27 Easy Mexican Side Dishes You’ll Make Again and Again

Looking for some tasty Mexican sides? Then take a peek inside and see how traditional Mexican flavors can taste anything but boring!

If you’re hosting a Mexican fiesta, then you probably know that your tacos, enchiladas, and pulled meat cannot be complete without some delectable bites on the side.

Now, grab your jalapenos, cilantro, and limes because we’re about to add some freshness and heat to your kitchen!

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What Are Good Mexican Side Dishes?

With some staple ingredients such as cheese, tomatoes, red onions, corn, beans, cilantro, avocados, jalapenos, limes, and a touch of fragrant spices, the side options are endless.

Most popular side dishes include Mexican corn on the cob, salsa, cornbread, coleslaw, beans, rice, guacamole, cheesy dips, and all sorts of salads.

Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

Whether you’re hosting a vegetarian party or you simply want a nutritious punch for your protein-loaded entrée. These vegetable side dishes are just what your Mexican dinner needs.

These Mexican recipes are easy to make and offer the best way to take your main dishes to a whole new level.

1. Mexican Bean Salad

Packed with protein, colorful veggies, and all the right fragrant spices, you cannot host a Mexican cookout and not put this salad on the table. You just can’t!

So rich in flavor and low in calories, you can dig in without a shred of guilt. This is one of the easy recipes that will quickly become a taco tuesday favorite. This tastes amazing with a chuck steak recipe.

2. Cherry Tomato Salsa with Red Onion

Tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Trust me, that’s all you need with your spicy Mexican meat. Well, maybe a few splashes of lime, too.

Perfect with nachos, quesadillas, and pretty much anything, this salsa is a must-try! This is a great side dish for chicken wings as well.

3. Mexican Pickled Red Onions

If you’re the kind of person who always loads their tacos with onions, then this delicious recipe is made just for your Mexican dinner nights.

Pickling red onion takes away the crunchy and pungent bite. But by giving them a softer and crisp tanginess, the sugar and vinegar mixture makes these slices even more irresistible.

4. Easy Mango Salsa

Quick, easy, and full of color and flavor, this mango salsa both looks and tastes incredible.

Pairing perfectly with your pulled pork, tacos, grilled meat, fish, or veggies, this fresh salsa is a real nutritious punch.

5. Taco Slaw

This slaw is made for your tacos! Lime and cilantro are the supporting forces that give mayo and cabbage that little something that takes the flavor to a whole new level.

Add some cumin and other Mexican spices, and you will be licking your fingers in no time. It’s also a perfect side dish for Tacos.

6. Mexican Potato Salad

The fresh cilantro gives the salad a fresh and palate-cleansing bite that goes perfectly alongside any meat (preferably pulled, of course!).

But it is the lime juice the sweet potatoes are coated with that really brightens the flavor and balances out the richness of the spices. This could also do for an amazing side for brisket.

7. Mexican Coleslaw

If you’re not a carrot fan, then you’d love this cabbage-only coleslaw that can seriously transform any Mexican main dish.

With no mayo or other fatty ingredients, this is a much healthier twist of the classic slaw. And besides, with only five minutes to put it together, this side is perfect for parties or get-togethers.

Low Carb Mexican Side Dishes

Carbs are not on your dinner menu? Who says there’s nothing to serve? These super delightful low-carb side dishes will show you how delicious your Mexican dinner can be, even if you’re on a diet.

8. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

If you don’t like jalapenos and lime in your rice, and you want your cauliflower with a bit more flavor, then this all-Mexican dish is just what you have been looking for.

Tomato red and loaded with enough peas and carrots to give you some extra filling nutrition but not too many carbs, this cauliflower rice is perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

9. Grilled Elote Style Cauliflower Steaks

If sweet corn on the cob is not something your Keto or low-carb diet approves, make these cauliflower steaks for an equally delicious pairing with Mexican food.

Sliced cauliflower, sprinkled with Tajin seasonings, and grilled to perfection. If you’re all out of cauliflower-cooking ideas, then this recipe will surely brighten up your meals.

10. Loaded Cauliflower Nachos

Ground beef, chopped cauliflower, cheddar, and tons of spices. Top that with chunky salsa, sour cream, and sliced green onions, and your drool-worthy side is served.

Roasted in the oven and sprinkled with melted cheese, there are tons of reasons why you should be making these nachos, pronto.

11. Pico De Gallo

If you need something to enhance your not-that-special Mexican dinner, then this Pico De Gallo will surely help. Offering authenticity and a flavorful punch, everyone will love this side.

Tomatoes, onions, oregano, lime, and jalapenos are all you need for this condiment to take your entrée to a completely new level. This is also a great side dish for steak.

Mexican Side Dishes for Potluck

Looking for a tasty crowd-pleaser to bring to your Mexican-themed potluck? Well, your mission is now complete, as your perfect side can be found here.

12. Spicy Charro Pinto Beans

Who says that only meat-based dishes can pack a flavorful kick? This crockpot pinto beans recipe will show you that you don’t need meat or oil for a rich and tasty spoon-eaten delight.

Made to serve a crowd, these spicy pinto beans are the stew-like dish you need next to your meat, salads, or anything Mexican. Perfect for a potluck, the crowd will be enjoying them with spoonfuls.

13. Instant Pot Mexican Corn

You cannot have a Mexican party or potluck without corn on the cob. Brushed with a creamy chili mixture and topped with Cotija cheese, this corn offers nothing but flavor.

Plus, made in the instant pot and with just 5 minutes of prep time, this is a hands-off kind of side dish, perfect for all the busy home cooks. This is a perfect side dish to serve with chili.

14. Black Beans and Rice

Rice with black beans is something that any Mexican main dish will want by its side. So versatile and filling, you can never go wrong with this safe and tasty side dish option.

The lime and cilantro give this rice tanginess and fresh notes, but it is the broth that really deepens the flavor. This is also an amazing side dish for pork chops.

15. Mexican Corn Dip

Cannot decide what to bring on your Mexican potluck, corn or dip? Why not this two-in-one version? A corn dip that is loaded with cheese, jalapenos, and tons of flavor.

Best with tortilla chips and some pulled meat, but hey, whatever Mexican entrée you’re pairing this corn dip with, it will be a total hit, guaranteed. You can also serve these as a side dish for BBQ chicken.

16. Cilantro Lime Quinoa

The dish is pretty basic with just quinoa, veggie broth, and some toppings like cilantro and lime. However, you can take this up a notch, by adding more spices and/or vegetables.

You can make it cheesy, as well. I love shredded cheddar for a sharp and gooey kick, so feel free to follow my advice if you’re a cheese fan.

17. Mexican Corn Casserole

Casseroles are probably a must for a potluck, don’t you think? But this creamy corn bake will definitely have your Mexican-food loving friends begging for the recipe.

Mayo and corn with chipotle pepper topped with Cotija cheese and then baked to pure delight. You won’t be able to stop yourself from scooping up with tortilla chips.

18. Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Rice

Is chicken and rice your idea of comfort food? Then this enchilada recipe is just the side dish your Mexican dinner table needs.

Loaded in all of the fragrant Mexican spices, rich enchilada sauce, cheese, tomatoes, plus beans and corn. How can you say no to that chicken-based dish?

19. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is always appreciated. Where there’s meat or green salad, you cannot possibly go wrong with some loaded and creamy macaroni.

This recipe also uses beans and corn for a more Mexican touch. But it is the lime, chili, and Mexican crema in the dressing that gives that authentic taste to the salad.

20. Loaded Street Corn Salad

It is spicy, smoky, cheesy, buttery, and just the perfect balance between crunchy and chewy, this street corn salad is delicious as a starter, snack, and side dish.

Lively and bright, you will enjoy every single bite of this sunshiney salad, guaranteed! I know I cannot pass on this sweet and delectable goodness.

Easy Mexican Sides

Who says you have to skip the side just because you’re too busy cooking the entrée? These easy Mexican sides will perfectly complement your main course, without even breaking a sweat!