What To Serve With Black Bean Soup (20 Best Side Dishes)

Black bean soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for cold winter nights and light summer dinners. The combination of black beans, vegetable broth, bell peppers, smoked paprika, chili powder, and lime juice makes it a perfect vegan, gluten-free, and plant-based meal.

But the best part about black bean soup is that it can be easily customized to fit your tastes and preferences. From a traditional soup recipe to a slow cooker version, there are endless possibilities.

To help you make the most out of your meal, I’ve gathered 20 of my favorite side dishes for black bean soup. From empanadas to quesadillas, jalapeño cheddar cornbread to fried plantains, there’s something here for everyone.

So, if you’re looking for some creative and delicious side dishes to go with your black bean soup, you’ll find them here. Let’s get started!

1. Cilantro lime rice

Cilantro lime rice is a great side dish to serve with black bean soup.

The bright and citrusy flavors of the lime and cilantro in the rice offer a refreshing contrast to the earthy black beans. Plus, its light texture provides a pleasing contrast to the denser soup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Additionally, the vibrant appearance of the cilantro rice, with specks of fresh green herbs, adds to the visual appeal of the meal.

This combination of flavors and textures makes cilantro lime rice the perfect side when serving black bean soup.

We love: Cilantro Lime Rice (by Megan Vs Kitchen)

2. Empanada

Empanada makes a tasty side dish to serve with black bean soup. The crispy, flaky pastry crust contrasts nicely with the creamy, rich texture of the soup. Plus, the savory filling of the empanada combines well with the flavors of the soup for a winning combination.

Empanada also adds a touch of Latin flair to the meal making it the perfect side dish for black bean soup, traditionally a Latin American dish.

For the best flavor and texture, serve the empanadas warm with a dollop of sour cream. Your guests will love the combination of flavors and textures.

Choose your favorite: 17 Empanada Recipes You’ll Want To Save For Later (by BuzzFeed)

3. Cheese quesadillas

Cheese quesadillas are a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. The creamy, cheesy quesadillas provide a salty contrast to the earthy, hearty black bean soup. Plus, they are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

Quesadillas are a great way to add a Mexican twist to the meal. Use a combination of cheese, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, and add diced red onion, red bell pepper, and sweet corn for extra flavor.

For a more indulgent quesadilla, try adding diced cooked chorizo, or top the quesadillas with a dollop of sour cream.

Quesadillas are a great option to round out a meal of black bean soup. They are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

We love: Seriously, The Best Homemade Quesadillas (by PANINI HAPPY®)

4. Jalapeño cheddar cornbread

Jalapeño cheddar cornbread is a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. This combination of savory and spicy flavors offers a delicious twist on the traditional soup and bread pairing.

The tangy, rich flavor of the cheddar cheese and the mild heat of the jalapeños elevate the soup’s flavor, while the soft texture of the cornbread adds a welcome contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.

This side dish is easy to prepare, and you can adjust the jalapeño content to suit your heat preference. Add some freshly chopped cilantro to take the flavor to the next level.

We love: Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins (by Southern Discourse)

5. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. The crispy, golden-brown crust and garlic-infused flavor pair well with the creamy texture and gentle spices of the soup.

The contrast of the crunchy, savory bread and the comforting, slightly sweet soup make for a delicious combination that will tantalize your taste buds.

Plus, garlic bread is a great way to add texture and flavor to the meal. Consider serving it with a side of fresh lime juice or olive oil for dipping.

We love: Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

6. Pico de gallo

Pico de gallo is a great side dish for black bean soup, offering a fresh and flavorful contrast to the hearty soup.

The vibrant colors and flavors of the pico de gallo, such as diced tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno, bring a brightness to the meal that complements the earthy flavor of the black beans. The combination of the two creates an irresistible combination that will have your guests coming back for more.

Pico de gallo is also a great way to add a healthy crunch to the meal. The crunchy texture of the raw vegetables contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the soup, making every bite a delicious experience.

We love: Pico de Gallo Recipe (Easy & Authentic) (by Downshiftology)

7. Tortilla chips

Tortilla chips are a great side dish for black bean soup as they add a crunchy texture to the meal.

The chips also provide the perfect opportunity to include a variety of toppings in the soup. You can add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and cheese served alongside lime wedges.

Or, simply sprinkle your black bean soup with crushed tortilla chips.

The chips also add a slight hint of saltiness to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of black beans.

We love: Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe (by Gimme Some Oven)

8. Grilled chicken

Grilled chicken is a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. The juicy, savory flavor of the chicken complements the earthy and slightly spicy flavor of the soup.

Grilling chicken is a simple and easy way to add flavor and texture to the meal. To make it even easier, consider using a rotisserie chicken – my favorite weeknight dinner hack!

We love: Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce (by Platings + Pairings)

9. Fried paneer cheese pakora

Fried paneer cheese pakoras make an excellent side dish for black bean soup. The savory, creamy texture of the paneer cheese pairs perfectly with the hearty, earthy black beans.

The pakoras add a satisfying crunch to the soup, while the rich cheese balances the earthy flavors of the beans. The texture and flavor contrast between the two ingredients create a wonderful harmony of flavors.

These indulgent fried cheese pakoras are also incredibly easy to make. All you need is paneer, some spices, and your favorite oil for frying. Serve them with some chutney for an extra burst of flavor.

We love: Paneer Pakora Recipe 2 Ways (by My Food Story)

10. Pita bread

Pita bread is a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. Its mild flavor ensures that it does not overpower the soup, and its slightly chewy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft beans.

You can lightly toast the pita to give it a crunchy texture and then rub it with a garlic clove or brush it with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar for an added dimension of flavor.

Pita bread is also a great way to soak up the soup, making it a perfect accompaniment to a main course of black bean soup.

We love: Pita Bread Recipe (Oven or Stovetop) (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

11. Spicy meatballs

Spicy meatballs make a great side dish when served with black bean soup. The contrasting flavors and textures create an irresistible combination.

The spiciness of the meatballs adds warmth to the soup, while the tender yet bouncy texture of the meatballs adds textural contrast.

Plus, the meatballs offer a great way to add some protein to the meal. Simply make your favorite spicy meatballs recipe with ground beef or turkey and a mix of herbs and spices.

For an extra kick, top the meatballs with a dollop of hot sauce or add some finely chopped jalapeño to the mix.

We love: Honey Sriracha Meatballs (by Entirely Elizabeth)

12. Sweet potato wedges

Sweet potato wedges are a great side dish for black bean soup! Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with the earthy flavor of the black beans.

To make the sweet potato wedges, simply slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then, spread the wedges on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees until they become golden brown and crispy.

Sweet potato wedges are a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with black bean soup. Serve them with a side of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, and you have a delicious meal!

We love: Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges (by Baker by Nature)

13. Stuffed baked potatoes

Stuffed baked potatoes are an excellent side dish to serve with black bean soup. The fluffy, comforting potatoes provide a hearty base for the soup, and their creamy texture contrasts nicely with the chunky beans.

The baked potatoes can be stuffed with different toppings to complement the flavors in the soup. Try adding cheese, bacon, and chives for an indulgent treat. For a healthier option, stuff the potatoes with broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Stuffed baked potatoes are also a great way to stretch a pot of black bean soup. Serve the potatoes alongside the soup, or use them to top the soup for a complete meal.

We love: Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (by The Cookie Rookie®)

14. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another great side dish to serve with black bean soup. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of the slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. Plus, the bright colors of the cabbage and carrots add visual appeal to the meal.

For a more vibrant coleslaw, add some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of feta cheese. The spicy and creamy elements bring out the flavors of the black beans and create a delicious combination.

Serve coleslaw with black bean soup for a light and satisfying meal that goes well with a side of crusty bread.

We love: This Is the Most Popular Slaw Recipe on Pinterest (by Kitchn)

15. Mexican street corn salad

Mexican street corn salad is an easy and delicious side dish to serve alongside black bean soup. It’s one of my favorite side dishes of all time! And I’ll honestly pair this deliciously versatile street salad with any meal.

The sweet and salty flavors of the salad are a great contrast to the earthy notes of the soup. The creamy mayonnaise and crumbly cheese add richness, while the lime juice and chili powder add a bit of zing.

The texture of the salad also works really well with the soup. The crunchy corn kernels and soft cheese provide a nice contrast with the creamy black beans.

For a complete meal, consider serving the black bean soup with Mexican street corn salad, a side of brown rice, a simple green salad, and a few lime wedges.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Salad (by Eatwell101)

16. Avocado salad

Avocado salad is an excellent side dish for black bean soup. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the earthy flavor of the black beans, while the bright flavors from the acidic dressing add balance to the meal.

This pairing is sure to be a hit for any occasion – the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors makes this a must-try.

Avocado salad is a great option for those looking for a delicious gluten-free side to serve with black bean soup. Consider serving it alongside a side of roasted broccoli and a butternut squash soup for a complete meal.

We love: Cucumber Avocado Salad (by Eatwell101)

17. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add flavor, color, and texture to a bowl of black bean soup.

The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables, making them a perfect complement to the savory broth of the soup. Consider serving side dishes like carrots, red pepper, zucchini, butternut squash, and yellow onion. The caramelized texture of the roasted vegetables contrasts nicely with the smooth black beans, creating an appetizing and inviting combination.

Roasted vegetables are a simple side dish that can be made in the oven or air fryer and pairs really well with a bowl of black bean soup.

We love: The BEST oven roasted vegetables (by Diethood®)

18. Potato salad

Potato salad is a delicious side dish to serve with black bean soup.

The comforting, creamy texture of the salad contrasts nicely with the savory, hearty black bean soup. The potatoes also absorb some of the flavors of the soup, creating an even more delicious dish.

No matter how you make it, potato salad is an absolutely delicious side dish to have with black bean soup.

We love: Ina Garten’s Potato Salad (by Insanely Good Recipes)

19. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a great side dish to serve with black bean soup. The creamy and comforting texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty and flavorful black bean soup.

The texture of mashed potatoes helps to absorb the rich flavors of the black bean soup, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

For added flavor, try adding garlic, herbs, or spices to the potatoes. This will bring out the flavors of the black bean soup and create a unique and flavorful combination.

Mashed potatoes are an easy and simple side dish that can be served with black bean soup. It is a great way to add more substance to the soup and make it even more delicious.

We love: Simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes (by Olive & Mango)

20. Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is yet another delicious side dish to go with black bean soup. The light, nutty flavor of the quinoa complements the earthy flavor of the black beans, while the crunch of the vegetables and herbs adds texture and brightness to the meal.

Try adding vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions to the salad, or add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. And, for a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or crumbled bacon to the quinoa salad.

No matter how you prepare it, quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs nicely with black bean soup.

We love: Quinoa Chickpea Salad (by Garden in the Kitchen)

21. Fried plantains

Fried plantains are an excellent side dish to pair with black bean soup. This Caribbean staple adds a sweet and savory element to the meal, making it a truly unique and flavorful experience.

The plantains have a naturally sweet flavor, which is heightened when fried. You can also add a little bit of butter or oil to the pan for a richer taste and texture.

Fried plantains are a great way to add a bit of gluten-free crunch to the meal. The contrast between the softness of the soup and the crispiness of the plantains makes for a delightful combination.

For a truly authentic experience, consider adding a little bit of cayenne pepper to the fried plantains. The mild heat will perfectly complement the earthy flavor of the black bean soup.

We love: Crispy Fried Plantains With Mayo Ketchup Dip (by The Novice Chef)

Black bean soup is a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With the right side dishes, you can transform it into a complete and comforting meal.

From vegan sour cream and cilantro to grilled cheese and cornbread, these side dishes offer the perfect balance to black bean soup. So the next time you make a black bean soup recipe, consider stirring in a few of these sides for an even more flavorful experience.

No matter how you make your black bean soup, these sides are sure to make it even more enjoyable. So give them a try let me know what your favorite black bean soup side dish is!