What to Serve with Enchiladas: 10 Traditional Sides

Enchiladas are one of the most beloved Mexican dishes, and for good reason. The perfect enchilada includes a hearty filling, a soft and chewy corn tortilla, and a heavenly sauce. The harmony of flavors and textures result in a mind-blowingly delicious dish. 

No matter how exceptional your enchiladas are, though, they can always use some company at the dinner table.

Personally I can gobble these guys up on their own, but the flavors can be too bold for some and they’ll need something to balance it out.  

So what are the perfect side dishes to serve with enchiladas? Well, you can never go wrong with traditional Mexican sides. Here are ten delicious choices that pair perfectly with enchiladas. 

1. Mexican Coleslaw

While Americans are used to dressing their coleslaw with a mayo mixture, Mexicans prefer a tangy sauce – one with apple cider vinegar and cilantro.

This little switch up makes the Mexican slaw more acidic and more refreshing – a great contrast to the rich and heavy enchilada. 

Mexican slaw also includes more ingredients that are bursting with flavor. It’s not just shredded cabbage and carrots, but also incorporates avocado, jalapeno, black beans, corn, red onions, and cumin.  Yum!

2. Guacamole

When you’re making enchiladas, you can’t skip the guacamole! These two make an iconic pair that will please everyone.

The flavors of the cheesy dish just go so perfectly with the rich and creamy avocado dip. Serve them with a bowl of tortilla chips and you’ve got yourself an irresistibly addictive side.

Don’t know how to make guacamole? Well, it’s easy! All you need are ripe avocados, white onion, fresh Roma tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice. Mash and mix these elements together and you’ll have a delicious dip!

3. Chips and Salsa

Is there anything more classic than chips and salsa? What I love about this side is that you probably already have some salsa prepared for your enchiladas, so all you have to do is grab your favorite chips and you’re good to go.

While you’re at it, fix a bowl of melted cheese to spice things up even more!

4. Mexican Corn Pudding

Enchiladas are savory, and what better way to complement their flavor than by making a sweet companion. A nice bowl of warm Mexican corn pudding will definitely do the trick.

This creamy delight is filled with milk, cheese, egg, and of course corn. Together, these elements form a dish to die for!

5. Jicama with Mango Slaw 

You might wonder – what on earth is jicama? If you’re not familiar with this crop, oh boy, you’re missing out!

Basically, it’s Mexican yam that tastes somewhere in between a potato and a pear. Pair the crunchy jicama with mangoes, flavor it with honey and lime juice, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful slaw!

You can also give it a bit of a kick by adding some diced jalapenos or sprinkling some chili powder on top.

6. Rice

You can’t serve a Mexican feast without some rice. No matter what Mexican dish you’re serving, it will surely taste a lot better if you add some rice to the mix, and enchiladas are no exception.

You can always go basic with a bowl of white rice, but I love to pep it up a little and add a bit of spice!

Some green bell peppers, cumin, and cilantro will definitely give more life to your simple white rice. Or how about some black beans? It will still be in line with the Mexican theme, and will make it even more filling too.

If you want to give your guests a healthier alternative, use quinoa instead of rice. Flavor it with some Fajita seasoning, and add some corn, zucchini, and black beans. So good!

7. Refried Beans

Refried beans are great as a dip or a side, and go wonderfully with enchiladas. You can make them extra cheesy, but you don’t really need to, the dip is already creamy and flavorful enough.

Additionally, refried beans, are quite filling, so you can expect your guests leaving your party full and happy. 

If you’re worried that this side dish may be too fattening – keep reading! Refried beans do not refer to beans that are fried twice.

The term is a loose translation of the Spanish words, “frijoles refritos,” frijoles meaning “beans” and “refritos” meaning “fried well” (not twice). The beans are boiled so they soften and then baked or fried to perfection. 

8. Mexican Sweet Potato Salad

This dish not only includes delicious sweet potatoes, but it’s also loaded with corn and topped with a rich cilantro dressing and a hearty black bean salsa. Together, these elements make a dish that tastes incredible with enchiladas.

9. Elote

Mexican dishes such as enchiladas yearn for some sweet and juicy corn alongside them. And when it comes to corn dishes, you can’t go wrong with this classic Mexican street food.

Elote is all about fun ingredients that, when combined, make a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. 

With an elote, you get perfectly grilled corn that’s slathered with a sour cream and mayo mixture. Then it’s coated with chili pepper and cojita or feta cheese. A bit of freshly squeezed lime juice rounds out this stunning snack.

10. Pepper Salad

This salad is not just about the flavor, but the colors as well! It makes use of three kinds of peppers (red, green, and yellow) which form such a vibrant and appetizing stir-fry.

Then it’s made even better with red onions, cheese,  and a sophisticated red wine or champagne vinaigrette. Absolutely to die for!