Side dishes are the forgotten part of a good American meal. While they remain largely ignored, they can be a real hidden gem to your cooking. In this article, we’ll share 26 best side dishes for burritos as well as some tips on how to make them. The idea is that you’ll find something new in your next burrito bowl.
What Are Burritos?
Burritos are a type of Mexican dish that is made with a flour tortilla, which is then wrapped around a filling. While burritos are usually filled with meat, they can also be filled with beans, cheese and vegetables. Some burritos have rice or beans instead of meat as well. Burrito fillings can vary widely depending on where they’re made but they usually include cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.
The word “burrito” means “little donkey” in Spanish, which refers to the shape of the tortilla that resembles a donkey’s saddlebag. The first burritos were introduced in California during the Mexican Revolution around 1910 by immigrants who used flour tortillas as an alternative to corn tortillas due to shortages caused by the war (this was also when tacos were first introduced). The popularity of burritos grew steadily over the next few decades until they became part of mainstream American cuisine.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Burritos?
A burrito is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a meal. It is also easy to make, and it is a tasty way to incorporate the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes in one dish. With so many different ways to serve burritos, you may wonder how you can make them even more appealing. The answer is simple: serve side dishes with your burritos!
Side dishes are a great way to complement your burritos because they add variety and flavor to an already delicious meal. They also help to stretch your budget, which makes them ideal when serving large groups of people. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider serving side dishes with your next batch of burritos:
1. They add variety
If you have ever eaten at a Mexican restaurant, then you know how exciting it can be when there are dozens of different types of salsa on the table for customers to choose from. This same concept can be applied when serving food at home, including when serving side dishes with burritos. Just like with salsa at restaurants, there are many different types of side dishes that can go well with any type of burrito, and the best thing about it is that you can serve your family or guests exactly what they like best.
2. They are cost effective
When you prepare food for large groups of people, it is important to try to use only the freshest ingredients so that your food stays as delicious as possible. If you have ever bought ingredients just to use a small amount of them, then you know that this can hurt your budget.
What to Serve with Burritos? 26 BEST Side Dishes
1. Sweet Potato Fries
The sweet potato has had a resurgence in popularity for its healthy properties, but it also makes for a great side dish to chicken tenders. These fries are easy to make and have a great flavor that goes well with chicken. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, potassium and vitamin A. This recipe is also gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those who cannot eat gluten.
2. Guacamole
The perfect accompaniment to any burrito, guacamole is made from mashed avocados, onions and lime juice. It can also have other ingredients added to give it more flavor. Some people like to add tomato, cilantro and garlic for a more spicy flavor. Guacamole is great with tortilla chips or as a topping on a burrito.
3. Corn on the Cob
Corn is one of the most popular side dishes that you can serve with your burritos. It’s easy to make and can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer. The best way to cook corn on the cob is to boil it in water until it gets soft, then pour some butter and salt over it before eating.
4. Black Beans
Black beans are another popular side dish that goes well with any type of burrito. You can use canned black beans or cook them yourself from dried beans. If you want to use canned black beans, just drain them and add some diced tomatoes, onions and garlic along with some salsa for flavor.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice
This recipe is so easy and so good! The rice cooks in the same pan as the chicken, so you don’t need any extra pans or dishes to make this side dish. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free!
6. Pico de Gallo
This popular Mexican salsa is made from chopped tomatoes and other vegetables seasoned with lime juice and spices. It’s usually served fresh, but can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Pico de gallo can be eaten as an appetizer or used as a topping on tacos or burritos.
7. Pineapple Salsa
This salsa features fresh pineapple chunks and red bell peppers, making it a sweet and spicy addition to any burrito. Try serving this salsa on top of grilled chicken or pork chops!
8. Queso Dip
This cheesy dip is made with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green chilies. It’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips into while waiting for your burrito to cook! Add some extra veggies like black beans or corn, then scoop queso onto a tortilla shell and roll up for an instant meal!
9. French Fries
French fries are one of the most common side dishes for burritos. They are easy to make and they go well with almost any kind of meat or bean filling that you choose for your burrito. French fries can be made from potatoes or sweet potatoes and they come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. You can buy them frozen at most grocery stores or make them yourself at home using fresh potatoes from your garden!
10. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are easy to make, and they make an excellent side dish for burritos. You can get creative with this recipe by adding different spices and cheeses. The sky’s the limit when it comes to jalapeno poppers!
11. Green Beans Almondine
This recipe requires green beans and almonds, which are roasted together before being tossed in butter and lemon juice. The result is a light and flavorful dish that complements burritos very well.
12. Avocado Salad with Feta
This salad features avocado slices topped with feta cheese and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. It makes an excellent accompaniment because it provides both protein and healthy fats that help you feel full longer after eating your meal. This recipe is also perfect for entertaining guests at your next party!
13. Creamy Parmesan Spinach
This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The spinach is cooked until it’s soft and then sautéed in butter and garlic. The flavor is enhanced by adding Parmesan cheese, which melts in the heat of the pan and coats each leaf. This dish can be served as a side or stuffed into a burrito with mashed potatoes and chicken breast.
14. Mango Salsa
This salsa is easy to make and goes well with any type of meat or fish. It’s made with fresh mangoes, bell peppers, onions and jalapeño peppers. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well before serving over tortilla chips or with your favorite main course item.
15. Spanish rice
Spanish rice is a great side dish for burritos because it’s made using the same ingredients as Mexican rice, but it has extra flavor added to it. Some recipes call for onions and garlic, while others just add spices like cumin or chili powder. Most recipes also call for diced tomatoes and green peppers, which give the dish its name.
16. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another popular side dish for burritos because it’s easy to make and goes well with many different kinds of meals, including chicken dinners and sandwiches. It’s also very easy to make at home with just a few common ingredients like cabbage, carrots and mayonnaise or sour cream as its base.
17. Roasted Vegetables (peppers, onions, garlic)
While many people think of vegetables as a side dish, they can also be used as an ingredient in your burrito filling. If you have leftover roasted vegetables from dinner the night before, they can be used as the protein in your burrito.
18. Steamed Broccoli
Broccoli is another vegetable that’s low on the glycemic index and high in fiber. It’s also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron.
19. Whole Kernel Corn and Peppers
Corn is another high-fiber, low-GI vegetable that can be added to your burrito. If you want to add some extra flavor, try sautéing some peppers with your corn before adding it to your burrito.
20. Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Sour cream mashed potatoes are a classic side. They’re easy to make, and they pair well with just about any main dish. Try them with grilled steak or chicken, mashed potatoes are also delicious with burritos, especially those filled with Mexican flavors like beef and beans.
21. Creamy Jalapeno Dipping Sauce
This sauce is great for burrito bowls, too! I love it on tacos and chips, too. This sauce is super easy to make and so delicious. The only thing that takes a little bit of time is roasting the jalapenos. You can roast them while you make your rice or while you cook your beans if you want to save time!
22. Tortilla chips and salsa
A side of tortilla chips and salsa is the perfect addition to your burrito. Make your own tortilla chips or buy them in a bag at the store. Salsa is another easy option that you can make at home or buy in a jar.
23. Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Fried plantains are another popular Mexican side dish that goes great with burritos. They’re easy to make at home since all you need is plantains and oil! Plantains are sweet enough on their own without any extra sugar added, so they’ll add sweetness to your burrito without being too overpowering.
24. Mexican Red Rice with Beans
Mexican red rice is a delicious and healthy alternative to white rice. It’s also easy to make and can be used in many dishes. This recipe is for one serving, but you can easily multiply the amounts for more servings.
25. Green Tomatillo Salsa or Green Tomatillo Sauce
This is a great salsa to put on tacos, or even on top of a burrito. It’s made with tomatillos, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic and cilantro. You can also eat it with chips as a dip.
26. Green Rice With Spicy Chicken Sausage and Kale
Rice is the perfect side dish to serve with burritos. The green rice recipe here is loaded with healthy ingredients and packs a punch of flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite burrito for a quick weeknight meal that’s also packed with protein and fiber.
Conclusion
Side dishes for burritos come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You can find them made from anything from rice to beans and from seasoned veggies to shredded meats, cheese and more. Each burrito bowl will have its own selection of delicious side dishes and, if you know where to look, it should be relatively easy to find some great choices.