10 Best Sides For Enchiladas You’ll Enjoy
There’s nothing quite like the savory flavors of enchiladas. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
But what sides should you serve with them? We’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll share a few delicious side dishes that perfectly complement your enchiladas.
So fire up the stove and get cooking!
Sides For Enchiladas
- Pepper Salad
- Elote
- Mexican Sweet Potato Salad
- Refried Beans
- Rice
- Jicama With Mango Slaw
- Mexican Corn Pudding
- Chips And Salsa
- Guacamole
- Mexican Coleslaw
Pepper Salad
Pepper salads are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of entrées. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of fiber. In addition, pepper salads are low in calories and fat.
When choosing a pepper salad to serve as a side dish for enchiladas, it is important to select a recipe that pairs well with the flavors of the entrée. For example, if the enchiladas are spicy, a milder pepper salad would be a good choice.
Conversely, if the enchiladas are not spicy, a more flavorful pepper salad would be a better option. Pepper salads can also be made using different types of peppers, such as jalapeños, bell peppers, or Habaneros.
The type of pepper used will impact the flavor of the salad, so it is important to choose one that will complement the other ingredients in the dish.
Lastly, pepper salads can be dressed up with different toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or crumbled Cotija cheese.
Elote
Elote, or Mexican-style street corn, is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. While it is traditionally served as a standalone snack, it can also be used as a tasty side dish for enchiladas.
The benefits of using elote as a side dish include the fact that it is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is also relatively easy to prepare.
When choosing a recipe to pair with elote, it is important to select one that will complement the flavors of the corn. For example, recipes with bold spices or salsa verde are a great match for the sweetness of the corn.
Mexican Sweet Potato Salad
Mexican sweet potato salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different meals. This flavorful salad is packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for those looking to boost their intake of vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, the Mexican sweet potato salad is a low-calorie option that can help to keep your dinner well-balanced.
When paired with enchiladas, this side dish provides a perfect contrast of flavor and texture. The richness of the enchiladas is offset by the light and refreshing taste of the salad, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
Refried Beans
There are many reasons to love refried beans. They’re packed with protein and fiber, they’re inexpensive, and they’re easy to make.
Plus, they’re the perfect side dish for enchiladas. Refried beans add both substance and flavor to enchiladas, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste.
If you like your enchiladas extra cheesy, try adding some shredded cheese to the beans before you start cooking them. For a bit of heat, stir in some diced jalapeños or chopped chilies.
Or, for a creamy refried bean dish, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless!
Rice
One common filling is rice, which provides a hearty and satisfying option for vegetarians or meat-lovers alike.
When used as a filling for enchiladas, rice helps to absorb the sauce and flavor of the dish. Additionally, rice is an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber, making it a nutritionally dense side dish.
Finally, rice pairs well with several different ingredients, including beans, cheese, and vegetables.
Jicama With Mango Slaw
Jicama With Mango Slaw is a great side dish for enchiladas. Jicama is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. It is also low in calories and has high water content, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.
The sweetness of the mango pairs well with the savory flavors of the enchiladas, and the colorful slaw adds a bright touch to the dish. This side dish is also suitable for vegans, as it is dairy-free and contains no animal products.
Jicama With Mango Slaw can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
Mexican Corn Pudding
Mexican Corn Pudding is a great side dish for enchiladas. There are many benefits to using it as a side dish. It helps to thicken the sauce, adds flavor, and provides a slight sweetness to the dish.
It is also very easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Simply combine cornstarch, sugar, salt, and flour in a medium saucepan. Add milk and stir until combined. Add the pudding mix and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until set. Let cool slightly before serving.
This pudding is also great with other Mexican dishes such as tacos or burritos. It can also be used as a dessert by adding some fruit or chocolate chips on top.
Chips And Salsa
You may not know it, but chips and salsa make an excellent side dish for enchiladas. The crunch of the chips pairs perfectly with the soft tortillas, and the salsa adds a fresh and zesty flavor. Plus, salsa is a healthy option that is low in calories and fat.
Moreover, it is very easy to make your salsa at home. Simply combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir until well combined.
For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or chopped chilies. Serve the salsa with chips or use it as a condiment for your enchiladas.
Guacamole
There are many benefits to using guacamole as a side dish for enchiladas. For one, it adds a nutritional boost to the meal. Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including heart-healthy fats. They’re also a good source of fiber, which can help fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied.
Additionally, the creamy texture of guacamole pairs well with the crispy corn tortillas of enchiladas. It can also help to offset the spiciness of certain enchilada sauces.
Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican coleslaw is a perfect side dish for enchiladas. It is simple to make and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
The coleslaw also adds a crunchy contrast to the soft tortillas and cheesy filling of the enchiladas. Mexican coleslaw is also a healthy choice, as it is packed with nutrients from cabbage and carrots.
In addition, the coleslaw dressing is usually made with yogurt or sour cream, which are both low in fat. Mexican coleslaw can also be customized to your liking by adding in other vegetables, such as bell peppers or jicama.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Sides For Enchiladas
What sides go well with enchiladas?
Many sides go well with enchiladas. Some of our favorites include Mexican corn pudding, chips and salsa, guacamole, and Mexican coleslaw.
What sides can I make ahead of time?
Mexican corn pudding and Mexican coleslaw are both great sides that can be made ahead of time.
Simply prepare the dishes according to recipe instructions and then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What are some healthy sides to enchiladas?
Some of our favorite healthy sides for enchiladas include guacamole, Mexican corn pudding, and Mexican coleslaw. These sides are all packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.
Guacamole is a good source of heart-healthy fats, Mexican corn pudding provides fiber and protein, and Mexican coleslaw is packed with vitamins and minerals.
How can I make my sides more flavorful?
There are many ways to make your sides more flavorful. For Mexican corn pudding, try adding some chopped chilies or diced jalapeños to the mix.
For Mexican coleslaw, add in some chopped cilantro or diced bell peppers. And for guacamole, try adding a squeeze of lime juice or some diced onions. With these simple additions, your sides will be packed with flavor.
Why are sides important for enchiladas?
Sides are important for enchiladas because they can help to round out the meal and make it more complete.
Enchiladas are typically made with tortillas, cheese, and meat, so adding a side dish can help to add more nutrients and variety to the meal.
Sides can also help to offset the spiciness of certain enchilada sauces or add a crunchy contrast to the soft tortillas. When choosing sides for enchiladas, be sure to consider both taste and nutrition.
What are some common mistakes when choosing sides for enchiladas?
One common mistake when choosing sides for enchiladas is forgetting to consider both taste and nutrition. While it’s important to choose sides that taste good, it’s also important to consider how the sides will contribute to the overall nutrition of the meal.
Another mistake is choosing sides that are too difficult to prepare. When you’re already making enchiladas, you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing sides. Choose sides that are simple to make and can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Finally, don’t forget to consider portion size when choosing sides. Enchiladas are typically hearty dishes, so you don’t want to choose sides that are too large or filling. Stick to sides that are small and can be easily shared.
Conclusion
As you can see, many sides go well with enchiladas. By choosing the right side dish, you can round out the meal and make it more complete.
Be sure to consider both taste and nutrition when choosing sides for your enchiladas. And remember, it’s important to choose sides that are simple to prepare and can be easily made ahead of time.
With a little planning, you can create the perfect meal that everyone will enjoy.