Introduction
Quesadillas are a popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of a tortilla that is filled with cheese, meat, beans, veggies, or other fillings, then folded over and grilled or toasted until the cheese is melted. They make for an easy, quick meal or appetizer that can be endlessly customized. However, while quesadillas on their own are tasty, coming up with side dishes and drinks that complement them can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas for what to serve with quesadillas.
Fresh Vegetables and Guacamole
One of the easiest ways to make quesadillas healthier is to load them up with fresh vegetables. Onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, kale and zucchini all taste great when grilled up inside a quesadilla. Serving fresh veggie sides in addition to the quesadilla is also recommended. Cut up some cherry tomatoes, jicama, radishes, cucumber, carrots and celery sticks for a crunchy veggie tray. Guacamole makes another fresh, flavorful accompaniment. The cool, creamy avocado dip pairs perfectly with warm, melty quesadillas.
Why it Works
The vegetables add important nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. This helps balance out a meal that is focused around cheese, tortillas and other refined carbs. The veggies provide volume as well so you feel satisfied without overdoing it on the higher calorie quesadilla. Guacamole adds healthy fats.
Beans and Rice
Beans and rice are a Mexican food staple, making them natural complements to quesadillas. Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans or refried beans served with white rice, Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice all make excellent pairings. The beans can be served plain, made into a dip, or used as filling in burritos or taco salad. The rice provides satisfying fiber and carbohydrates to balance out the protein from the beans.
Why it Works
Beans are high in plant-based protein as well as fiber, iron, magnesium and potassium. They are low in fat and high in nutrients. Rice complements the beans nutritionally by providing carbohydrates. Together they make a complete vegetarian protein. The fiber in them also aids digestion.
Salsa and Chips
What Tex-Mex meal would be complete without salsa and chips? Fresh tomato salsa, roasted corn salsa, peach salsa, mango salsa - the options are endless for what type of salsa to serve. Pair it with plain corn tortilla chips, blue corn chips or restaurant style tortilla chips. The salsa provides a burst of fresh flavor while the crunchy chips offer a satisfying vehicle for scooping.
Why it Works
Salsa provides nutrients from the fresh veggies and/or fruits used to make it, such as vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants. The chips add in complex carbs and fiber from the whole corn. Together they add freshness, crunch and flavor contrast to the hot, melty quesadilla.
Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
A crisp, vibrant salad is a great way to lighten up a cheesy quesadilla meal. Make a salad with mixed baby greens, shredded cabbage, diced mango and avocado. Top with pepitas for crunch. Serve alongside a simple lime vinaigrette or chili-lime dressing. The bright, tangy flavors pair wonderfully with the richness of the quesadilla.
Why it Works
The salad provides hydration and nutrition from all the fresh produce. Lettuce, cabbage, mango and avocado offer antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamin C, fiber and more. The lime juice and chili pepper in the dressing provide vitamin C. Together they create a lighter, fresher accompaniment to balance the quesadilla.
Corn on the Cob
For a classic summer side dish, look no further than corn on the cob. Grilled, boiled or roasted, the sweet corn complements the flavors of the quesadilla perfectly. Other veggie sides like roasted broccoli, cauliflower or Brussel sprouts would also pair nicely. Alternatively, serve the quesadillas with a side salad that incorporates summer veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
Why it Works
Corn is high in fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and more. It provides a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the salty savoriness of the quesadilla. The summer veggies add hydration and nutrients while keeping the meal feeling light.
Fruit Salad
For a sweet side, serve up a colorful fruit salad. Dice up pineapple, mango, jicama, watermelon, grapes, strawberries, peach, or any other favorite fruits. Toss with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired. The sweet juiciness pairs wonderfully with a warm quesadilla from the grill. Melons like watermelon and honeydew also hydrate after eating something salty.
Why it Works
Fruit provides natural sweetness along with important nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium and fiber. It hydrates and aids digestion as well. The sweetness contrasts with the saltiness of the quesadilla for balance.
Drinks
Aguas Frescas
Aguas frescas, meaning "fresh waters", are a popular Mexican drink made from fruit, vegetables and/or grains blended with sugar and water. Some tasty aguas frescas to accompany quesadillas include horchata, tamarind, Jamaica flower, watermelon, cucumber lime and mango. They provide hydration and refreshment with natural sweetness and flavor.
Margaritas
For an alcoholic beverage, margaritas are the quintessential Mexican cocktail. A classic margarita contains tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. When made with quality ingredients and proper proportions, it's a refreshing drink with bright citrus flavors that complements spicy Mexican food. Try a variety of margarita flavors like strawberry, peach, mango and more to pair with different quesadillas.
Micheladas
Micheladas are a Mexican beer cocktail made with beer, tomato juice, lime juice, chili peppers and other optional seasonings. It's served over ice with a salt or chili-lime rim. The combination of savory, spicy and refreshing flavors pairs excellently with quesadillas. Use Mexican lager style beers like Corona, Pacifico or Modelo.
Mexican Sodas
For non-alcoholic drink options, Mexican sodas offer unique fruit flavors. Try Jarritos mandarin, tamarind or fruit punch, made with real sugar and fruit flavors. Or sip on a Mexican cola like MexiCoke which is made with real cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup. They're sweet treats that pair well with quesadillas.
Conclusion
Quesadillas are endlessly adaptable, so you can get creative with combinations of fillings, salsas, sides and drinks to accompany them. Keep it simple with guacamole and chips, or make it a whole fiesta spread with tacos, beans, rice and margaritas. However you choose to complement them, quesadillas are always taken to the next level with the right sides and drinks.
FAQs
What are some good veggie sides to serve with quesadillas?
Some tasty veggie sides to serve with quesadillas include guacamole, salsa, sliced cherry tomatoes, jicama sticks, cucumber slices, celery sticks, mixed green salad, cabbage slaw, roasted broccoli or cauliflower, and corn on the cob.
What kind of beans go well with quesadillas?
Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and refried beans all pair nicely with quesadillas. Try serving them plain, adding them as quesadilla filling, or making them into a dip.
What fruits taste good with quesadillas?
Sweet juicy fruits like mango, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, peach, watermelon, and melon complement quesadillas nicely. Toss them in a fruit salad or squeeze lime juice over them.
What are some Mexican drink options with quesadillas?
Delicious Mexican drinks to pair with quesadillas include horchata, aguas frescas, margaritas, micheladas, and Mexican sodas like Jarritos. They provide refreshment and complement the Tex-Mex flavors.
Can you make quesadillas healthier?
Yes, load quesadillas up with veggies, use smaller tortillas, opt for whole grain tortillas, and serve with fresh produce sides to make them more nutritious while still delicious.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment