25 Tasty Mexican Side Dishes: Ideas For Your Next Meal
06 February 2025

Mexican-inspired sides are more than guacamole and beans. If you're wondering what Mexican side dishes to include with your Mexican dinner, one of the options on this list will spark some inspiration.
1. Jalapeno street corn
Jalapeno street corn is a mouthwatering side dish that features fresh sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a spicy paprika and jalapeno kick. It goes perfectly with street tacos during a warm summer cookout, and only takes about 30 minutes to make.
2. Mexican potato salad
This south-of-the-border potato salad gives a zesty twist to the classic version. This recipe combines cubed potatoes with black beans, green chiles, sour cream, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, and spices. It takes about 45 minutes to prep and bake, and goes well with a chicken or steak entree.
3. Chicken taquitos
This chicken taquito recipe gives its store-bought rival a run for its money. These are made with shredded chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy salsa blend that's rolled into tortillas and baked until crisp. You can serve them with soup or paired with another side on this list.
4. Roasted poblanos
Smoky roasted poblanos add flavor to sandwiches and salads, or make a great side to any protein-rich dish. For this recipe, you only need poblanos, salt, and pepper. Their flavor comes from roasting them in the oven or cooking them over an open flame if you have a gas stove.
5. Mexican green beans
Whether you follow a low-carb diet or are looking to add more vegetables in, this green bean side dish may become a new staple in your household. This recipe features tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin and fresh oregano. It comes together in 25 minutes and is a great go-to option with fish or grilled meats.
6. Roasted cauliflower
This gluten-free, vegan cauliflower might become your new favorite side dish. Cauliflower florets are tossed and roasted in spices until crispy, then are topped with lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and avocado. Serve this dish with tostadas, tacos, or with a salad.
7. Cilantro lime rice
If you're on the hunt for a side dish that pairs well with fajitas or tacos, try cilantro lime rice. The recipe contains only a few ingredients and is ready to serve in just 15 minutes.
8. Mexican rice
This Mexican rice recipe is a staple dish that's part of the Tex-Mex dinner line up. This rice contains chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic salt. The rice is nice and fluffy, making the perfect addition to your next enchilada or taco night.
9. Arroz verde
If you're looking to spice things up, create this arroz verde as your side dish to enchiladas or flautas. This recipe combines rice with chicken broth, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, cumin, and poblanos for spice. However, if you want to turn up the heat a little more, swap out your poblanos for hatch green chiles.
10. Instant black beans
Black beans are full of fiber and protein, making it a filling and healthy side dish to any entree. This recipe in particular is easy to make and bursting with flavor from various spices, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco. However, if you want to go above and beyond, you can add jalapeno, diced onions, or chili powder for extra zing.
11. Refried beans
You can't go wrong with a simple refried bean dish that's made with only five ingredients. All you need are pinto beans, an onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano. For extra flavor, add queso fresco or jalapenos on top. Serve with tacos, tamales, or burritos.
12. Bean salad
This Mexican bean salad is the perfect healthy plate that's dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. With black and kidney beans, veggies, avocado, and a spicy lime dressing, this dish is bursting with flavor. It takes 25 minutes to whip up, and is a great option for summer parties and barbecues
13. Mayo-free coleslaw
This light, refreshing coleslaw comes together in minutes, pairing well with fajitas and grilled meats. The recipe uses honey, canola oil, lime juice, hot sauce, and various spices to create the base, instead of opting for a creamy, mayo-based sauce. To fully marinate your coleslaw, refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to serving.
14. Street corn kale salad
If you're a fan of street corn but you want a lighter fare, try this street corn kale salad. It's made with massaged kale, fresh corn, onion, avocado, cotija, and topped with a creamy lime cilantro dressing. It's light, refreshing, and full of flavor, perfect for a summer barbeque.
15. Black bean soup
This black bean soup comes together in 45 minutes and is vegan and gluten-free. Plus, it only requires you to use canned black beans and everyday ingredients like veggie broth, onion, celery, and spices. After cooking and blending your ingredients, add cilantro, lime juice, and any other toppings you prefer to spice it up. You can serve this with any grilled meats for a high-protein meal.
16. Pico de gallo
This bright, fresh salsa can add a bit of color and flavor to any plate. Pico de gallo is made from ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and jalapenos for a bit of a bite. It's a type of salsa, but has a chunkier texture and fresher taste. After marinating your pico, add it to tacos, burritos, or bowls for additional flavor.
17. Salsa roja
This salsa roja recipe is easy, quick, and delicious. The recipe contains two types of tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, salt, limes, and cilantro. After roasting your vegetables, place your ingredients into a blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
18. Guacamole
This guacamole dip offers a bit of a kick with cayenne and cilantro. It only takes 15 minutes to make and you can serve it chunky or smooth. You can pair it with tacos, burritos, or add onto a salad.
19. Street corn dip
Street corn dip is sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite. It takes the flavors of the classic Mexican street corn and transforms it into a dip. It's the perfect bite to serve with chips during a family grill out.
20. Rajas con crema
Rajas con crema are roasted poblano strips cooked with onions and Mexican crema. They're creamy yet have a bit of a kick. You can serve them as a dip with chips, or place them into a tortilla and enjoy with street tacos.
21. Ceviche
Ceviche is a classic, Mexican-inspired dish that's bursting with fresh flavors. This recipe is a bit time-consuming, as it requires you to marinate the fish in citrus to cook it. This takes a few hours. After marinating, toss your fish with tomatoes, onion, green chiles, cilantro, and olives. Serve with tortilla chips.
22. Chorizo queso dip
This chorizo queso is creamy and spicy- a definite crowd-pleaser that will leave you wanting more. Unlike regular queso, this recipe turns up the heat with spicy chorizo and jalapeno peppers. It pairs well with nachos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
23. Bunuelos
Add a sweet side to your savory huevos rancheros breakfast with this bunuelos recipe. Although traditionally enjoyed around Christmas, this crispy sweet dish is so delicious it should be enjoyed more than once a year. To create the fried sweet dough, you'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and frying oil. It only takes 25 minutes to make and serves six people.
24. Fresas con crema
Another morning treat you can pair with your egg dishes is fresas con crema. Just like the name implies, this drink combines fresh strawberries with sweet cream. It's creamy, refreshing, and can help kickstart your morning on the right foot alongside a bowl of oatmeal.
25. Arroz con leche
Arroz con leche is the perfect treat you can enjoy after indulging in delicious grilled meats. The recipe only contains a few ingredients, including rice, water, milk, and cinnamon. It's a great comfort dish that can end your night on a high note.
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