No taco night is complete without its epic sides so I've rounded up 27 Mexican Side Dishes that hit the mark and then some when it comes to pairing with Tex-Mex and Mexican flavors.
As a native Texan and lifelong Mexican food enthusiast, I am deeply familiar with the authentic flavors of Tex-Mex and Mexican food. Taquerias and hidden gem Tex-Mex dives have been a staple in weekly dining rotation for decades, and I've been lucky enough to experience the best of the best. As a professional recipe developer, that passion has translated into 100+ Tex-Mex and Mexican recipes on my website. And, after hosting countless gatherings centered around sizzling fajitas and saucy enchiladas, I've curated the perfect list of authentic Mexican side dishes and sauces to round out your very own Mexican inspired menu.
From creamy refried beans to authentic Chile con queso to salsa fresca, we have all the Mexican sides that bring all the flavor!
1. Authentic Chile con Queso
Move over, restaurant queso! There's a new favorite in town and the best part? We can make it at home. What makes this one different than the rest? No Velveeta, here. Upgrade your next taco night or party with the perfect authentic Chile con queso dip. A simple blend of spices with the perfect consistency of cheesy goodness, this Chile con queso is a recipe to save.
2. Mexican Salsa (Salsa Roja)
This bright, bold Mexican salsa is the perfect blend of roasted tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and just the right amount of spice. It’s super simple to make and tastes way better than anything you'll get from a jar. Trust me, once you try homemade, you’ll never go back! Whether pouring it over tacos, dunking chips, or adding a spoonful to taco salad, salsa roja is the ultimate flavor booster you need.
3. Mexican Black Beans
If you're craving a bold yet simple side, let me introduce you to a bowl of warm and cozy Mexican Black Beans (Sofrito). With sauteed onions, garlic, peppers, bacon, canned black beans, and spices simmered together, this dish comes together to deliver a rich and savory side you can put on top of tacos, rice, and more!
4. Mexican Layer Dip
Mexican Layer Dip just screams "life of the party!" Creamy refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and all the cheesy goodness you can handle, Mexican layer dip is the perfect potluck or addition to your weeknight dinner. It feels fancy but takes little effort to whip up and is the ultimate party crowd-pleaser.
5. Refried Bean Dip
A Tex-Mex dinner isn't complete without the treasured refried bean dip! This recipe comes together with super simple ingredients--refried beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and cream cheese. Eat it alongside your favorite enchiladas and rice, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or grab a spoon--we won't judge!
6. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Think classic shrimp cocktail but take it up a notch! Mexican shrimp cocktail is packed with juicy shrimp, zesty cocktail sauce, creamy avocado, and an abundance of crunchy veggies. It's perfect for when the weather starts to warm up on the patio and want something refreshing.
7. Black Bean + Corn Salsa
Black bean and corn salsa is the hearty and fresh side your Taco Tuesday needs. Packed with black beans, sweet corn, and crunchy veggies, this Mexican vegetable side dish packed with black bean protein power not only brightens up and dish but adds loads of flavor. It comes together in a flash goes great with leftovers.
8. Empanadas
These baked beef empanadas filled with juicy, taco seasoned ground beef and melted cheese are the perfect Tex-Mex side dish recipe to accompany any dinnertime fiesta. Filling, hot, and also savory, this meaty, goodness, complements, main dishes, like tacos, enchiladas, or even soup.
9. Velveeta Cheese Dip
Nothing says nostalgia more than Velveeta cheese dip! This three-ingredient recipe comes together in the microwave or the crockpot--your choice--with practically zero effort. This is the ultimate party dip and fan favorite. Serve and watch it disappear!
10. Fajita Veggies
This is probably the most common Mexican vegetable side dish of them of all. If you're looking for ways to level up your fajita night at home, add the dynamic trio that makes up the flavorful fajita veggies! White onions and red and green bell peppers are sauteed to bring together a vibrant side for your tacos, fajitas, salads, and more.
11. Crockpot Pinto Beans
If there were a king of traditional Mexican side dishes -- it would most definitely be beans. Serve up this savory side of crockpot pinto beans for your next gathering. A perfect complement to any Mexican dish, this pinto bean is perfect with rice, packed in a burrito, or in a taco salad. These tender beans simmer away with the right mix of spices, onions, and garlic to make them absolutely delicious.
12. Tamale Sauce
If you're serving tamales, you do not want to do so without this homemade tamale sauce. It comes equipped with Tex-Mex flare and loads of flavor. It also works wonders as an enchilada sauce, a dip for empanadas, or even flautas.
13. Salsa Fresca
If you're looking for your favorite Chuy's salsa dupe, look no further than our salsa fresca! A simple mix of fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, lime juice, and cilantro, we can confidently say that we've mastered this favorite Tex-Mex side dish.
14. Cheese Quesadillas
Make all the kids (and the kids at heart) happy come dinnertime with a side of cheesy quesadillas. This handheld cheesy masterpiece provides the perfect warm and cozy contrast to round out big, bold flavors often found in Mexican cooking.
15. Guacamole
Let's be honest: guacamole is always one of the first sides to disappear from the table or at a party--and for good reason. Creamy avocado, fresh tomato, salt, lime, and cilantro come together in under 10 minutes and is the perfect way to immediately upgrade your Mexican dishes.
16. Rotel Dip
If you haven't noticed already, queso is my favorite food group and you'll find a lot of it here. Seriously addictive, this Rotel dip is the perfect party food. It comes together in under 10 minutes with minimal ingredients to give you and your dinner guests a reason not to leave the kitchen! Feel free to add taco-seasoned meat or keep it simple--either way it's a dip superstar.
17. Homemade Tortilla Chips
If you have 15 minutes and these three ingredients, homemade tortilla chips can be in your future for your next taco night. The perfect sidekick to any queso or guacamole, these chips give all the delicious vibes without the extra oils and junk from store-bought chips. Serve these chips up without the guilt!
18. Seven-Layer Taco Dip
This seven-layer taco dip takes dipping to the next level! Our soup-up recipe for the ultimate party dip brings seven layers of Mexican flavor vibes to your next potluck or party.
19. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
If you're looking for a Mexican vegetable side, look no further. This salad is like ceviche, without the raw. It's citrusy, bright flavor is perfect for easily elevating your meal and rounding out savory, saucy dishes with bright, bold flavors and cool, crisp textures. Serve this alongside grilled carna asada for a Mexican meal on the lighter side.
20. Chicken Empandas
Chicken empanadas make for an extra hearty, warming Mexican food accompaniment. With buttery, crispy crust and a filling loaded with chicken, green chiles, and cheese, this dish is perfect alongside shrimp tacos, tortilla soup, or even a fajita salad. Be sure to serve with a big bowl of guacamole and your favorite salsa for a flavor boost everyone will adore.
21. Pico de Gallo
Here is yet another staple in the world of Mexican vegetable side dishes, and this one is fresh. There is no way any restaurant salsa can compare to homemade pico de gallo. Fresh ingredients chopped to perfection are the perfect springtime snack or topping for tacos, nachos, and more. If you're looking for a fresh, bright dip, this is it.
22. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice and charro beans are the dynamic duo of Mexican sides. We can't picture a Tex-Mex dinner without them. This authentic dish with long-grain white rice, veggies, and spices is the perfect side for Mexican dishes.
23. Refried Black Beans
Ditch the can of refried black beans and make your own! Creamy and with flavors that boast the best of the best of Tex-Mex, our refried black beans pair well with any Mexican food dish you whip up.
24. Veggie Quesadillas
If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish to pair with Mexican mainstays like tamales and soups, Veggie Quesadillas are the perfect choice. The toasty tortilla in combination with a cheesy filling bursting with color not only enhances dinner plate aesthetics but also adds loads of fresh flavor to the table.
25. Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
Every Tex-Mex lover knows that a green salsa is where it's at, so let's let tomatillo avocado salsa enter the chat. Creamy and downright addicting, this fresh dip is perfect for patio dinners on pretty nights. Load up your chip bowls and get ready for refills because you'll have a hard time quitting this one!
26. Cheesy Rice
Cheers to the Mexican side dish that literally goes with anything and everything: cheesy rice. It's a welcomed side that cozies up nicely to refried beans, shrimp tacos, or quesadillas. Creamy, melty, and a hint of savory, cheesy rice will be a new side staple in your kitchen.
27. Queso Blanco
Made with white velveeta instead of yellow, queso blanco is the perfect dip for parties, dinners at home, and an anytime snack. This melty, creamy, cheesy dip is loaded up with just enough spice to keep you coming back for more. Pour it over nachos, scoop it with tortilla chips, or even add it to enchiladas.
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