What to Serve with Burritos
I love Mexican food, and burritos are up there with my favourites. But it’s sometimes difficult to know what to serve with burritos. With so many flavours involved, you’ll want something that complements and enhances the flavours.
Burritos are made up of the comforting combination of beans, rice, and your favourite protein wrapped in a soft tortilla. I usually choose chicken, but you can make burritos with pretty much anything. You can also get delicious breakfast burritos too. It’s one of the most versatile Mexican dishes and also one of the tastiest.
When deciding what to serve with burritos, you should experiment with traditional Mexican side dishes such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or calabacitas. Alternatively, you could opt for lighter options like pickled jalapenos or a Mexican chopped salad, all of which will make your burrito meal even more enjoyable.
Traditional Mexican Sides
If you want to stick with the Mexican theme, there are plenty of traditional Mexican side dishes to choose from.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a flavourful side dish that adds a hearty texture to your meal. It’s a simple dish prepared with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, onion, garlic and spices. It complements the flavours in your burrito and serves as a filling side.
**Mexican Rice Ingredients:**
- Long-grain rice
- Tomato sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Spices
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a delicious side to serve with your burrito. Creamy and savoury, they’re made from pinto or black beans, onion, garlic, and spices. They can be eaten on their own or used as a topping on nachos or other dishes.
**Refried Beans Ingredients:**
- Pinto or black beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Spices
Black Beans
Black beans are a versatile and tasty side dish that can add a contrasting colour and earthy flavour to your burrito meal. You can serve them on the side or incorporate them into dishes like salads, soups, or fresh salsas.
Mexican Street Corn
Also known as “elote,” Mexican street corn is a popular side dish that’s bursting with flavour. Grilled corn on the cob is topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, lime, and chilli. This savoury combination elevates the sweetness of the corn and balances well with the flavours of your burrito.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh and vibrant salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. This versatile side dish can be used as a topping for your burrito or served alongside with some tortilla chips. The freshness of pico de gallo complements the rich flavours of your burrito.
**Pico de Gallo Ingredients:**
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Jalapeño
- Cilantro
- Lime
Guacamole
A crowd-favourite, guacamole combines ripe avocados, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime to create a creamy and delicious side dish. You can enjoy guacamole as a topping for your burrito, with tortilla chips, or even spread it on toast.
**Guacamole Ingredients:**
- Ripe avocados
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Lime
Salads and Vegetables
Salads and vegetables don’t need to be boring, there are lots of ways you can jazz them up.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This zesty, flavourful rice is the perfect companion to your burritos. To prepare this dish, cook your rice as usual, then add some lime zest and fresh lime juice, followed by a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, and your cilantro lime rice is ready to serve!
Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb alternative to regular rice, try cauliflower rice. It works well with burritos and is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. To create cauliflower rice, simply pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. Next, sauté the cauliflower with a bit of garlic and season with salt and pepper. Voilà! Your cauliflower rice is ready.
Jicama Slaw
Add some crunch and freshness to your burrito dinner with jicama slaw. This light and refreshing side dish is easy to create:
- 1 medium jicama, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 small red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and allow the slaw to sit for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld together.
Avocado Tomato Salad
Last but not least, consider serving an avocado tomato salad as a side dish to your burritos. This vibrant and delicious salad is as simple as it is flavourful. To make this salad, simply mix diced avocado and tomatoes with some corn, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. This nutritious salad goes beautifully with any type of burrito and adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
Protein-Packed Sides
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
To add a crunchy and protein-filled side to your burrito meal, make your own homemade baked tortilla chips. Not only are these chips healthier than store-bought ones, but they’re also simple to make. All you need is:
- Wholewheat tortillas
- Olive oil
- Salt
Cut the tortillas into triangles, lightly brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Serve the chips with a protein-packed dip like hummus or Greek yoghurt mixed with spices for an additional boost.
Nachos
Nachos are a crowd-pleaser and perfect side for any type of burrito, whether you’re having a chicken or beef burrito. Start by layering baked tortilla chips on a baking tray, then add a layer of protein, such as shredded chicken, beef, or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. Follow this with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, and bake at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) until the cheese has melted.
You can vamp up your nachos by including toppings like:
- Jalapeños
- Black olives
- Refried beans
- Chopped onions
- Diced tomatoes
Serve your with a scoop of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa dip to offer a complete and satisfying protein-packed side dish.
What to Serve with Breakfast Burritos
If you fancy a Mexican meal for breakfast, a breakfast burrito will be right up your street.
Hash Browns
A classic breakfast companion to your breakfast burrito is a good serving of crispy hash browns. These golden potato beauties provide a delicious contrast to the warm, savoury filling of your burrito. To make them even more appealing, you can customise the hash browns by adding your choice of herbs and spices, such as paprika or garlic powder. You’ll find that they can really enhance the overall flavour of your breakfast meal.
To prepare your hash browns:
- Grate your potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Combine with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and cook your hash browns in small batches until crispy and golden.
Seasoned Home Fries
Another excellent side dish for your breakfast burrito feast is seasoned home fries. Cut your potatoes into small chunks or wedges, then toss them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and your preferred seasonings. Some favourites include garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cajun spice. Roast the home fries in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To prepare your seasoned home fries:
- Chop your potatoes into small chunks or wedges.
- Combine olive oil, salt, and your chosen seasoning.
- Toss potatoes in the mixture and evenly spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast in a preheated oven until crispy and tender.
Soups
Soup might not be your first thought when you’re deciding what to serve with burritos, but we often have soup and a sandwich, so why not soup and a burrito?
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm and comforting option that works really well with your burrito. It features a rich tomato broth, shredded chicken, and a blend of spices, creating a delightful medley of flavours.
To prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic until tender.
- Stir in tomato purée, chicken broth, and spices.
- Simmer for several minutes, then add in shredded cooked chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of corn tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and fresh coriander.
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup is a hearty and delicious choice that complements your burrito nicely. Packed with nutrients, this soup is made from black beans, vegetables, and a blend of spices.
To make Black Bean Soup:
- Sauté onion, garlic, and peppers in a large pot.
- Add in black beans, vegetable broth, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are softened.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of sour cream, cheese or avocado.
Alternative Sides
Not seen anything you fancy so far? Here are some other options that work well as side dishes when you’re serving burritos.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a twist on the classic side dish, try serving sweet potato fries alongside your burritos. These vibrant orange fries are not only visually appealing, but they’re also a great source of fiber and nutrients. Plus, their natural sweetness pairs well with the spicy and savoury flavours found in burritos. You can bake or fry sweet potato wedges, and season them with your favourite spices and herbs to suit your taste.
Fruit Salad
Another alternative side dish you might consider is a refreshing fruit salad. A fruit salad adds a splash of colour and freshness to your plate, which contrasts nicely with the hearty, rich taste of a delicious burrito. Choose a mix of seasonal fruits and berries, and toss them together with a simple dressing made of lime juice and honey. The combination of sweet and tangy flavours will cleanse your palate and allow you to fully savour every bite of your burrito.
| Fruits for Salad | Dressing Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Lime Juice |
| Pineapple | Honey |
| Mango | |
| Kiwi | |
| Blueberries | |
| Grapes or Melon (optional) |
Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad can be a light and hearty side dish that pairs well with burritos. This protein-rich grain is versatile and can be flavoured with a variety of ingredients, such as:
- Diced vegetables (e.g., peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley)
- A tangy dressing (e.g., lime or lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings)
The quinoa salad can be served cold or warm, making it an ideal accompaniment regardless of the season or your burrito filling choice.
Dips and Toppings
Burritos go really well with lots of different dips and toppings depending on whether you want to add some Mexican spices or cool down the flavours of your dish with some sour cream.
Mexican Crema
Mexican Crema is a rich and creamy topping that enhances the flavour of your burritos. To make your own, simply combine:
- 240ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, cover and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing it to thicken. Afterwards, give it a good stir, and refrigerate until serving. Feel free to get creative and add extra ingredients like lime zest or cilantro to make it truly reflective of your personal tastes.
Mango Habanero Salsa
For a sweet and spicy kick, try Mango Habanero Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangos, diced
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop. This salsa will not only add a burst of colour to your plate, but it will also bring a unique heat to counterbalance the savoury flavours of your burrito.
Guacamole with Tortilla Chips
No burrito meal would be complete without guacamole and tortilla chips. It’s a classic pairing that just works:
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Begin by mashing the avocados in a bowl, then mix in the onion, tomato, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Serve alongside your favourite tortilla chips for the perfect crunchy side dish.
What Drinks to Serve with Burritos
When you’re planning a Mexican feast, it’s perfectly natural to focus on the food, but don’t forget about the drinks too!
Smoothies and Shakes
Serving smoothies and shakes with your burritos will not only add a burst of flavour, but also brings a touch of freshness to your meal too. Here are some suggestions:
- Fruit Smoothies: Blend together fresh strawberries, mangoes, and pineapples with a splash of orange juice for a tangy, sweet treat.
- Green Smoothies: Mix kale, spinach, and avocado with a bit of honey and almond milk for a nutritious and tasty drink.
- Mexican Chocolate Shake: Blend together chocolate ice cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of chilli powder for a sweet and spicy concoction.
Refreshing Mocktails
While smoothies and shakes offer a cool and satisfying experience, mocktails can bring a lively zing to your burrito meal. Enjoy these thirst-quenching options:
- Horchata: A traditional Mexican beverage, horchata is made with rice, cinnamon, and sugar, and often served over ice. Its creamy sweetness provides a nice contrast to the savoury burrito.
- Agua Fresca: A light and fruity drink, agua fresca consists of fresh fruit, sugar, and water. Try flavours like watermelon, pineapple, or mango to complement the spices in your burrito.
- Virgin Margarita: Combine lime juice, agave syrup, and a splash of orange juice in a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. This alcohol-free twist on the classic margarita adds a refreshing citrus kick to your meal.
Next time you’re serving up a Mexican burrito, try out one of these suggestions and let me know which ones you think make the perfect side dishes.
