I have a new obsession and YOU ARE LOOKING AT IT. Okay, maybe it’s not new because I have always loved Mexican food, but these side dishes? That is it. That is where I live. That is what I eat, breathe, and dream about.
Here is the thing, though. Sometimes the main dish gets all the glory, but these 25 Mexican side dishes are ready to steal the show.
Whether you need some Spanish rice or a batch of corn cakes, I have got you covered.
1. Mexican Street Corn Salad
This salad is taking all the best parts of elote and turning it into a hearty bowl of goodness. It is loaded with fresh corn kernels, black beans, jalapenos, and cotija cheese.
The dressing is a creamy, dreamy mix of mayonnaise, olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle chili powder. It is the perfect side dish for any meal.
2. Guacamole
This is a total no-brainer. Whether you are using it as a dip, a topping, or a filling, you can never go wrong with guacamole.
This recipe stands out because of the perfectly measured ingredients. It is the most flavorful, well-balanced guacamole you will find.
3. Mexican Cornbread
This savory side is fluffy, crumbly, and ready to be your new favorite.
It is bursting with jalapenos and cheddar cheese for a fantastic spicy and savory combo. Plus, the prep only takes a few minutes, so you can let the oven do the rest of the work.
4. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Who can say no to a cozy bowl of comfort food? This soup is the complete package with chicken, beans, and corn swimming in a delectable tomato base.
Top it off with avocado, lime, cilantro, and tortilla strips for a meal that hits just right.
5. Mango Salsa
I am having a moment with mangoes right now. This salsa takes the usual onions, cilantro, and tomatoes and throws in some mango for a fun pop of color.
It adds a nice sweetness or tartness, depending on the fruit, and creates a gorgeous red and yellow contrast.
6. Spanish Rice
This hearty, fluffy side is also known as Mexican rice and it is perfectly seasoned. It is flavored with tomato sauce, garlic, cumin, and cilantro.
It pairs perfectly with tacos or enchiladas and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on prep.
7. Mexican Sweet Potatoes
If you need something satisfying and hearty, this is it. These sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and loaded with a spicy black bean salsa.
Finish it with a cashew-based cilantro sauce for a lovely blend of savory and sweet flavors.
8. Black Beans
These beans come together quickly and pair well with just about anything. They are seasoned with cilantro, cayenne, and salt for a flavorful and hearty bite.
You definitely want these at your next fiesta.
9. Jalapeno Poppers
These little guys are always welcome in my belly. They are stuffed with two kinds of cheese for the perfect balance of spicy and rich.
They are baked, not fried, so they are not greasy at all. From the creamy interior to the crunchy exterior, they are an absolute delight.
10. Mexican Corn Cakes
These cakes are bursting with corn flavor. They are moist, wonderfully sweet, and make use of three different corn elements: cornmeal, corn kernels, and corn flour. That is three times the flavor and fun.
11. Refried Bean Dip
I have finally found the best one. This dip is perfectly spicy and creamy with a mix of cheese, cream cheese, beans, sour cream, and salsa.
Seasoned with chili powder and cumin, it will not disappoint as a dip or a filling.
12. Homemade Tortillas
These homemade flour tortillas are super soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
They are the perfect vessel for sopping up sauces and scooping filling. The recipe is a tad complex, but I promise they are worth the trouble.
13. Mexican Salsa
This recipe has a secret that makes it more flavorful than the rest. It uses a mix of canned and fresh tomatoes to give it an unbelievable flavor. You are going to want to make a ton of this.
14. Roasted Mexican Zucchini
This dish is all veggie and low-carb but it is still so yummy. It is brimming with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. It is so tasty that I bet you won’t even miss the carbs.
15. Mexican Potato Salad
This recipe elevates the classic potato salad into something spectacular. It is loaded with corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
The addition of Frank’s Redhot Buffalo Wing Sauce makes it extraordinary.
16. Nachos
These nachos are overflowing with corn, black beans, jalapenos, and ground beef. They are mouthwatering and have every topping you could want.
Since they are so versatile and hearty, you can serve them as a side or an entree.
17. Cilantro Lime Rice
This is my go-to base for burrito bowls. It is flavored with garlic, lime juice, red pepper flakes, jalapeno, and cilantro. It is quick, easy, and refreshingly good.
18. Mexican Pozole
This festive soup is bursting with red chiles, pork, and hominy. This recipe takes it to another level with additions like avocado, cabbage, radishes, and lime.
Whip up a large batch to enjoy with friends.
19. Black Beans and Rice
This recipe is simple, straightforward, and a staple in my kitchen. It is flavored with salt, cumin, and oregano. Serve it on the side or top it with guacamole for a real treat.
20. Nacho Dip
This dip has all the goods: ground beef, olives, jalapenos, cheese, and sour cream. It combines all the wonderful toppings you love into one bowl. Grab a bag of chips and dig in.
21. Tomato Avocado Salad
The vibrant colors here will make your table look like a fiesta. It is a mix of red onion, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro dressed with olive oil and lime juice. It is like a crossover between guacamole and salsa.
22. Tangy Mexican Slaw
This recipe is a tangy riff on the classic and the flavors are spot on.
The red onions and cabbage are bathed in a citrusy dressing of olive oil and cider vinegar. It is seasoned with cumin and is ready to go immediately.
23. Mexican Cauliflower Rice
This is the perfect solution for low-carb dieters. It is infused with spices and flavors that make it actually pretty good. You might not even be able to tell the difference.
24. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn is great, but coating it in mayo, chili powder, and cheese makes it even better. The cotija cheese is crumbly and salty, like a cross between parmesan and feta.
It is finished with lime juice and cilantro for a refreshing treat.
25. Mexican Corn Pudding
This side has all the flavors of the classic but in a souffle form. It is fluffy, soft, and melts in your mouth. It is perfect when served alongside grilled meats.
