22+ Best Mexican Side Dishes for Every Dinner

Complete your next dinner with one of these delicious Mexican Side Dishes. From savory beans and authentic rice recipes to fresh salads and classic salsas, this curated collection of traditional Mexican side dishes will make any ordinary meal extraordinary.

Quick Navigation: Best Mexican Side Dishes by Category

Classic Rice & Beans: Frijoles de la Olla, Arroz Mexicano, Arroz Blanco, Instant Pot Pinto Beans, Frijoles Refritos, Charro Beans, Frijoles Puercos
Fresh Salads & Veggies: Ensalada de Coditos, Ensalada de Nopales, Calabacitas con Elote, Ejotes a la Mexicana
Grilled & Roasted Favorites: Cebollitas Asadas, Nopales Asados, Mexican Street Corn (Elote), Papas con Rajas, Rajas con Crema, Fideo Seco, Oven-Baked Mexican Potatoes
Condiments, Toppings & Salsas: Cebollas en Escabeche, Chiles Toreados, Pickled Jalapeños, Mexican Pickled Carrots

A collage showing several Mexican side dishes.

About These Recipes

Most of the Mexican side dishes featured here are traditional, authentic recipes passed down through generations. A few utilize modern cooking methods—like Instant Pot Mexican recipes—to save time without sacrificing traditional flavor.

A metal ladle holds pinto beans above a pot filled with more beans and their cooking liquid.

Frijoles de la Olla

Next time you’re thinking of cooking pinto beans from scratch, try out this easy traditional recipe for Frijoles de la Olla. It is the ultimate comforting side dish for your favorite Mexican meals.

Arroz Mexicano

Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Red Rice) is a classic staple made with a tomato-infused broth, making it the ideal accompaniment to any Mexican main dish.

Ensalada de Coditos

Ensalada de Coditos is a creamy, easy Mexican macaroni salad that is a staple at parties, cookouts, and potlucks. It comes together in minutes and is a crowd-pleaser.

Cebollitas asadas

The thrill of the grill! Cebollitas Asadas are classic charred green onions seasoned with lime and salt. They are an absolute must-have side dish at any traditional Mexican BBQ or alongside carne asada.

A picture of a Cactus Salad in a serving dish with a spoon.

Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Nopales is a refreshing, cold cactus salad tossed in a bright, tangy vinaigrette. It makes a wonderful, fiber-rich side dish that is naturally 100% vegan.

Open jar filled with vibrant Mexican Pickled Onions in pink brine, sitting on a wooden surface. A green chili pepper and part of a tortilla are also visible nearby.

Cebollas en Escabeche

Cebollas en Escabeche (Mexican Pickled Red Onions) are a quick pantry staple. They act as a vibrant, acidic topping that cuts through rich flavors and brings incredible pop to tacos and tortas.

Carne asada, grilled cactus and spring onions on a decorative clay plate.

Nopales asados

These Nopales Asados are an easy, healthy side dish. When grilled, the cactus pads develop a smoky, savory depth of flavor. Serve them as-is or chop them into a warm salad.

A close-up of cooked white rice mixed with green peas and diced carrots, garnished with fresh cilantro on a blue plate.

Arroz Blanco

Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice) is a mild, fluffy, easy-to-make side dish flavored with garlic and onion. For parents, it’s also a sneaky way to blend in extra veggies!

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Get the slow-cooked taste of traditional beans in a fraction of the time. By making these Instant Pot Pinto Beans with the no-soak method, you save hours without sacrificing authentic flavor.

Refried beans in a decorative blue plate.

Frijoles Refritos

Homemade Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans) are one of the most comforting basics in Mexican cooking. Naturally vegetarian and deeply savory, they anchor any plate.

Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.

Elotes Mexicanos

This Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn) recipe hits all the right notes. Coated in a rich blend of crema or mayonnaise, crumbly cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, it’s dangerously delicious.

Papas con Rajas

Papas con Rajas combines tender potatoes with smoky poblano chile strips. Enjoy it as a hearty side dish, serve it with eggs for breakfast, or use it for Meatless Mondays.

Mexican Pickled Carrots

Skip the store-bought jar and make your own crisp, tangy, and subtly spiced Mexican Pickled Carrots right at home. They are the ultimate crunchy topping for tacos, tortas, and everyday meals.

Calabacitas con Elote

Calabacitas con Elote y Rajas is a quick, comforting blend of creamy zucchini, corn, and poblano strips. It’s the ultimate quick side for busy weeknights—just serve with warm corn or flour tortillas!

A blue bowl filled with a hearty Frijoles Charros stew containing sausages, garnished with sliced jalapeños. The bowl sits on a wooden surface.

Charro Beans

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) are a savory, brothy bean recipe originating from Northern Mexico, simmered with bacon, onions, and herbs.

A close-up of a plate of shredded hash browns topped with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley, served alongside a helping of savory fideo seco.

Fideo Seco

Fideo Seco is a beloved traditional recipe featuring toasted vermicelli noodles cooked down in a spiced tomato broth. It absorbs all the flavor and is ready in minutes.

Chiles Toreados

Bring the heat! Chiles Toreados are blistered jalapeños or serrano peppers sautéed with onions and soy sauce. They are a staple condiment at taco stands everywhere.

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema features strips of fire-roasted poblano peppers simmered in a luscious, savory cream sauce. It is cheesy, mild, and wonderfully comforting.

Frijoles Puercos

Frijoles Puercos (often called “piggy beans”) are an ultra-rich, creamy refried bean dish blended with cheese, chorizo, and spices. Ready quickly, it doubles as a stellar party dip or side.

Pickled Jalapenos

More of a fiery condiment than a standalone side, homemade Pickled Jalapenos add an instant punch of tang and spice to tacos, tortas, and everyday meals.

Oven Baked Mexican Potatoes

These Oven Baked Mexican Potatoes are the ultimate effortless side dish. Seasoned to perfection, they deliver crispy, golden-brown goodness every single time.