As a burrito lover, I know that the perfect side dish can make all the difference in taking your burrito experience to the next level.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic bean and cheese burrito or a more adventurous option like a breakfast burrito, choosing the right side dish can complement the flavors and textures of your burrito and enhance your overall meal.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for what to serve with burritos, including classic sides, unique options, and tips for balancing your meal.
Understanding Burritos
Before we dive into the best side dishes for burritos, let’s take a quick look at what makes a burrito so special.
At its core, a burrito is a tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients, often including rice, beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Burritos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and have become a popular dish around the world due to their versatility and deliciousness.
Whether you prefer a classic burrito or a unique twist on the traditional recipe, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect burrito.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right side dish can enhance your burrito experience.
- Classic sides like rice, beans, and salsa are always a great option.
- Unique side dishes like jicama slaw or roasted mango habanero salsa can add a new dimension to your meal.
Understanding Burritos
As a lover of Mexican food, I can confidently say that burritos are one of my favorite dishes. A burrito typically consists of a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, rice, and vegetables.
The filling is the heart of a burrito, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing what to put inside.
Some popular burrito fillings include beef, chicken, and bean and cheese. However, you can also get creative and add ingredients like shrimp, pork, or even tofu.
When it comes to the tortilla, it’s important to choose a high-quality flour tortilla that is soft and pliable.
The tortilla acts as a vessel for the filling, and a good tortilla will hold everything together without falling apart.
In terms of flavor, burritos are often seasoned with Mexican-style spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic. These spices add depth and complexity to the dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Overall, burritos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic beef burrito or a vegetarian option, there is a burrito filling out there for everyone.
Classic Sides for Burritos
When it comes to serving burritos, there are some classic sides that are always a hit. Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, and pinto beans are all great options to complement your burrito.
Mexican rice is a must-have side dish for burritos. It is typically made with white rice, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that pairs perfectly with burritos.
Refried beans are another classic side dish that you can’t go wrong with.
They are made from cooked and mashed beans, typically pinto beans, that are then fried in oil with onions and spices. Refried beans are creamy, delicious, and a great source of protein.
Black beans and pinto beans are both great options for a side dish as well.
Black beans are slightly sweeter and have a firmer texture, while pinto beans are creamier and have a milder flavor. Both are a great source of fiber and protein.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try charro beans or drunken beans (also known as frijoles borrachos).
Charro beans are made with pinto beans, bacon, onions, and spices, while drunken beans are made with black beans, beer, bacon, and spices. Both are flavorful and delicious.
Another classic side dish for burritos is rice and beans. This dish combines Mexican rice with your choice of beans for a hearty and satisfying side dish.
Spanish rice is another great option that is similar to Mexican rice but typically includes additional ingredients like bell peppers and peas.
Mexican street corn, also known as elote or esquites, is a popular side dish in Mexico that pairs perfectly with burritos.
It is made with grilled or boiled corn that is then coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It’s a sweet and savory dish that is sure to impress.
Chips and salsa, chips and homemade salsa, chips and guacamole, and loaded nachos are all great options for a snack or appetizer to serve alongside your burritos.
Homemade salsa and guacamole are always a hit, and you can’t go wrong with a classic queso dip made with cheddar cheese or queso blanco.
Overall, there are plenty of classic sides to choose from when serving burritos.
Whether you stick with the traditional Mexican rice and refried beans or mix it up with some charro beans or loaded nachos, your guests are sure to be satisfied.
Salads to Serve with Burritos
When it comes to serving salads with burritos, there are many options to choose from.
Salads can add a refreshing and healthy touch to your meal, and they can complement the flavors of your burrito nicely.
Here are some salad options that you can consider serving with your burritos:
Mexican Chopped Salad
A Mexican chopped salad is a colorful and flavorful option that can provide a nice contrast to the richness of your burrito.
This salad typically includes ingredients such as romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, and cilantro.
You can also add some diced jalapeno for a spicy kick. For the dressing, a simple lime vinaigrette can work well.
Cilantro-Lime Slaw
A cilantro-lime slaw is a tangy and zesty option that can provide a nice crunch to your burrito. This slaw typically includes ingredients such as cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
For the dressing, a mixture of lime juice, honey, olive oil, and salt can work well.
Jicama Slaw
A jicama slaw is a refreshing and crunchy option that can provide a nice contrast to the spiciness of your burrito.
This slaw typically includes ingredients such as jicama, red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. For the dressing, a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt can work well.
Black Bean Salad
A black bean salad is a hearty and filling option that can complement the flavors of your burrito nicely. This salad typically includes ingredients such as black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
For the dressing, a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt can work well.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
A black bean and corn salad is a colorful and flavorful option that can provide a nice contrast to the richness of your burrito.
This salad typically includes ingredients such as black beans, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. For the dressing, a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt can work well.
Avocado Salad
An avocado salad is a creamy and indulgent option that can complement the flavors of your burrito nicely.
This salad typically includes ingredients such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. For the dressing, a simple lime vinaigrette can work well.
Avocado Tomato Salad
An avocado tomato salad is a refreshing and healthy option that can provide a nice contrast to the richness of your burrito.
This salad typically includes ingredients such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, and jalapeno. For the dressing, a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and cumin can work well.
Overall, there are many salad options that you can consider serving with your burritos.
Whether you prefer a tangy slaw or a hearty bean salad, there is a salad out there that can complement the flavors of your burrito nicely.
Vegetable Sides
When it comes to serving vegetable sides with burritos, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite choices:
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are always a great choice to serve with burritos. They add a smoky flavor and a nice char to the meal. Some great vegetables to grill include zucchini, bell peppers, and corn.
- Tomato and Avocado Salad: A simple tomato and avocado salad is a refreshing side dish that complements the flavors of the burrito perfectly. Just dice up some tomatoes and avocado, toss them together with a little lime juice and salt, and you’re good to go.
- Jicama Slaw: Jicama is a crunchy and slightly sweet root vegetable that is perfect for making slaw. Combine jicama with cabbage, mango, and fresh cilantro for a delicious and refreshing side dish.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes are a great way to add some sweetness and nutrition to your burrito meal. Just toss some diced sweet potatoes with olive oil and your favorite spices, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option to serve with your burritos, try cauliflower rice. It’s a great substitute for traditional rice, and it’s easy to make at home. Just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they are the size of rice grains, and then sauté them in a little oil until they are tender.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, try serving your burrito fillings in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal, and it’s a fun way to switch things up.
Overall, there are plenty of vegetable sides that pair well with burritos.
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something hearty and filling, there’s a side dish out there that will fit the bill.
Spices and Flavors
When it comes to serving burritos, the right spices and flavors can make all the difference.
As someone who loves to experiment with different spices, I’ve found that a few key ingredients can take a burrito from ordinary to extraordinary.
One of my go-to spices for burritos is cumin. This earthy spice adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in a burrito.
I usually add a teaspoon or two of cumin to my burrito filling, depending on how much I’m making.
Another spice that I love to use in my burritos is chili powder. This adds a bit of heat and a smoky flavor that complements the other flavors in the burrito.
I usually add about a tablespoon of chili powder to my burrito filling, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Garlic is another essential ingredient in my burrito filling. It adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices and ingredients.
I usually use two or three cloves of garlic, minced finely, for a batch of burritos.
To add a bright, fresh flavor to my burritos, I always include cilantro. This herb has a slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
I usually chop up a handful of cilantro leaves and mix them into my burrito filling.
Finally, I always finish my burritos with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This adds a tangy, acidic flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
I usually squeeze half a lime over each burrito before serving.
By using these spices and flavors, you can create a delicious, flavorful burrito that everyone will love.
Breakfast Burrito Companions
When it comes to serving breakfast burritos, it’s always best to have some tasty companions on the side. Here are some of my favorite options:
Bacon
Bacon is a classic breakfast food that pairs perfectly with breakfast burritos. The salty, crispy texture of the bacon complements the soft, warm tortilla and savory filling of the burrito. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?
Home Fries
Home fries are another great option to serve alongside breakfast burritos. These seasoned potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect complement to a hearty burrito.
You can even add some onions and peppers to the home fries for an extra burst of flavor.
Seasoned Home Fries
If you want to take your home fries to the next level, try seasoning them with some herbs and spices. Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great options that will add some extra flavor to your breakfast spread.
Tater Tots
For a fun and playful side dish, try serving tater tots with your breakfast burritos. These crispy potato bites are a crowd-pleaser and will add some extra crunch to your meal.
Plus, they’re easy to make and can be seasoned to your liking.
Overall, when it comes to serving breakfast burritos, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic bacon or seasoned home fries, there’s a side dish out there that will perfectly complement your burrito.
Unique Side Dishes
When it comes to serving burritos, the options for side dishes are endless.
While traditional sides like rice and beans are always a great choice, why not mix it up with some unique options? Here are a few of my favorite unique side dishes to serve with burritos:
Mexican Coleslaw
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to balance out the heaviness of the burrito, Mexican coleslaw is the perfect choice.
Made with shredded cabbage, jicama, and a tangy lime dressing, this coleslaw adds a burst of flavor and crunch to your meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Protein-Packed Quinoa Salad
For a side dish that’s both healthy and filling, try a protein-packed quinoa salad.
Cooked quinoa is mixed with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado to create a delicious and nutritious salad that complements the flavors of the burrito perfectly. Plus, it’s a great source of plant-based protein!
Pickled Jalapeños
If you’re a fan of spice, pickled jalapeños are a must-try side dish. They add a tangy, spicy kick to your meal and are the perfect way to balance out the richness of the burrito. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home!
Jalapeño Cornbread
For a side dish that’s both sweet and spicy, try jalapeño cornbread. This delicious bread is made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, and jalapeños for a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the burrito. Plus, it’s a great way to add some carbs to your meal!
Overall, there are so many unique side dishes you can serve with burritos to add some variety to your meal.
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something hearty and filling, these options are sure to satisfy.
Drinks to Pair with Burritos
When it comes to pairing drinks with burritos, there are a few options that work particularly well. As a fan of Mexican cuisine, I have tried and tested a variety of drinks and have come up with some recommendations.
Mexican Beer
A cold Mexican beer is a classic choice to pair with a burrito. The crispness of the beer complements the spiciness of the burrito, and the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
Some popular Mexican beer brands include Corona, Dos Equis, and Modelo. If you prefer a lighter beer, go for a lager, or if you want something with a bit more flavor, try a darker beer like a Negra Modelo.
Horchata
Horchata is a refreshing and traditional Mexican drink that pairs well with burritos. It is made with rice, cinnamon, and sugar, giving it a sweet and creamy flavor.
The cinnamon in the horchata helps to balance out the heat from the burrito, making it a perfect pairing. If you want to add a bit of a kick to your horchata, you can also add a shot of rum or tequila.
Agua Fresca
Another great option to pair with a burrito is agua fresca. This light and fruity drink is made with fresh fruit, sugar, and water.
The sweetness of the drink complements the spiciness of the burrito, and the fruit flavors add a refreshing touch. Some popular agua fresca flavors include watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple.
When it comes to drinks to pair with burritos, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a cold Mexican beer or a sweet and refreshing horchata or agua fresca, there is something for everyone.
Mexican Recipes
When it comes to serving burritos, Mexican recipes are an obvious choice. Mexican cuisine is full of bold flavors and spices that pair perfectly with the savory and hearty burrito.
Here are a few Mexican recipes that will elevate your burrito game:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This classic Mexican street food is a perfect side dish to serve with burritos. Roasted corn on the cob is slathered in a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It’s a delicious and unique way to enjoy corn.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: Store-bought tortilla chips are fine, but homemade tortilla chips are on another level. Simply cut corn tortillas into triangles, fry them until crispy, and sprinkle them with salt. They’re perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or queso.
- Blender Salsa: Making your own salsa is surprisingly easy, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Simply blend together tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the ingredients to your liking, and you’ll have a fresh and flavorful salsa in minutes.
These Mexican recipes are just a few of the best side dishes to serve with burritos. They’re all easy to make and will add a burst of flavor to your next burrito meal.
Balancing Your Burrito Meal
When it comes to serving burritos, it’s important to balance the meal properly.
Not only does this ensure that your meal is nutritious, but it also adds variety to the meal. Here are some tips on how to balance your burrito meal:
Variety
One of the most important things to consider when serving burritos is variety. You want to make sure that your meal includes a variety of flavors, textures, and colors.
This can be achieved by serving a variety of side dishes, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and salad.
Balance
In addition to variety, it’s also important to balance your burrito meal. This means that you should include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
For example, if your burrito filling is high in protein, you may want to serve a side dish that is high in carbohydrates, such as Mexican rice or corn.
Alternatively, if your burrito filling is high in carbohydrates, you may want to serve a side dish that is high in protein, such as refried beans or grilled chicken.
Portion Control
Another important factor to consider when serving burritos is portion control. It’s easy to overeat when serving burritos, so it’s important to keep portion sizes in check.
One way to do this is to serve smaller portions of the burrito filling and larger portions of the side dishes. This not only helps with portion control, but it also adds variety to the meal.
Nutritional Value
Lastly, it’s important to consider the nutritional value of your burrito meal. While burritos can be high in calories and fat, you can make them healthier by choosing healthier ingredients and side dishes.
For example, you can use lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken or fish, and serve side dishes that are high in fiber and nutrients, such as roasted vegetables or a mixed green salad.
By following these tips, you can create a balanced and nutritious burrito meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good side dishes for a burrito bowl?
When it comes to burrito bowls, there are many side dishes that can complement the main dish. Some popular options include black beans, corn, avocado, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
You can also serve your burrito bowl with a side of tortilla chips or a small side salad.
What are some tasty burrito fillings?
There are endless options for burrito fillings, but some of the most popular ones include grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu.
You can also add rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. For a spicier option, you can add jalapeños or hot sauce.
What are some recommended sauces to serve with burritos?
Sauces can add a lot of flavor to your burritos. Some popular options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce.
You can also try making your own sauces, such as a creamy cilantro lime sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce.
What are some side dishes that pair well with breakfast burritos?
For breakfast burritos, you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries. You can also add a side of hash browns or breakfast potatoes.
If you want to add some protein, you can serve your breakfast burrito with a side of bacon or sausage.
What are some options for serving rice with burritos?
Mexican rice is a popular option to serve with burritos. You can also try adding some lime and cilantro to your rice for extra flavor.
Another option is to serve your burritos with a side of Spanish rice, which is made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
What are some fruit options to serve with burritos?
Fruit can add a refreshing touch to your burrito meal. Some popular options include sliced mango, pineapple, or watermelon.
You can also try making a fruit salad with a mix of berries, melons, and citrus fruits.
