What to Serve with Burritos: 35+ Easy Side Dishes
Life gets extra flavorful whenever I’m deciding what to serve with burritos.
Their warm tortillas and tasty fillings often inspire me to find new side dish ideas.
I’ve combined favorites that add crunch, tang, or a zesty twist so you get the best side dishes for burritos.
Even after years of fiesta nights, I still find surprises that transform every burrito experience.
That’s why I want to share my favorite burrito side dishes with you—come along and join!
What is Burrito?
A burrito is a soft tortilla folded around savory goodness. It often includes meat, beans, rice, or veggies. Some people even add surprise ingredients that reflect local tastes.
What to Serve with Burritos?
When you’re looking for the best side, think about colorful beans, zesty salsas, savory rice, crunchy salads, hearty soups, or even crisp snacks. You’ll find a perfect side here.
Classic Rice and Bean
I’m always drawn to comforting rice meals and hearty legumes. They elevate every bite, provide filling texture, and keep everyone satisfied during burrito night or lunch gatherings.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Bright citrus essence meets fresh herb notes in each forkful. That simple recipe is the perfect burrito side dish since it balances spicy fillings without overpowering the main dish.
- Mexican Rice with Chipotle: Enjoys a gentle heat that brings a smoky kick with each spoonful. I love this combo for its vibrant color and airy grains that pair perfectly with soft tortillas.
- Refried Beans: Create a creamy companion that reminds me of family dinners. This side dish for your burrito works wonders by adding a smooth feel that fuses with bold ingredients.
- Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros): Combines onions, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in a hearty mix. I’ve seen guests reach for second helpings because it’s so easy to make and energizes every Mexican dish.
- Pinto Beans: Offers a mellow bite that warms up rice recipes. I appreciate how it blends mild flavor with just enough texture, letting your favorite burrito fillings shine through every mouthful.
Fresh Salsas and Dips
These bright condiments bring zesty excitement to your table. They’re super easy to make and keep things light and refreshing. Add them to boost color, texture, and tang.
- Pico de Gallo: Bursts with tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a lively mix. I reach for it whenever I need a crunchy side dish that pairs amazingly with burritos.
- Creamy Guacamole: Blends smooth avocado, chopped tomatoes, and tangy seasoning into a delicious side dish. This guacamole recipe pleases nearly everyone, especially if you like something rich atop your burrito.
- Queso Dip: Makes everything taste warmer and cozier. I love dunking the tortilla chips in this cheesy delight. It’s a perfect side dish when you want to satisfy cravings.
- Salsa Verde: Makes a tangy twist with tomatillos and spices. I believe it’s the ultimate side dish for those who crave a unique flavor that complements a seasoned chicken burrito.
- 7-layer Dip: Stacks beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and extras in one vibrant display. It’s a tasty side perfect for big gatherings, and it often disappears before everything else.
Refreshing Salads
Light and refreshing sides round out heavier fillings. Crisp veggies and bright dressings fit well next to savory burritos, bringing balance and a cool twist.
- Mexican Chopped Salad: Unites chopped greens, tomatoes, onions, and tangy dressings. Sometimes I toss grilled corn or black beans in it. That variety offers a delicious way to make burritos feel new.
- Mexican Coleslaw: Fuses finely shredded cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy dressing into a crunchy side dish. I often toss in diced peppers for a flavorful side dish that brightens the table.
- Jicama Slaw: Blends crisp jicama and juicy citrus elements in a bright dish to serve. That contrast in textures adds vibrancy without overshadowing the burrito’s main flavors.
- Mango Avocado Salad: Sweet mango chunks with buttery avocado slices. I find the fruity notes intriguing, and the combination tastes like a light and refreshing side dish for burrito lovers.
- Caesar Salad: Presents crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and crispy croutons. My aunt serves this with burritos for lunch or dinner because it pairs so well with bold mains.
Corn-Based Sides
Corn dishes shine with natural sweetness and smoky flair. They’re skillful at blending into the burrito’s bold spices and often carry a burst of color, too.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Brings charred kernels coated with crema, chili, and cheese. That creamy bite has been a wonderful friend at many gatherings, especially when guests crave a truly flavorful side dish.
- Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad): Takes the beloved street corn idea and gives it bowl form. I relish how it’s super easy to make and accompanies burritos seamlessly at any casual get-together.
- Chipotle Corn Salsa: Packs a mild heat from chipotle peppers and a bit of tang from lime juice. This salsa recipe stands out as a tasty side for chicken burrito meals.
- Black Bean Corn Salsa: Marries fresh kernels with tender black beans to craft a crunchy side dish. I sometimes serve this with your burrito bowl or wrap for hearty textural contrast.
Crispy Snacks and Appetizers
Crunchy starters add variety to burrito night. They spark conversation, fill hungry tummies, and can be whipped up without too much fuss.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: Brings a golden crunch sprinkled with salt. Freshly fried or baked, they’re a dish to serve alongside burritos when you need something light but undeniably satisfying.
- Air Fryer Tater Tots: Delivers delightful crispness in bite-sized form. That fryer recipe is an easy route to kid-approved munchies, and I can’t resist dunking them in ketchup or salsa.
- Taquitos: Wraps tasty fillings in small tortillas, then crisps them up. These snacks remind me of cozy weekend gatherings, and they vanish quickly whenever friends want a flavorful side dish.
- Tacos: Offers a handheld treat filled with juicy meats or veggies. I see them as a crunchy partner that pairs perfectly with burritos, especially if you’re looking for the best combo.
- Empanadas: Encases savory or sweet fillings in a flaky shell. Their portability makes them great for buffets, plus they often spark delighted smiles when people discover new tastes.
- Nachos: Layers chips, melted cheese, jalapeños, and extras in a fun pile. This main dish can double as a burrito side when you just want comforting, sharable goodness.
Warm Soups
Brothy or hearty bowls offer cozy comfort next to robust burritos. They soothe the palate, carry abundant spices or mild flavors, and stand out in cooler weather.
- Mexican Chicken Soup: Combines shredded chicken, crushed tomatoes, and carrots in a warming broth. It’s a simple recipe that lets you top each spoonful with lime juice or cilantro for extra zing.
- Tortilla Soup: Uses fried tortilla strips for texture in a tangy tomato base. I love dunking extra chips into this dish that pairs well with burritos or beef burritos.
- Chili Con Carne: Features bold beef, beans, and chili peppers simmered to perfection. It’s a delicious way to make tortilla nights feel more substantial when everyone craves hearty comfort in their bowls.
- Chicken Enchilada Soup: Reminds me of luscious enchilada sauce fused with tender poultry. That swirl of flavors puts a smile on my face, making it a memorable companion to your burritos.
- Black Bean Soup: Blends rich beans with aromatic spices and occasionally peppers. I usually finish it off with fresh lime juice, then savor the cozy texture and mild spice.
Essential Toppings for Burritos
Extra flavor boosters give burritos personality. These small add-ons let you personalize each bite with tang, creaminess, or heat. I enjoy testing new combos now and then.
- Mexican Crema (or Sour Cream): Adds luscious creaminess that cools hot peppers. A necessary side dish if you prefer calmer spice levels without sacrificing the richness that makes burritos shine.
- Shredded or Crumbled Cheese: Melts or sprinkles into gooey goodness with each mouthful. This easy Mexican side ingredient is pretty versatile, allowing your burritos to taste fuller with minimal effort.
- Pickled Red Onions: Gives a tangy punch from the first bite. I love how their bright pink color adds visual pop, and they perfectly complement the flavors of beef burritos.
- Chopped Cilantro: Freshens up each bite with a hint of earthiness. When you want a light garnish, this herb elevates everything, from the best burrito sides to giant burrito wraps.
- Fresh Lime Wedges: Cleanses the palate with a burst of tart juice. Whenever I spritz a wedge over my burrito plate, I notice how it brightens each ingredient’s flavor profile.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Provides a sour bite and mild heat in crunchy slices. I find it’s a lifesaver for anyone wanting to amp up the spice without going overboard.
- Hot Sauce: This gives a bold flavor that can tip mild dishes into fiery territory. It’s a perfect burrito side accent, whether you prefer mellow smoky notes or intense peppery sparks.
Drinks
A refreshing glass often ties the meal together. These options quench thirst, offer sweet or tangy contrasts, and bring a celebratory vibe to any burrito-based feast.
- Agua Fresca: Cool fruit blend that calms spicy items in seconds. Sometimes I experiment with melon or berry recipes, finding the perfect sidekick for a relaxed burrito gathering.
- Horchata: Sweet cinnamon rice beverage offering a gentle creaminess. It’s so easy to make and tastes terrific with savory fillings, ensuring a comforting balance alongside burritos or any Mexican side dish.
- Jarritos: Fruity soda that delivers fizz and sweet flavors in one go. That bottled pop ensures kids and adults enjoy a bubbly refreshment that pairs perfectly with burrito dinners.
- Mexican Beer: Classic choice that keeps grown-ups happy during lively nights. Adding a lime wedge makes the sip even more fun, and it contrasts rich burrito ingredients in just the right way.
- Tequila Cocktails: Proves tequila isn’t only for shots. Mix it with fresh juices or sodas to create tangy bursts of flavor that sit nicely next to your hearty burrito plate.
Final Thoughts
There are so many burrito sides you can try – the creamy guacamole or those zesty beans.
Finally, my best advice? So mix things up if you’re feeling like it! Every time you make burritos, try different combinations.
I’ll sometimes grab something light, like a fresh salad, other times I’ll go all out on warm, hearty sides.
The fun bit is finding your perfect match. These side dishes for burritos aren’t just extras, they’re the part of your meal that completes it!
