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Mexican side dishes: 14 ‘exquisito’ sides to choose from

Mexican side dishes: 14 ‘exquisito’ sides to choose from

Hosting a dinner party can often be quite stressful. Not only do you have to make sure that the house is clean and in order, but most importantly, the food just needs to be immaculate. 

Mexican dishes have been quite the rage these days because they’re flavorful, spicy, and easy to make. Whether it’s a sophisticated dinner or a casual party, you can never go wrong with serving a Mexican side dish.

What’s even better is that these sides go perfectly well with most main dishes, regardless if they’re of Mexican origin or not. 

Here are the best Mexican side dishes I’ve managed to uncover.

If you’re inviting lots of people, then consider making this healthy and hearty Mexican corn salad. 

Inspired by the street food served in Mexican streets, this salad uses jalapenos, sweet corn, cilantro, black beans and cheese, and covers it with a delicious dressing of mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, lime, and more.

Here’s the recipe!

2. Mexican roasted potato salad

A potato salad is a quintessential side dish for dinner parties; if you’re tired of the typical potato salad, give it a spicy Mexican twist with the help of this recipe

It combines black beans, potatoes, sour cream, lime juice, mayonnaise, and much more. You can also use leftovers from the fridge to make this easy and delish salad!

3. Jalapeño poppers

I mean really: Who doesn’t love jalapeño poppers? They’re spicy, juicy, crunchy, and absolutely mouthwatering!

Thanks to its crunchy panko coating, these spicy poppers will appeal to all those guests who love a spicy kick. Take a look at the recipe to find out more here.

4. Salsa corn cakes

Another way you can give typical corn cakes a Mexican twist is with these delicious salsa corn cakes. They’re perfect for serving with fried chicken or roast and will appeal to children and adults alike. 

Not only that, but they are perfect to go with salsa, tacos, and burritos for an all-out Mexican dinner!

5. Taco slaw

Crunchy red cabbage with carrots, lime, and cilantro are all we need on a Taco Tuesday. This perfect Taco slaw takes less than half an hour to prepare and will leave your guests wanting more because of how perfectly well made and light it is.

6. Charred corn salsa

A delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make Mexican side dish is charred corn salsa. This will be the ideal side to serve with a large feast and should appeal to the kids and adults alike. 

Learn how to make this salsa from the recipe here.

7. Frijoles

Also known as refried beans, frijoles are a traditional way of eating beans in Mexico. Thus for an authentic Mexican taste, this is the ideal side dish for you. 

You can customize your frijoles with any topping you prefer, including sour cream, cheese, or chorizo. Take a look at the recipe here.

8. Mexican chipotle rice

The ever so famous Mexican chain of restaurants Chipotle is known for its mouthwatering Mexican food. Imagine being able to make the same kind of rice they serve at home? It’ll be much healthier and cost-effective. 

Take a look at this easy recipe to make Mexican chipotle rice that you can serve at your next dinner party.

9. Guacamole

Who doesn’t love guacamole? It’s perfect for tacos and nachos and is almost at every single Mexican dinner or party. 

If there’s one Mexican side dish you can never go wrong with, it’s undoubtedly guacamole. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make guacamole.

10. Baked Mexican elotes

A lovely and delicious way to make elotes is by baking them with Mexican flavors. We love this dish, and we know you and your guests will too! Learn how to make it here.

11. Mexican coleslaw

Coleslaw is the ideal side dish for seafood, fried dishes, and other meats. It doesn’t take the spotlight away from the main dish and is likely to complement it well. 

Take a peek at this recipe for this sweet and tangy coleslaw with a Mexican twist!

12. Mexican quinoa salad

For those fitness and health fanatics, this Mexican Quinoa salad will be the perfect side dish. It might even take center stage for them because of how filling and delicious it is. Check this recipe out and more details on how to make it from this website.

13. Eight layer taco salad

Hosting a big party? Then this hearty and large taco salad is definitely what you need to complete the menu. It’s easy to whip up and can serve numerous people, all the while tasting divine. 

Learn how to make this massive eight-layered taco salad from this website!

14. Cilantro lime rice

If you’re making fajitas for dinner, this tangy and delicious rice should go well with it. They’re simple and easy to make and can serve a large family pretty easily. 

More details of the recipe over here.

The bottom line

Rice, beans, and a lot more. But for the true fans of the Mexican cuisine, these side dishes I’ve come up with are more than just that. If anything, these sides are easily the most flexible out there amongst all in the category – whether you’re making chicken or seafood as your main course!

Mexican side dishes

Mexican side dishes

Here are 14 of the tastiest, most versatile Mexican side dishes that are making the rounds now.

Ingredients

  • Street style spicy Mexican corn salad
  • Mexican roasted potato salad
  • Jalapeño poppers
  • Salsa corn cakes
  • Taco slaw
  • Charred corn salsa
  • Frijoles
  • Mexican chipotle rice
  • Guacamole
  • Baked Mexican elotes
  • Mexican coleslaw
  • Mexican quinoa salad
  • Eight layer taco salad
  • Cilantro lime rice

Instructions

  1. Choose two side dishes.
  2. Gather the ingredients accordingly.
  3. Serve them with your main dish.

Did you make this recipe?

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Claudia

Monday 22nd of November 2021

“Frijoles”? Really? They’re beans. Translating it to Spanish doesn’t make it any different than beans.

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