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What to Serve with Enchiladas – 35 best dishes!

by (updated July 23, 2024) | Rate Recipe

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If you’re trying to decide what to serve with enchiladas, you need this recipe roundup! With inspiring appetizer, side dishes drinks and desserts this is your guide to a complete enchilada meal.

Enchilada being lifted up from dish with text overlay saying "what to serve with enchiladas"

Enchiladas reign queen of Tex-Mex dinners on their own as a stand alone but sides make it more fun! Luckily, I’ve done the work for you and have a roundup list of what to serve with your enchilada dinner to make it a smashing success.

My love of Mexican food knows no bounds. I’ve shared a few of my favorite recipes from shredded chicken enchiladas to vegetarian butternut squash enchiladas. My personal favorite though is the easy version, the enchilada casserole uses layers and doesn’t require any rolling. I also have a recipe for easy red enchilada sauce if you truly want to make everything from scratch.

With so many enchilada recipes, its high time we had a compiled group of recipes to round out the meal. This list has 35 recipes organized by side dishes, appetizers (heyyyo guacamole!), drinks, and even desserts. The recipes listed here are mostly on the healthy side but still delicious. All of them can go seamlessly with any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal too. So, let’s dive in and finally show you what to serve with enchiladas!

What is an enchilada anyways?

Enchiladas are a popular dish hailing from Mexico. They are typically served as a one dish casserole-style meal. Enchiladas are essentially tortillas rolled around a combination of beans, cheese and/or meat. They then get slathered in a green or red chili-based sauce. Sometimes sour cream is added to create a creamy filling. Enchilada varieties range from simply having just cheese or beans and cheese to ground beef, taco chicken, roasted vegetables, or even chile rellenos.

Appetizers

Appetizers for enchiladas can be as easy as a bowl of salsa or as involved as making your own hand rolled taquitos. You can pick whatever works best for you so there’s something to snack on while the main dish is cooking.

1
These baked black bean taquitos are both vegetarian, packed with veggies, and way lighter than the store bought kind without sacrificing any flavor.
5 from 1 vote

Baked Black Bean Taquitos

These black bean taquitos are baked instead of fried to lighten them up but they still deliver on flavor. Vegetables like onions, peppers and corn are sautéed and then mixed with blended black beans to add protein to this vegetarian appetizer. They're a great way to use up extra corn tortillas and freeze great so that you can have quick homemade appetizers in the future too. Paired with a creamy avocado lime yogurt dipping sauce, they might just steal the show from the enchiladas if you don't watch out!
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2
Mango salsa is a refreshing break from the usual with pops of fresh fruit, creamy avocado, and tangy lime. And its so easy, it can be ready in 15 minutes!
5 from 1 vote

Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango avocado salsa is definitely one of my favorite things to have on the table with enchiladas. It adds a light, sweet fruitiness to the meal and since it includes avocado as well, you can even – dare I say it – skip the guacamole. I know, blasphemous but it's true! With flavor like this salsa delivers, it's really all you need to round out a great meal. It pairs exceptionally well with chicken and seafood enchiladas, tacos, and even fajitas!
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3
chip dipping into bowl of guacamole

Guacamole

What's a Mexican dinner night without the guac? This traditional style creamy guacamole from The Gracious Housewife is the perfect accompaniment to the main course with lime, cilantro and all of the good stuff. The rule with guacamole: always make twice as much as you think you'll need. It'll get eaten!
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4
hand dipping chip into bowl of peach guacamole

Peach Guacamole

Peach guacamole is a fun twist on the classic dish that would be great during summer peach season. While I normally prefer traditional style guacamole, paired with fruit, avocados become downright magical. This recipe was developed by The Healthy Epicurean and it's going on the summer recipes bucket list!
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5
This Mexican bean dip is easy and tasty as can be with Greek yogurt adding a nutrition and protein punch. The melted cheese and toppings take it over the top!
5 from 1 vote

Mexican Bean Dip

Layered Mexican bean dip is always a welcome appetizer whether it's game day, enchilada night or taco Tuesday. This version is made healthier using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for an extra dose of probiotics and protein without negatively affecting the taste. Its a great vegetarian option that transports well in case you want to bring to enchilada night somewhere else.
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6
ceviche with chips

Ceviche

This refreshing ceviche recipe from The Forked Spoon uses a combination for citrus fruits to "cook" the fish paired with shallot, cilantro and peppers for a nice crunch. This can be served with chips as an appetizer alongside your salsa and guacamole.
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7
tortilla chips in a bowl

Baked Tortilla Chips

This recipe for baked tortilla chips from Vegan Blueberry is simple but looks so tasty. It would be the perfect thing to dip into any of the salsas and dips shared on this page or with that seasoning blend, would probably be great on their own.
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Side Dishes

Enchiladas are a one dish meal that doesn’t need any accompaniments. BUT if you want to get fancy and include some sides for enchiladas, we’ve got you covered. Some are simple yet satisfying like beans and rice. Others are show stoppers to take your meal to the next level. The choice is yours!

8
Bowl of pickled red onions up close picture
4.6 from 9 votes

Quick Pickled Red Onions (No Cook, 15-Minute Prep)

These pickled red onions elevate any enchilada to the next level by adding a tangy flavor that tantalizes the tastebuds. The recipe is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and citrus keeping it on the healthier side. You can sprinkle them right on top of the enchiladas in their dish or serve them on the side for people to add on their own. Pickled red onions are a simple add on that can turn even the most basic enchiladas into something gourmet. You'll find yourself adding the leftovers to everything else you make too like sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, and more!
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9
jar of pickled jalapeños

Pickled Jalapeños

If you're not into onions and just looking for tangy spice, these pickled jalapeños from Foxes Love Lemons deliver the goods. These would be fantastic tossed onto cheesy enchiladas and keep for several weeks in the fridge for use in other dishes too. Also, the white sugar in the recipe could most likely be replaced with coconut sugar or honey easily if you want to go that route.
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10
Colorful Mexican slaw on a white plate

Mexican Slaw

This zesty Mexican slaw from Wholesome Yum is a perfect refreshing side dish to serve with enchiladas! Plus the leftovers keep great in the fridge for a quick salad the next day.
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11
Cilantro lime salad picture
4.7 from 3 votes

Cilantro Lime Salad

This cilantro lime salad is easy to prepare and has a zippy cilantro lime dressing that you'll want to lick right off your fork. With greens, tomato and avocado the salad itself is quite simple, naturally plant based and adds those extra veggies that your main enchilada dish might be lacking.
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12
cooked rice with cilantro sprinkled on it in bowl

Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice from Dirt and Dough is a filling, traditional side that is easy to make. You could easily swap the white with brown rice and lengthen the cooking time for extra nutrition as well. Plus the leftovers are so versatile you could use them for taco bowls or as a side to whatever dinner you're making the next day!
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13
close up bowl of herb and tomato chimichurri rice

Chimichurri Rice

This fantastic chimichurri rice is so flavorful and delicious! It's the perfect side dish to serve alongside enchiladas and a fun, tasty switch from your standard rice side dish.
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14
instant pot coconut rice in a bowl from overhead close up

Coconut Rice (made in the Instant Pot or stovetop!)

This creamy delicious coconut rice is the coconut lover's dream! It's a great mild alturnative to the previously listed rice with it's own lovely flavor and texture. Plus, there are instructions for making it both in the Instant Pot (my favorite method) or on the stovetop so you can choose whatever is easiest for you.
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15
Mexican corn salad in a bowl

Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you've fallen in love with Mexican street corn like the rest of us, this street corn salad from Joy Food Sunshine is a great way to be able to eat it without getting corn in your teeth. Paired with enchiladas, this is a filling side that is bound to impress.
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16
cashew crema being drizzled form spoon into jar

Dairy Free Cashew Crema

This dairy free crema recipe from Broke Bank Vegan is a tasty pairing if you're making dairy free or vegan enchiladas. It's perfect to finish off spicy Mexican dishes in place of sour cream. The recipe is rich, creamy, and tangy just like the real deal!
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17
bean salad in a white bowl

Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar recipe from A Pinch of Wellness lightens up the standard recipe by adding more veggies in. This doubles as an appetizer served with chips and a side dish served on it's own so it's very versatile. Plus, it always keeps great in the fridge for snacking the next day!
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18
Picture of jicama salad with radishes

Jicama Salad

If you haven't tried jicama, you definitely need to get your hands on some! Its a crunchy almost sweet veggie with great texture making it great for salads like this one. This jicama salad by A Little and A Lot is tossed in a tangy vinaigrette and would add a nice chilled pairing for enchiladas of any kind.
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19
corn salad with tortilla strips on top

Corn, Black Bean and Avocado Salad

This corn salad from Knife and Soul is such a mash up of healthy yet flavorful ingredients from seasoned quinoa to jalapeños and fresh cilantro. With toasted tortilla strips on top for texture and additional flavor, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious side option.
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20
colorful salad with cooked and raw veggies

Little Gem Salad

This gem salad recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy is a rainbow of bight colored veggies that looks as beautiful as it does nourishing. Some of the veggies are lightly cooked while others are fresh for a tasty combination of flavors and textures.
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21
sweet potato wedges laid out flat next to green dipping sauce

Southwestern Sweet Potato Wedges

These Southwestern sweet potato wedges from Claire over at a Chef's Kitchen are such a great healthy side dish to complement any Mexican dinner. Sweet potatoes are a great way to get your veggies in a way that seems like a french fry kind of treat. Even better, they're served with an avocado cilantro sour cream to dip them in which you could serve with the enchiladas for extra flavor.
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22
hand holding honey dipper drizzling honey onto a piece of cornbread

Healthy Cornbread (Whole Wheat, Fluffy and Moist)

Healthy whole wheat cornbread is a great side option that's easy to make and healthier than your standard version without sacrificing that rich buttery flavor. It's perfectly rich in the best possible way with that corn flavor that goes so well with anything from south of the boarder. You could even add some diced chilies or jalapeños to the top or inside for some kick!
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23
avocado, tomato and red onion tossed in a bowl

Avocado Salad

This avocado salad from The Roasted Root pairs all of my favorites into one with avocado, tomato and cucumber for texture and flavor. Its flavors and freshness would make it a fantastic side to serve with enchiladas as well.
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24
skillet full of saucy black beans

Cuban Black Beans

These Cuban black beans from Bon Appeteach look so flavorful and would make a perfect simple side dish. With peppers and seasonings simmered down, this would probably make the house smell delicious while they cook too!
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25
roasted potatoes on a dark pan with herbs

Mexican Potatoes

Mexican potatoes are a tasty way to pair this veggie with enchiladas and this recipe from Always Use Butter does not disapoint. With fresh lime and cilantro, it delivers on flavor while melding seamlessly with the rest of the meal.
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26
tortillas stacked on a plate

Homemade Tortillas

Okay, okay, this isn't necessarily a side dish but if you want to be super extra you could make your own tortillas for the enchiladas themselves. I know most of us don't have time for this but for those over achievers out there that choose to go this route, this homemade tortilla recipe from Of Batter and Dough is made with real butter instead of lard. The recipe has so many five start reviews vouching for it that I'm tempted to clear my schedule and make a batch now!
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Drinks

Preparing your own drinks to serve with enchiladas is for the overachiever that wants to go the extra mile. Or maybe you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or even just your standard taco Tuesday. Either way, sometimes your standard water or beer just doesn’t cut it. Here are some great ideas to wet your whistle.

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Creamy, delicious vegan banana almond milk smoothie is nutritious and loaded with fiber but tastes like a decadent desert!
5 from 2 votes

Vegan Banana Almond Milk Smoothie

This banana almond milk smoothie is being added for its strong cinnamon flavor since that *almost* makes it taste like a tricked out creamy version of horchata. Almost but in my opinion, quite a bit better. Kids love this one too not knowing or caring that the sweetness is mostly just from banana. Its a nice, non-alcoholic refreshing treat to serve alongside your enchilada dinner.
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28
margarita on the rocks with passion fruit floating in it

Passionfruit Margarita

This passionfruit margarita from Maple and Mango is the perfect thirst quencher to serve with any Mexican fare. Light, refreshing and served on the rocks (my personal fav), it might be hard to limit yourself on these. But if you're going big and serving a crowd she has instructions for making this drink in a pitcher too.
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29
frozen blended margarita from side angle

Skinny Margarita

This skinny margarita from Maya at Wholesome Yum is sugar free, paleo, low carb and still tasty and satisfying. It's blended to perfection and since it doesn't have sugar, you may be able to get away with having more than one without getting that notorious headache the next day from drinking sugary drinks.
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30
pink drink in a mason jar with lime wedge

Brazilian Strawberry Limeade

If you're looking for a nonalcoholic drink that's somewhere between a beverage and a dessert, this Brazilian strawberry limeade from Simply Scrumptious Eats looks like just the ticket. With sweetened condensed milk, blended strawberries, lime juice and sugar, it's quite decadent.
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31
Pink drink in a margarita glass

Guava Margarita

These guava margaritas from The Littlest Crumb sound like the sweet concoction that would be hard to have just one of. Thick yet tangy with a salt rim, they're a great refresher to serve alongside a Mexican casserole like enchiladas.
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Desserts

If you still have room for dessert after getting your fill of enchiladas at dinner time, we’ve got quite the list of options for you. From lighter options like pina colada ice cream to more decadent desserts, you won’t want to skip these tasty treats. If you’re looking for something not pictured here, The Kitchen Community has an entire post on Mexican desserts.

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bowl of pina colada banana ice cream
5 from 2 votes

Pina Colada Banana Ice Cream

This creamy pina colada ice cream (or "nice cream") is the perfect ending to your enchilada meal since it's a delicious dessert but not overly filling. With a sweet tropical flair made from a frozen blended banana, pineapple and coconut milk base, this dairy free ice cream is truly a show stopper. Even dairy lovers give it the thumbs up!
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33
Coconut chia pudding that will make you rethink chia seeds altogether! Its so rich and delicious, you won't believe that its made with natural ingredients.
5 from 1 vote

Coconut Chia Pudding

This mango coconut chia pudding is a healthy dessert option that is a step up from your standard chia pudding you're used to. Using canned coconut to create a creamy, thick texture and toasting coconut tossed in pure maple syrup to top it off elevates this dish to true dessert status. Served after enchiladas, this recipe will be satisfying but light enough that it won't burst any buttons.
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34
caramelized plantains on a plate

Baked Plantains

This recipe for baked plantains from Kid Tested Recipes is a fantastic dessert to serve all on their own or paired with the pina colada "nice cream" recipe shared above. Just the right amount of sweetness to round out the meal!
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35
hand holding up a pink popsicle with watermelon in background

Homemade Watermelon Popsicles

These watermelon popsicles have a hint of lime that pairs fantastically with both the sweetness of the watermelon and the Mexican flavors in the enchiladas. They're made a a little bit creamy and more filling with yogurt too making them both a great dessert to serve and a delicious snack for later!
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You wondered what to serve with chicken enchiladas, beef enchiladas, bean and any other kind you can think of and now you have your answer! All of the ideas and inspiration you need to pull off an insanely delicious enchilada night. And, if you choose to just stick to the main dish and pass on all of the extra work, that’s totally fine too. 😉

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