What To Serve With Quesadillas (25 Easy Side Dishes)

Quesadillas are a go-to meal for many, and for good reason. These cheesy, flavorful creations are easy to make and always satisfying.

But, what makes quesadillas even better? The perfect side dishes to go with them.

Here are my favorite sides to serve with quesadillas. From classic options like guacamole with homemade tortilla chips and salsa to more unique dishes like air fryer sweet potato fries and quinoa salad, these sides will take your quesadilla game to the next level.

So, grab your favorite protein, whether it’s chicken, beef, or beans, and get ready for a Tex-Mex feast with these delicious sides.

1. Mexican rice

Mexican rice is a classic and popular side dish that pairs perfectly with quesadillas. The combination of flavors and textures in the rice complements the cheesy and flavorful quesadillas.

Making your own Mexican rice is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Combine rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices such as chili powder and cumin for a delicious and gluten-free side dish.

The tangy and citrusy flavor of lime juice squeezed over the rice adds a refreshing touch to the savory quesadillas. And with the option to add in protein like chicken or ground beef, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

So next time you make quesadillas, be sure to whip up some delicious Mexican rice to serve alongside them.

We love: Easy Mexican Rice (by Downshiftology)

2. Guacamole

No quesadilla is complete without a side of creamy and flavorful guacamole. This classic Mexican side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the warm and delicious quesadillas.

Made with avocados, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice, guacamole adds a refreshing and zesty element to the rich and cheesy quesadillas. It also provides a cool and creamy balance to the spiciness of the quesadillas if you opt for a hotter filling.

Whether you prefer traditional cheese quesadillas or tasty chicken quesadillas, guacamole is a versatile and delicious side dish that will enhance the flavors of your meal. It’s also super easy to make at home, so add it to your quesadilla side repertoire for a meal that’s sure to be a hit.

We love: Best Guacamole Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

3. Air fryer sweet potato fries

Quesadillas are a delicious and easy Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. And what better way to complement them than with some crispy and flavorful air fryer sweet potato fries.

The sweet and savory flavors of the fries pair well with the creamy and cheesy goodness of quesadillas. Plus, making them in the air fryer means they are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries.

Add some guacamole, salsa, or sour cream as dipping sauces for for your fries and quesadillas.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

4. Mango salsa

Quesadillas are a classic Mexican dish that can be dressed up with a variety of different toppings and sauces. One of the best side dishes to serve with quesadillas is mango salsa.

The sweet and tangy flavors of the mango salsa pair perfectly with the savory and cheesy quesadillas. The freshness of the mango, red onions, and cilantro brings a burst of flavor to every bite.

Not only is mango salsa a tasty side dish, but it also adds a pop of color to the plate. It is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal as well.

We love: The Best Mango Salsa Recipe (by Cooking LSL)

5. Slow cooker black beans

Slow cooker black beans are a perfect side dish to serve with quesadillas. These tender and flavorful beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and pair well with any type of quesadilla.

Using a slow cooker for the beans allows for a hands-off cooking experience and ensures that the beans are cooked to perfection. Plus, they can easily be made in bulk to feed a crowd.

For a delicious and filling meal, make some chicken quesadillas using flour tortillas, shredded chicken breasts, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese. Then add your slow cooker black beans inside the quesadilla, or add it as a side dish along with Mexican or Spanish rice for a complete Mexican meal.

We love: Smoky Slow Cooker Mexican Black Beans (by Flavorful Eats)

6. Mexican street corn salad

When it comes to quesadilla side dishes, Mexican street corn salad is a must-try. This traditional Mexican dish pairs perfectly with quesadillas, providing a burst of flavor and freshness to your meal.

The combination of sweet corn, tangy cotija cheese, and creamy avocado salsa creates a delicious contrast to the cheesy and savory quesadillas.

Whether you’re making buffalo chicken or vegetarian quesadillas, this Mexican street corn salad is a tasty and easy side dish that will elevate your quesadilla experience. It’s best served with crispy corn tortillas and a side of your favorite salsa recipe.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) (by Dessert Now Dinner Later)

7. Cilantro lime rice

Cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish to serve with quesadillas. The tangy lime and fresh cilantro in the rice add a burst of flavor to every bite, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich and cheesy quesadillas.

This gluten-free side dish is also versatile and pairs well with a variety of quesadilla fillings. Plus, it’s a quick and easy dish to make in an instant pot or on a sheet pan in the oven.

The fresh flavors of the cilantro lime rice complement the warm and comforting flavors of the quesadillas, making it a winning combination for any meal.

We love: Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (by Real Life Dinner)

8. Pico de gallo

One of the best side dishes to serve with quesadillas is a simple and delicious pico de gallo. The fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro combined with tangy lime juice and a hint of olive oil create a perfect balance to the rich and cheesy quesadillas.

For a complete and easy meal, serve with a side of rice or beans, and some Mexican corn on the cob. And for some added spice, add a drizzle of taco sauce or some pickled red onions on top of your quesadillas.

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

9. Quick pickled jalapenos

One of the best side dishes to serve with quesadillas is quick pickled jalapenos. These spicy, tangy peppers add a burst of flavor to any quesadilla dish.

Quick pickled jalapenos are easy to make and can be customized to your desired heat level.

The pickled jalapenos pair well with any type of quesadilla, from classic cheese to more unique options like buffalo chicken and roasted bell peppers. They also make for a great finger food on their own.

We love: Refrigerator Pickled Jalapeños (by The Toasty Kitchen)

10. Refried beans

Quesadillas are a classic comfort food that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. One of the best options is definitely refried beans.

These creamy beans are the perfect side dish to accompany quesadillas. They add a delicious flavor and texture to the meal, especially when served with a side of rice recipe or a bowl of soup recipe.

You can also spice up your refried beans with some medium heat or taco seasoning for an extra kick.

We love: Easy Homemade Refried Beans (by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

11. Black bean salad

Black bean salad is the perfect side dish to pair with quesadillas. The hearty, protein-packed beans provide a delightful contrast to the cheesy, savory quesadillas.

This easy vegan recipe can be made with canned black beans, grilled corn, and homemade salsa for a fresh, flavorful side dish. You can also add in some cooked chicken or roasted butternut squash cubes for a heartier option.

The best part about this black bean salad is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare, leaving you with enough time to focus on making the perfect quesadillas.

We love: Black Bean and Corn Salad (by Spend With Pennies)

12. Corn tortilla chips

Corn tortilla chips are the perfect side dish to serve with quesadillas. Not only are they a classic Mexican snack, but they also pair perfectly with the cheesy, savory filling of quesadillas.

The crispy texture of the tortilla chips provides a satisfying contrast to the soft and gooey quesadillas. Plus, they are a quick and easy option for a quick snack or as part of a larger Mexican feast.

We love: Homemade Tortilla Chips from Corn Tortillas (by Salty Side Dish)

13. Mexican slaw

Mexican slaw is a delicious and super versatile side dish to serve with quesadillas. The crisp and refreshing slaw provides a nice contrast to the warm and cheesy quesadillas.

To make the slaw, thinly slice cabbage and mix it with shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and cilantro. Toss with a dressing made of lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

This popular Mexican dish is a great way to add some veggies to your meal. Plus, it’s a tasty treat that never misses. Serve it on the side, or even use it as a topping for your quesadillas.

We love: Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe (by Gimme Some Oven)

14. Salsa verde

Salsa verde is the perfect side dish for quesadillas. The tangy and spicy flavor of the salsa complements the cheesy and savory quesadillas, taking the dish to the next level.

You can either serve the salsa verde on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the quesadillas for an extra burst of flavor.

For a low-carb option, try making a fresh salsa using diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This refreshing salsa pairs well with the melted cheese and adds a pop of color to the dish.

So, next time you make quesadillas, don’t forget to serve them with a delicious side of salsa verde. Your taste buds will thank you!

We love: Authentic Mexican Salsa Verde (by Isabel Eats)

15. Rotel dip

Quesadillas are my favorite Mexican dish for a quick snack or a full meal. And what better way to complement this cheesy, crispy dish than with a side of rotel dip?

Rotel dip, a delicious blend of diced tomatoes and melted cheese, is a popular dip in Mexican cuisine. It adds a burst of flavor to the quesadillas and can also be enjoyed with other dishes like tortilla soup or grilled corn.

We love: Rotel Dip (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen)

16. Mexican potato salad

When it comes to quesadillas, the perfect side dish can elevate the meal from tasty snack to a full meal. That’s where Mexican potato salad comes in.

This creamy and flavorful side dish is a great complement to the cheesy and savory quesadillas. The potatoes add a heartiness to the meal, making it more filling and satisfying. Plus, the Mexican flavors in the potato salad go well with the traditional Mexican dish.

Serve hot quesadillas with a side of cold Mexican potato salad for a delicious and refreshing contrast.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad (by Three Olives Branch)

17. Bean dip

Bean dip and quesadillas are a match made in heaven.

You can opt for a creamy puréed bean dip, a cheesy baked bean dip, or a bean salsa for summery freshness. Both dips pair perfectly with the crispy, cheesy quesadillas.

Or, for a twist on classic bean dip, make a cheesy Rotel dip with refried beans instead.

We love: Simple Cowboy Salsa (by Kevin Is Cooking)

18. Chicken tortilla soup

One side dish that is sure to elevate your quesadilla dinner is chicken tortilla soup.

This flexible chicken recipe is packed with all my favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients like chili powder, fresh lime, sweetcorn, and black beans.

Not only is it delicious on its own, but it also makes for a flavorful dip for your quesadillas. Top it off with some grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

We love: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (by Sugar & Cloth)

19. Corn salsa

Corn salsa is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with quesadillas.

This flavorful salsa comes together quickly with pre-cooked corn, tangy lime juice, and a few simple seasonings.

Not only is it super easy to make, but the tangy and slightly sweet flavors of corn salsa also pair well with the cheesy and savory quesadillas, making it the best bet for a delicious meal.

We love: Corn Avocado Salsa (by Carlsbad Cravings)

20. Cilantro lime crema

When it comes to quesadillas, the possibilities for toppings and side dishes are endless. But one of my favorite Mexican sauces to serve with quesadillas is a cilantro lime crema.

This tangy and creamy sauce adds a burst of flavor to the quesadilla experience. Its fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro make it a healthy side for a cheesy and indulgent meal.

Plus, lime crema pairs well with any type of quesadilla, whether it’s filled with chicken fajitas or just simple Monterey Jack cheese. Add some toppings like salsa fresca or crumbled cotija cheese for a tasty treat that will elevate your quesadillas to a whole new level.

We love: Cilantro Lime Crema (by Isabel Eats)

21. Hot sauce

Quesadillas are a versatile and easy appetizer or full meal option you can customize with various proteins and toppings. But if you want to add a little extra kick to your quesadillas, hot sauce is a must!

Whether you prefer a what to serve with quesadillas or something more unique like a chili lime sauce, the spicy flavor pairs well with the cheesy goodness of quesadillas. You can even make your own homemade hot sauce!

So go ahead and drizzle some hot sauce over your chicken, beef, or vegetable quesadillas for a protein-packed and flavor-filled dish.

We love: Easy Louisiana Style Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe (by MOON and spoon and yum)

22. Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is a super versatile side dish that goes perfectly with quesadillas. This dish is a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it can be easily made without any animal products.

To make a Mexican quinoa salad, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, roasted veggies (such as bell peppers and zucchini), and a chili lime dressing. Top it off with some cotija cheese and pickled jalapenos for an extra kick.

Or opt for a classic chickpea quinoa salad to add a delicious, healthy element to your meal, it also provides a nice balance to the richness of the quesadillas.

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

23. Avocado salad

For a fresh and healthy side dish to pair with your crispy quesadillas, try an avocado salad. The creaminess of the avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy quesadilla, while the diced red onions add a nice touch of crunch and flavor.

This salad is also a great alternative for those looking for a lighter option to serve with their quesadillas. I love avocado salad with a squeeze of lemon and chili flakes, but you can take things up a notch with ranch dressing.

With quesadillas, avocado salad, and some street corn or Mexican rice on the side, you have a complete and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the dinner table.

We love: Cucumber Avocado Salad (by Eatwell101)

24. Melted cheese dip

Quesadillas are a classic Mexican street food that is perfect for any day. And if you’re feeling indulgent, what goes better with this delicious dish than a side of melted cheese dip?

Better known as queso fundido, this creamy and indulgent dip is a match made in heaven for quesadillas. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish, making it even more irresistible.

Add a refreshing salad or salsa, like mango salsa or street corn salad, to bring some balance to the hearty meal.

We love: Queso Fundido (by Eating on a Dime)

25. Stuffed bell peppers

If you’re looking for a side dish that packs a punch of flavor and compliments quesadillas perfectly, look no further than stuffed peppers.

These delicious peppers can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including rice, beans, cheese, and even more vegetables. Whenever I serve stuffed peppers with a Mexican dish, I opt for Mexican-inspired flavors in the stuffing!

Not only are these Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers a tasty side dish, but they also add a pop of color to your plate.

We love: Healthy Mexican Stuffed Peppers Recipe (by Pinch Me Good)

Frequently asked questions

There you have it, a variety of delicious sides to turn your quesadilla into a hearty dinner. From easy baked cheese dips to tangy mango salsa and Mexican rice, these sides will add the perfect balance of flavors to your finished dish.

Have any other favorite sides that you love to serve with quesadillas? Let me know in the comments below. Happy cooking!