Easy quesadilla serving ideas, from cilantro-lime rice to refried beans, and pico de gallo to Mexican street corn. Discover what to serve with quesadillas today.
There are many ways to combine tortillas and cheese for a delectable dish, but perhaps none are as versatile as the simple quesadilla. Although it is easy to fill flour or corn shells with meat and other robust ingredients, some excellent sides can be used to create a complete meal.
The following quesadilla side dishes are not only simple to prepare but will also complement any of your favorite fillings.
Cilantro-Lime Rice
The understated yet distinct flavors of cilantro and lime can be the perfect way to bring forward the natural taste of white rice. Better yet, a pile of cilantro-lime rice is an excellent companion for any cheese-filled tortilla.
In addition to long-grain white rice, chopped cilantro leaves, and fresh lime, a handful of other necessary ingredients include minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. After boiling the rice and adding some salt and lime zest, creating the dish is as easy as stirring in the remaining juice and cilantro.
Refried Beans
Although it might appear to be a simple side dish, there are some tricks to bring out the aroma and complex flavors that make refried beans a terrific accompaniment for a fresh quesadilla.
Just like rice, the flavors of cilantro and lime mesh very well with mashed pinto beans. Whether using canned or fresh beans, it’s easy to create the desired consistency for a delicious serving of refried beans.
Black Bean Salad
While black beans are a staple in many well-balanced dishes, this is a unique spin that can add a new dimension to the texture and taste of a quesadilla.
Mix in some corn, a splash of vinaigrette, a little lime, and a serving of fresh avocado to create a layered and cohesive side dish. After cooking the corn and washing the beans, mix everything together aside from the avocado, which is added at the end to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Cheesy Potatoes
Potatoes might not be the most obvious choice to serve alongside a quesadilla, but when they are prepared effectively, they can help create a memorable meal. Cheesy potatoes are similar to a typical casserole and are made with a simple, straightforward recipe.
All it takes are potatoes, cheese, and a creamy soup base to contribute all the necessary flavors. After boiling the potatoes, place them in a greased pan, and top them with the mixture of the other main ingredients and some cheese before browning perfectly in the oven.
Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes all it takes is a time-tested side like mashed potatoes to provide the balance needed for a full quesadilla meal.
Boiling the potatoes is easy enough, but some of the other factors are best left to personal tastes and preferences. Adding plenty of butter, a splash of milk or cream, and the right blend of seasonings can transform the humble potato into a dish worthy of complementing any quesadilla.
Pico de Gallo
Like most types of salsa, this side packs a lot of flavor with just a few fresh ingredients. Furthermore, it is a great addition to a quesadilla.
Using ripe tomatoes is a must, as is chopping up the rest of the ingredients—onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro—as finely as possible. Add in some lime and cilantro for extra flavor and let it all sit so the flavors mix together for a while before serving it up on top or alongside a hot, melty quesadilla.
Mexican Slaw
Some home cooks might not know what makes this side so special, but after trying it once, it will become crystal clear.
Preparation is easy, and like most types of slaw, it starts with a base of cabbage. Mix in red onion, cilantro, lime juice, a few spices, a dash of hot sauce, and even some honey to give it a complex and delightful flavor that will bring out the simple goodness of a quesadilla.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Just because a quesadilla is made with a tortilla doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for another version of the corn-based goodness in a complete meal.
Creating this soup involves combining chicken, corn, beans, avocado, and cheese along with some potent spices and herbs. Top it all off with some crunchy tortilla strips for a textural dream that pairs perfectly with any type of quesadilla.
Roasted Carrots
Preparing a meal with a serving of veggies does not mean offering a bland or unappetizing side dish. Instead, roasted carrots can be a delicious part of any quesadilla feast.
Simply add oil, salt, pepper, and some fresh herbs to the carrots and the dish is ready to roast in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle on some dill, parsley, or any other aromatic herb for some extra flavor.
Mexican Street Corn
Here’s another great vegetable option that can complete a meal featuring a quesadilla as the star.
Rich flavors and aromas abound when ears of corn are grilled directly over a fire. Including spices and herbs, such as chili powder, cilantro, and garlic, will accent the taste of the corn and a final dash of lime and salt will bring it all together.
Corn Salad
Another simple way to incorporate corn into a quesadilla dish will keep everything light, fresh, and tasty.
Include some oil, salt, pepper, onion, vinegar, and herbs to add some depth to the boiled corn kernels. Toss the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for a while or serve it warm to give dinner guests an authentic experience while enjoying a quesadilla.
