Best Side Dishes That Go Perfectly with Empanadas

If you’ve ever been captivated by the buttery aroma and crisp bite of a golden empanada, you’re not alone. But as any food lover knows, even the best star deserves a stellar supporting cast. The million-peso question: What side dish goes with empanadas? Whether you’re prepping for a big family gathering, a spontaneous dinner, or refining your menu for a new café, pairing your empanadas with the right sides transforms a simple snack into a full-blown culinary experience. Let’s journey into the world of irresistible sides, crowd-tested pairings, and smart hosting tips, inspired by real stories and kitchen successes.

Why the Right Side Dish Matters

Empanadas are wonderfully adaptable: stuffed with everything from savory beef to gooey cheese to vegetables or even sweet fillings. But their innate richness and flaky pastry call for contrasts—something fresh, spicy, tangy, or creamy. The ideal side does two things: complements the filling and elevates the overall plate.

Classic Pairings: Latin Flavors at Their Best

Let’s start with the tried-and-true sides that Latin American homes and restaurants swear by. These are the all-time favorites echoing through generations:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): Creamy, tangy, and studded with corn, this side delivers a chorus of flavors that wake up your palate between bites of empanada.
• Guacamole & Salsa Trio: Cool avocado, spicy tomato salsa, and perhaps a fresh pico de gallo add color and textural contrast while letting the empanadas shine.
• Cuban Black Beans: Earthy and hearty, these beans balance the empanada’s crispness with wholesome comfort.
• Fried Plantains: Soft, caramelized, and just a bit sweet, plantains are the secret to a full-bodied meal.
• Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs flavors and rounds out the meal with subtle, comforting warmth.

Table: Classic Empanada Side Dishes

Try serving two to three sides for variety—your guests (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.

Elevating the Experience: Fresh & Creative Twists

Maybe you’re hosting a crowd that’s seen it all, or just itching for something different. Here’s where the real fun begins.

• Mango Salad: Cubes of fresh mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime create a salad that’s bright, juicy, and slightly exotic. Chilled mango salad cools down spicy empanadas and pleases the eye.
• Arugula or Mixed Greens Salad: Peppery arugula cloaked in citrus vinaigrette or olive oil with shavings of parmesan or nuts shifts the meal from heavy to harmonious.
• Cheese Sauces & Queso Dips: For cheese lovers, a silky queso or cheese sauce amps up the indulgence factor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Air-fried or baked, these fries make a familiar, crowd-pleasing side (with the bonus of a little extra nutrition).
• Chimichurri Sauce: This fresh, herbal Argentinian sauce—packed with parsley, oregano, and garlic—is an ideal dip for all sorts of empanadas.

The best menus offer a mix—something bright, something rich, and something with crunch.

Expert Case: Ana’s Birthday Gathering

Ana, a home cook from Miami, once hosted people with a table groaning under the weight of empanadas: classic beef, spicy chicken, and her grandmother’s vegetarian cheese version. Her lesson? “Everyone’s favorite thing was the variety of sides! The guacamole disappeared in minutes, and almost everyone asked for a second helping of mango salad. Even my abuela, who swears by tradition, loved the pickled carrot and radish slices with the spicy chicken empanadas.”

The secret: Empanadas are a blank canvas that come alive with your side dishes. Don’t be afraid to mix cultures, colors, and textures.

The Science of Pairing: Building a Balanced Empanada Meal

At its heart, great food pairing is science—and a bit of art. Start with the empanada’s dominant profile (rich, meaty, spicy, or cheesy) and choose a counterpoint:

• For beef or spicy chicken empanadas: Add something creamy (like guacamole) plus something acidic (pico de gallo, salad with vinaigrette).
• For cheesy or vegetarian empanadas: Bring in fresh, herbal flavors (chimichurri, arugula salad) and something with a bit of crunch (plantain chips, coleslaw).
• For sweet empanadas: Offer tangy or light sides, such as yogurt sauces or a light fruit salad.

Don’t ignore the value of dips and sauces—creamy avocado aioli or classic salsa verde often become the surprise hits of the night.

Facts & Quick Tips for Empanada Sides

• The original empanadas came out of Spain and Portugal, and today almost every Latin American country has its own fillings and preferred sides.
• Plantains are related to bananas but are starchier and typically fried or baked before serving—they’re one of Latin America’s most standard sides for a reason.
• A good side dish will add at least one new texture: try mixing crisp, creamy, and chewy on one plate.
• Don’t forget beverages: sweet hibiscus iced tea or a tart margarita balances the richness of fried empanadas perfectly.

Quick Reference: What to Serve with Popular Empanada Fillings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I prepare these sides ahead of time?
  A: Absolutely! Many sides—like beans, rice, and salads—actually develop deeper flavor after sitting for a few hours. Even sauces like salsa or chimichurri taste brighter the next day.
• Q: What if my empanadas are already spicy?
  

  

  A: Pair with cooling elements—classic guacamole, a mild queso, or yogurt-based dips to keep things balanced.

• Q: What’s the healthiest side for empanadas?
  A: Opt for salads with light vinaigrette, fresh mango, or simple black beans. Baked plantains also deliver flavor without excess oil.
• Q: Are these sides vegan or gluten-free?
  A: Many, like salads, beans, and most rice dishes, start out vegan and gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredients, and adjust dressings or garnishes as needed.
• Q: How do I impress at a potluck or party?
  A: Offer a trio: something creamy (guac), something bright (salad), and something crunchy (plantains or chips). A “DIY Empanada Bar” with sides lets guests create their own pairings.

Real-World Inspiration: The Empanada Fiesta

Alice, a café owner in Buenos Aires, describes her approach: “People walk in expecting a pastry and leave talking about the sides. Our herby chimichurri and warm bean salad made us a must-visit spot. Once, during a soccer final, guests doubled the order of arugula salad compared to empanadas! That’s when I knew: sides are what turn casual eaters into loyal fans.”

Quick Recipe: Chimichurri Sauce

• bunch parsley, chopped
• cloves garlic, minced
• tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/ cup olive oil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes and salt

Mix all ingredients and let sit for minutes. Drizzle liberally over beef, cheese, or chicken empanadas. Try mixing things up with cilantro for a brighter flavor!

Conclusion: Build Your Perfect Empanada Meal

Pairing the right side with empanadas is part tradition, part experimentation, and all about crowd-pleasing enjoyment. Remember that the best meals invite conversation and connection—there’s no single “right way,” just what feels delicious together on your table.

So, what’s your favorite empanada pairing, or which side do you think more people should discover? Join the conversation below!