Tired of the same old sides every time you make red beans and rice? It can be a challenge to come up with new, exciting ideas that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re looking for what sides to serve with red beans and rice that will take your dinner to the next level, then you’ve come to the right place!
From crispy greens to creamy coleslaws, there are so many delicious options that can liven up a classic red beans and rice dinner. Not only will these sides add flavor and texture to your meal, but they can also help round out the nutrition of the dish. Whether you’re looking for something fresh or something more traditional, I’ve got some tasty suggestions for you.
So let’s get started!
When serving Red Beans and Rice, a side dish that would pair nicely is something crunchy, like a simple salad or some coleslaw. Alternatively, you could serve a light vegetable like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Creating Delicious Salads to Pair with Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice is a classic dish that is packed with flavors. It’s also quite filling, so you want to pair it with a lighter side dish. Salads are the perfect option because they offer a wide range of flavors while providing a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. Here are some delicious salads that make the perfect accompaniment to your red beans and rice.
Arugula Salad: Arugula is a great choice for pairing with red beans and rice. It has a slightly spicy flavor that complements the smokiness of the beans perfectly. To make this salad, simply mix together arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw offers an alternative to traditional leafy greens for those who don’t enjoy them as much. This creamy cabbage slaw is the perfect pairing for red beans and rice because it adds crunch and flavor without being too heavy. To make it extra special, add some diced apples or raisins for added sweetness.
Fiesta Salad: If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, try this fiesta salad! Start by combining lettuce, black beans, corn kernels, tomatoes, bell peppers and diced avocado in a bowl. Add some shredded cheddar cheese on top before drizzling with ranch dressing or salsa verde.
Potato Salad: Potato salad is another great side dish to serve alongside red beans and rice. Boil up some potatoes until just tender before adding them to your favorite potato salad recipe (or just mix them with mayonnaise or vinaigrette). For extra flavor add diced celery or chopped fresh herbs.
Caesar Salad: Finally, if you’re looking for something more substantial try this Caesar salad recipe! Start by combining romaine lettuce leaves with croutons or Parmesan cheese shavings before tossing everything together in Caesar dressing. Top it off with grilled chicken strips for an added protein punch!
Creative Vegetable Sides for Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice is a classic Cajun dish that is hearty, flavorful, and comforting. It’s a great option for dinner any night of the week. But when it comes to sides, you can easily get stuck in a rut. To make this classic dish even more delicious, try adding some creative vegetable sides to your red beans and rice. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Roasted Okra: Roasting okra brings out its natural sweetness and nuttiness. Cut off the stem end of the okra, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
- Collard Greens: Collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with red beans and rice. Simmer collard greens in chicken or vegetable broth until tender.
- Cauliflower “Rice”: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional white rice, try making cauliflower “rice.” Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble grains of rice then sauté in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their sweetness and nuttiness. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
- Sauteed Spinach: Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamins A & K, fiber and other essential minerals. Sautee spinach leaves in olive oil over medium heat until they are wilted.
These vegetable sides are sure to make your red beans and rice even more delicious! Whether you’re looking for something simple or something more complex, these ideas will help you create a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ideas for Complementary Breads for Red Beans and Rice
When it comes to classic comfort food, red beans and rice is a staple. Not only is it flavorful and easy to make, but it’s also a great way to make a meal out of few ingredients. To make the most out of your red beans and rice dish, why not add some complementary breads to the mix? Here are some ideas:
Cornbread: Cornbread is an excellent choice when serving red beans and rice. It adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savoriness of the dish. Plus, cornbread is easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Biscuits: Biscuits are light and fluffy, making them the perfect side for red beans and rice. They are also incredibly versatile since you can top them with butter, jam, or cheese.
- Garlic Bread:
Garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the taste of your red beans and rice. It’s also a great way to add some crunchy texture to your meal.
- Rolls:
Rolls provide an additional level of texture that pairs beautifully with red beans and rice. Whether you opt for classic white rolls or wheat rolls, they both work equally well with this classic dish.
- Pita Bread:
Pita bread has a soft texture that complements the flavors in red beans and rice. You can also use it as a vehicle for scooping up all those delicious flavors!
Refreshing Drinks to Enjoy with Red Beans and Rice
Nothing beats a bowl of red beans and rice on a hot, humid day. The perfect accompaniment to this classic dish is a refreshing drink that complements the flavors of the food. Here are a few great options for drinks to enjoy with your red beans and rice:
Iced Tea: Iced tea is an excellent choice for pairing with red beans and rice. You can go for traditional sweet tea or experiment with different flavors like raspberry, peach, or even hibiscus. Serve it over plenty of ice cubes to keep it cool.
Fruit Juices:
Fruit juices are also great additions to a plate of red beans and rice. Try orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, or cranberry juice. You can serve them chilled or blend them up with some ice cubes for a slushy-style drink.
Beer:
For those looking for an adult beverage to enjoy with their red beans and rice, beer is always a good option. Light lagers pair nicely with this dish, as do wheat beers. If you want something on the sweeter side, try a fruit-flavored beer like strawberry or raspberry.
Sangria:
Sangria is another great option for pairing with your red beans and rice. You can make it from scratch using your favorite combination of fruits, wines, liquors, juices, and syrups. Or you can pick up some pre-made sangria at your local store.
Milkshakes:
If you’re looking for something sweet to drink alongside your plate of red beans and rice, why not try a milkshake? You can make one at home using your favorite flavors of ice cream or use store-bought milkshake mixes if you’re short on time. Top it off with whipped cream and some sprinkles for an extra special treat!
Flavored Rices to Serve with Red Beans and Rice
Adding a variety of flavored rices to your red beans and rice dishes can be the perfect way to spice up a meal. From Mexican-inspired dishes like Jalapeno Cilantro Rice to Indian-inspired Basmati Rice, there are plenty of flavorful options for you to choose from. Here are some of the most delicious flavored rices that pair perfectly with red beans and rice:
Jalapeno Cilantro Rice: This Mexican-inspired dish is made with jalapenos, cilantro, and white rice. It adds a spicy kick to any red beans and rice dish!
Basmati Rice: Basmati is an Indian-style long grain white rice that has a nutty flavor and light, fluffy texture. It’s perfect for serving with a red beans and rice dish.
Mushroom Rice: This flavorful dish is made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and white or brown rice. It adds an earthy depth of flavor to any red beans and rice.
Coconut Curry Rice: This exotic dish is made with coconut milk, curry powder, onions, garlic, and white or brown rice. The combination of creamy coconut milk and fragrant curry powder makes it the perfect side for any red beans and rice dish.
Lemon Herb Rice: This zesty side dish is made with lemon zest, herbs like parsley or cilantro, butter or olive oil, and white or brown rice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any red beans and rice dish!
Tasty Dips to Accompany the Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice is a classic Southern dish that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make. To complement this traditional dish, serve a delicious dip on the side. Here are some tasty dips to try:
Hummus: Hummus is a creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and olive oil. Serve it with crackers or raw vegetables like carrots or celery.
Mango Chutney: Mango chutney is a sweet-and-spicy condiment made from mangoes, sugar, vinegar, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. It’s great served with chips or pita bread.
Tzatziki: Tzatziki is a Greek dip made from yogurt blended with cucumbers, garlic, dill weed, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve it with warm pita wedges for dipping.
Guacamole: Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that’s full of flavor from lime juice and spices like cumin and chili powder. Scoop it up with tortilla chips for an extra crunchy treat.
Salsa: Salsa can be mild or spicy depending on what you add to it. Common ingredients include tomatoes (or tomato sauce), onions, peppers (such as jalapenos), garlic, cilantro leaves, and lime juice. Serve salsa with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
Making Red Beans and Rice Delicious
Red beans and rice is a classic dish in many cultures. It is simple to make, but can be made even better with the addition of sauces. Here are some easy sauces you can use to enhance the flavor of your red beans and rice.
Barbecue Sauce: Barbecue sauce is a classic way to add some extra flavor to your red beans and rice. You can use store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce, depending on your preference. If you plan to make your own, try experimenting with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile.
Tahini Sauce: Tahini is a creamy paste made from sesame seeds that has a nutty flavor. It’s great for adding extra creaminess and depth of flavor to your red beans and rice. To make tahini sauce, simply mix tahini with some lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is another great way to add some extra flavor to red beans and rice. Try making your own tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes for convenience. Add some garlic, onion, herbs, and spices for an even more flavorful sauce.
Cilantro Pesto: Cilantro pesto is a great way to add a zesty kick to your red beans and rice dish. To make it, simply blend together cilantro leaves, olive oil, garlic cloves, pine nuts or walnuts (optional), parmesan cheese (optional), salt, and pepper until it reaches a smooth consistency. For an even more flavorful pesto sauce try adding jalapenos for heat or cumin for smokiness!
Avocado Cream Sauce: Avocado cream sauce is another delicious way to liven up your red beans and rice dish! Simply blend together avocados with greek yogurt or sour cream (or both!), garlic cloves, lime juice (or lemon juice), cilantro leaves (or parsley), salt and pepper until you reach the desired texture of creaminess!
Conclusion
Red beans and rice is a classic dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal or side dish. It is a flavorful and nutritious combination of protein, carbohydrates, and spices. To complete this traditional dish, one should choose sides that complement the flavors in the beans and rice. Consider adding a leafy green salad or steamed vegetables to provide additional nutrients. A side of fried plantains or cornbread can add sweetness and texture. Finally, adding a few slices of hot pepper can spice up the meal even more. Red beans and rice is an excellent dish that will satisfy any appetite with its variety of flavors and textures.
With careful consideration, you can find the perfect side dishes to accompany your red beans and rice for an enjoyable meal that everyone will love!