Empanadas pairs well with Soft Brown Rice and Beans, Salsa Verde Dip, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Creamy Homemade Qdoba Queso, and Crunchy Leafy Strawberry Salsa.
Soft Brown Rice and Beans
Rice and empanadas may not look like the best combination.
For a lighter option, try Crunchy Leafy Strawberry Salsa. Crunchy Leafy Strawberry Salsa
Strawberry salsa may seem a bit weird, but give it a try, and you will not regret it.
Ready to level up your empanada game?
Perfect, because empanadas are more than just a scrumptious snack - they're a meal-making masterpiece waiting for the right sidekick.
Getting the right combo can turn a simple dish into a feast for the senses.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just spicing up weekday meals, the perfect side dish can make all the difference.
Time to get cooking!
7 Delicious Sides for Empanadas
Here are a few common dishes that work wonders with empanadas - including frozen vegetable side ideas for easy meals.
1 - Soft Brown Rice and Beans
Rice and empanadas may not look like the best combination.
Give it a try, and you will love the outcome though.
Close your eyes and taste it - it almost feels like eating burritos, only the wrapping is different.
Opt for brown rice and make sure it is soft - similar to soft-shell crab side ideas for tender textures.
Mix it with different ingredients based on the Spanish or Mexican cuisine.
For instance, some black beans will work wonders.
A bit of tomato sauce will also give your rice some extra flavor.
2 - Salsa Verde Dip
Salsa Verde may not be the most sophisticated side dish for empanadas, but it goes well with them.
To keep it simple, this is actually a dip. The dip is based on tomatoes and sauce.
It is suitable for all kinds of things, including enchiladas and chips as well.
While similar to salsa, this tip is based on tomatillos - you can go with Mexican husk tomatoes too.
This is what makes it green. While you can buy it from a grocery store, it is much tastier if you make it yourself.
Make sure you roast the tomatoes first for a unique aroma.
For a fruit-forward twist on salsas, try peach salsa side ideas for sweet-savory pairings alongside the tomatillo-based verde.
3 - Mexican Street Corn Salad
The Mexican street corn salad complements empanadas because both dishes are part of the same cuisine - see Mexican street corn side pairings for more ideas.
They work well together, and tastes will be pleasantly mixed.
This is more than just a boring salad - it has a smoky aroma, a spicy taste, tangy flavors, and plenty of savors.
How come? Simple - you get corn sauteed in butter, as well as chilies and onions.
Then, you got some hot sauce on top of all these, as well as some mayo and chili powder.
Squeeze lime on top of everything, and you have just found the perfect side dish for your empanadas.
4 - Creamy Homemade Qdoba Queso
This is probably one of the most common dips for chips, empanadas, and everything in between out there.
It is tasty and can be purchased from stores, but you can also attempt to do it yourself - it may not be the same, but it will impress you.
You need a bunch of different cheeses - Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar, and American cheese.
Obviously, you can add a bunch of extras for even more flavors - maybe some roasted peppers or perhaps tomatoes and cream.
The best way to serve it with empanadas? Dip them in.
For a creamy, spoonable side that plays similarly to queso, consider creamy polenta side suggestions for rich textures with empanadas.
5 - Crunchy Leafy Strawberry Salsa
Strawberry salsa may seem a bit weird, but give it a try, and you will not regret it - or explore strawberry ice cream side ideas for dessert pairings after the meal.
Normally, it is made with tomatoes, yet strawberries give it a refreshing aroma.
Fresh strawberries will give your salsa a unique taste.
Besides, the final outcome is good-looking as well.
Get some red strawberries, cut them into small pieces and mix them up with jalapenos and green cilantro.
You can blend everything up and come up with a salsa paste, but you can also ensure ingredients are well chopped and leave everything as a salad.
6 - Soft and Salty Corn on the Cob
The corn on the cob is a classic - check corn on the cob side suggestions for classic pairings for more ways to serve it with empanadas.
It may not be too fancy or sophisticated, but get it on the same table with empanadas, and your family or guests will love the combo.
Both is it juicy, but it also feels a bit crunchy. It has a slightly sweet aroma too.
Make sure you put some salt on it - simply grab some salt in your hand and rub it in.
While the classic way to prepare it is boiling, you can also do it in a microwave - less mess, less hassle, and faster results.
7 - Crunchy Fried Plantains
This combo is often overlooked, but it can turn your world to 180 degrees.
You have savory empanadas matching sweet plantains. It sounds unusual, but it works.
It is not for everyone though - you must appreciate the sweet and salty combination.
The dish itself is not too complicated and can be prepared in no time.
Get some ripe sweet plantains and fry them until they go golden.
Slice them beforehand for faster cooking.
They will feel soft and caramelized - almost like they are about to melt in your mouth.
What Sauce Goes with Empanadas? sauce options for empanadas covers complementary condiments. Empanadas vs Pastelitos: a comparison of empanadas and pastelitos explains key differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soft Brown Rice and Beans Rice and empanadas may not look like the best combination. To keep it simple, this is actually a dip.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. This side dish handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.
What texture should the side dish add?
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety.
If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead. Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.