Explore this comprehensive list of 21 authentic Mexican side dishes so you never run out of ideas. Each recipe is carefully curated to offer a variety of tastes and textures, from hearty Chorizo and Potato Tacos to refreshing Sopa de Lima. Whether you’re planning a festive fiesta or looking to diversify your weekly meal rotation, this collection has something for everyone.
1 Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
A Delicious Variation
A delicious take on the popular Mexican street food, Esquites, this salad features charred corn kernels tossed in a creamy sauce. It’s savory, tangy, and slightly spicy. With the addition of cotija cheese and cilantro, this dish delivers a satisfying mix of flavors.
A Perfect Companion Dish
Mexican Street Corn Salad makes a fantastic companion to your main dish. Serve it with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats to enhance the overall meal experience. It’s a vibrant side dish that perfectly complements Mexican cuisine.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize this dish according to your preferences. Add in more spice, more cheese, or more cilantro to make it suit your palate. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for personal tweaks.
Check this recipe here.
2 Refried Beans
A Staple of Mexican Cuisine
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They’re creamy, flavorful, and a perfect addition to any Mexican meal. Made by mashing cooked pinto beans and frying them in lard or oil, refried beans bring a hearty, satisfying element to your table.
Pairs With Any Dish
Refried beans are versatile and pair well with just about any Mexican dish. Use them as a side dish for your tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. They can also serve as a delicious dip for your tortilla chips.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to spice up your refried beans with additions like jalapeños, cheese, or spices. Personalize this recipe to make it your own and to suit your individual taste.
Check this recipe here.
3 Mexican Rice
An Essential Side Dish
Mexican rice is a traditional and essential side dish in Mexican cuisine. It’s full of flavor from a mix of vegetables and spices and gets its distinct color from tomato sauce or paste. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a delicious harmony of flavors.
Perfectly Complements Any Meal
This rice side dish goes perfectly with a wide array of Mexican dishes, from tacos to enchiladas to fajitas. It’s an excellent accompaniment that adds a delightful, carb-filled touch to any meal.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to modify the recipe according to your taste. Add vegetables like peas and carrots, or mix in some heat with chili peppers. This versatile side dish can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Check this recipe here.
4 Pico de Gallo
A Fresh and Flavorful Salsa
Pico de Gallo is a fresh, uncooked salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, fresh serranos, salt, and lime juice. It’s bright, fresh, and a perfect side dish for any Mexican meal.
Perfect for Dipping or Topping
This refreshing salsa is perfect for dipping chips into or using as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. The fresh flavors of Pico de Gallo complement spicy and savory foods beautifully.
Personalize Your Salsa
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. If you like a spicier salsa, add more serrano peppers. If you prefer a milder salsa, omit the peppers and add more tomatoes.
Check this recipe here.
5 Chiles Rellenos
A Classic Mexican Side Dish
Chiles Rellenos are a classic Mexican side dish made by stuffing large chili peppers with cheese or meat, battering them, and then frying them. The result is a beautifully rich and flavorful side dish that will delight your taste buds.
Read also: 23 Sides For Roast Beef
Perfect For Spicing Up Your Meal
These stuffed peppers add a nice spice to any Mexican meal. They’re the perfect side to serve with more mild dishes as they add a delightful heat and contrasting texture.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your personal preferences. You can experiment with different fillings like ground beef, beans, or even fruits and nuts for a unique twist.
Check this recipe here.
6 Mexican Coleslaw
A Vibrant Side Dish
This isn’t your typical coleslaw. Mexican Coleslaw is a vibrant and tangy side dish that brings together shredded cabbage, carrots, and radishes, tossed in a lime and cilantro vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, crisp, and a perfect contrast to heavier Mexican dishes.
Ideal for Picnics and Barbecues
This coleslaw is ideal for picnics and barbecues as it can withstand outdoor temperatures much better than its mayo-laden counterparts. It’s also an excellent side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or barbecued meats.
Tailor it to Your Preference
This Mexican Coleslaw is easy to adjust based on your tastes. You could add some heat with a few diced jalapeños, or mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet corn.
Check this recipe here.
7 Guacamole
A Mexican Classic
Guacamole is a classic Mexican dish made from ripe avocados, cilantro, lime, onion, and jalapeño. It’s creamy, tangy, and spicy all at once, making it a delightful accompaniment to any Mexican meal.
A Versatile Side
Guacamole can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos and burritos, or even as a spread on a sandwich. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a must-have side dish in any Mexican meal.
Adaptable to Your Liking
Feel free to adapt this guacamole recipe to suit your taste. Add more jalapeño for a spicier kick, or include some diced tomatoes for added freshness and texture.
Check this recipe here.
8 Black Bean Salad
A Healthy and Flavorful Side
This Mexican Black Bean Salad combines black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado in a zesty lime dressing. It’s a protein-packed, fiber-rich side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Great for Lunch or Dinner
This salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of Mexican main dishes like enchiladas, tacos, or grilled meats.
Easily Customizable
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Add in other vegetables, switch up the dressing, or sprinkle in some additional spices to make this salad your own.
Check this recipe here.
9 Churros
A Sweet Mexican Side
Churros are a sweet side dish that could double as dessert. These deep-fried pastries are rolled in cinnamon sugar and often served with a side of chocolate for dipping. They’re the perfect way to round off a Mexican meal or to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
Perfect For Celebrations
Churros are great for birthdays, parties, or any festive occasion. They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content
Feel free to get creative with your churros. Dip them in caramel sauce, drizzle them with chocolate, or even fill them with cream for a decadent twist. The options are endless.
Check this recipe here.
10 Cilantro Lime Rice
A Flavorful and Fragrant Side
Cilantro Lime Rice is a delicious and fragrant side dish that’s easy to make. The tangy lime and fresh cilantro give a wonderful flavor to the rice, making it a perfect companion to any Mexican dish.
Versatile Side Dish
This rice can be served as a side dish with a variety of Mexican foods like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. It can also be used as a filling for burritos or wraps.
Adapt it to Your Tastes
Feel free to modify the recipe to suit your preference. You can use brown rice for a healthier twist or add some diced veggies for added nutrition and texture.
Check this recipe here.
11 Tostones (Fried Plantains)
A Deliciously Crispy Side
Tostones, or fried plantains, are a popular side dish in many Latin American countries, including Mexico. They’re twice-fried to achieve a crispy outside and a soft inside, making them a wonderful combination of textures.
Perfect for Any Meal
These crispy plantains can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serve them with a savory breakfast, as a side dish for lunch or dinner, or even as a snack with a tangy dipping sauce.
Customizable to Your Preferences
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt for a classic version, or top them with cheese, garlic sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice for a unique twist.
Check this recipe here.
12 Mexican Quinoa Salad
A Nutritious and Flavorful Side
This Mexican Quinoa Salad combines quinoa with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a protein-packed, fiber-rich side dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ideal for Health-Conscious Eaters
This salad is a great option for those looking for a healthy yet tasty side dish. It’s packed with plant-based protein and is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize this salad to suit your tastes. You can add in other veggies, swap out the dressing, or sprinkle in some crumbled cheese for added creaminess.
Check this recipe here.
13 Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
A Comforting Mexican Soup
Sopa de Fideo is a traditional Mexican noodle soup. Made with thin pasta cooked in a tomato-based broth, this soup is warming, comforting, and a perfect side dish for any Mexican meal.
Ideal for Any Weather
Whether it’s cold outside and you’re seeking some warmth or you simply crave a comforting meal, Sopa de Fideo hits the spot. It’s a perfect side dish that can easily transition to a light main course.
Adapt to Your Preferences
This soup is adaptable to your personal preferences. Feel free to add some shredded chicken or vegetables to make it more substantial, or spice it up with some chopped chili peppers for a kick.
Check this recipe here.
14 Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)
A Unique Mexican Side Dish
Ensalada de Nopales, or Cactus Salad, is a unique and traditional Mexican side dish. The nopales (cactus paddles) are cooked and mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a tangy dressing. This salad is as refreshing as it is nutritious.
A Conversation Starter
This cactus salad will be a conversation starter at your dinner table. It’s not every day you get to eat cacti! Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors and textures to your meal.
Adapt it to Your Tastes
Feel free to adapt the salad to your liking. You can add crumbled cheese, diced avocado, or even some grilled shrimp for a more filling dish.
Check this recipe here.
15 Chorizo and Potato Tacos
A Flavor-Packed Side Dish
These Chorizo and Potato Tacos make a delicious side dish or a small meal on their own. The combination of spicy chorizo and hearty potatoes wrapped in a warm tortilla is undeniably satisfying.
Perfect for Any Meal
Serve these tacos for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re hearty enough to be a meal on their own but can also complement other Mexican dishes as a side.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like avocado, cheese, or salsa. You could also swap the chorizo for a vegetarian option like beans.
Check this recipe here.
16 Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
A Delightful Street Food Classic
Elote, or Mexican Street Corn, is a popular Mexican snack that’s both sweet and savory. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered in creamy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and given a burst of flavor with chili powder and lime.
Perfect for Barbecues
Elote is a perfect side dish for barbecues and summer gatherings. The smoky flavor from the grilled corn combined with the creamy, cheesy topping is absolutely irresistible.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to adapt the Elote to suit your taste. You can adjust the amount of chili powder, use different types of cheese, or add other spices for your own unique twist.
Check this recipe here.
17 Salsa Verde
A Zesty and Versatile Sauce
Salsa Verde is a tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, chilies, and cilantro. It’s a versatile side dish that can be used as a sauce, a dip, or even a marinade.
Read also: 21 Leftover Taco Meat Recipes
Perfect for a Variety of Dishes
Salsa Verde is perfect for a variety of dishes. Drizzle it over tacos, use it as a dip for chips, or spoon it over grilled meats or veggies.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Feel free to customize this salsa to suit your tastes. You can adjust the heat, add extra herbs, or even mix in some avocado for a creamy version.
Check this recipe here.
18 Queso Fundido
A Cheesy Mexican Delight
Queso Fundido is a hot melted cheese dip often mixed with sautéed onions and chilies. It’s a delightful side dish or appetizer that cheese lovers won’t be able to resist.
Perfect for Parties
This cheesy dip is a hit at parties and gatherings. Serve it with a pile of tortilla chips for a perfect snack that guests can dig into.
Add Your Favorite Ingredients
Feel free to customize your Queso Fundido by adding cooked chorizo, mushrooms, or even a scoop of chunky salsa.
Check this recipe here.
19 Tostadas
A Versatile Mexican Side Dish
Tostadas are crispy fried or baked tortillas that are typically topped with refried beans, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sour cream.
Ideal for Light Meals or Appetizers
Tostadas make a great side dish or a light meal on their own. Their crunchiness and versatility make them a hit with everyone.
Customizable to Your Tastes
You can top tostadas with virtually anything you like, from different types of meats and cheeses to a variety of vegetables.
Check this recipe here.
20 Mexican Cornbread
A Savory Side Dish
Mexican Cornbread is a savory side dish that’s slightly sweet, moist, and spicy. It’s made with cornmeal, cheese, and often includes jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Perfect for Soups and Chilis
This cornbread is a perfect side dish to accompany soups, chilis, or stews. Its spicy flavor and satisfying texture make it a delightful addition to any meal.
Experiment with Ingredients
You can add additional ingredients to the cornbread, like cooked corn kernels, green onions, or different types of cheese.
Check this recipe here.
21 Sopa de Lima (Lime Soup)
A Refreshing Mexican Soup
Sopa de Lima, or Lime Soup, is a traditional Mexican soup that’s both refreshing and comforting. It typically includes shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a generous amount of tangy lime juice.
Perfect for Any Weather
This soup is perfect for any weather, providing a warming effect during the colder months and a refreshing, tangy flavor during the warmer seasons.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to customize your Sopa de Lima by adding other vegetables, using different proteins, or adjusting the level of spice to suit your preferences.
Check this recipe here.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through Mexican cuisine and that you’re inspired to try these exciting side dishes. Remember, cooking is an art that thrives on creativity, so feel free to adapt these recipes to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs. Whether it’s adjusting the level of spice in the Chiles Rellenos or adding a twist to the classic Guacamole, each dish is an opportunity to express your culinary flair.
So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Mexico, one side dish at a time. Happy cooking!