Sides, Not Just Dips: What Goes With Empanadas For a Complete Plate (Salads, Rice, Plantains)
It always starts the same way: A warm empanada in your hand, steam curling out the corner, crispy edges begging you to take that first bite. Bliss.
But then something’s missing. Not flavor, not heat, but balance. The crunch wants a little coolness. The savory wants something bright. The heat wants a creamy friend.
Because when you’re piecing together dinner, a party spread, or a “forget cooking, I’m ordering in” situation, you want a plate that feels layered, textured, satisfying. A little fresh. A little cozy.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through smart pairings: the salads that cut through richness, the rice & beans that anchor your meal, the plantains that swing sweet-savory magic, plus plating shortcuts and even reheating tips so everything still tastes like it just came out of the kitchen.
Build A Balanced Plate: The 4-Element Framework
Empanadas are the headliner, yes, but every great headliner needs a supporting cast.
Think of a complete plate like this:
Crunch & Heat: empanadas, tostones.
Fresh & Bright: citrusy salads, slaws, pickled veg.
Comfort & Carbs: rice, beans, yuca, maybe even arepas.
Creamy & Cool: avocado slices, crema-style sauces, yogurt-lime drizzle.
Mix at least two of these, and your plate suddenly goes from “oh that was good” to “I need to recreate this every week.”
Different fillings love different partners:
Pork & beef shine when you add acid and freshness.
Chicken loves creamy brightness + a squeeze of lime.
Veggie & vegan fillings pop with bold sauces + carbs that soak up flavor.
It’s basically edible harmony.
Salads That Actually Stand Up To Empanadas
Some salads wilt under pressure. Not these. These salads know exactly why they’re here: to balance, brighten, and crunch.
Citrus-Avocado Romaine
Cold, crisp romaine. Creamy avocado. That lime-lemon vinaigrette that pricks your tongue just enough. A few slivers of radish and red onion, and boom, it gives you an instant lift.
Perfect next to Pernil or cheesesteak empanada, when you want something refreshing on the side.
Tomato-Cucumber Pico Bowl
Chunky, lightly salted, a little jalapeño warmth: this is the spoonable, salsa-ish bowl that dances beautifully with chicken or spinach-cheese empanadas. It’s like sunshine on your plate.
Shaved Cabbage Slaw
Vinegary, crunchy, fragrant with cilantro: this one stays crisp, even after a commute to your couch. Ideal for office lunches or game-night spreads. Pro move: keep dressings on the side so your empanadas stay crispy, not soggy.
Rice & Beans: The Satisfying Base
Maybe you’re hungry-hungry. Or feeding a crowd. This is where rice and beans come in, steady and dependable, giving every bite a soft landing.
Yellow or Cilantro-Lime Rice
Fluffy grains that soak up every last drip of sauce. Perfect next to saucy carne mechada or slow-roasted Pernil.
Black or Pinto Beans
Creamy, earthy, protein-packed. Spoon them next to your empanadas and take alternating bites; you’ll suddenly feel like you planned a whole meal.
A little pickled onion never hurt anybody, either.
Plate Tip: Fan your empanadas over the rice like a chef on TV. Beans get their own ramekin. Makes everything easier to share, scoop, and eat.
Plantains: Sweet, Savory, or Extra-Crisp
Plantains could easily steal the show. Soft and sweet or golden and crunchy, either way, they’re magic.
Maduros (Sweet)
Caramelized edges, buttery middle. A drizzle of lime? Game over. Pair with salty cheese or spicy meats and just enjoy the balance.
Tostones (Twice-Fried)
Crunchy little coins that practically demand dipping. Garlic sauce is their best friend.
Mash-Ups
Chop maduros and toss them into rice bowls for juicy, sweet pops. Use tostones as “chips” for dips or beans. If anyone judges you, find new friends.
More Sides Worth Adding
Because empanadas love company.
Yuca Fries: thick, crispy, and perfect with garlic-cilantro sauce.
Street-Style Corn (Elote vibe): cheese, lime, chili… need we say more?
Arepas (Mini or Split): gluten-friendly, warm, handheld.
Green Beans or Roasted Veg: color + crunch without heaviness.
It’s all about contrast.
Sauces Are Support: Not The Whole Story
Yes, empanada sauce matters; we’re not monsters. But the point of sides is to help the flavors shine, not drown them.
Favorites:
Guacamole: Bright, herby, avocado-forward. Perfect for rich meats.
Chimichurri: Heat + acidity that wakes everything up.
Chipotle Mayo: Creamy, dreamy, balanced fried + cheesy fillings.
If you’re doing takeout, ask for sauces on the side as a thumb rule.
Complete Plate Combos (Just Copy These)
When in doubt, steal our homework.
Classic Beef Plate: 2 beef empanadas, yellow rice, black beans, cabbage slaw, and hot sauce.
Chicken & Greens: 2 chicken empanadas, citrus-avocado salad, tostones, and guasacaca.
Veg-Friendly Trio: Spinach/cheese or vegan empanadas, cilantro-lime rice, pinto beans, tomato-cucumber bowl, and aji.
Late-Night Comfort: Pernil empanadas, sweet maduros, rice & beans, and pickled onions.
Zero wrong answers here.
Hosting & Office Ordering: How Much To Get
If you’re feeding a crew:
With sides, plan approx. 2 empanadas per person for lunch.
For dinner, especially hungry groups: 3 each.
Rice/beans: ½ cup per person.
Plantains: 4-6 pieces per person.
Label your trays. Keep veg/vegan separate. Have a set of “no-spice” options for the cautious friend in every group. They’ll thank you.
Reheating & Holding Without Sog
Leftovers or staggered arrivals? No worries.
Empanadas + tostones: 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Rice/beans: splash of water = cover = warm = fluff.
Salads: Keep them undressed until serving.
Everything tastes better when you treat it right.
Where This Fits Into NYC Life
Lunch sets. Pre-show plates near Hell’s Kitchen. Late-shift pick-me-ups. Desk dinners.
Whatever your night looks like, you can build a full meal that eats like a feast.
Empanada Mama has all your delicious go-to salads, plantains, rice & beans, and arepas to round out any order, especially when you want something more than “just a dip.”
Build Your Plate, Your Way
Start with your favorite filling. Add something fresh. Pick a comfort side. Finish with a sauce that makes it all sing.
That’s it. A full plate: balanced, warm, happy.
Ready? Order ahead for Fast Pickup from Empanada Mama and build the plate you’ve been craving all day. Because sides aren’t an afterthought, they’re the main character here.