Side dishes are one of the most important elements of gastronomy. What can be served with quesadillas?
There are many perfect options to accompany these traditional Mexican corn or wheat tortillas.
Here we share a list of preparations that add flavor.
Table of contents
1. Irresistible Sauces and Dips
Quesadillas are delicious on their own, but when you pair them with an exquisite sauce or dip, they become even more pleasurable.
Here are some tempting options that taste great.
Red Salsa
This is a true classic that guarantees a delightful sensation. It contains tomatoes, jalapeño or serrano peppers, garlic, and onion.
You can roast them to enhance their flavor. It’s easy to make—just blend the ingredients to get the consistency you desire.
Green Salsa
This is a mix of boiled green chilies and tomatillos, combined with cilantro, onion, and a touch of salt.
It has a fresh yet tangy flavor that takes your quesadillas to the next level. You’ll love it.
Guacamole
This delicious and creamy dip provides unbeatable flavor to tortillas and is generally served cold.
To prepare it, mix ripe avocados with cilantro for an aromatic touch, lemon juice, and salt.
Chipotle Salsa
Do you like spicy food? Try this dressing made with dried or marinated chipotle chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and lemon juice.
It adds a smoky, intense flavor to your food that will leave you wanting more.
Yogurt and Cilantro Salsa
Want to try a fresher, lighter side? Then, prepare a delicious sauce with these ingredients.
All you need is plain yogurt, finely chopped cilantro, a splash of lemon, and salt.
Mango Salsa
This option is not only delicious but also a visual delight thanks to its vibrant combination of colors.
Enjoy it by mixing diced mango with red onion, a little jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.
Black Bean Salsa
If you want to turn your quesadillas into a gourmet experience, you must try this nutritious salsa.
It’s perfect for dipping or spreading and is made by mashing cooked black beans, garlic, onion, cumin, and lemon.
Red Pepper Hummus
This dip is a delicious and totally different alternative that will certainly surprise your taste buds.
It’s made with cooked chickpeas and roasted red pepper, along with tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s creamy and full of flavor.
2. What can be served with quesadillas? Fresh Salads
Still wondering what can be served with quesadillas? Salads are always an excellent option.
Tomato and Onion
Try this simple yet exquisite side dish: juicy fresh tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
You’ll be surprised by the freshness and flavor it offers, dressed with olive oil, a little lemon juice, and salt.
Avocado and Cucumber
Combine the softness and creaminess of avocado with the crunch of cucumber to create this light side dish.
Add cilantro, red onion, lemon juice, and you’ll have the perfect salad for your quesadillas.
Spinach and Strawberries
This consists of a base of tender spinach, accompanied by juicy sliced strawberries, crunchy nuts, and feta cheese.
Add a balsamic or honey dressing to contrast the sweet and savory flavors.
Black Beans and Corn
They provide the flavor you’re looking for to perfectly complement your meat or chicken quesadillas.
It’s made with black beans and sweet corn, as well as bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Top it off with an olive oil and lemon dressing.
Caesar
This famous salad, drizzled with an irresistible Caesar dressing, creates a delicious contrast on your palate.
It’s prepared with crunchy croutons, romaine lettuce, and plenty of Parmesan cheese.
Arugula and Pear
Ideal for accompanying dishes with strong flavors, it offers the spicy touch of arugula and the sweetness of pears.
It includes walnuts and blue cheese, and is seasoned with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Cabbage and Carrot
This tasty side dish of shredded cabbage and carrots, with vinaigrette or mayonnaise, adds freshness and texture.
It’s great for enhancing the flavor of your quesadillas and giving them more richness.
3. Beans: A Classic That Never Fails
Aside from the previously mentioned side dishes, what else can be served with quesadillas? Take a look.
Refried Beans
There’s nothing like the unique and irresistibly delicious flavor of this popular preparation.
To enjoy it, start by cooking the beans until they are tender. Then, fry them with onion and garlic. Serve with cheese.
Black Beans
These are an exquisite and nutrient-packed choice that adds an earthy flavor to your meals.
Cook them seasoned with onion, garlic, and cumin, and serve them whole or mashed.
Charro Beans
This bean dish is not only tasty but also hearty, making it perfect to eat with quesadillas.
It includes ingredients like bacon, chorizo, chilies, and tomatoes. The beans are cooked in a broth.
White Beans
Both cannellini and large white beans delight your palate with their softness and majestic creaminess.
Cooked with aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, they pair well with spinach quesadillas.
Bean Salad
If you’re in the mood for something fresher, prepare cooked beans in a salad style, with bell peppers, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Besides being incredibly refreshing, it adds color to your dishes.
4. What can be served with quesadillas? Rice: A Versatile Complement
The versatility of this food has earned it a place at many tables. Check out your options.
Mexican Rice
Cooked in a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, with tomatoes, onion, and garlic, it’s ideal as a side dish.
Plus, by adding peas and carrots, you enhance its appearance and nutritional value.
Rice with Beans
This is a classic, nutrient-rich combination made with black or pinto beans, cilantro, onion, and spices.
The best part? In addition to being delicious, it’s packed with fiber and protein.
Cilantro and Lime Rice
This is a light, fresh, and aromatic recipe that gives quesadillas an incredible taste.
If you want to try it, cook the rice and mix it with lime juice and finely chopped cilantro.
Vegetable Rice
This rice tastes great and makes your meal more interesting and colorful, so you’ll love it.
Cook it with broth and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and peas.
Brown Rice
If you prefer a healthier side for your quesadillas, this rice is a great alternative.
It has a robust flavor and firm texture, and if you cook it with fresh herbs and add soy sauce, you’ll give it an Asian twist.
5. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Do you love eating vegetables? Let’s explore what vegetables can be served with quesadillas.
Grilled Zucchini
This vegetable side dish, with its tender texture and mild flavor, is perfect to enjoy with just about anything.
It pairs especially well with chicken or cheese quesadillas, cut into strips or rounds.
Roasted Peppers
These are packed with flavor and have an innate sweetness that enhances the delicious taste of quesadillas.
Whether you roast them whole or in strips, and season them with garlic, spices, and olive oil, they are spectacular.
Steamed Broccoli
A nutritious side dish with a slightly bitter flavor and a delightfully crunchy texture.
With a touch of grated cheese and a squeeze of lemon, it brings out the flavors of your meal.
Roasted Asparagus
Sophisticated, flavorful, and the perfect match for intense flavors like cured cheese and chorizo.
Roast them until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Carrots and Peas
Whether steamed or sautéed, these vegetables offer a sweet flavor and a colorful presentation.
They are exquisite with turkey or chicken quesadillas, especially if you add fresh herbs and butter.
6. The Final Touch with Cream and Cheese
Here are more perfect sides to top off your quesadillas and make them even more delicious.
Mexican Cream
A classic staple on Mexican tables, known for its rich and delicate texture.
Whether alone or with spicy salsa, it’s ideal to apply to your quesadillas and give them an extra touch.
Fresh Cheese
Another fantastic complement, with a mild milky flavor and crumbly texture, is fresh cheese.
Sprinkle it on top of the tortillas or mix it with cream to make a delicious sauce.
Cotija Cheese
Known as the Parmesan of Mexico, it provides a spectacularly strong and salty taste.
This flavor and its crunchy consistency pair well with the filling and cream of the quesadillas.
Cheddar Cheese
Both yellow and white Cheddar make excellent toppings and offer a more intense flavor.
When melted, it becomes creamy and makes your dish even more appetizing.
Oaxaca Cheese
Its melted strands and smooth flavor will captivate you from the first bite.
It melts quickly and perfectly over hot quesadillas, and when combined with other cheeses, it’s truly spectacular.
So, What Can Be Served with Quesadillas?
Did we answer your questions about what can be served with quesadillas? There are countless options.
Salsas and dips, fresh salads, beans, rice, roasted or steamed vegetables, and cream or cheese. All are delicious.
Dare to give them that final touch to add more flavor.