Quesadillas are incredibly versatile, working just as well for a quick snack as they do for a satisfying main meal. But if you’re wondering how to make them a complete dining experience, the secret lies in the side dishes. Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your quesadillas from simple to spectacular. Don’t feel limited to just one – selecting two or even three complementary sides can truly transform your quesadilla meal.
1. Mexican Coleslaw
For a side that brings a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch, look no further than Mexican coleslaw. The vibrant flavors of crisp cabbage, tossed in a tangy dressing and spiced with bold Mexican seasonings, create a perfect counterpoint to the richness and cheesiness of quesadillas. Whether you pile it on top of your quesadilla or serve it alongside, Mexican coleslaw is a versatile and customizable side that’s sure to please.
Best Served With: Prawn Quesadilla
Close-up shot of vibrant Mexican Coleslaw in a white bowl, showcasing the colorful cabbage, cilantro and dressing, perfect side dish for quesadillas.
2. Mexican Rice
No list of quesadilla side dishes would be complete without classic Mexican rice. This authentic recipe is a staple for good reason. Flavorful and comforting, Mexican rice adds another layer of deliciousness to your quesadilla feast. Packed with carrots, peas, and cilantro, and enhanced with a touch of smoky chipotle from Chipotle Paste, this rice dish brings a wonderful depth of flavor that perfectly complements the cheesy tortillas. To understand more about genuine Mexican cuisine, explore our blog post: What Is Authentic Mexican Food?
Best Served With: Beef Quesadilla
Two images showcasing Mexican Rice: the first features a preparation scene with visible ingredients, and the second is a close-up of the finished dish with vibrant colors from chipotle, carrots and peas.
Close-up of flavorful Mexican Chipotle Rice with visible grains, vegetables and chipotle paste, highlighting the smoky and savory side dish for quesadillas.
3. Mexican Street Corn (Esquites)
Prepare to be amazed by this Mexican corn recipe – it’s street corn (esquites) perfection! As a truly authentic Mexican street food, esquites is an exceptional choice for a quesadilla side. The secret ingredient? A dollop of our creamy Chipotle Mayo. This addition elevates the dish, infusing it with an irresistible smoky flavor dimension. If you’re a corn enthusiast, don’t miss our Baked Mexican Elotes recipe; it offers similar flavors but served on the cob.
Best Served With: Fajita Quesadilla
Overhead shot of Mexican Street Corn (Esquites) in a white bowl, showing corn kernels, creamy sauce, chili powder and cilantro, a tasty side for quesadillas.
4. Enchilada Soup
Enchilada Soup and quesadillas are a match made in culinary heaven. The soup’s robust flavors beautifully complement the rich, cheesy character of quesadillas. This warm and comforting soup not only adds depth to your meal but also introduces a delightful textural contrast. Together, they offer a satisfying and varied dining experience that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Best Served with: Cheese Quesadilla
Two images of Enchilada Soup: the first showing the preparation with ingredients and the second a close-up of the hearty soup in a bowl, a warming side for cheese quesadillas.
Image optimized for social media showcasing Enchilada Soup in a bowl, highlighting its rich broth and toppings, perfect for sharing quesadilla side dish ideas.
5. Chipotle Crema
We absolutely adore pairing toasted quesadillas with Chipotle Crema. This luscious, flavorful sauce is a simple blend of chipotle peppers, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Its smoky, gently spicy profile is an ideal match for the richness of quesadillas. Chipotle crema also adds a welcome touch of moisture, enhancing the overall eating experience and making each bite even more enjoyable.
Best Served with: Sweet Potato Quesadilla
Angle shot of Chipotle Crema in a small white bowl, drizzled with oil and garnished with cilantro, creamy and smoky side dish for quesadillas.
6. Black Beans and Rice
There’s truly nothing that isn’t made better with a side of our black beans and rice! This side dish is incredibly easy to prepare, especially when you start with our slow-simmered Cantina Beans. The smoky flavor, derived from our Chipotle Fajita & Taco Mix, elevates this simple side to something truly special, making it a fantastic accompaniment to quesadillas.
Best Served with: Mushroom Quesadilla
Two images of Black Beans and Rice: one showing the dish as a BBQ side, and another as a landscape hero shot, highlighting the hearty and flavorful side dish for quesadillas.
Landscape shot of Black Beans and Rice in a white bowl, garnished with cilantro, a simple yet flavorful side dish for BBQ and quesadillas.
7. Mexican Black Beans
Mexican black beans are a classic and foolproof side for any quesadilla. Our authentic Cantina Beans—black beans simmered in their own juices—are ready to be heated up and served alongside your quesadillas, or even as a filling. For an extra touch when serving them as a side, consider garnishing with finely chopped onion, tomatoes, chilies, cilantro, avocado scoops, and dollops of crème fraîche. Delicious!
Best Served with: Pulled Pork Quesadilla
Close-up of Mexican Black Beans in a white bowl, showcasing the dark beans, their juices and cilantro garnish, a classic quesadilla side dish.
8. Pico De Gallo
Serve our fresh pico de gallo recipe with your quesadillas for a vibrant and zesty kick. It’s one of the easiest and freshest salsas imaginable, versatile enough to serve with practically anything. We combine fresh tomatoes, raw onion, chili, lime juice, cilantro, and our Smoky Chipotle Fajita and Taco Mix to create this simple yet flavorful dish. Adjust the amount of chili to control the spice level!
Best Served With: Vegetarian Quesadilla
Two images of Pico de Gallo: the first as a BBQ side with visible fresh ingredients, and the second optimized for social media, highlighting this fresh salsa as a quesadilla accompaniment.
Social media optimized image of Pico de Gallo in a white bowl, showcasing the fresh tomato salsa with cilantro and onions, ideal for sharing quesadilla side dish ideas.
9. Street Corn Nachos
Street corn nachos are an outstanding accompaniment to quesadillas, offering a delightful medley of flavors, including creamy corn, tangy cheese, and a variety of vibrant toppings. The contrasting textures of crispy tortilla chips and creamy corn kernels enhance the overall eating experience. Visually appealing and perfect for sharing, street corn nachos are an excellent choice to serve alongside your quesadillas for a fun and festive meal.
Best Served with: Easy Quesadilla Recipe Luchito Style
Overhead shot of Street Corn Nachos on a plate, featuring tortilla chips topped with creamy corn, cheese, and vibrant garnishes, a shareable side for quesadillas.
10. Guacamole
First on our list, and a forever favorite pairing with quesadillas (and just about anything!), is Guacamole! Our homemade guacamole recipe is taken to the next level with a generous dollop of our Tomatillo Salsa. Be sure to make a double batch – it disappears fast! And don’t forget to have plenty of Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips on hand to enjoy with both the guacamole and your quesadillas.
Best Served With: Chicken Quesadilla
Two images of Guacamole: the first showing how to cut an avocado, and the second a close-up of fresh guacamole in a bowl, a must-have side dish for quesadillas.
Close-up of creamy Guacamole in a white bowl, highlighting its texture and fresh ingredients, a classic and popular side dish for quesadillas.
What To Serve With Quesadillas? Problem solved!
We have even more delicious Mexican side dishes that would be fantastic with quesadillas. Share your culinary adventures with us in the comments below!
