What To Serve With Empanadas : 9 Side Dishes to Try

Empanadas are a delicious Argentinean dish that can be served as either an appetizer or a main course. But what do you serve with them?

This article will explore some of the best side dishes to go with your empanadas. From salads to soups, we have got you covered!

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

What To Serve With Empanadas

1. Tomato Salsa
2. Pico De Gallo Salsa
3. Charro Beans
4. Arugula Salad
5. Arroz Con Pollo
6. Potato Salad With Aioli Dressing
7. Fried Plantains
8. Corn On The Cob
9. Black Beans And Rice

Tomato Salsa

Tomato salsa is an excellent option for those looking for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.

Additionally, the acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance out the fat content of the empanada dough.

When choosing a recipe for tomato salsa, be sure to select one that is not too spicy, or else it will overwhelm the flavor of the empanada.

For milder salsa, look for recipes that use diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. If you prefer a spicier salsa, you can add jalapenos, habaneros, or other chili peppers to the mix.

Quick Recipe: Tomato Salsa with Roasted Garlic and Cilantro

• Ingredients: Tomatoes, red onion, roasted garlic, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Roast a bulb of garlic in the oven until soft.
  2. Dice tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño.
  3. Mix with roasted garlic, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

Pico De Gallo Salsa

Pico de gallo salsa is a perfect side dish for empanada. It is light and refreshing, and it adds a great crunch to the dish.

The benefits of using pico de gallo salsa as a side dish are that it is low in calories and fat and is a good source of vitamins too.

Additionally, pico de gallo salsa is a suitable side dish for recipes that are high in fat or calories because it helps offset the dish’s richness.

Pico de gallo salsa is also a good choice for pairing with empanadas because it has a similar flavor profile and texture. The salsa is slightly spicy, and the crunch of the vegetables pairs well with the flaky pastry of the empanada.

Additionally, pico de gallo salsa can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, or it can be served as a dipping sauce for chicken or pork.

Quick Recipe: Pico De Gallo Salsa with Mango and Avocado

• Ingredients: Tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, mango, avocado
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Dice tomatoes, red onion, mango, and avocado.
  2. Mix with chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Charro Beans

Charro beans are a delicious side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes.

One of the great things about charro beans is that they are very versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, they can be used as a side dish for empanadas, or they can be used as a filling for tacos.

Charro beans are also a great way to add protein and fiber to your diet. Additionally, charro beans are a fantastic choice for dieters since they are low in calories.

Quick Recipe: Charro Beans with Chorizo and Chipotle

• Ingredients: Pinto beans, chorizo, onion, garlic, chipotle in adobo, cilantro
• Average Cook Time: 1 hour
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté chorizo and onion until browned.
  2. Add garlic and chipotle, then pinto beans and water.
  3. Simmer until beans are tender, then add chopped cilantro.

Arugula Salad

Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads. It has a slightly bitter taste and is rich in nutrients. Arugula is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Arugula can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to recipes for an extra boost of flavor. When pairing empanadas with a side dish, it is important to choose something that will complement the flavors of the filling.

The bitter taste of the arugula pairs well with the savory empanada filling. The salad also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the empanada.

In addition, the nutrients in the arugula can help to offset the unhealthy fats in the empanada.

Quick Recipe: Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate

• Ingredients: Arugula, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, balsamic glaze
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss arugula with crumbled goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Arroz Con Pollo

In the case of empanadas, a hearty meat pie like arroz con pollo makes an excellent choice as a side dish. This traditional rice and chicken dish is both filling and flavorful, and its subtle spices will not overshadow the empanadas.

Additionally, arroz con pollo is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy cooks.

Quick Recipe: Arroz Con Pollo with Saffron and Peas

• Ingredients: Chicken, rice, onion, garlic, saffron, peas, chicken broth
• Average Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Brown chicken pieces in a pan.
  2. Add onion and garlic, then rice and saffron.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until rice is cooked, adding peas towards the end.

Potato Salad With Aioli Dressing

Aioli potato salad is a great side dish for empanadas, and I highly recommend this! The creaminess of the aioli complements the spices in the empanada perfectly, and the potatoes add a hearty element to the dish.

There are many benefits to using this side dish. First, it is very easy to make. Second, it can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about it last minute.

Third, it is very versatile and can be used with many different recipes. Fourth, it is very affordable. Lastly, it is healthy and nutritious.

Quick Recipe: Potato Salad with Aioli Dressing and Capers

• Ingredients: Potatoes, aioli, capers, parsley, lemon zest
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Mix with aioli, chopped parsley, capers, and lemon zest.

Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are a tasty and versatile side dish that can be used in many different recipes. For example, they pair well with empanadas, as they help to offset the richness of the filling. The sweetness of the plantains also helps to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients in the dish.

Fried plantains are also a good source of nutrients, providing both fiber and vitamins A and C. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option for those watching their weight.

In addition, fried plantains are quick and easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknight dinners.

When choosing a recipe to pair with fried plantains, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish.

For instance, if the recipe includes spicy or savory ingredients, the sweetness of the plantains can help to balance out the flavors. On the other hand, if the recipe is already sweet, pairing it with fried plantains can make it too sweet for some palates.

Quick Recipe: Fried Plantains with Lime and Chili Powder

• Ingredients: Plantains, oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice plantains and fry in hot oil until golden.
  2. Sprinkle with lime juice, chili powder, and salt.

Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, it pairs well with empanadas, as the sweetness of the corn contrasts nicely with the savory filling.

Corn on the cob is also a great way to add color and texture to a dish. When used as a side dish, it can help to round out a meal and make it more enjoyable.

In terms of nutrition, corn on the cob is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. It is also relatively low in calories.

Black Beans And Rice

Black beans and rice is a classic side dishes that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, it pairs well with empanadas, as the rice helps to absorb the gravy from the filling.

The beans also add a hearty texture and flavor to the dish. Additionally, black beans and rice is a healthy option, as it is high in fiber and protein. It is also relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.

Additionally, this side dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy families.

Quick Recipe: Black Beans and Rice with Coconut and Lime

• Ingredients: Black beans, rice, coconut milk, lime juice, cilantro
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook rice in coconut milk.
  2. Simmer black beans with lime juice.
  3. Serve together, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Empanadas

Why are empanadas often served with a side dish?

Empanadas are often served with a side dish because they are typically quite rich and savory. The side dish helps to offset the richness of the empanada and provides a more well-rounded meal.

What are some common side dishes that are served with empanadas?

Some common side dishes that are served with empanadas include fried plantains, corn on the cob, and black beans and rice.

What should I consider when choosing a recipe to pair with empanadas?

When choosing a recipe to pair with empanadas, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish. For instance, if the recipe includes spicy or savory ingredients, then you should choose something that can help to balance out the flavors.

On the other hand, if the recipe is already sweet, pairing it with something with the same flavor profile can make it too sweet for some palates.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what combination of flavors best suits their taste buds.

How can I make sure my side dish is healthy?

When choosing a side dish, it is important to consider the nutrient content. Some healthier options include fried plantains, corn on the cob, and black beans and rice.

These options are all relatively low in calories and provide a good amount of fiber and vitamins. Additionally, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Conclusion

Many different recipes can be served as a side dish with empanadas. Moreover, when choosing a recipe, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish.

With these things in mind, you can surely find a side dish that will be the perfect complement to your empanadas.

So go and try them out now!