10 Delicious Side Dishes for Enchiladas

grilled corn salad

Enchilada enthusiasts, we see you. From hearty fillings to hot chile sauces, enchiladas have a lot going for them. But enchiladas aren't complete without a side or two. The following 10 sides turn this main into a full meal.

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Grilled Corn Salad

grilled corn salad

The light char on the corn makes this summery salad a perfect complement for enchiladas. You could follow the lead of several reviewers and add avocado, Cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice to further enhance the flavor.

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Green Rice with Green Chiles

Green Rice with Green Chiles
Photo by Soup Loving Nicole. Soup Loving Nicole

Romaine lettuce, fresh cilantro, green chiles, tomatillos, and green onions give this rice a fresh flavor and color. Ms. Chef Esh says, "I absolutely loved this green chile rice, and did not change a thing!"

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Jicama Mango Salad with Cilantro and Lime

a colorful slaw of jicama strips, mango, red onion, and red bell pepper
Photo by Kim's Cooking Now. Kim's Cooking Now

The contrast between meaty enchiladas and this crunchy, tangy-sweet salad is perfection. "Made this delicious salad for a party and it was a hit!" says Andrea J. "Everyone wanted the recipe."

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Chef John's Gazpacho

red gazpacho in a white bowl
Chef John's Gazpacho. Jennifer Baker

Sweet, acidic tomatoes to cut through the rich cheesiness of enchiladas. Fresh herbs to elevate each mouthful. An easy to recipe to make ahead and refrigerate.

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Best Spanish Rice

Easy Authentic Spanish Rice
Photo by LilSnoo.

"Delicious results for minimal effort, " says naples34102. "I prepared this as written except for using butter rather than vegetable oil. This worked perfectly with our chicken enchiladas."

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Lemony Cabbage-Avocado Slaw

tight side shot of slaw in bright blue bowl
bd.weld

Mashed avocado and lemon juice coat this crisp cabbage slaw with a flavor that will totally remind you of guacamole. A tangy and texturally balanced accompaniment to enchiladas.

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Mexican Style Cornbread

cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a slice cut out
Irene

Dip this spicy cornbread into thick enchilada sauce for an ultra-comforting meal. Browned edges and a moist interior are the marks of this delicious recipe.

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Simply Guacamole

a small white bowl piled high with coarsely mashed avocado, with a lime wedge on the side and tortilla chips in the background
Dianne

Yes, you can serve chips and guac as an appetizer, but we recommend scooping some of this green, creamy goodness on top of enchiladas as well.

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Garlic Vegetable Saute

Garlic Vegetable Saute
Photo by naples34102.

Think veggies would be bland next to enchiladas? This simple sauté, seasoned with minced jalapeños and paprika, will make you think again. A bright, healthful approach that doesn't shy from big flavor.

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Chef John's Refried Beans

Chef John's Refried Beans
Chef John's Refried Beans | Photo by Chef John. Chef John

"I think they make everything they're served on, with, or in infinitely better. Just as long as you use lard to make them," Chef John says. Beans are cooked down with lard, onions, and Serrano peppers for a smooth finish.

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More Inspiration

a white dinner plate with green enchiladas
Christine Elizabeth

Check out our round up of green enchilada recipes as well as our entire enchilada recipe collection for a winning meal the entire family will love.

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