33 Enticing Mexican Side Dishes

Vibrant Mexican side dishes are a great way to round out taco night and create satisfying fiesta-style meals. The best Mexican side dishes showcase the bright, bold flavors and diverse textures that are signature of Mexican cuisine. What makes a Mexican side dish? Chiles, avocados, corn, beans, tomatoes and rice are all popular ingredients in Mexican cooking along with aromatic spices and fresh herbs such as cumin and cilantro. 

Whether you are serving tacos, enchiladas, grilled chipotle chicken or tender carne asada, there are Mexican side dishes to complement the meal. From healthy salads and salsas to shareable dips and casseroles, Mexican side dishes offer a wide variety of flavorful options. Here are 33 of the best Mexican side dishes to pair with your favorite Mexican-inspired mains.

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• Healthy Mexican Side Dishes
• Low Carb Mexican Side Dishes
• Mexican Side Dish for Potluck
• Mexican Side Dish for Tacos

Healthy Mexican Side Dishes

1. Roasted Poblano Peppers

Roasted Poblano Peppers are smoky, mildly spicy and simple to make either over an open flame or in the oven. These tender roasted peppers are a healthy way to add a rich depth of flavor to sandwiches, dips, soups and a wide range of Mexican dishes. 

Try our Roasted Poblano Peppers recipe

2. Mango Avocado Salsa

Packed with nutrients and bright, fresh flavor, this colorful Mango Avocado Salsa is a little sweet and a little savory, making it the perfect Mexican side dish. Serve this refreshing salsa as a side salad, dip or topping for tacos, tortilla chips, fish, chicken and more. 

Try our Mango Avocado Salsa recipe

3. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

For easy Mexican dinner ideas like these Sheet Pan Nachos, all you need is a sheet pan, some tortilla chips and your favorite toppings. This customizable tray bake is perfect for everything from a quick, kid-friendly meal to an easy, big batch dish for parties or game day.

Try our Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad recipe

4. Black Bean Hummus

Black Bean Hummus is a protein-packed twist on the classic tahini-infused dip. This nutritious and versatile hummus can be enjoyed on its own with sliced vegetables or tortilla chips or as a creamy and flavorful protein boost in wraps and sandwiches.

Try our Black Bean Hummus recipe

5. Blue Corn Tortillas

Made with blue corn masa, Blue Corn Tortillas are softer than their white or yellow counterparts and rich in antioxidants. Use a tortilla press or a rolling pin to make these colorful, fresh tortillas.

Try our Blue Corn Tortillas recipe

6. Sweet Potato Salad

The nutritious Sweet Potato Salad by Spend with Pennies is a quick, make-ahead side dish that puts a Mexican twist on the classic potato salad. Ready in just three steps, this simple salad is a great base for creative and healthy Mexican side dishes with the addition of your favorite ingredients like spicy jalapeños or grilled chicken.

7. Mexican Bean Salad

Inspired by iconic flavors of the Southwest, the Mexican Bean Salad by Cook Nourish Bliss features hearty beans, creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables in a bright honey lime chipotle dressing. Make ahead Mexican side dishes are ideal for summer potlucks and weekly meal prep, becoming more flavorful as the ingredients meld over time.

8. Tomatillo Poblano White Beans 

Stewed in a pressure cooker in less than an hour, these rich and hearty Tomatillo Poblano White Beans from Dora’s Table taste like they have been simmering all day long. A pressure cooker makes preparing bean-based Mexican side dish recipes like this one fast and easy.

Low Carb Mexican Side Dishes

9. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Rice and beans are quintessential Mexican side dishes, but not typically suitable for a low carb lifestyle. This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice brightens any meal with the classic pairing of lime and cilantro for a keto-friendly complement to your favorite Mexican entrees. 

Try our Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe

10. Keto Guacamole

Creamy Keto Guacamole is a simple and quick addition to low carb Mexican side dishes as a dip, spread or topping. For a traditional preparation, use a mortar and pestle to grind the garlic, cumin seeds and salt into an aromatic paste as a flavorful base for this classic dish.

Try our Keto Guacamole recipe

11. Salsa Roja

A quick broil on a baking pan gives the tomatoes, onions and peppers in this Salsa Roja an extra layer of deep, smoky flavor. After roasting, simply mix the ingredients in a blender for a rich, complex salsa that is ready in minutes.

Try our Salsa Roja recipe

12. Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole

The Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole by Joy Filled Eats is a low carb remix of a classic Tex-Mex comfort dish. Easy to make and great for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this decadent casserole is a keto-friendly alternative to rice-based Mexican side dishes.

13. Easy Mexican Green Beans

With onions, tomatoes and fragrant spices like cumin and oregano, these Easy Mexican Green Beans by Low Carb Maven elevate average green beans. Personalize this healthy, low carb recipe with flavorful additions like a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes or tangy diced pickled jalapeños.

14. Cilantro Jicama Slaw

Jicama is a crunchy root vegetable native to Mexico with starchy white flesh and a mildly sweet flavor. Sometimes called a Mexican turnip, jicama is the star of this low carb Cilantro Jicama Slaw by Spend with Pennies that is a great option for a side dish or as a refreshing topping for fish tacos.

15. Cheesy Low Carb Keto Cornbread with Jalapeños

You would never guess that there is no corn in this Cheesy Low Carb Keto Cornbread with Jalapeños by Low Carb Maven. The cheesy mixture is baked in a cast iron skillet with sweet corn extract to give this keto-friendly cornbread its signature flavor.

16. Mexican Inspired Roasted Zucchini 

This Mexican Inspired Roasted Zucchini from Bowl of Delicious is a low carb, vegetable-based alternative to heavier traditional Mexican side dishes. Spiced chunks of zucchini are roasted until golden brown and finished with a dusting of salty cotija cheese and a sprinkle of lime juice to create this healthy side.

Mexican Side Dish for Potluck

17. Street Corn Dip

Mexican street corn is an iconic dish that has been transformed into delicious Mexican side dishes like this Street Corn Dip featuring the signature flavors of the classic street food. This creamy, zesty, spicy and sweet dip is an easy option for gatherings from tailgates to barbecues. 

Try our Street Corn Dip recipe

18. Corn Ribs

Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn, Corn Ribs are fun and creative Mexican side dishes for potlucks, barbecues and summer fiestas. These spiced corn ribs are cooked in an air fryer for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe to take to your next gathering.

Try our Corn Ribs recipe

19. Chilaquiles Rojos

Chilaquiles Rojos are a Mexican specialty featuring crunchy tortilla chips simmered in a spicy red sauce that can be enjoyed any time of day. Topped with black beans, guacamole and a fried egg, this hearty dish can be served for breakfast or as a side dish for a festive, Mexican-inspired dinner. 

Try our Chilaquiles Rojos recipe

20. Vegan Tortillas

These homemade Vegan Tortillas require only four ingredients for a surprisingly simple dish to enjoy with your favorite dips, toppings and fillings. Store these fresh tortillas in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for future impromptu taco nights. 

Try our Vegan Tortillas recipe

21. Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

A great addition to Mexican side dishes and mains from grilled meats to nachos, Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa brings a refreshing burst of flavor to any potluck. Make this bright salsa the day before for an even deeper flavor. 

Try our Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa recipe

22. Mexican 7-Layer Dip

With its distinct layers of colors, flavors and textures, the Mexican 7-Layer Dip by Love and Olive Oil will be the hit of your next festive gathering. Creamy refried beans are stacked with guacamole, sour cream, a blend of cheeses, spicy chorizo and pico de gallo finished with a garnish of pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro and zesty shredded radish.

23. Spicy Chorizo Queso Dip

Indulgent white queso is topped with crispy chorizo, pickled jalapeños and diced green chiles to create this Spicy Chorizo Queso Dip by Love and Olive Oil. Serve this decadent dip with tortilla chips, on nachos or drizzled over tacos for easy, crowd-pleasing Mexican side dishes for potlucks.

24. Avocado Pasta Salad 

The rich and tangy Avocado Pasta Salad by Spend with Pennies is sure to become an instant potluck favorite. With tender pasta, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes and smoky bacon coated in a silky cilantro-lime dressing, this Mexican-inspired pasta salad has everything you want in zesty and satisfying Mexican side dishes.

Mexican Side Dishes for Tacos

25. Avocado Crema

Simple and smooth, Avocado Crema comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients and a blender. This silky crema is ideal for finishing tacos, nachos, enchiladas and other classic Mexican specialties. 

Try our Avocado Crema recipe

26. Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

Ready in just ten minutes, this Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is a quick and easy option for Mexican side dishes that works as a light salad, scoopable dip or chunky topping. This zesty salsa featuring spiced sweet corn paired with roasted green chiles is a fun and flavorful addition to your taco night spread. 

Try our Roasted Chili Corn Salsa recipe

27. Cilantro Chimichurri

Rich, zesty and herbaceous, this Cilantro Chimichurri is a perfect pair for steak tacos. The addition of Thai basil gives this bright topping its unique depth of flavor. 

Try our Cilantro Chimichurri recipe

28. Fried Avocado

Crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle, versatile Fried Avocado is a hearty side dish for tacos that can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian side or filling. Fry the breaded avocado slices in a deep sauté pan until golden brown and serve with a creamy sauce such as a zesty sriracha aioli.

Try our Fried Avocado recipe

29. Avocado Corn Salad

Avocado Corn Salad brings summer flavors to taco Tuesday with sweet corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, zippy onions and spicy jalapeños. Fresh corn off the cob is recommended when in season, but frozen works just as well for a taste of summer any time of year. 

Try our Avocado Corn Salad recipe

30. Mexican Pickled Jalapeños and Radishes

To build the perfect tacos, you must consider each layer of textures and flavors from the filling to the toppings and the garnish. These Mexican Pickled Jalapeños and Radishes from Dora’s Table highlight the Mexican tradition of pickling while offering a tangy contrast to rich meats and roasted salsas.

31. Black Beans 2 Ways 

These Black Beans 2 Ways by Easy and Delish offer a Brazilian twist to staple Mexican side dishes. With pressure cooker and stove top instructions, along with lots of tips and suggestions, you can choose the preparation method that works best for your kitchen and palate.

32. Homemade Refried Beans

Whether made with pinto or black beans, refried beans are classic Mexican side dishes that are twice cooked, spiced and mashed. These Homemade Refried Beans by Spend with Pennies are simplified with the help of a slow cooker.

33. Tex Mex Tomato Rice

The iconic duo of rice and beans is a quintessential combination of Mexican side dishes for tacos and other traditional Mexican specialties. Pair this colorful and flavorful Tex Mex Tomato Rice by Spend with Pennies with your favorite style of beans for a classic addition to your taco night spread.

From traditional Mexican side dish recipes and Tex-Mex creations to low carb or plant-based alternatives to classic Mexican accompaniments, these Mexican side dishes capture the signature flavors and fun of Mexican cooking. For inspiration for your next taco night as well as other Mexican side dishes, check out Cozymeal Recipes.

From sharp knives for making quick salsas to taco holder stands for showcasing your Mexican-inspired creations, you can find fun and innovative cookware and accessories in the Cozymeal Shop.