What to serve with quesadillas

Everyone loves a good quesadilla. It’s the ultimate comfort food. So deciding what to serve with quesadillas for dinner shouldn’t be hard or time-consuming. There are so many kinds of quesadillas, from Tex Mex chicken to beef, pork, and cheese quesadillas.  They truly are a versatile and delicious Mexican food.

Whether you pull out your tortilla press to make Mexican quesadillas completely from scratch for a family dinner, or you buy your tortillas at the store, quesadillas are always delicious and ideal for snacks, lunch, dinner, or even a quesadilla party with friends!

While quesadillas are a delicious Mexican cuisine on their own, you may want something a little extra to serve alongside your quesadillas to make a complete meal.

Luckily, there are lots of easy dishes that go well with quesadillas. We have found the best side dishes that pair perfectly with a wide range of recipes. We know that you’ll love every one of them and most take less than 30 minutes to make!

Mexican quesadillas with chicken tomato corn cheese

There are many side dishes that go well with quesadillas. When choosing which side dishes to make for dinner, consider what kind of quesadillas you are serving. If you are making something to serve with chicken quesadillas, you may want to try a recipe that has a Mexican flair to spice things up.

If you are preparing tomato basil quesadillas, you can prepare a side dish that is a little less traditional and a little more summery. Match your sides to bring out the flavors in the quesadilla.

These 20 easy side dishes below go great with quesadillas. So get out your spice rack, grab your favorite Mexican tortillas and keep those food tips in mind for a wonderful dining experience. Your family and guests won’t be disappointed. Deciding what to serve with quesadillas doesn’t have to be hard! So let us know which recipes are your favorite in the comments below.

How Do You Eat A Quesadilla?

When deciding what to serve with quesadillas, you should also think about how you eat a quesadilla. Most people enjoy this delicious entree when served hot. All that gooey, flavorful cheese tastes best when melted and warm. Almost all recipes suggest that the food be prepared and served right away.

Quesadillas are often cut into triangles which makes them very easy to share. Everyone can pick up a bite-sized portion and eat them by hand. They even make a great passed appetizer. Place the triangles on a tray along with a few dishes of sour cream or guacamole. It is the perfect food to share.

A quesadilla is quite filling in itself. However, there are plenty of options and recipes that you can prepare to serve with quesadillas. Side dishes can help make your dinner complete! Once you decided how to eat your quesadilla (will you share it, serve it as an appetizer or eat it on its own?), you can start choosing your sides.

Delicious Recipes to Make with Quesadillas

Here are our favorite 20 sides, all of which will answer the question of what to serve with quesadillas.

1. Cilantro Lime Rice

While this cilantro lime rice recipe only has a few ingredients, the flavor is out of this world. The fresh cilantro and fresh-squeezed lime juice make this rice the perfect dish to serve with any kind of cheesy tortilla entree.

You can make cilantro lime rice ahead of time and simply reheat it when you are ready to eat your quesadilla meal. You can also take a short cut and use boil in a bag rice. Boil in the bag rice cooks in the microwave or in boiling water in about 5 minutes. It is a super fast, little trick to help you make this cilantro lime rice dish.

You can also use brown rice instead of white rice to make cilantro lime rice. Brown rice is just a little healthier since it has the whole bran of the rice grain attached.

Save some chopped cilantro to sprinkle on top of the cilantro lime rice after it cooks, giving it a beautiful and tasty garnish! You can find this super easy rice here at Simple Green Moms.

2. Homemade Fresh Tomato Salsa

Salsa is a classic choice that goes well with almost any Mexican inspired dinner but pairs exceptionally well with any chicken quesadilla sides you’re thinking of making.

You can serve this salsa right on top of your soft tortilla and cheese creation, use it as a dip for tortilla chips or just have a nice bowl of fresh salsa to enjoy alongside your entree. It is delicious in so many ways and definitely the answer to what to serve with quesadillas.

Add a few more jalapenos to the mix if you want to really heat up your salsa! This quick pico de gallo recipe from Little Broken is full of delicious, simple ingredients that will compliment your entree perfectly. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for your quesadilla party.

Image Source: Little Broken

3. Best Ever Guacamole 

Any Mexican entree just isn’t complete without fantastic guacamole. Not only is guacamole an authentic Mexican favorite for many, but it also pairs perfectly as an accompaniment to quesadillas.

You can spread guacamole over your quesadillas, sandwich it inside, or serve it as a perfect side dish, paired with some crunchy tortilla chips. This easy creation from Downshiftology uses all fresh ingredients like lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos to make the perfect guac. You are going to love this one!

Pair your guacamole with tortilla chips or just with your quesadilla. We like to use lime tortilla chips to add a little more flavor to the Mexican meal.

Image Source: Downshiftology

4. Fresh Corn Salsa

This corn recipe from Cookie + Kate is a total winner. It is loaded with fresh flavors like lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro. These flavors are also classic Mexican so they will go great with your quesadillas.

While the recipe suggests adding chopped avocado, we like to keep it simple and skip it, focusing more on the flavors of the corn. You can turn it into a Mexican street corn salad by adding some queso fresco and a little extra lime juice.

This side is especially great in the summer when you can find local, fresh corn at almost every farm stand! Farm fresh side dishes are the best. Pour the mix on top of some lettuce for a corn and tomato salad.

Try cooking the corn salad into your quesdailla. Sprinkle some into the middle of your tortilla and pile on the cheese. As the quesadilla cooks, the melted cheese will fuse the corn salad into the quesadilla and make a perfect vegetarian meal. You can’t go wrong with this Mexican dish! Everyone will love it.

Image Source: Cookie+Kate

5. Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is another perfect mix of tasty, fresh ingredients that will go well with almost any kind of tortilla and cheese mix. The mix is a perfect blend of powerful flavors and the recipe from Once Upon a Chef will have you craving more.

We have tried this black bean salad with pinto beans instead of black beans and it works great as well. So feel free to switch up your black beans with something else to suit your personal tastes!

You can also try adding a few more peppers or hot sauce to make the dish more spicy. The sweet and spicy flavors are perfect for those taste buds that like a little bit of heat along with the sweet!

Image Source: Once Upon a Chef

6. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Soup is a great accompaniment to quesadillas, especially in the colder months when a hot bowl of soup is something we all crave. Chicken tortilla soup is classic Mexican fare that finds its way onto almost every Mexican restaurant menu.

This chicken tortilla soup from Spend With Pennies is a classic version, crafted just like a real Abuela would! The best part is that it only costs a few dollars to make a nice large batch to have for a big family dinner.

Try using leftover rotisserie chicken to make the chicken tortilla soup. This is a great way to use up some leftovers and make the perfect side for your quesadillas.

Be sure to add the corn tortillas right before you are ready to eat the chicken soup. You want the fried tortilla chips to stay crunchy. The flavorful soup has a great contrasting texture when the chips are crunchy and the soup is warm.

Image Source: Spend with Pennies

7. Albondigas Soup

If you have never heard of albondigas soup, get ready to have a new favorite dinner dish! This meatball soup is packed with flavor and a great choice if you’re looking for what to eat with your cheesy main course.

In addition to homemade meatballs, the zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes make this soup extra filling while cumin, oregano, and cilantro bring the soup to life. Be sure to make the meatballs nice and small. You want to be able to scoop them up in your spoon along with the soup. Bite sized meatballs is best!

You will love a bowl of this albondigas soup from Dinner at the Zoo- it pairs wonderfully with quesadillas! A little pro tip- this soup freezes really well. You can definitely make a hug batch, freeze some, and have it ready to go for your next quesadilla dinner.

Image Source: Dinner at the Zoo

8. Chili Cheese Dip

If you want a quick and easy side to pair with your quesadillas, chili cheese dip is what you should choose. We love this one recipe from Lil Luna which uses 4 simple ingredients to whip up an amazing dip.

Grab some tortilla chips to serve with the dip or just dip your quesadillas right into the warm, melted cheese. Either method will have you looking forward to your next quesadilla night! You can make your whole meal in less than 30 minutes.

Try adding some sour cream to the top of the chili cheese dip. Sour cream makes almost all side dishes better!

Some fresh chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice will also bring out the flavors of this Mexican dish. Chopped red onion is a great idea, too. Freshly fried tortilla chips will add a restaurant-quality touch as well. This is quite the flexible recipe!

Image Source: Lil Luna

9. Easy Baked Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

We love a good spicy jalapeno popper and this baked version from Foodtasia is fantastic. Cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and spices are all mixed together and stuffed into a hot jalapeno then sprinkles with bread crumbs and baked. Jalapeno poppers are especially great as finger food, just like quesadillas!

You can even assemble these pretty, bite-sized appetizers ahead of time, wrap them well and freeze them until you are ready to bake. Take them out of the freezer any time you need a quick side.

Try serving these jalapenos with some chipotle mayonnaise. Spicy mayo is delicious for dipping jalapeno poppers or quesadillas. A cheddar cheese dip would also be great. You can’t go wrong with some fresh queso!

Image Source: Foodtasia

10. Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Shrimp ceviche is an amazing, no-cook side dish that is wonderful alongside any seafood-inspired dinner. The lemon and lime juice “cook” the shrimp so there is no need to turn on your oven at all!

You will love the bright taste of this easy shrimp ceviche-the seasonings in this recipe from the Kitchn are just perfect! The chopped tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, sweet corn and tender shrimp are all delicious together. The addition of avocado makes the dish a little creamy.

Make sure your avocado is slightly soft to ensure the avocado is ripe. You should be able to squeeze the avocado gently and have it give a little under your finger tips. If your avocado is still as hard as a rock, give it a day or two before you slice it open.

Shrimp ceviche is especially delicious in the summer when you need a nice, cold accompaniment to serve with your cheese quesadillas. Sprinkle a little soy sauce on top to turn the ceviche into an Asian inspired treat.

Ceviche is great as a stand along dish, enjoyed with just a spoon. It is also great as a dip for tortilla chips or served on top of quesadillas.

Image Source: the Kitchn

11. Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A colorful bowl of roasted sweet potatoes will be delicious and pretty when served next to your quesadillas. Easy Peasy Foodie shows how to season sweet potatoes perfectly to give them a Mexican flair.

Cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powder are the main things you will need in addition to a large sweet potato. The chopped sweet potatoes are tossed in the seasonings and then spread on a sheet pan to bake.

Try making the sweet potato side dish in the air fryer. This helps the potatoes get a little crispy on the outside while staying tender in the middle.

It only takes 5 minutes to put this sweet potato dish together and then it is ready to cook. The sweet and spicy seasonings are amazing with quesadillas and any kind of Mexican cuisine in general. It is just one of our favorite side dishes ever!

Image Source: Easy Peasy Foodie

 

12. Corn Salad

Corn salad is a light, refreshing side to serve with your quesadillas. Corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion makes up the majority of the salad. A simple apple cider vinegar ties the whole corn salad together.

Spend with Pennies has a simple method to quickly making this tasty, Mexican inspired side. You may want to add some diced avocado to give the salad a creamier texture. See if you can find multi-colored corn kernels for an even more vibrant and colorful side.

You can make the corn, cucumber tomato salad in advance. The flavor actually grows the longer the salad sits and marinates. We love easy, make-ahead side dishes that go perfectly with quesadillas!

Image Source: Spend WIth Pennies

13. Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn is also called Elote. It is a traditional side that is perfect when served next to quesadillas.

Corn cobs are grilled and then the corn kernels are coated in a mayonnaise, cilantro, and herb mix. The street corn is sprinkled with a soft Mexican cheese called cotija. You can find Mexican street corn in roadside food carts across Mexico but it is also quite simple to make at home by following the directions by Simply Recipes!

This recipe cuts the corn off the cob. Elote is often served on the cob but it is easier to eat when cut off. Try putting the Mexican street corn on top of tortilla chips, inside chicken tacos, right on cheese quesadillas or even on top of Mexican rice. The creamy corn is good as a side dish to just about and Mexican meal.

Image Source: Simply Recipes

14. Easy Refried Beans

These easy refried beans from Cookie and Kate are creamy and flavorful. Refried beans are a classic Mexican side and a wonderful dish to serve with quesadillas.

You may even want to spread the refried beans on top of the quesadillas! There’s nothing quite as tasty as a veggie tortilla topped with creamy beans and avocado. Skip the chili powder if you want a more subtle refried bean recipe.

This recipe is made with pinto beans but you can also make it with black beans. Baked beans are pretty flexible and you can add a whole new flavor just by using a different type of bean.

Be sure to soak your beans in advance if you are using dried beans. Canned black beans or pinto beans can be used right away which is great if you are in a rush. Tasty recipes that are also fast to make are the best!

Image Source: Cookie and Kate

15. Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Serving cheese quesadillas with stuffed peppers is a great way to add some ground beef to your meal. The peppers from Recipe Tin Eats are full of tender ground beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce and creamy cheddar cheese.

Cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander, and onion powder are the perfect blend of spices. The peppers are also full of vegetables like diced cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and green onions.

Try using green pepper or yellow bell peppers in place of red for a new flavor. You can replace the ground beef with chicken or ground turkey. Ground beef does give the peppers a lot of natural fats so, if you choose to replace the ground beef, you may want to use a little extra olive oil.

Mexican stuffed peppers are a good make ahead side dish. You can make a big tray then wrap them in an airtight container to store for up to three months in the freezer. Anytime you need side dishes to serve with quesadillas, you can take out as many pre-made stuffed peppers are you’d like and reheat them quickly. Sounds like a perfect side dish to us!

Image Source: Recipe Tin Eats

16. Homemade Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips complement almost any Mexican spread. They are definitely a great snack to serve with quesadillas! Live Eat Learn will show you how to make incredible homemade tortilla chips.

Serve the chips with a little fresh pico de gallo, guacamole or just enjoy them as is with any kind of quesadillas. You can even crumble the chips on top of a salad for extra texture and salty flavor. Share this tip with any salad lover you know!

We like to sprinkle the fried tortilla chips with a little salt and a squirt of fresh lime juice right when they come out of the fryer. The salt will stick best when the chips are hot. Lime juice will compliment the flavor of your other Mexican dishes.

Try spreading the soft tortillas on a greased baking dish to bake the chips rather than fry them. This will make the side dish a little healthier and also make clean up easier.

Image Source: Live Eat Learn

17. Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potato salad is a tasty, modern side to serve with your cheesy tortilla entre. Chocolate Covered Katie makes a fantastic sweet potato salad that is full of black beans, diced red onions, diced potatoes and fresh cilantro.

Try adding a little chili powder to give the salad a little kick. You can also mix in a ripe, diced avocado for a creamier texture and authentic taste. Add a touch of soy sauce to give the mix a sweet, salty, umami taste as well. Just a few chopped chipotle peppers will add instant heat to the recipe.

This sweet potato salad can be served either cold or hot. It is one of those rare side dishes that is delicious both ways. We like to eat it hot, baked into quesadillas, in the winter. It is a good cold side dish in the simmer when you crave something refreshing but filling. We love potato salad all year long!

Image Source: Chocolate Covered Katie

18. Adobo Sauce

Homemade adobo sauce will add a powerful, spicy, and smoky taste to any meal. We love the adobo sauce dressing that Kevin is Cooking has created. You can use this sauce on top of a salad, over grilled chicken breast, or even spread it right onto your quesadillas.

The sauce is made primarily with chili powder, tomato sauce, and cider vinegar. The intense seasonings are sure to bring life to your Mexican entree! Add a little vegetable broth to thin the sauce and make the flavors more mild.

Add about a tablespoon of cocoa powder to make your adobo sauce have more depth and sweetness. It will be similar to mole sauce which is another Mexico classic.

Image Source: Kevin is Cooking

19. Salsa Verde

Green tomatillos, green pepper, and lots of cilantro make this sauce a beautiful green color. It will look great and taste fantastic at your next quesadilla party!

Blend all the ingredients listed from Mexican Food Diary and you will have a perfect salsa verde in no time! Your guests will all love this concoction. You can use fresh tomatillos or canned tomatillos depending on what you can find in stores near you. Both options will work well and taste great.

Salsa verde is not only great with quesadillas, it is also yummy when served on top of meat. Give your leftover steak a total facelift just by topping it with salsa verde. You can also turn shredded chicken into a Mexican inspired dish just by mixing in some salsa verde.

This versatile recipe is sure to be one of your go-to dishes when you are serving quesadillas or any type of Mexican meal. It’s simply a great sauce.

Image Source: Mexican Food Journal

20. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a great dish to whip up when wondering what to serve with quesadillas. Lil Luna will show you how to cook rice with tomato sauce, cilantro, garlic, and chicken broth.

Try toasting the rice in sesame oil for an extra nutty taste. Use chicken broth instead of chicken bullion for an even easier version of this recipe. Vegetable broth is also a great wat to make the cooked rice a vegetarian dish.

Add shredded chicken to make the rice a little more filling. Some shredded cheese tossed with the rice is another great idea. No matter what, this recipe will be delicious served with quesadillas!

Image Source: Lil Luna

Perfect Side Dishes to Go with Quesadillas

Don’t all of these recipes sound amazing! It is hard to choose what to make first. There are so many tasty and easy options on our list that you’ll never get bored and never have to wonder what to serve with quesadillas ever again.

Whether you’re making refried beans, beef, pork, shrimp, or chicken quesadillas for dinner or a party, there is something on this list for you. We really hope you try one of these delicious side dishes the next time you’re thinking of what to serve with quesadillas.

Keep the food pairing tips in mind and you will always have a cohesive and delicious meal.

If you have any other great side dishes to serve with quesadillas, let us know! We are always looking for new and exciting sides. Enjoy!