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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    These 15 Sides Win Over Even the Fussiest Eaters

    Published: Jan 16, 2026 by Maggie Unzueta

    Mexican pickled carrots inside a clear jar.

    Need some new ideas to go with your dinner? These side dishes are here to help. They range from simple veggies to hearty grains and everything in between. Each one is straightforward to make and full of flavor. They are designed to round out your meal without any stress. You will find both classic and new options that everyone at your table is sure to enjoy.

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

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Red Rice)
    • 2 Spring Salad for Easter
    • 3 Mexican Mashed Potatoes
    • 4 Sautéed Mushrooms
    • 5 Ejotes a la Mexicana (Mexican-Style Green Beans)
    • 6 Creamy Asparagus Pasta
    • 7 The Best Oven Roasted Potatoes
    • 8 Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes
    • 9 Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)
    • 10 Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower & Tahini
    • 11 Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • 12 Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
    • 13 Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)
    • 14 7 Layer Salad
    • 15 Air Fryer Radishes

    Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Red Rice)

    Arroz Mexican served in a clay bowl and topped with a cilantro leaf.
    Arroz Mexicano. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    You can make a pot of Arroz Mexicano, which is a flavorful Mexican red rice. It cooks up with a great tomato flavor that goes with so many different meals.
    Get the recipe: Arroz Mexicano

    Spring Salad for Easter

    A plate of salad featuring sugar snap peas, sliced hard-boiled eggs, prosciutto, shaved Parmesan, and parsley, drizzled with a mustard vinaigrette. Two gold forks rest beside the colorful and fresh dish.
    Spring Salad for Easter. Photo by Foxes Love Lemons

    This Spring Salad is fresh and colorful with lots of crisp vegetables. A creamy deviled egg dressing makes it a really special side dish for any table.
    Get the recipe: Spring Salad for Easter

    Mexican Mashed Potatoes

    A white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with small pieces of green herbs, placed on a matching white plate. A spoon rests inside the bowl. In the blurred background, there are broccoli florets and a white cloth napkin.
    Mexican Mashed Potatoes. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Try these Mexican Mashed Potatoes for a creamy and spicy twist. They are full of great seasoning that makes them much more exciting than plain potatoes.
    Get the recipe: Mexican Mashed Potatoes

    Sautéed Mushrooms

    Sautéed mushrooms in a pan, garnished with fresh parsley. A wooden spoon is stirring the sliced mushrooms, which appear golden brown with bits of minced garlic and seasonings visible.
    Sauteed Mushrooms. Photo by Kitchen at Hoskins

    Sautéed Mushrooms are a simple and tasty way to add flavor. They cook up soft and earthy in just a few minutes on the stove.
    Get the recipe: Sautéed Mushrooms

    Ejotes a la Mexicana (Mexican-Style Green Beans)

    A bowl of Ejotes a la Mexicana served in a bowl next to fresh cilantro.
    Ejotes a la Mexicana. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    For a quick vegetable side, try Ejotes a la Mexicana. These Mexican-style green beans are cooked with tomatoes and onions for a light and tasty dish.
    Get the recipe: Ejotes a la Mexicana

    Creamy Asparagus Pasta

    Close-up of creamy pasta with bow tie noodles and asparagus in a pan. The sauce appears rich and smooth, coating the pasta and bright green asparagus spears, offering a delicious and inviting presentation.
    Creamy Asparagus Pasta. Photo by The Toasty Kitchen

    Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a comforting and easy side. Bowtie pasta and tender asparagus get coated in a smooth, homemade sauce.
    Get the recipe: Creamy Asparagus Pasta

    The Best Oven Roasted Potatoes

    A white bowl filled with golden-brown roasted potato chunks garnished with chopped parsley. A silver spoon rests in the bowl, and the dish is placed on a white surface.
    The Best Oven Roasted Potatoes. Photo By Simple Everyday Recipes

    These Oven Roasted Potatoes get crispy on the outside and stay soft inside. Tossing them with mustard and garlic gives them so much great flavor.
    Get the recipe: The Best Oven Roasted Potatoes

    Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

    Roasted sweet potatoes sitting on a white plate.
    Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes are a sweet and savory treat. They come out of the oven tender with wonderfully crispy edges.
    Get the recipe: Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

    Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

    Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.
    Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn). Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Elotes Mexicanos is the name for famous Mexican street corn. It’s slathered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and is incredibly flavorful.
    Get the recipe: Elotes Mexicanos

    Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower & Tahini

    A close-up of roasted cauliflower florets topped with creamy tahini sauce, pine nuts, and chopped fresh herbs, served on a white plate.
    Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower & Tahini. Photo by The Rustic Foodie

    Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower is topped with a tangy tahini sauce. It’s a warm and filling side dish with bright, fresh flavors.
    Get the recipe: Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower & Tahini

    Mexican Pickled Carrots

    Mexican pickled carrots inside a clear jar.
    Mexican Pickled Carrots. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Mexican Pickled Carrots are a crunchy, tangy snack or side. They have a nice mix of sweet and spicy flavors that are really addicting.
    Get the recipe: Mexican Pickled Carrots

    Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus

    A baking tray with roasted asparagus spears and halved roasted potatoes. The vegetables are evenly spread, showing a golden-brown texture on the potatoes and vibrant green asparagus.
    Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus. Photo by The Toasty Kitchen

    Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus is a simple, one-pan side. The vegetables roast together until they are tender and lightly browned.
    Get the recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus

    Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)

    A metal ladle full of cooked pinto beans.
    Frijoles de la Olla. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Frijoles de la Olla are simple, simmered pinto beans. This classic recipe makes them tender and flavorful in their own broth.
    Get the recipe: Frijoles de la Olla

    7 Layer Salad

    A glass bowl filled with layered salad. From bottom to top: shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, cherry tomato halves, green peas, diced boiled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a thick creamy dressing. The layers are neatly stacked and vibrant.
    7 Layer Salad. Photo by Gift of Hospitality

    A 7 Layer Salad is a fun and colorful dish for a crowd. It stacks fresh veggies, eggs, and bacon with a creamy dressing.
    Get the recipe: 7 Layer Salad

    Air Fryer Radishes

    A bowl of roasted radishes seasoned with herbs, displaying a golden-brown crust, sits on a marble surface. The radishes are halved and garnished with small, fresh green parsley leaves.
    Air Fryer Radishes. Photo by The Food Blog

    Air Fryer Radishes become soft and slightly crispy when cooked. They are a quick, well-seasoned alternative to potatoes.
    Get the recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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