What To Serve With Dirty Rice: 17 Best Sides!

Dreaming of a Southern inspired feast for dinner, and looking for recipe ideas for what to serve with dirty rice? 

Whether you’re in the mood for something light, healthy, and refreshing, or you want something utterly indulgent for a special treat, this compilation has got you covered. 

Cajun dirty rice is a dish that can be traced way back to the plantation days in Louisiana.

If you had a big family of people to feed and access to limited resources, you’d often take a pan of abundantly available white rice and chuck in whatever else you had to hand. 

Small pieces of meat, veggies, and spices were commonplace, and the result was a big pan of deliciousness that could feed a hungry crowd. 

The beautiful flavours and filling nature of the meal means that dirty rice is still popular with home cooks today.

For a real feast, you might want to add some of these sides and accompaniments. 

Just want to get the quick and straight-to-the-point answer? 

No worries! 

Some of the best choices for what to serve with dirty rice include coleslaw, cornbread, okra summer salad, hush puppies, refried beans and crackers, Mexican corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, and Cajun blackened shrimp. 

Read on to discover more ideas, as well as easy to follow recipes… 

1. Coleslaw 

Coleslaw is colourful, crunchy, and super easy to make. 

Just chop up carrots, onions, cabbage, and dress with a simple mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

If you need a little extra sweetness, add a little sugar or honey. 

If you don’t like the idea of having to prepare a ton of dishes at the same time, coleslaw is a great option.

You can make it in advance and just pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to serve dinner. 

2. Corn bread 

There’s something so comforting and welcoming about having a big chunk of bread in the middle of the table at dinner time. 

Most evenings, I make sure there’s some bread on offer so everyone can tuck in if they’re feeling extra hungry. 

To serve with dirty rice, cornbread is a fabulous choice.

It’s slightly sweet and slightly savoury, and it’s usually a little sour thanks to soured cream or buttermilk being included in the ingredients. 

Making your own cornbread only takes 25 minutes from start to finish, and everyone will love the crispy crust and delightfully fluffy centre! 

3. Okra summer salad 

This okra summer salad includes some beautiful summer crops, including okra (of course!), tomatoes, sweetcorn, black beans, onion, and avocado. 

This bright salad really lightens any meal, and gives you a great opportunity to serve up plenty of veggies for your family. 

Never tried okra before?

It has a unique, mild, slightly grassy flavour and it’s often likened to aubergine or green beans.

When served raw it has a satisfying crunch, so it’s a lovely way to bring some exciting textures to your dinner plate. 

4. Hush puppies 

Hush puppies are another brilliant side dish for Cajun dirty rice.

These tasty little bites are best served hot, and you can think of them like moreish savoury doughnuts.  

They’re crispy on the outside and tender and chewy inside, and thanks to a combination of spices including paprika and garlic powder, they’re anything but bland. 

They’re best when they’re deep fried, and there’s no denying that this a cooking technique that not everyone is comfortable with.

But if you have the time available, they’re well worth the little bit of mess that they’ll create! 

(If you love Cajun cuisine, you’ll also love what to serve with blackened chicken). 

5. Refried beans and crackers 

Refried beans and crackers are a fun choice for what to serve with dirty rice if you like to enjoy an appetiser with your family before you dish up the main course. 

Interestingly, ‘refried’ in this context doesn’t mean that the beans have been cooked twice. 

The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish – frijoles refritos – which literally means ‘well fried’.

You cook them in water first to soften, and then fry just the once in a hot pan with plenty of seasoning. 

The result is fairly similar to hummus, and it’s perfect for dipping crackers and crudités. 

6. Mexican corn on the cob 

Corn on the cob is so much fun to eat, and it’s a wonderful way to get kids more interested in eating their veggies!

Make your corn even more delicious by dressing with a range of toppings.

I like to make Mexican inspired cobs by adding sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, chilli powder, and plenty of fresh herbs. 

7. Broccoli salad 

I absolutely adore the texture of raw broccoli, and I think it’s one of the single most underrated ingredients that you can use in a salad. 

Don’t worry about following a recipe for this one, and instead, just use any veggies that you might already have in your fridge.

A few ideas include grated carrot, thinly sliced peppers, raw chopped garlic, and red onion. 

The texture of a raw salad works really well with the tender morsels of dirty rice, and it’s a quick side dish to prepare on a busy evening. 

8. Sweet potato fries 

Who doesn’t love a portion of fries with their evening meal? 

Give a nod to the South by making sweet potato fries.

I simply chop up potatoes, drizzle with vegetable oil, and bake in the oven for around 25 minutes or until cooked through.

They’re also fabulous when made in an air fryer. 

Add plenty of seasoning, including your favourite chopped herbs. 

9. Cajun chicken wings 

Here’s another option for what to serve with dirty rice that I think you’ll love. 

These grilled Cajun wings are oven baked and tossed with a delicious savoury Buffalo sauce.

Baking powder is used to give a satisfying crispy finish, so you aren’t missing out on anything if you prefer not to fry. 

Wings make great party food and they’re so right for sharing, so make a batch of these when you have the whole family round to your place for dinner. 

10. Cajun blackened shrimp 

Don’t be fooled into thinking you need a load of time on your hands to be able to create impressive, restaurant standard side dishes for your dirty rice. 

If you have just 10 minutes, you can make this amazing Cajun blackened shrimp recipe! 

I prefer to use the pan fried method here, as it’s super convenient and you’ll have just one pan to wash up afterwards. 

For perfectly cooked shrimp every time, remember that you shouldn’t overcrowd the pan.

If necessary, cook in batches so each and every bite is just right! 

11. Buttermilk biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern side that pair perfectly with dirty rice. 

They’re soft, buttery, flakey, and delicious, and they can be ready to serve in just 35 minutes. 

12. Old fashioned green beans

Bacon and green beans are absolutely wonderful when served together, and this recipe for old fashion green beans is simple, nutritious, and the perfect addition to your dirty rice dinner. 

The secret ingredient which really makes this recipe sing is the soy sauce, so don’t be tempted to leave it out. 

It brings a fantastic savoury element to the dish, as well as adding depth of colour. 

13. Garden tomato salad

A simple tomato salad takes hardly any time to prepare, but when tomatoes are in season where you live, it can be a real showstopper of a side dish! 

I like to use a variety of coloured tomatoes wherever possible, and I drizzle with a little high quality olive oil, and season with plenty of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. 

Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavour and colour. 

14. Southern banana pudding

Fancy enjoying a sweet treat after your dirty rice? 

Sample an authentic Southern choice by making this impressive banana pudding! 

It consists of rich and creamy layers of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas, all topped with light and airy meringue. 

15. German chocolate cake

Who can resist a generous slice of chocolate cake? 

This German chocolate cake recipe is another Southern classic, and it’s an option for what to serve with dirty rice that’ll definitely be a huge hit with your dinner guests. 

16. Peach crumble

There are few desserts that are as simple and as satisfying as a peach crumble, served with either vanilla ice cream or a generous pouring of cream! 

Choose this option during the summer months when peaches are at their very best. 

17. Blackberry cobbler

My final suggestion for what to serve with dirty rice is another comfort food classic, and perfect if you have a sweet tooth. 

This blackberry cobbler is sweet and juicy with a satisfyingly crisp golden crust, and it’s great served with custard, cream, or ice cream, depending on your preferences. 

Pick a few of these side dish recipes to add to the table next time you make dirty rice, and you’re sure to have a meal to remember! 

Do you have favourite Southern inspired sides? Leave a comment and share your thoughts! 

By the way, if you love Southern food, be sure to also take a look at what to serve with biscuits and gravy!