What To Serve With Black Beans? 17 BEST side dishes

Black beans are a versatile and hearty ingredient, common in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Latin American dishes. They are rich in flavor, full of protein, and can be a part of countless delicious dishes.

But what sides should we serve with them to elevate our meal to the next level? Let's explore 17 fantastic options.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with black beans are salsa, birria tacos, chicken fajitas, spanish rice, tostilocos, tostadas, guacamole, cornbread, grilled chicken, cilantro lime rice, sweet plantains, cheesy quesadillas, elote, chiles rellenos, fried yucca, and pico de gallo.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Salsa

The vibrant flavors of a fresh salsa make a wonderful companion to hearty black beans. The combination of ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of spicy heat from jalapeños creates a delicious contrast that can brighten up the earthy flavor of the beans.

2. Birria Tacos

Next up, Birria Tacos. These flavorful, juicy tacos are a delight to have alongside black beans. The robustly seasoned meat in the tacos paired with the richness of black beans makes for a fulfilling and tasty meal.

3. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas, with their savory marinated chicken, crisp bell peppers, and onions, are a delicious partner for black beans. The combination of flavors and textures between the fajitas and the beans is absolutely satisfying.

4. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice, seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked with tomatoes, is a staple side dish that pairs wonderfully with black beans. Its fluffy texture and rich flavors complement the creaminess of the beans very well.

5. Tostilocos

Tostilocos, a popular Mexican street snack, is a combination of tortilla chips, peanuts, pickled pork skin, and a variety of sauces. This dish, with its intriguing mix of flavors and textures, can provide an exciting contrast to a bowl of simple black beans.

6. Tostadas

Crispy tostadas can be a fantastic side dish to black beans. You can top them with a variety of ingredients like lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. The crunchiness of the tostada provides a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the beans.

7. Guacamole

Rich, creamy guacamole is another fantastic accompaniment to black beans. The buttery avocados, zingy lime juice, and hint of cilantro create a flavorful side that works beautifully with the earthy taste of the beans.

8. Cornbread

Last but not least, let's add a classic - cornbread. This sweet, moist bread offers a beautiful contrast to the savory black beans. Plus, it's perfect for soaking up any sauce or juices on your plate.

9. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken, marinated with your favorite spices and herbs, makes for a protein-rich side that pairs excellently with black beans. The smoky, tender chicken complements the earthy, hearty beans wonderfully.

10. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice, with its fresh, tangy flavor, is a delightful accompaniment to black beans. The citrusy lime and fragrant cilantro bring a light and refreshing taste that contrasts beautifully with the rich beans.

11. Sweet Plantains

Sweet plantains, fried to a caramelized perfection, can provide a sweet counterpoint to the savory black beans. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them a unique and tasty side dish.

12. Quesadillas

Cheesy quesadillas, with their melty, gooey interior and crispy exterior, are a crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect with black beans. Fill them with your choice of cheese and perhaps some grilled vegetables for extra flavor. You can try birria quesadillas as well.

13. Mexican Street Corn

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a flavorful side that can accompany black beans nicely. The corn, slathered in creamy sauce and sprinkled with cheese and chili powder, adds a spicy, creamy component to your meal.

14. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos, or stuffed peppers, can be a satisfying side dish for black beans. The peppers, filled with cheese or meat and then fried, offer a spicy and crunchy element that pairs well with the soft, hearty beans.

15. Corn Salsa

Corn salsa, with its sweet, juicy corn kernels, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a hint of lime, is a delightful accompaniment to black beans. This salsa brings a burst of freshness and a slightly sweet contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of the beans. It's a colorful and tasty addition that's sure to liven up your meal.

16. Fried Yucca

Fried yucca, aka Cassava, with its crispy exterior and soft interior, is a delicious alternative to traditional fries. The starchy, slightly sweet yucca complements the earthy flavor of the black beans.

17. Pico de Gallo

Finally, Pico de Gallo, a fresh tomato salsa, is a wonderful side dish for black beans. Its bright, fresh flavors can add a refreshing contrast to the rich beans, making each bite even more enjoyable.

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