Let’s be real: Chili Rellenos are a meal you won’t forget. They’re stuffed peppers that pack a serious punch. We love them, and if you’re reading this, you probably do too.
So, what goes best with these spicy delights? Let’s find out together. We’ll spill the beans (sometimes literally) on the top side dishes that turn your Chili Rellenos from great to amazing.
Trust us, we’ve tried them all. From creamy guacamole to zesty salads, we’ve got your back. Ready to spice up your meal? Let’s get into it!
Top 10 Side Dishes for Chili Rellenos
Here are the top 10 side dishes that pair perfectly with Chili Rellenos:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Prep Time |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime | Bright, zesty | Easy | 30 mins |
| Roasted Corn Salad | Corn, bell peppers, red onion | Sweet, smoky | Moderate | 45 mins |
| Refried Black Beans | Black beans, onion, garlic | Creamy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Avocado Salad | Avocado, tomato, red onion, lime | Creamy, refreshing | Easy | 15 mins |
| Elote (Mexican Street Corn) | Corn, cotija cheese, lime, chili powder | Tangy, spicy | Moderate | 25 mins |
| Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, chipotle, garlic | Smoky, slightly spicy | Easy | 40 mins |
| Charred Tomatillo Salsa | Tomatillos, onion, cilantro, lime | Bright, acidic | Moderate | 30 mins |
| Mexican Caesar Salad | Romaine, cotija, pepitas, lime | Creamy, zesty | Easy | 20 mins |
| Lime Crema | Sour cream, lime, cilantro | Tangy, cooling | Easy | 10 mins |
| Crispy Tortilla Strips | Corn tortillas, oil, lime, chili powder | Crunchy, spiced | Easy | 20 mins |
1 – Cilantro Lime Rice
Oh, cilantro lime rice is a staple in our meal rotation. It’s light but packed with flavor. We love the zesty burst from fresh lime mixed with the earthy notes of cilantro.
Basic ingredients: rice, lime juice, zest, fresh cilantro, and a bit of salt. You get this fluffy, tangy, herbaceous dish that pairs perfectly with anything. It’s a go-to side dish, trust us.
2 – Roasted Corn Salad
Roasted corn salad is our jam. Sweet corn roasted till it’s caramelized, mixed with tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers.
A drizzle of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder really amps up the flavor. It’s crunchy, tangy, and a little spicy.
We love adding some crumbled cotija cheese on top. It’s a vibrant mix that complements anything.
Perfect for a fresh, zesty side.
3 – Refried Black Beans
We make this dish with black beans, garlic, onions, and a touch of cumin.
They’re creamy, flavorful, and just perfect for any meal.
We love the smoky depth of the beans combined with the kick from the spices.
Sometimes, we mash them smooth, and other times we leave a few whole for texture.
They’re versatile and never disappoint.
4 – Avocado Salad
Avocado salad is all about simple, fresh flavors. We toss creamy avocado with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a splash of lime. It’s all bright and refreshing. The lime adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the avocado. We sprinkle some salt and pepper, maybe a hint of garlic. It’s super quick and easy.
This salad is our go-to side, and it never disappoints. Clean, crisp, and we can eat it every day.
5 – Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Who doesn’t love street food? Elote is brilliant. It’s grilled corn slathered in mayo, sprinkled with cheese, chili powder, and lime. The flavors are tangy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once.
The cotija cheese adds a salty bite. Elote is messy but worth every bite. We like ours extra cheesy with a bit more lime. It’s a fun side that brings summer vibes.
6 – Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes have a smoky kick we can’t get enough of. The mix of sweet, creamy potatoes and smoky chipotle is pure magic.
We usually prepare them with boiled sweet potatoes, a touch of butter, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Sometimes we throw in a bit of garlic and a splash of lime juice for an extra zing. We love them smooth but with a little chunk.
They’re the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory.
7 – Charred Tomatillo Salsa
Charred tomatillo salsa is our spicy superstar. We roast tomatillos until slightly blackened. Then we blend them with onions, garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro.
The charred, smoky flavor pairs well with Chili Rellenos. The tangy, zesty kick from tomatillos brings everything together. Light, fresh, and herbaceous—this salsa adds a burst of flavor.
Oh, and we like it chunky. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
8 – Mexican Caesar Salad
This salad is both familiar and fresh. We start with crisp romaine lettuce and mix it with a zesty dressing.
Think lime, garlic, and a kick of chipotle. Add some avocado for creaminess and toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
The flavor is bold and slightly spicy. Perfectly balanced with tangy lime and smooth avocado.
We love it for its unique twist on a classic.
9 – Lime Crema
Lime crema is a bright and refreshing topper. It’s a delicious mix of sour cream, fresh lime juice, and zest. We love how it lightens and tangs up the palate. Super simple, yet effective.
The flavor is tangy and creamy, perfect for cutting through rich dishes. Ingredients are minimal—sour cream, lime juice, zest, and a pinch of salt. It’s easy to whip up and always a hit.
We always add extra lime for that extra zing.
10 – Crispy Tortilla Strips
Alright, crispy tortilla strips are a snack we can’t resist. These are thin corn tortillas, sliced and fried till golden.
Crispy, light, and with a perfect crunch. We usually sprinkle some salt and a dash of chili powder. Pairs excellently with soups and salads.
They add a nice texture contrast, and we love munching on them.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
deb
Monday 23rd of September 2024
These look very good. I pinned them. Thanks.