26 Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Tortillas

Tortilla is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even just a snack.

Whether you’re making tacos or enchiladas, they make the perfect vehicle for delicious fillings and toppings.

But what else can you serve with tortillas?

Don’t worry; there are so many possibilities that will take your meals to the next level. So, just stay with me with your favorite balcony coffee.

A Quick solution for what to serve with tortilla –

Roasted Veggies and Avocado Salsa, Cilantro Lime Rice, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Refried Beans and Rice, Spicy Salsa, Guacamole, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Chili Lime Corn on the Cob, Spicy Mango Salsa, Spanish Rice, Pico de Gallo, Roasted Vegetables, Black Beans, Charred Tomatillo Salsa, Queso Fundido, Pickled Red Onions, Mexican-Style Coleslaw, Salsa Verde, Corn Tortilla Chips, Queso Fresco, Coleslaw, Nopales, Fried Plantains, Mango Salsa, Pickled Onions.

Best things to eat with tortillas

1. Roasted Veggies and Avocado Salsa

Give your Mexican feast a healthy twist with roasted veggies and avocado salsa.

Roast peppers, onions, tomatoes, squash, and asparagus in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re tender and slightly charred.

Then top your tacos or burritos with roasted veggies and a scoop of creamy avocado salsa made from avocados, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

It’s a tasty way to add more veggies to your meal!

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

If you want something more filling than plain rice as a side dish for your tacos or enchiladas, you can try cilantro lime rice!

Start by cooking white rice in chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

cilantro lime rice is good to serve with tortilla
Cilantro Lime Rice

Then stir in lime juice, cilantro leaves (or parsley if you don’t like cilantro), garlic powder or fresh minced garlic cloves (optional), salt to taste (optional), and butter or olive oil (optional).

This zesty side dish is sure to be a hit with everyone!

3. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad is an easy way to switch up your typical side dish routine.

Start by making crema Mexicana by blending together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if you prefer it), minced garlic cloves, lime juice or white vinegar depending on which flavor profile you want (lime = tangy; vinegar = tart), chopped cilantro leaves (optional), ground cumin (optional), smoked paprika (optional), chili powder (if you like it spicy!), and salt & pepper to taste.

Then combine cooked corn kernels with the crema Mexicana mixture until everything is evenly coated. Finally, top with crumbled Cotija cheese for extra flavor!

4. Refried Beans and Rice 

Refried beans and rice are a classic combination that tastes perfectly with tortilla. Refried beans are easy to make – all you need is some canned beans, onion, garlic, and spices. 

Just cook the ingredients together until they form a thick paste. Then you can serve it with cooked white or brown rice for a tasty side dish.

This option is great for vegetarians since the beans provide plenty of protein.

5. Spicy Salsa 

Salsa is always a winning side dish option when it comes to Mexican-inspired meals like tortilla.

You can make your own salsa from scratch using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

If you’re pressed for time, you can also buy ready-made salsa at the store – just look for one that’s spicy enough to give your meal an extra kick!

6. Guacamole 

Guacamole is another tried-and-true side dish that matches perfectly with tortilla. Guacamole isn’t hard to make either – just mash up some avocados with garlic, lime juice, and salt until it has a creamy consistency.

You can also add diced tomatoes or onions if you want to change things up a bit! This option is vegan-friendly as well since avocados provide healthy fats and lots of nutrients like vitamins A and C.

7. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a wonderful side dish to accompany tacos, burritos, and other dishes made with tortillas.

It’s a simple recipe to make with just a few basic ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

8. Refried Beans

Refried beans are another essential side dish when serving tacos or burritos with tortillas. This savory option adds heartiness and is packed full of protein, which makes it the perfect addition to your meal.

9. Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn drizzled in chili-lime butter takes your tacos from good to amazing in no time at all! The sweetness of the corn combined with the spicy and tangy flavors of the chili lime butter is a match made in heaven.

10. Spicy Mango Salsa

This delicious salsa adds a burst of flavor to your dish with its sweet, tangy, and spicy combination. 

The mango adds a hint of sweetness that compliments the spice from the jalapenos perfectly.

11. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice has a flavorful blend of spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and more. This is a fantastic side dish to serve with taco bowls or burritos made with tortillas.

spanish rice is great to serve with tortilla
Spanish Rice

More: What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

12. Pico de Gallo

This fresh salsa is a staple at any Mexican feast! It’s made up of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and salt that comes together for an incredible flavor-packed side dish.

13. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like peppers, onions, squash, and zucchini are perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, and other dishes made with tortillas.

Serve them alongside your favorite salsa or guacamole for an extra punch of flavor!

14. Black Beans

This classic side dish is essential when serving up Mexican-inspired meals. The creamy texture from the black beans adds a hearty element that couples wonderfully with crunchy tortillas.

15. Charred Tomatillo Salsa

Tomatillos add a tart yet slightly sweet flavor to this smoky salsa that’s great for topping tacos or burritos. It’s simple to make but packs in plenty of flavors!

16. Queso Fundido

This cheesy dip is made with melted chorizo, peppers, onions, and of course, lots of cheese! Serve it alongside your favorite tacos or burritos for a delicious snack that everyone will love.

17. Pickled Red Onions

Sweet and tangy pickled red onions perfectly complement tacos or burritos filled with spicy flavors. It’s also a great way to top off salads or nachos for an extra punch of flavor.

18. Mexican-Style Coleslaw

This crunchy coleslaw is the perfect addition to tacos, burritos, and other dishes made with tortillas. It’s a light yet flavorful option that pairs well with just about your meal. Enjoy!

19. Salsa Verde

This traditional Mexican salsa is made with tomatillos, chiles de arbol or jalapenos, onion and garlic, which gives it it’s signature green hue and flavor profile – perfect for dipping your tortilla chips in!

salsa verde is taste good to serve with tortilla
Salsa Verde

20. Corn Tortilla Chips

Of course, you can’t have tortillas without the chips! Corn tortilla chips are fried up until crispy, then seasoned with salt or other seasonings of your choice, such as chile powder or lime juice, for extra flavor.

21. Queso Fresco

A mild yet flavorful soft cheese perfect for crumbling over tacos or inside burritos is queso fresco – a traditional Latin American cheese prepared from cow’s milk (or sometimes from goat’s milk).

22. Coleslaw

For an added crunchy element, why not try coleslaw?

It’s usually made with shredded cabbage mixed together with mayonnaise (or yogurt), vinegar, sugar, celery seed, pepper, mustard seed, dill weed, celery salt etc.

Serve it on the side of your tacos, or use it as a topping instead of lettuce for something different!

23. Nopales 

If you’ve never heard of nopales before, they are simply cactus paddles! Yes, you read that right – cactus paddles!

nopales are good to serve with tortilla
Nopales

You can find them canned at most grocery stores, ready to be used in your favorite recipes.

To prepare them, simply remove any spines, then cut them into cubes before stir-frying or boiling them in water. Enjoy them alongside your tacos for an interesting new flavor!

24. Fried Plantains 

Fried plantains offer a sweet side dish option for those who don’t care for spicy food.

fried plantains to serve with tortilla
Fried Plantains

To prepare these, slice up unripe plantains into rounds, then fry them until golden brown in oil prior to serving alongside your main course!

25. Mango Salsa 

If you’re looking for something slightly sweeter than regular pico de gallo, why not give mango salsa a try?

Its fresh mix of diced mangoes combined with red onions, habanero peppers (or jalapeno), fresh lime juice, coriander leaves/cilantro, plus some salt makes it an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish tacos!

26. Pickled Onions 

Finally, pickled onions bring sweetness and acidity – the perfect balance when consumed alongside rich filling like pulled pork inside cooked flour tortillas!

All you need do is prepare small red onions by slicing them in half before boiling them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt for about 10 minutes. Easy!

More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Venison Sausages

What are the best flavors to go with tortillas?

When it comes to filling your tortillas, there are endless options! Here are some of the most popular flavors that go great with a warm tortilla:

– Mexican-style fillings like shredded chicken, refried beans, and cheese make for delicious tacos.

– American-style fillings such as ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and onion create a classic burrito.

– Vegetarian options like black beans, corn, peppers and onions also taste amazing in a wrap.

– Seafood flavors like shrimp and fish can add an interesting twist to your meal.

– Sweet treats like Nutella or cream cheese mixed with fruit make for tasty dessert wraps.

– International flavors like curry, teriyaki, and hoisin sauce can add an exciting flavor to your meal.

How do you jazz up tortillas?

You can jazz up tortillas in a variety of ways! Here are some ideas:

-Add beans and cheese for a quick burrito.

-Mix in salsa, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables to make a hearty wrap.

-Spread cream cheese or hummus on the tortilla and top it with your favorite sliced veggies for an easy snack.

-Top it with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for added protein.

-Use mashed avocado as a spread, then add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, onions, peppers and olives.

-Create nachos by topping your tortilla with melted cheese and your favorite toppings like jalapenos, black beans, and salsa.

-For a sweet treat, spread peanut butter on the tortilla and sprinkle with chocolate chips or diced fruit.

-Make your own pizza by adding sauce and shredded cheese on top. Then add any other toppings you like, such as mushrooms, onions, olives, bell peppers, etc.

-Make dessert tacos! Spread softened ice cream onto the tortillas, then top with crushed candy bars or freshly cut fruit for an easy but delicious treat.

Best toppings for Spanish tortilla

Spanish tortillas can be a delicious, filling dish that is simple to prepare. The classic version consists of potatoes, eggs, onion and salt, but there are many other ways to top your tortilla.

Here are some great topping ideas to make your Spanish tortilla even more flavorful:

1. Manchego cheese: Manchego is a salty and nutty cheese that comes from the La Mancha region of Spain. It adds a delicious flavor when melted on top of your tortilla.

2. Roasted red peppers: Roasting bell peppers brings out their sweetness and add a smoky flavor. They also look beautiful when cut into strips and arranged over the top of your tortilla.

3. Sliced ham: Spanish ham is cured with salt, giving it an intensely flavorful taste. When thinly sliced and laid over the top of your tortilla, it adds both flavor and texture to the dish.

4. Olives: Olives are frequently used in traditional Spanish cooking, so adding them as toppings for your tortilla is a great way to get an authentic taste experience from it. Choose from black or green olives, depending on whether you want a bold or milder flavor profile.

5. Saffron: You know, Saffron is one of the most costly spices in the world due to its labor-intensive harvesting process by hand – but its delicate flavor makes it worth it! Sprinkle just a pinch over your finished tortilla for an extra pop of flavor without overpowering everything else in the dish.

6. Greens: Arugula, kale, and spinach are all great options for adding some freshness to your tortilla. Simply sauté them lightly before arranging them over the top of your finished dish. You can also add herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra kick of flavor.

7. Sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes are intensely flavorful and lend a nice balance to the creamy texture of the egg and potato in the tortilla. Add them at the end as a finishing touch!

How do you display tortillas on a platter?

To display tortillas on a platter, start by arranging whole-wheat or corn tortillas in an overlapping pattern around the plate. For extra color and texture, you can add a few leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, to the center of the platter.

Then top with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos and other toppings of your choice. Finally, garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro and serve!

If you’d like to make it even more impressive, consider adding some guacamole or salsa to the middle of the platter as well.

This will give your guests something delicious to dip their tortillas into while they enjoy the meal. Enjoy!

FAQs on what to serve with tortilla

Q1. How many tortillas per person?

The number of tortillas per person depends on what you are serving with them. As a general rule, one medium-sized flour or corn tortilla is enough for one small meal or appetizer. If you are making tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or other larger dishes, you may want to make two tortillas per person.

However, if you are making smaller appetizers such as taquitos or flautas, one tortilla per person should be enough. To ensure that everyone has enough food at your gathering, it is best to make slightly more than the recommended amount so that no one goes hungry! Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican cuisine!

Q2. What can I use tortillas for?

Tortillas are versatile food items that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten rolled up and filled with savory ingredients like cheese, beans, rice, or meat to make burritos or tacos. If cut into wedges, they can form the base for nachos, topped with melted cheese and other toppings. Tortillas also make great wraps for sandwiches and quesadillas.

Thinly sliced tortilla strips can be fried to create crispy chips that are perfect for dipping. Alternatively, you could use them as bowls for soups or salads. For sweet treats, try baking some cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips or using them as the crust for tarts and pies.

Q3. What sauce with Spanish tortilla? 

A classic accompaniment to Spanish tortilla is a simple salsa made of diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar. This light tomato sauce adds a bright acidity to the rich flavors of the tortilla and helps bring all the elements together into a delicious dish.

If you’re looking for something slightly heartier, try topping your Spanish tortilla with some roasted red peppers or even chorizo. These more assertive flavors are bold enough to stand up to the bold egg-and-potato base of the traditional Spanish Tortilla.

Q4. What kind of bread to serve with tortilla soup? 

A great way to enjoy tortilla soup is to serve it with warm, freshly-baked cornbread. The texture of the cornbread will contrast nicely with the creamy broth and crunchy toppings in the soup. You can also opt for a spicier side, such as jalapeño cheddar biscuits or churros. If you want something more traditional, classic Mexican bolillos (flaky rolls) are an excellent accompaniment to tortilla soup.

For a healthier alternative, try serving whole wheat tortillas with your soup instead of bread. They’ll serve as both a flavorful topping and a filling base for your meal. Whatever kind of bread you choose to serve with your tortilla soup, be sure it’s freshly cooked and warm so it can soak up all the delicious flavors of your soup. Enjoy!

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