The Rice Chick

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Breakfast
  • Main Meals
  • Desserts
  • Rice 101
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • Breakfast
  • Main Meals
  • Desserts
  • Rice 101
  • About
×
Home » Easy Rice Dishes For Dinner

What Sides Go with Red Beans and Rice

Mar 24, 2023 · Modified: Nov 27, 2023 by Emily · Leave a Comment

Jump to recipe

Red beans and rice is a delicious and adaptable dish that can be eaten on its own or as a side to many different types of meals.

Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it due to its mild flavor profile, which makes it the ideal canvas for side dishes with strong flavors.

If you’re wondering what sides go with red beans and rice, keep reading.

There is plenty of flavor combinations to choose from for your next meal!

Collection of images of recipes to serve with red beans and rice.
Jump to:
  • 18 Delicious Sides for Red Beans and Rice
  • FAQ
  • More Mains Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Red beans and rice go well with a variety of other dishes, which is one of their best qualities. Because the dish is generally mild, it can handle intense flavors without becoming overpowering.

Make a pot of red beans and rice the next time you want a filling and flavorful meal and serve it with some of these traditional Southern sides.

Red beans and rice are, unsurprisingly, the main components of red beans and rice.

Typically, the beans are cooked in a slow cooker for a long period of time with vegetables and seasonings like onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and bay leaves until they are soft and tender.

With a ladleful of the delicious bean broth typically placed on top, the rice is typically prepared separately and served with the beans.

The finished dish is nourishing, satisfying, and warm.

But sometimes it can be hard to know what sides go with red beans and rice.

Some classic sides for this delicious dish include cornbread, collard greens, andouille sausage, and even fried chicken.

But what if you are after something a little different, like spare ribs or pulled pork?

If you are stuck on ideas of what to serve with red beans and rice, keep reading because we’ve come up with some of our favorite side dishes to serve with rice and red beans just for you.

18 Delicious Sides for Red Beans and Rice

1. Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salsa

Close up image of black bean, corn, and avocado salsa on a white plate.

This salsa recipe combines the traditional trio of black beans, corn, and avocado with tangy lime juice and hot jalapeno peppers for a flavorful and fresh take on the classic dish.

This salsa is a hit and is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It's great for dipping with tortilla chips or spooning over red beans and rice.

Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salsa

2. Vegetarian Nachos

Vegetarian nachos with tortilla chips on a white plate.

Can’t get enough of beans?

Try these vegetarian nachos if you're looking for a flavorful, quick-to-prepare vegetarian snack or meal to serve with red beans and rice.

These nachos are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional nachos because they are made with fresh vegetables, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips.

Of course, you can skip the tortilla chips and enjoy these nachos over a bed of rice too.

Vegetarian Nachos

3. Dairy Free Coleslaw

Coleslaw on a white plate and grey napkin.

Crunchy salad anyone? This is a traditional BBQ side dish but it still goes great when served with red beans and rice. Coleslaw is tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing for a delicious side.

Dairy Free Coleslaw

4. Buttered Vegetables

Buttered vegetables in a blue bowl.

Do you want to give your vegetables some flavor?

Try this easy buttered vegetable recipe. A simple side dish can be transformed into a flavorful and filling addition to any meal with just a few simple ingredients.

It also a neutral side dish that balances out the flavors of the red beans and rice.

Buttered Vegetables

5. 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops

Close up image of pork chops garnished with chopped green onions.

Those looking for a quick and delicious meal that requires little preparation will love this recipe for 3-ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops.

Three simple ingredients and a slow cooker are all you need to quickly prepare tender, juicy pork chops.

3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops

6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas

Close up image of slow cooker pulled pork on a black plate.

Mexican-inspired pulled pork carnitas. Pork is slow cooked in a blend of spices until it is tender.

This soft and tender pork goes great over a bed of warm and fluffy red beans and rice.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas

7. Tinga De Pollo

Tinga de pollo in a metal serving dish with a fork.

This tinga de pollo recipe is sure to spicy up your dinner routine.

This chicken dish goes great with a side of red beans and rice as the flavors balance out perfectly.

This dish is great for anyone who loves bold flavors or is just looking for something different to eat.

It’s also easy to make.

Tinga De Pollo

8. Roasted Cajun Potatoes

Flavorful potatoes are roasted until crisp. They are also seasoned with a delicious blend of spices.

These roasted Cajun potatoes are a great addition to red beans and rice.

They add to the dishes mild flavors and can make the meal even more filling.

Roasted Cajun Potatoes

9. Fried Green Tomatoes

This Southern classic dish is made up of tangy, juicy green tomatoes that have been perfectly fried in a cornmeal batter.

These fried green tomatoes are a mouth-watering appetizer or side dish and come with a zesty dipping sauce.

Fried Green Tomatoes

10. Southern Fried Pork Chops

These Southern Fried Pork Chops are sure to become a family favorite thanks to their crispy, golden-brown coating and tender, juicy interior.

These pork chops, which are seasoned with a mixture of spices and cooked to perfection, are the definition of comfort food.

Southern Fried Pork Chops

11. Andouille Sausage

This fiery Louisianan sausage is great for giving a variety of dishes flavor.

Andouille sausage is ideal for jambalaya, gumbo, or even grilling on its own.

It is made with a mixture of pork and spices, including paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper.

Andouille Sausage

12. Cajun Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken. Perfect for a game day snack or a family dinner, this Cajun Fried Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Especially if you are serving red beans and rice as a gathering or party.

Cajun Fried Chicken

13. Cajun Pork Spare Ribs

These succulent and tender pork ribs are rubbed with a hot and flavorful rub made of paprika, brown sugar, and Cajun seasoning.

These Cajun Pork spare ribs, which are slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone, are ideal for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Cajun Pork Spare Ribs

14. Cochon de Lait (Cajun Pulled Pork)

This classic Cajun dish features perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy pulled pork. Cochon de Lait is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold flavors in their food.

It is seasoned with a combination of spices and served with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Cochon de Lait (Cajun Pulled Pork)

15. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Sour Cream Sauce

These smashed potatoes are the ideal side dish for any meal.

They are crispy and flavorful.

These potatoes are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves potatoes because they come with a tangy and decadent lemon garlic sour cream sauce.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Sour Cream Sauce

16. Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad

This flavorful salad is made up of fresh vegetables, salty halloumi cheese, sweet grilled corn, and a zesty dressing.

This Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad is sure to become a new favorite and is ideal for a nutritious lunch when served with red beans and rice.

Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad

17. Cornbread

Cornbread is a traditional Southern side dish that goes great with any meal.

This moist and flavorful cornbread, which is made with cornmeal, flour, and a little sugar, is ideal for soaking up the flavors of red beans and rice.

Cornbread

18. Collard Greens with Bacon

This Southern classic features flavorful, tender collard greens that have been cooked with bacon to give them extra richness and depth.

Collard Greens with Bacon is a must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional Southern cuisine.

It works well as a side dish or a main course when served with red beans and rice.

Collard Greens with Bacon

FAQ

What to eat with Spanish beans and rice?

When it comes to serving Spanish beans and rice there are a variety of different side dishes to choose from.

From coleslaw to fried halloumi, to andouille sausage and collard greens with bacon. Whatever flavors you are after there is something for you.

What vegetables go with red beans and rice?

There are many vegetables that go great with red beans and rice.

Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes or green beans go well with this dish. Steamed or buttered vegetables are another delicious option too.

Collage of images for side dishes to serve with red beans and rice.

More Mains Recipes

  • Chorizo Fried Rice
  • Hosomaki
  • Jeera Rice Recipe
  • Steak and Rice Recipes
  • Tuna Fried Rice
  • Spam Fried Rice Recipe
  • Sushi Bake Recipe
  • Chicken Rice Balls
  • Purple Korean Rice
  • Jajang Tteokbokki

Recipe

Collage of recipe images for sides that can be served with red beans and rice.

What Sides Go with Red Beans and Rice

Emily
Ever wondered what sides go with red beans and rice? There are plenty of delicious side dishes to choose from such as Cajun chicken and even pulled pork.
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
ESTIMATED COST : $5.90 or $0.98 a serve.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 serves
Calories 251 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salsa
  • Vegetarian Nachos
  • Dairy Free Coleslaw
  • Buttered Vegetables
  • 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas
  • Tinga De Pollo
  • Roasted Cajun Potatoes
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Southern Fried Pork Chops
  • Andouille Sausage
  • Cajun Fried Chicken
  • Cajun Pork Spare Ribs
  • Cochon de Lait (Cajun Pulled Pork)
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Sour Cream Sauce
  • Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad
  • Cornbread
  • Collard Greens with Bacon

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
  • Gather all the ingredients.
  • Follow the recipe directions and cook up something delicious to serve with red beans and rice.

Notes

Nutrition, serving size and cook times are based on the first recipe on the recipe card.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serveCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 106mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6g
Nutrition Disclosure
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it went!

More Easy Rice Dishes For Dinner

  • Close up image of turkey and rice.
    Ground Turkey and Rice
  • Close up image of beef bulgogi bibimbap.
    Bulgogi Bibimbap
  • Beef fried rice on a plate.
    Beef Bulgogi Fried Rice
  • Close up image of ground beef and rice in a white bowl.
    Rice and Ground Beef

Comments

No Comments

Join the Discussion Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Author image.

Hi, I'm Emily! There's much more to rice than just cooking it on the stove. It's so versatile and you can create so many beautiful dishes with it. From puddings and desserts to main meals and even finger foods. There is something for everyone!

More about me →

Popular

  • Rice paper croissants.
    Rice Paper Croissants
  • Close up image of Arborio rice in a glass bowl with a wooden scoop.
    Arborio Rice Substitutes
  • Close up image of arborio rice.
    What is Arborio Rice?
  • Close up image of sushi handrolls.
    What is sushi wrapped in?

Web Stories

  • Hosomaki
  • Arroz Doce
  • Easy Rice Recipes
  • Fried Rice Recipes
  • Mango Mochi

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Contact

  • Image Sharing Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact
  • About

Copyright © 2025 The Rice Chick