Sides for Empanadas

Empanadas, those tasty half-moon pastries, come stuffed with everything from seasoned meats and cheese to sweet fillings like fruit and caramel. They’re delicious on their own, but if you want your empanada meal to feel complete, choosing the right sides is key. The ideal sides for empanadas work well with their bold flavors and mix of textures, turning your meal into a satisfying spread rather than just a quick bite.

Much like a good music band where every instrument adds something to the song, serving empanadas with the right companions makes every mouthful more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll highlight classic Latin American sides, modern ideas, and easy-to-match dishes for different empanada fillings. Expect to find everything from hearty beans and salads to tasty sauces and simple desserts-all making your empanada night easy and fun.

What are the best sides for empanadas?

The best sides for empanadas really depend on your tastes and the kind of empanada you’re eating. Still, there are a few standard types of sides that always work well. Good sides should give a fresh or tangy pop to balance out a cheesy or meaty empanada. They can also add a new texture, like something crunchy or creamy, without taking away from the empanadas themselves.

Classic Latin American Sides

Many Latin American countries have paired empanadas with certain sides for generations. Simple dishes like rice and beans are common, soaking up extra sauces and making the meal filling. Colorful salsas and bright sauces are also popular-think Colombian aji picante or Argentina’s chimichurri-which bring freshness and a little sour bite to fried or baked empanadas. These sides aren’t just extras; they’re a big part of why empanada meals are so popular across different cultures.

Modern Side Ideas for Empanadas

Nowadays, salads filled with fresh vegetables or a hint of fruit are a popular option, making the meal feel lighter and more colorful. Some newer trends include serving empanada bowls, where fillings are laid out in a bowl with extra toppings and fresh dressings. These sides tend to be healthier, full of vegetables, and can be personalized for every eater. This just shows how easily empanadas can fit into different eating styles and diets.

Choosing Sides for Different Types of Empanadas

Picking the right side for your empanada isn’t just about adding more food to the plate. Instead, choose sides that add something new, like a lighter flavor, more crunch, or a creamy base. It’s best to think about what’s inside your empanada first: is it rich, spicy, savory, or sweet? Matching sides based on those clues will make your whole meal feel balanced rather than overwhelming.

Suggestions for Meat, Vegetarian, and Sweet Empanadas

• Meat Empanadas: Often strong and rich. Serve with tangy salsas (like salsa verde or pico de gallo), creamy beans, or light rice dishes like cilantro lime rice.
• Vegetarian Empanadas: Cheese-filled? Add crisp green salads or corn salads. Stuffed with vegetables or potatoes? Try roasted plantains or quinoa salad for protein and texture.
• Sweet Empanadas: A fruit salad with lime juice or light desserts like flan works well to keep things from getting too sugary. Latin American desserts like tres leches cake also make a nice finish.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

If your empanada is crispy, try a creamy, soft side. If it’s soft (like baked empanadas), add a crunchy salad. For spicy or strong fillings, a fresh or tangy salad helps tone things down; for mild fillings, a spicier side or salsa brings excitement. The goal is to avoid anything being too heavy, spicy, or rich all at once

Common Savory Sides for Empanadas

Savory sides are usually the main partners for empanadas, making your meal much more filling and full of flavor. They’re easy to prepare ahead and are adaptable for different tastes.

Rice Sides

Beans and Legumes

• Black Beans: Creamy when mashed, simple, and fast (about 20 minutes to prep). Spicy versions use cumin and chili powder.
• Charro Beans: Pinto beans cooked with bacon and peppers for smoky, bold taste. Simple to make in a pot or slow cooker.
• Refried Beans: Smooth, comforting, easy to top with cheese or herbs, and high in fiber and protein.

Vegetable and Corn Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Corn on the cob with creamy dressing, chili, cheese, and lime.
• Corn Casserole: Creamy and slightly sweet; makes a warm, soft side.
• Roasted or Baked Plantains: For a sweet and savory side, try oven-roasted plantains or fried sweet plantains. Plantain chips work for a crisp option.

Potato and Root Vegetables

• Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or air-fried. Bring sweetness and crispness to balance savory empanadas.
• Mexican Potato Salad: With beans, corn, tomatoes, and spicy or tangy dressing. Great served warm or cold.

Salads to Serve with Empanadas

Salads add color, crunch, and a “fresh” feeling to help balance out a heavier empanada meal. They also let you add more vegetables to the table.

Fresh Green Salads

• Simple Green Salad: Leafy greens with a vinaigrette, maybe some avocado, tomatoes, and onions for extra flavor.
• Tomato and Avocado Salad: Quick to make, bright tasting, and makes your meal feel lighter.

Crunchy Slaws and More Complex Salads

• Mexican Coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots with a lime or olive oil dressing. Sometimes includes beans, corn, and jalapeños.
• Black Bean Salad: Peppers, tomatoes, corn, cilantro-great for protein and color.
• Quinoa Salad: Full of veggies and protein, gluten-free, and pairs well with almost any filling.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Tastes just like elote and can be used as a dip, too.

Sauces and Dips for Empanadas

Dips and sauces make empanadas more flavorful and keep them from feeling dry. They can also add a spicy, creamy, or tangy punch to every bite.

Classic Sauces

• Chimichurri: An herby green sauce with garlic, vinegar, oil, and parsley. Best if made ahead and chilled.
• Salsa Verde: Made from roasted tomatillos, giving it a sharp, bright flavor.
• Pico de Gallo: Chunky, fresh tomato salsa with onion, lime, and cilantro. Adds freshness and crunch.

Creamy and Cheesy Dips

• Guacamole: Avocado mashed with salt, lime, and seasonings-quick and always a crowd favorite.
• Queso Dip: Melted cheese sauce with spices and peppers, perfect for dunking or pouring.
• Avocado Crema: Like guacamole, but blended with sour cream or crema for a silky texture.

Sweet and Tangy Sauces

• Mango Salsa: Fresh mango with cucumber, mint, and lime for a sweet but slightly spicy dip.

Desserts and Sweet Sides with Empanadas

If you want to end your meal on a sweet note, there are many Latin American desserts that pair well with both savory and sweet empanadas.

Latin Desserts

• Tres Leches Cake: Soft sponge soaked in three types of milk, then topped with whipped cream. Not too sweet and very light.
• Flan: Silky caramel custard, easy to make and not too heavy.
• Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche): Sweet, creamy, and comforting, easy to prepare using a few ingredients.

Fruit Salads and Salsas

• Strawberry Salsa: Fresh berries, avocado, and cucumber for a cool, sweet side.
• Mango Salad: Raw corn, sweet mango, and peppers with lime for a bright, crunchy side.

FAQ: Empanada Sides

Can empanadas be a main dish or just an appetizer?

Empanadas can be served either way. For appetizers, make them small and serve with a few sauces. For a main course, serve two or three large empanadas per person with plenty of sides like rice, beans, and salad for a full meal.

Are there gluten-free or vegan sides for empanadas?

Yes! Many rice and bean dishes are naturally gluten-free if made without wheat ingredients. Vegan options include black beans and rice (use water or veggie broth), roasted plantains, and most salsas and green salads (just skip any cheese or dairy dressings). Even corn-based sides like street corn salad can be made vegan by swapping in vegan mayo or sour cream, so everyone can find something tasty to eat at your table.