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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Mexican Side Dishes

    Mexican Side Dishes

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted May 31, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    A collage showing several Mexican side dishes.

    Complete your next dinner with one of these delicious Mexican Side Dishes. From beans to salads, add one from this collection of recipes to make an ordinary meal extraordinary.

    A collage showing several Mexican side dishes.

    Most of the Mexican side dishes that you find here are authentic Mexican recipes.

    There are a few instant pot Mexican recipes that are authentic but prepared differently. If you overlook the instant pot, then I can safely say they are all authentic Mexican side dishes.

     

    Cooking Pinto Beans, or Frijoles de la Olla, is easy. Only a few ingredients, but it does involve time. You can’t rush this magical bean. It’s worth the wait for this classic side dish in Mexican cuisine. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Frijoles de la Olla

    Next time you’re thinking of cooking pinto beans, or Frijoles de la Olla, try out this easy recipe.

    It is the perfect side dish for your Mexican food favorites.

    Arroz Mexicano (or Mexican Rice) served in a decorative blue plate and topped with a cilantro leaf.

    Arroz Mexicano

    Arroz Mexicano is a traditional recipe, making it the ideal accompaniment to Mexican main dishes.

    Ensalada de Coditos Mexicana in a clay dish with forks and other decorative plates in the background.

    Ensalada de Coditos

    Ensalada de Coditos is an easy Mexican appetizer or side dish that is great for parties or potlucks.

    It comes together in minutes and is enjoyed by all.

    Cebollitas Asadas served on a clay plate next to grilled cactus and carne asada.

    Cebollitas asadas

    The thrill of the grill. Cebollitas Asadas is a classic side dish that is at every Mexican BBQ.

    A must-have with carne asada.

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

    Ensalada de Nopales 

    Ensalada de Nopales is a cold cactus salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It makes the best side dish to any of your favorite dishes, and it’s 100% vegan. 

    Jicama Corn Salad

    Jicama Corn Salad

    Jicama Corn Salad is an easy and light side dish.

    This Mexican recipe is perfect next to fish or chicken. Recipe by Piña en la Cocina.

    Mexican Pickled Red Onions (Cebolla Morada en Escabeche) is a yummy topping that is incredibly easy-to-make. A favorite topping in Mexico that adds a lot of flavor to your food. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Cebollas en Escabeche

    Cebollas en Escabeche, or Mexican Pickled Red Onions, is a classic in Mexican cuisine.

    A delicious topping that brings a lot of flavor to your favorite food.

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

    Nopales asados

    These Nopales Asados are an easy side dish that everyone can eat. Not only that, but when grilled, the cactus pick up a yummy, smokey flavor that is delicious!

    Serve as is, or put it into a salad. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard cookout.

    Arroz Blanco (or Mexican White Rice) on a decorative blue plate surrounded and garnished with cilantro leaves.

    Arroz Blanco

    Arroz Blanco, or Mexican White Rice, is an easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any Mexican food.

    For my fellow moms, this is a great recipe to sneak in some veggies. Wink. Wink.

    Bowl of Pinto beans next to an Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Pinto Beans

    Beans and rice and everything spice. That’s what Mexican food is made of. By making these Instant Pot Pinto Beans NO SOAK, you save time without sacrificing taste.

    Who doesn’t love that!

    Refried beans topped with slice of jalapeno and crumbled queso fresco.

    Frijoles Refritos

    Homemade Refried Beans, or Frijoles Refritos, are one of the easiest Mexican foods to make.

    Vegetarian and yummy, they make the perfect side dish for any meal.

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

    Mexican Street Corn

    This Mexican Street Corn recipe is a favorite. Covered with mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese, and cilantro.

    Incredibly delicious in every bite.

    Papas con Rajas, Potatoes and Poblano Chile, in a Skillet

    Papas con Rajas

    Papas con Rajas, or Potatoes and Poblano Chiles, is a savory Mexican side dish. Serve it with eggs for breakfast or perfect as a light dinner.

    It also makes a great option for Meatless Mondays.

    Easy Creamy Zucchini Corn and Poblano Chile (or Calabacitas con Elote y Rajas de Chile Poblano) is a yummy and delicious dish that comes together in minutes. It only takes a few ingredients, and food is ready! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Calabacitas con Elote

    Of all the Mexican side dishes, I hope you try this one!

    Calabacitas con Elote y Rajas de Chile Poblano, or Creamy Zucchini Corn and Poblano Chile, is a quick and tasty recipe for those nights you don’t feel like cooking.

    Serve with flour tortillas and enjoy!

    Frijoles Charros in a decorative blue bowl topped with jalapeno slices.

    Charro Beans

    Charro Beans is a yummy recipe from Northern Mexico.

    As a side dish or as a meal, you can’t go wrong with this dish.

    Fideo Seco topped with avocado cheese

    Fideo Seco

    Fideo Seco is a traditional Mexican recipe made of noodles and cooked in a tomato sauce. Mildly spicy and ready in minutes.

    This dish makes a great side dish or yummy light lunch.

    Chiles Toreados

    Chiles Toreados

    Chiles Toreados are easy-to-make and bring spice and flavor to any dish. Made with serrano peppers or jalapeños. They are usually found at Mexican taco stands everywhere.

    Add this to your meal to make it extra real.

    Cumin Lime Coleslaw

    Cumin Lime Coleslaw

    Add flavor and freshness with this Sweet Life Bake’s Cumin Lime Coleslaw recipe.

    It’s yummy in every way.

    Rajas con Crema on a black iron cast skillet topped with a cilantro leaf and surrounded by tortilla chips and more cilantro.

    Rajas con Crema

    This one is listed under Mexican side dishes that make you drool!

    Rajas con Crema, or Roasted Poblanos in Cream Sauce, is a yummy Mexican recipe that is not too spicy and 100% tasty.

    It’s cheesy deliciousness in every bite.

    A hand holding a chip with frijoles puercos over a blue bowl.

    Frijoles Puercos

    Frijoles Puercos (or Piggy Beans) is an EASY side dish or appetizer that’s ready in minutes. The recipe includes cheese, chorizo, and more.. what’s not to love?!

    Pickled Jalapenos Chiles en Vinagre surrounded by jar and cilantro.

    Pickled Jalapenos

    Pickled Jalapenos are more of a condiment. They are tangy, spicy, and add tons of flavor to any meal.

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    Filed Under: Mexican, Recipes, Side Dishes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mai

      June 10, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      Looks delicious and ofccourse healthy foods,will love to try the Creamy Zucchini Corn.The kids surely love these recipes.

      Reply
    2. Michael

      June 10, 2019 at 11:25 pm

      I like that instant pot mexican rice! Made me crave to eat now instead of later lol (I love mexican foods!)

      Reply
    3. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

      June 11, 2019 at 8:05 am

      I love Mexican and I had no idea how many amazing side dishes there are! Look forward to trying some of these soon!

      Reply
    4. Crystal Mendez

      June 11, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      Yum! I grew up on Mexican food and now living in Texas can’t live without it. I love using my InstantPot for foods like beans and rice. Makes my life so much easier. You have so many recipes here I want to try!

      Reply
    5. Erin Sluka

      June 11, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      I love a simple side of beans. savory pinto or refried with some cheese. My son will eat refried beans all day long if I let him

      Reply
    6. Jelena

      June 13, 2019 at 1:32 am

      Thank you for this post. I love Mexican dishes, and now I have recipes for the whole summer!

      Reply

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