This article was updated on 8th August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your black bean burgers, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 33 of the most popular side dishes for black bean burgers.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with black bean burgers are brioche buns, sweet potato fries, and Mexican street corn salad. You can also try garlic herb cauliflower rice, cilantro coleslaw, herb-infused mashed potatoes, pineapple salsa, grilled guacamole, and pickled red onions.
Brioche buns
These brioche buns are the fluffiest burger buns you’ll ever have.
The trick is adding a flour-based slurry to the dough called tangzhong. Olivia talks about the science behind this magical ingredient, but the only thing you need to know is this keeps the buns soft for days.
Load these buns with your black bean burgers, slaw, and your favorite condiments for a healthy “fake-out” meal.
Why we love this recipe: the buns will make your kitchen smell amazing while they’re baking.
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Brioche buns
Go Greek
Pita bread
Make it low-carb
Keto cloud bread
Baked sweet potato fries
Ever wonder why homemade sweet potato fries never turn out as crispy as the ones you get in restaurants?
You’re probably not coating them with cornstarch! A dusting of cornstarch will absorb any extra moisture from the sweet potatoes, helping them crisp up as they bake.
Psst… don’t forget the dip. I like garlic aioli, but you can also try sriracha mayo for some heat.
Why we love this recipe: these fries will be gone in a flash.
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Baked sweet potato fries
Make it low-carb
Parmesan zucchini fries
Skip the oven
Twice-fried French fries
Cilantro coleslaw
This slaw is a great way to add a fresh, crunchy bite to your black bean burgers.
Instead of the standard mayonnaise, this slaw has a zesty dressing made with only three ingredients: lime, agave, and olive oil. But if you’re missing that signature creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of mayo to the dressing.
Why we love this recipe: it’s healthier than traditional recipes.
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Cilantro coleslaw
Skip the cabbage
Cucumber jicama slaw
Stick with the basics
Classic coleslaw
Quick pickled red onions
Pickled red onions are an excellent condiment for black bean burgers. Aside from a pop of vibrant pink color, they have a tart, tangy bite that complements your burgers’ savory flavor.
This recipe sticks with a traditional sugar-vinegar brine, but you can also jazz it up with other ingredients like chili flakes or fresh garlic cloves for added flavor.
These onions are a breeze to make and involve very little hands-on cooking. Although you do need to wait for a few hours before digging in to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Why we love this recipe: it requires minimal hands-on cooking.
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Quick pickled red onions
Make it spicy
Habanero relish
Make a classic
Easy pickle relish
Garlic herb cauliflower rice
Riced cauliflower is one of my go-to low-carb alternatives for rice. It’s got a soft and chewy texture, and it will soak up any flavors you add to it.
Oh Sweet Basil’s recipe goes with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice. These add-ons infuse the cauliflower rice with a bright, herby flavor that pairs well with your black bean burgers.
Pro-tip: you can use frozen riced cauliflower or grate a whole head from scratch using a food processor.
Why we love this recipe: you won’t feel guilty about having seconds of this faux rice dish.
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Garlic herb cauliflower rice
Another alternative
Quinoa Spanish rice
Go back to basics
Rice pilaf
Grilled guacamole
Jazz up your black bean burgers with this upgraded guacamole.
It’s a bit more involved than the usual recipe because you have to grill the avocados, jalapenos, onions, and lime. But this extra step adds a smokiness that blends so well with the guac’s traditional zesty flavor.
Why we love this recipe: it’s way better than a store-bought tub.
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Grilled guacamole
Make it healthier
Kale guacamole
Skip the avocados
Green pea guacamole
Sauteed mushrooms
Want more umami goodness with your black bean burgers? These sauteed mushrooms are the perfect addition.
They’re sauteed with a balsamic and brown sugar glaze, giving them a delicious sweet-salty flair.
The process for making this side dish is straightforward, but always remember to dry the mushrooms before frying. This ensures they caramelize properly.
Why we love this recipe: all the required ingredients are basic pantry staples.
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Sauteed mushrooms with balsamic glaze
Make it different
Caramelized onions and mushrooms
Add an Italian twist
Garlic mushrooms with sun-dried tomatoes
Mexican street corn salad
This salad is an easier, less messy way to enjoy Mexican street corn (elotes).
The kernels are sliced off and tossed with all the usual fixings – cotija cheese, mayo, cilantro, jalapenos, and limes. You can serve them in little cups or in a big bowl, which allows everyone to load up their plates to their heart’s desire.
Enjoy this creamy salad on the side of your black bean burger for a delicious Tex-Mex meal.
Why we love this recipe: leftovers will last you for days.
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Mexican street corn salad
Fire up the stovetop
Calabacitas
Make it Italian-inspired
Summer corn Caprese salad
Pineapple salsa
This pineapple salsa is the way to go if you want a unique topping for your black bean burgers. It’s sweet, spicy, and oh-so-refreshing.
The only downside is that this is a summer-only recipe because you need to use fresh pineapples. I’ve tried making it with the canned stuff once and it didn’t turn out as well.
Why we love this recipe: it will add some tropical flair to your dinner.
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Pineapple salsa
Skip the mangos
Kiwi and avocado salsa
Back to basics
Pico de gallo
Herb-infused mashed potatoes
This mashed potato recipe is genius! It calls for boiling the heavy cream with herbs and aromatics which infuses it with loads of flavor that are then mixed into the mash.
Cooking Therapy uses a blend of shallot, garlic, and thyme, but you can also use rosemary, sage, and even yellow onions.
Want to know the best potatoes to use for mash? Go for russet potatoes. They’re high in starch so result in the fluffiest texture.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for regular and special occasion dinners.
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Herb-infused mashed potatoes
Preheat the oven
Cheesy baked mashed potatoes
Make it different
Scalloped potatoes
Marinated vegetarian pasta salad
Craving a hearty side dish that won’t weigh you down as you enjoy your dinner? This colorful pasta salad fits the bill.
As the name suggests, this recipe involves marinating roasted or grilled veggies before tossing them with the pasta and dressing. It’s a simple extra step that infuses this salad with lots of smokey flavors.
Another pro-tip that recipe creator Nagi shares is to use pasta cooking water in the dressing to keep this salad juicy even after a few days.
Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect for making ahead.
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Marinated vegetarian pasta salad
Make it different
Mediterranean tortellini pasta with pesto
Make it basic
Macaroni salad
What To Serve With Black Bean Burgers [33 Ideas]
Ingredients
- 1 portion baked sweet potato fries
- 1 portion herb-infused mashed potatoes
- 1 portion Mexican street corn salad
- 1 portion quick pickled red onions
- 1 portion garlic herb cauliflower rice
- 1 portion sauteed mushrooms
- … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your black bean burgers according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: brioche buns, baked sweet potato fries, cilantro coleslaw, quick pickled red onions, garlic herb cauliflower rice, grilled guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, Mexican street corn salad, pineapple salsa, and herb-infused mashed potatoes, marinated vegetarian pasta salad
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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