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17 Mexican Side Dishes That Deliver Flavor In Every Bite

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Wondering what to serve with tacos? You’re in the right place! This collection of Mexican side dishes has everything you need for the ultimate Taco Tuesday or Fiesta Friday. From classic rice to spicy brussels sprouts, these easy recipes will bring bold flavors to your table—try one or try them all!

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Mexican Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a rectangular baking dish with a spoon. The dish features a golden-brown breadcrumb topping and gooey, melted cheese. A plate with a portion of the macaroni is visible in the background.
Mexican Mac and Cheese. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This recipe for Mexican Mac and Cheese is a cozy dish with a spicy edge. Each bite is a perfect mix of creamy and flavorful.

Get Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

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 is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with all your favorite Mexican dishes. Easy to make and full of flavor!

Get the recipe: Frijoles de la Olla

Mexican Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of a plate of crispy oven baked potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices. The potatoes are golden brown around the edges and appear tender on the inside. A silver fork is placed on the plate beside the potatoes.
Mexican-Roasted Potatoes. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Mexican potatoes are baked to golden brown perfection in the oven, making them the best side dish ever.

Get Recipe: Mexican Roasted Potatoes

Mexican Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a foil-lined baking sheet. The sprouts are halved and seasoned, displaying a golden-brown roasted appearance. The background features a rustic wooden surface.
Mexican Brussels Sprouts. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

When you try these Mexican Brussels Sprouts, you’ll be amazed at how perfectly seasoned they are!

Get Recipe: Mexican Brussels Sprouts

Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Rice)

Arroz Mexican served in a clay bowl and topped with a cilantro leaf.

Arroz Mexicano, also known as Mexican red rice, is a classic side dish that’s fluffy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for any Mexican meal.

Get the recipe: Arroz Mexicano

Chiles Toreados (Mexican Blistered Peppers)

Chiles toreados mounted on top of each other.

Chiles Toreados are blistered chile peppers that add just the right kick of spice and smoky flavor to any Mexican meal—especially tacos!

Get the recipe: Chiles Toreados

Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)

A decorative Mexican plate with cactus salad surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves.

Ensalada de Nopales is a refreshing dish made with cooked cactus, jalapeños, tomatoes, and more. A traditional Mexican side that brings texture and bold flavor to your plate.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Coditos (Elbow Pasta Salad)

Ensalada de Coditos served in a clay bowl.

Ensalada de Coditos is a creamy Mexican pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks and parties. Quick to make and always a hit!

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice)

Arroz blanco served on a decorative blue plate.
Arroz Blanco. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Arroz Blanco, or Mexican white rice, is a light and fluffy vegetarian side dish that complements any Mexican meal with its simple, comforting flavors.

Get the recipe: Arroz Blanco

Cebollitas Asadas (Grilled Onions)

Cebollitas asada sitting on a decorative clay plate.
Cebollitas Asadas. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Cebollitas Asadas are a must at any Mexican BBQ—these grilled green onions are packed with flavor and pair perfectly with carne asada, beans, and warm tortillas.

Get the recipe: Cebollitas Asadas

Frijoles Puercos (Piggy Beans)

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of frijoles puercos.

Frijoles Puercos is an easy, cheesy appetizer that comes together in minutes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Frijoles Puercos

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

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

Elotes Mexicanos, or Mexican street corn, is a quick and tasty side dish bursting with creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. So good!

Get the recipe: Elotes Mexicanos

Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus)

Grilled cactus paddles on a decorative brown ceramic plate with small white and green dotted patterns, placed on a light wooden surface.

Nopales Asados are grilled cactus paddles with a smoky, slightly tangy taste. Enjoy them on their own or add them to salads and tacos for extra flavor.

Get the recipe: Nopales Asados

Papas con Rajas (Potatoes with Poblano Peppers)

Papas con Rajas in a Skillet

Papas con Rajas are tender Mexican-style potatoes cooked with roasted poblano peppers for a rich and smoky flavor—great as a taco filling or a hearty side dish.

Get the recipe: Papas con Rajas

Refried beans (frijoles refritos)

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

Homemade Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos) are creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them the perfect vegetarian side for any Mexican meal.

Get the recipe: Frijoles Refritos

Pickled Jalapeños

Pickled Jalapenos in a jar by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

Homemade Pickled Jalapeños will take your meals to the next level! These spicy, tangy, slightly sweet peppers add the perfect bite to tacos, nachos, and more.

Get the recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Mexican Pickled Onions

Pickled red onions in a jar next to a jalapeno peppers and tortillas.

Cebolla en Escabeche, or Mexican pickled onions, are tangy, slightly spicy, and super easy to make. A simple way to add bold flavor to any dish!

Get the recipe: Mexican Pickled Onions

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