20+ Mexican Side Dishes


Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and colorful presentations.

While main dishes often take center stage, side dishes play a crucial role in creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. These sides can add variety, texture, and nutrition to your plate.

Mexican side dishes offer a range of options to complement your favorite entrees.

From classic rice and beans to zesty salsas and creamy guacamole, there’s something to suit every taste.

Whether you’re planning a festive dinner or a casual weeknight meal, adding a few Mexican-inspired sides can elevate your dining experience.

1. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote is a tasty Mexican street food you’ll love. It’s grilled corn on the cob covered in a creamy sauce and toppings.

To make elote, grill corn until it’s slightly charred. Then spread a mix of mayo, sour cream, and spices on it.

Sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice on top.

You can also make a skillet version called esquites.

Cut the corn off the cob and cook it in a pan with butter. Add the same toppings for an easier-to-eat dish.

Elote works great as a side dish for BBQs or summer meals. You can serve it hot, room temperature, or cold.

2. Guacamole

Guacamole is a beloved Mexican dip that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

You’ll need ripe avocados, lime juice, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro to create this creamy treat.

Mash the avocados and mix in the other ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For extra kick, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Serve your guacamole with tortilla chips for a classic snack. It’s also great as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos. You can even spread it on toast for a quick breakfast.

3. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles rellenos are a tasty Mexican dish made with stuffed peppers. You start with poblano peppers, which are roasted and peeled. Then they’re filled with cheese or meat.

The stuffed peppers get dipped in egg batter and fried until golden. This gives them a crispy outside and gooey inside.

Chiles rellenos are often served with a red or green salsa on top.

You can pair chiles rellenos with rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Guacamole or pico de gallo also make good sides. For a full meal, add some warm tortillas on the side.

4. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a fresh, zesty Mexican side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Chop up some ripe tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Mix them together with lime juice, salt, and a bit of jalapeño for heat.

Serve pico de gallo with tacos, burritos, or as a dip for chips. It’s also great on top of grilled meats or fish.

This versatile salsa brings a bright, tangy taste to your plate. Its crisp texture and vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to your table.

5. Charro Beans

Charro beans are a hearty Mexican side dish. You’ll love these flavorful pinto beans cooked with bacon, chorizo, and spices.

To make charro beans, start by cooking bacon and chorizo in a pot. Add onions, garlic, and diced ham.

Toss in some tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like cilantro and oregano.

Pour in dry pinto beans and chicken broth. Let everything simmer until the beans are tender.

The result is a rich, meaty bean dish perfect alongside tacos or grilled meats.

You can easily adapt charro beans to your taste. Try adding jalapeños for extra heat or topping with cheese for more indulgence. They’re great for sharing at gatherings too.

6. Esquites (Corn Salad)

Esquites is a popular Mexican street food that brings the flavors of elote to a convenient salad form. You can easily make this tasty dish at home.

Start by charring corn kernels in a hot skillet. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

Mix in mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder for a creamy, tangy, and spicy dressing.

Crumble cotija cheese over the top for a salty kick. If you can’t find cotija, feta makes a good substitute. Sprinkle on some chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

You can serve esquites hot or cold. It works great as a side dish or as a party snack. The combination of flavors and textures makes it hard to resist.

7. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a tasty and colorful side dish that goes well with many main courses. To make it, you’ll need rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Start by sautéing the rice in oil until it’s golden. Then add chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.

Mix in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Pour in chicken broth and let the rice simmer until it’s fluffy and tender. You can add peas or carrots for more color and nutrients.

This versatile dish pairs great with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. It’s easy to make and will add a nice touch to your Mexican-inspired meals.

8. Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a zesty green sauce that adds a burst of flavor to Mexican dishes. It’s made with tomatillos, green chilies, cilantro, and lime juice.

This tangy sauce is versatile and easy to make at home.

You can use salsa verde as a dip for chips or as a topping for tacos and enchiladas. It also works well as a marinade for grilled meats or as a sauce for roasted vegetables.

For a quick meal, try pouring salsa verde over chicken in a slow cooker.

The result is tender, flavorful meat perfect for tacos or burritos. You can also mix it into rice or beans for an extra kick of flavor.

9. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice adds a fresh twist to your Mexican meal. This flavorful side dish is easy to make and pairs well with many main courses.

To prepare it, cook white rice as usual. While it’s still warm, mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of lime zest.

Some recipes call for sautéing garlic or onions to add extra flavor.

You can adjust the amount of cilantro and lime to suit your taste. For a healthier version, try using brown rice instead of white.

This dish works great in burritos or as a base for burrito bowls.

10. Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al pastor are a flavorful Mexican dish you’ll love. Pork is marinated in a blend of spices, achiote, and pineapple juice. This gives the meat a unique taste and tender texture.

The marinated pork is then cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma. As it cooks, the outer layer gets crispy while the inside stays juicy.

When serving, the meat is shaved off the spit and placed on small corn tortillas. It’s often topped with diced pineapple, onions, and cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds a bright, fresh finish.

You can pair tacos al pastor with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or corn salsa for a complete meal.

11. Queso Fundido

Queso fundido is a warm, gooey cheese dip that’s perfect for your next Mexican-themed meal. This crowd-pleasing side dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.

To prepare queso fundido, you’ll melt a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack in a skillet. Many recipes add chorizo for a spicy kick.

You can also include diced onions and poblano peppers for extra taste and texture.

Cook the ingredients in an oven-safe skillet, then bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve your queso fundido hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping. It’s a delicious addition to any Mexican feast.

12. Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

Frijoles refritos are a staple in Mexican cuisine. To make them, you start with cooked pinto beans.

Rinse the beans and simmer them with onion and garlic until soft.

Next, mash the beans to your preferred texture. Heat oil or lard in a pan and fry some diced onions until they’re transparent.

Add the mashed beans and cook, stirring often.

The beans will thicken as they cook. Add salt to taste.

For a smoother consistency, you can add a bit of water or milk. Frijoles refritos are great as a side dish or used in other Mexican recipes.

13. Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema is a tasty Mexican side dish made with roasted poblano peppers. You start by charring poblanos over an open flame, then peeling and slicing them into strips.

Next, you sauté onions in butter until soft. Add the poblano strips, garlic, and Mexican crema or heavy cream.

Some versions include corn for extra sweetness and texture.

You simmer everything together until the flavors blend.

The result is a creamy, slightly spicy dish with a smoky flavor from the roasted peppers.

Rajas con Crema pairs well with many Mexican main courses. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. It’s a versatile side that adds rich flavor to your meal.

14. Tostones

Tostones are a delicious side dish made from green plantains. To make them, you slice plantains into thick rounds and fry them twice.

After the first fry, you flatten the plantain slices using a tostonera or the bottom of a plate. Then you fry them again until golden and crispy.

Tostones have a slightly salty taste and pair well with many main dishes.

You can serve them with guacamole, pineapple salsa, or cilantro lime sauce for dipping.

Try making tostones in an air fryer for a healthier option. Cook the plantain slices at 400°F, flattening them between batches.

15. Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are puffy, fried pastries popular in Mexican cuisine. You can make them at home with simple ingredients like flour, salt, baking powder, and shortening or butter.

To prepare sopaipillas, mix the dry ingredients, then work in the fat. Add hot water gradually to form a dough. Let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Roll out the dough and cut it into squares or triangles. Fry the pieces in hot oil for 30-40 seconds per side until golden brown.

Serve sopaipillas warm.

You can enjoy them savory with beans and cheese, or sweet with honey and cinnamon sugar. They make a tasty side dish or dessert for your Mexican meal.

16. Calabacitas

Calabacitas is a tasty Mexican side dish featuring zucchini and corn. You’ll love this colorful veggie mix that’s both healthy and flavorful.

To make calabacitas, start by sautéing onions in oil until they begin to brown. This creates a tasty base for the dish.

Next, add zucchini, tomatoes, and corn to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Some recipes include jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also add garlic for extra flavor.

Cook the vegetables until the zucchini is tender but not mushy. This quick-cooking method keeps the veggies fresh and vibrant.

17. Huevos Motuleños

Huevos Motuleños is a tasty Mexican breakfast dish from Yucatan. You’ll love this hearty meal that combines fried eggs, tortillas, and flavorful toppings.

To make it, start with a fried tortilla as the base. Spread refried beans on top, then add a fried egg. Pour some spicy tomato sauce over the egg.

Next, add some extras to make it even better.

Put some diced ham, fried plantains, and crumbled queso fresco on top. Some people also like to add green peas for color and taste.

This dish is filling and packed with different flavors. It’s perfect for a big weekend breakfast or brunch with friends.

18. Nopalitos Salad

Nopalitos salad is a tasty Mexican side dish made from cactus paddles. You’ll love its fresh, tangy flavor and unique texture.

To make it, cook diced nopales until tender. Mix them with chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra zest.

This salad goes great with grilled meats or as a taco filling. It’s also packed with nutrients and low in calories. Try this refreshing side dish to add some Mexican flair to your next meal.

19. Fideo Seco

Fideo seco is a tasty Mexican side dish made with thin vermicelli noodles. To make it, you first toast the noodles in oil until golden brown.

Next, you blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers to create a flavorful sauce. Pour this over the toasted noodles and simmer until the pasta is cooked through.

You can adjust the liquid to make it soupier if you prefer.

Fideo seco is great on its own or with toppings like diced onion, cilantro, avocado, and queso fresco.

This versatile dish pairs well with many Mexican main courses. Try it alongside picadillo, camarones al mojo de ajo, or bistec a la Mexicana for a delicious meal.

Traditional Ingredients

Mexican side dishes rely on a variety of flavorful ingredients. These components create the distinctive tastes and textures that make Mexican cuisine so beloved.

Herbs And Spices

Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to many Mexican sides. You’ll often find it chopped and sprinkled on top of dishes.

Oregano brings an earthy taste to beans and sauces. Cumin provides a warm, nutty flavor that’s key in many recipes.

Chili powder and dried chilies like ancho or guajillo give dishes a smoky heat. Garlic and onion powder are common seasonings that add savory depth.

Fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers bring bright, spicy notes to salsas and guacamole.

Fresh Produce

Tomatoes form the base of many Mexican side dishes. You’ll see them diced in pico de gallo or blended into smooth salsas.

Onions add sharp flavor and crunch to many recipes. Red onions are popular in raw dishes, while white onions are often cooked.

Avocados are essential for guacamole and often sliced as a topping. Limes provide bright acidity to balance rich flavors.

You’ll use their juice to season dishes or as a finishing touch.

Corn is a staple, used in side dishes like elote (grilled corn) or mixed into salads. Bell peppers add color and sweetness to many recipes.

Cultural Significance Of Side Dishes

Mexican side dishes play a key role in the country’s cuisine and cultural identity. They showcase regional ingredients and cooking methods passed down through generations.

Role In Mexican Cuisine

Side dishes in Mexican meals are more than just accompaniments. They add balance, texture, and flavor to main courses.

Staples like beans and rice provide essential nutrients and help stretch meals. Fresh salsas and vegetable dishes offer contrast to rich meats and sauces.

You’ll find side dishes at the heart of Mexican food traditions. They’re often served family-style, encouraging sharing and connection.

Many side dishes have roots in ancient Mesoamerican cooking. Corn, beans, and chili peppers form the base of countless recipes.

Side dishes also reflect Mexico’s history. The blending of indigenous and Spanish ingredients created new flavors.

Dishes like elote (grilled corn) combine native corn with European cheese and spices.

Regional Variations

Mexico’s diverse geography leads to distinct regional side dishes. In coastal areas, you’ll enjoy seafood-based sides like ceviche. Mountain regions feature hearty corn and bean dishes.

Northern Mexico favors flour tortillas and grilled vegetables. The Yucatán Peninsula is known for unique sides like sopa de lima (lime soup).

Central Mexico specializes in rice dishes and complex moles.

Climate and local crops shape each area’s side dish traditions. Tropical regions use coconut and tropical fruits. Arid areas rely more on dried chilies and beans.

This variety means you can explore Mexico’s culture through its side dishes.

Pairing Side Dishes With Main Courses

Mexican side dishes add flavor and variety to meals. They work well with many main courses. Good pairings balance tastes and textures.

Balancing Flavors

Pick sides that complement your main dish. For spicy tacos, try cooling sides like cilantro lime rice or creamy guacamole.

With mild enchiladas, add zesty elote (Mexican street corn) or pico de gallo.

Beans go well with most mains. Black beans pair nicely with chicken dishes. Refried beans match beef plates. For fish, try a citrusy jicama slaw.

Mix rich and light flavors. Pair cheesy chile rellenos with a fresh tomato salad. Match heavy carnitas with tangy pickled onions.

Enhancing Textures

Add crunch to soft dishes. Serve crisp tostadas with saucy chilaquiles.

Top creamy queso fundido with crunchy tortilla chips.

Balance textures in each bite. Pair tender carne asada with crispy mexican potatoes.

Match soft tamales with crisp cabbage slaw.

Mix hot and cold items. Serve warm rice and beans with chilled cucumber salad.

Pair sizzling fajitas with cool avocado slices.

Consider mouth feel too. Match smooth refried beans with chunky salsa.

Pair silky queso with rough-textured hominy.