generously with the sauce mixture and sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over each ear before serving alongside your favorite enchilada recipe!

15. Taqueria-Style Pickled Jalapenos and Carrots

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• What Is It? Taqueria-style pickled jalapenos and carrots is a spicy, tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas. The combination of crunchy jalapenos and sweet carrots creates a unique flavor profile that adds an extra layer of flavor to any Mexican meal.
• How To Make It: Start by slicing the jalapenos into thin rounds and the carrots into matchsticks. Place them in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine white vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic cloves, oregano leaves, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and cumin seeds. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and let it sit for at least two hours before serving. Serve alongside your favorite enchiladas for an extra kick of flavor!

16. Baked Plantain Chips

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• What Is It? Baked plantain chips are a tasty side dish for enchiladas. Plantains are a type of starchy fruit that is similar to bananas, but they have a firmer texture and less sweetness. When sliced thinly and baked in the oven, they become crunchy chips with a slightly sweet flavor.
• How To Make It: To make baked plantain chips, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel two ripe plantains and slice them into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place the slices on an ungreased baking sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve as a side dish for enchiladas or enjoy as an afternoon snack!

17. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/901/roasted-tomatillo-salsa-salsa-verde/

• What Is It? Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde is a delicious side dish for enchiladas. This salsa is made with roasted tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, and cilantro blended together to create a flavorful sauce. The tomatillos give the salsa its signature green color and tart flavor while the jalapenos add a spicy kick. The garlic and cilantro provide an earthy depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• How To Make It: To make this tasty side dish for enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place whole tomatillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until they are lightly charred. Remove from oven and let cool before transferring to a blender or food processor along with jalapeno peppers (seeds removed), garlic cloves, cilantro leaves, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth then serve alongside your favorite enchilada recipe!

18. Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast with Balsamic Drizzle

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• What Is It? Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast with Balsamic Drizzle is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas. This simple yet flavorful dish combines creamy avocado, sweet heirloom tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic drizzle for an irresistible combination of flavors.
• How To Make It: Begin by toasting two slices of your favorite bread until golden brown. Spread one slice with mashed avocado and the other with diced heirloom tomatoes. Sprinkle both slices generously with salt and pepper, then top the tomato toast with freshly chopped basil leaves. Finally, drizzle both slices liberally with balsamic vinegar before serving alongside your favorite enchilada recipe.

19. Grilled Vegetables

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• What Is It? Grilled vegetables are a tasty side dish for Mexican meals. This dish is made by grilling a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and squash. The vegetables can be seasoned with spices like cumin or chili powder to give them an extra kick of flavor.
• How To Make It: To make grilled vegetables, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the vegetables into slices or cubes and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated in oil and seasoning. Place the vegetables on the preheated grill and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally until they are tender and lightly charred on all sides. Serve warm as a side dish for Mexican meals!

20. Mexican Queso Dip

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• What Is It? Mexican queso dip is a creamy, cheesy dip made with melted cheese and other ingredients such as jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal or snack.
• How To Make It: To make Mexican queso dip, start by melting 1/2 pound of shredded cheddar cheese in a saucepan over low heat. Once the cheese has melted, add 1/4 cup of diced onion and 1/4 cup of diced jalapeno pepper to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Then add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir until combined. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm with tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.

21. Quesadillas

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• What Is It? Quesadillas are a Mexican dish made with tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients. The tortilla is then folded in half and grilled or fried until the cheese melts. Quesadillas can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish to accompany a main course.
• How To Make It: To make quesadillas, start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Place one flour tortilla in the pan and sprinkle it with shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.). Add any additional ingredients you’d like such as cooked vegetables or diced chicken. Top with another flour tortilla and press down lightly to seal the edges together. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Cut into wedges and serve warm with salsa or guacamole on the side.

22. Chicken Flautas

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• What Is It? Chicken flautas are a Mexican dish consisting of rolled-up tortillas filled with chicken and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are usually served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other toppings.
• How To Make It: To make chicken flautas, start by cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is cooked through. Then add your favorite seasonings to the chicken and mix well. Next, warm up some corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Place some of the seasoned chicken onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Secure each flauta with toothpicks if needed. Finally, fry the flautas in hot oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Serve with your favorite toppings!

23. Crispy Tostones

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• What Is It? Crispy tostones are a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine. They are made from unripe plantains that have been sliced, fried, and flattened into discs. The result is a crunchy, savory snack or side dish that pairs well with tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
• How To Make It: To make crispy tostones at home, start by peeling two green plantains and slicing them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the plantain slices for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the slices from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Using a flat spatula or bottom of a glass cup, press down on each slice to flatten it slightly before returning it to the hot oil for another 2 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite Mexican meal!

24. Ceviche

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• What Is It? Ceviche is a traditional Mexican dish made with raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice, usually lime juice. The acidity of the citrus “cooks” the fish and gives it a unique flavor. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish with other Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
• How To Make It: To make ceviche, start by cutting up fresh fish into small cubes and adding them to a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top until all of the pieces are covered. Add diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and salt to taste. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors can meld together before serving chilled with tortilla chips or crackers on the side.

25. Roasted Mexican Zucchini

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• What Is It? Roasted Mexican Zucchini is a delicious side dish that combines the flavors of Mexico with the freshness of zucchini. This dish is made by roasting zucchini slices in a hot oven until they are lightly browned and tender. The roasted zucchini is then topped with a flavorful mixture of spices, including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
• How To Make It: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice two medium-sized zucchinis into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika; add salt to taste if desired. Once the zucchini has finished baking, remove it from the oven and top it evenly with the spice mixture before serving warm as a side dish for tacos or burritos!

Conclusion

In conclusion, enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes.

From tangy Mexican slaw to shrimp cocktail, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best side dishes to serve with enchiladas are Spanish rice, black beans and rice, guacamole, chips and salsa, Mexican corn pudding, jicama with mango slaw, refried beans, shrimp cocktail, corn fritters, and elote salad.

These sides are all flavorful and easy to prepare, and will make sure that your enchilada dinner is one to remember.

With these 25 side dishes, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to serve with enchiladas.