Looking for ideas for what to serve with fish tacos? These 38 BEST side dishes will elevate the flavor of your prized taco entree!

Fish tacos are a tasty summer treat made from a mixture of fried fish strips, corn or flour tortillas, salsa, and cabbage, topped with cream sauce and lime juice.

Delicious! 🌮

Thanks to diverse ingredients and condiments, fish tacos have risen in popularity for their crispy texture and umami flavor.

The dish can stand on its own, but pairing the taco with the right side dishes makes it all the more exciting!

If you’re curious about what to serve with fish tacos, this recipe guide should solve your dilemma.

From the famous Jalapeño Poppers and crisp Caesar Salad to my fave Goat-Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes and yummy Watermelon Salad…

… unlock these 38 side dishes for fish tacos to elevate the flavor of your prized taco even more!

Table of Contents

What To Serve With Fish Tacos

1. Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are one of the default side dishes for fish tacos.

They feature a crispy texture and spicy flavor–all thanks to the panko crumbs and paprika spice.

These treats are easy to put together and only require ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

Plus, deep frying them isn’t necessary! Use an air fryer to save some energy and oil!

2. Mango Guacamole

Another fantastic side item for fish tacos is the mango guacamole.

It combines essential ingredients such as avocados, lime, mango, cilantro, and salt.

Experiment with its flavor by adding fruits and vegetables to the mixture.

If you’re not into mango, feel free to substitute it with peaches, strawberries, or pineapple.

Apart from fish tacos, mango guacamole also goes well with your breakfast sandwich, deviled eggs, or sweet potatoes.

3. Caesar Salad

This version of Caesar salad complements the flavor and texture of your fish tacos.

It’s creamy, light, and versatile!

What makes it unique, too, is the absence of anchovies or eggs in the mixture.

You can make the dish heartier by adding other ingredients to your liking.

I love tossing some crispy bacon, grilled chicken, and sometimes radishes.

4. Angel Hair Pasta

This angel hair pasta may be all you need to complete your fish taco meal.

This delectable side entry boasts a savory flavor profile with a mouthwatering aroma to harmonize with your fish taco.

And what’s more, you can customize the recipe relative to your tastes.

Feel free to add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sauteed mushrooms, and roasted asparagus.

Try these amazing Mexican Cocktails to side car with this meal!

5. Quick-Pickled Cucumber Salad

What’s a good side dish for fish tacos?

Cucumber salad!

This salad has a refreshing, crisp texture coming from cucumbers, white vinegar, a bit of sugar, salt, garlic powder, and onion.

It’s recommended to let the cucumber salad chill in the fridge for like 30 minutes or more.

They’re g

This is to allow the flavors to reach their potential.

But I never wait. They go in bowls immediately alongside the tacos.

I LOVE this side dish with all Mexican food, but there’s something about them with fish tacos.

-chef’s kiss-

6. Queso Fundido Dip

Imagine dunking your fish tacos into a nice and melty queso fundido dip.

Now I’m hungry!

The rich flavor and texture of this side dish perfectly match with fish tacos.

The recipe includes butter, whole milk, flour, goat cheese, and black pepper.

And the best part?

You can either bake or broil it!

Just ensure to get that golden brown perfection before garnishing the recipe with chopped cilantro.

7. Sopa Azteca

If you want to keep things all hearty and cozy, a bowl of sopa Azteca is quite the perfect choice for you!

This warm soup has the right flavor that won’t overpower the taste of your fish tacos.

The process of making the recipe is as easy as ABC.

Saute the onion and garlic.

Cook the tomatoes, add broth, and let it simmer for several minutes.

Then include chili peppers, tortillas, cheese, and avocado as toppings.

That’s it!

8. Cilantro Lime Rice

There’s nothing wrong if you stick with the basics when choosing sides for fish tacos—like this Cilantro Lime Rice!

You might be surprised how this simple rice recipe can improve the flavor of your main dish.

It has a tangy kick that you and your family will love.

Bear in mind to cook your rice properly, though.

Also, use long-grained rice if possible as this variety comes out drier and fluffier after cooking.

9. Tomato Salad

If you’re still confused about what to serve with fish tacos, then our next entry might very well be the one you’re looking for!

The dish offers a taste of summer that might outshine your main entree.

What’s more, this salad is so easy to whip up.

Simply slice or dice ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Combine them with red onion, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Make it even heartier by adding cucumber, avocado, or mozzarella for a creamy flavor profile.

10. Avocado Slaw

This six-ingredient avocado slaw should satisfy your palate and add crunchy goodness to your fish taco meal.

It’s SUPER light, bright, and fresh!

If you want to make it a day before, make sure to store the shredded cabbage, carrots, and diced onions in a plastic bag.

Mix the ingredients and stir them again when you’re ready to serve.

11. Corn On The Cob

If you want to partner your fish tacos with something smokey, I highly recommend my Corn On The Cob recipe.

The trick to achieving a delicious final product is to pick out the freshest corn if possible.

This recipe has endless possibilities when it comes to variations.

Take it to the next level by adding toppings that suit your taste, or keep the flavor simple and classic.

12. Mexican Corn Pudding

In case you haven’t tried it, fish tacos taste great with this savory, sweet, and kicky Mexican Corn Pudding.

The recipe combines the flavors of jalapeños, poblano peppers, fresh cilantro, and Mexican cheese.

To spice things up a little, consider including crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and black beans.

Want it a bit fierier?

Add cayenne pepper!

You’ll be transforming this side dish for fish tacos into practically its own meal!

13. Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad

Though it could be a star of the meal, this Tex-Mex quinoa salad can also act as a supporting dish for your fish tacos.

The salad is brimming with so much flavor coming from fresh tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, cotija cheese, fresh lime, and avocados.

Plus, you can make this salad before your big day!

Were you running out of cotija cheese?

Replace it with parmesan cheese or any other Mexican cheese that you can get your hands on.

14. Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados

Another must-try side for fish tacos is my version of Shrimp Stuffed Avocados.

The dish might look intimidating, but it’s straightforward to make!

If you want to make the recipe tasty, pick out fresh and ripe avocados.

Here’s a tip on picking the right fruit:

Look for avocados with dark outer skin, but be careful to leave avocados with indentations as they may indicate bruising.

15. Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde is another Mexican staple that tastes wonderful with fish tacos.

It has a nice green color coming from poblano chiles and cilantro.

Plus, the fluffy texture of the rice is one of the reasons I love adding it to my taco meal.

16. Goat-Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Okay, so this one is more of an appetizer, but I love these little sweet n’ tangy pops of flavor so much!!

Something about the goat cheese and tomato together just make these so scrumptious.

You don’t even need a melon baller.

A sharp paring knife and the tip of a spoon will allow you to hollow the tomatoes out, no problem.

17. Watermelon Salad

This salad offers the right balance of sweet and savory taste that creates a harmonious and filling flavor when combined with fish tacos.

Tweaking the ingredients makes this recipe a bit fun. Include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, corn, or any vegetable to your liking.

If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, consider substituting the ingredient with fresh mozzarella balls or goat cheese.

18. Mexican Rice

What better way to enjoy your tacos than with a bowl of fluffy, savory rice cooked to perfection?

For a more powerful flavor, you can sautee onion and chopped garlic before adding the cooked rice.

Mix in your choice of Rotel, Salsa, or even Jalapeno sauce to finish.

19. Re-fried beans

The salty taste of the refried beans contrasts nicely with that of the fish in your tacos!

Made from pinto beans, seasoning, and spices which include cumin seeds and jalapenos, it also provides a nice texture contrast with the mushiness of the beans to the crispiness of the tacos.

This dish is a popular side to eat on its own but goes very well with most Mexican dishes, including fish tacos!

20. Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn or Elote is sweet but contains most of the flavors that the taco has, mixed with cheese and butter.

When one eats Elote together with tacos, one will notice the nice mixture of flavors instantly with the Elote giving a subtle sweetness that teases them to eat more.

Be careful not to overeat!

21. Carne Asada Nachos

These nachos are prepared with carne asada, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and jalapeno.

It’s like a party at full blast with every mouthful!

The tender and savory carne asada also makes for a nice contrast with the fish in your tacos; you won’t get bored with each alternate bite!

22. Black Bean & Corn Soup

Nothing beats a hot bowl of soup on a cold night, and you can be sure the black beans and corn variant will not disappoint!

The earthy black bean soup has always been a traditional comfort food, but with a little sweetness from the corn thrown in, it provides a nice contrast to the tacos’ flavor making for a cozier combo.

23. Tomatillo Salsa Verde

This green salsa sauce is packed with flavor!

And the addition of serrano peppers gives it quite a spicy punch!

It’s easy to make and it pairs well with any Mexican dish, and you can bet your fish tacos are on that list!

So if you’re looking for something powerful, the Tomatillo Salsa Verde is your best bet!

24. 7 Layer Taco Dip

When served at parties, you can expect that the 7-layer taco dip is easily the first of your dishes that are gone!

Made from a combination of beans, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and sliced green onions, this dish must have been the product of the people who first brainstormed how to make the already successful taco even better!

Cook it up and see how much of a success it is!

25. Pork Tamales

Tamales are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed year-round but are specially served during the festivities of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico.

The dish is a traditional Mexican dish made with a corn-based dough mixture that is filled with various meats, beans, or cheese or a mixture of all three.

They are wrapped and cooked in corn husks or banana leaves, but they are removed from the husks before eating.

But it need not be Halloween where you are to enjoy Tamales with your fish tacos!

Top them off with pico de gallo on top and maybe a side of guacamole too.

How To Reheat Tamales

26. Winter Grapefruit Arugula Salad

Everyone loves a good salad.

What makes this one special is the addition of citrus!

Made up of arugula, grapefruits, and pistachios, it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the fish in your tacos nicely.

Serve with your favorite vinaigrette for extra zest!

27. Chipotle Vinaigrette

And since vinaigrette was mentioned in the last entry, I can’t help but throw in a how-to to make your own fresh and with no preservatives.

Vinaigrette has a smoky flavor and can be spiced and seasoned to your liking.

It goes well with salads of all types, as a marinade for veggies and meats, or to simply dribble on top of your fish tacos!

Use it to season your tacos or the sides to serve your tacos with; whatever the case may be, you can be sure that some well-done vinaigrette will go well with any of them!

28. Brussels Sprouts With Bacon & Cheese

Another dish that pairs up well with fish tacos is brussels sprouts with bacon and cheese!

Anyone digging into that cheesy, gooey yumminess is a sure convert to the brussels sprouts fandom (if they aren’t already)!

Serve with a platter of piping hot spicy fish tacos to turn your typical get-together into a regular Cinco de Mayo!

29. Frijoles Y Chorizo

Frijoles y chorizo, or beans and sausage in English, is a hearty, warm, and filling meal all in itself.

What makes this another good pair with fish tacos is, it makes for a nice damper for the heat if you like your tacos spicy.

That and the chorizo creates an excellent variance with the fish in the tacos.

Perfect for a mid-week evening meal when you want something exotic yet warm and filling to enjoy the night with.

30. Homemade Tortilla Chips

Here’s a little something for the chefs out there who prefer to make things themselves and avoid the store-bought options.

These are the how-tos on how to prepare the chips (and the taco shells, too), which you can use to scoop up anything that gets dropped from your fish tacos.

Serve with salsa for something light and refreshing!

31. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving up some fish tacos and you have some leftover tortillas?

Never fear, this dish is for you!

Made from chicken, tortillas, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos, this soup makes for spicy slurping!

Incidentally, the soup pairs very well with fish tacos too!

32. Mexican Diced Potato Hash

The Mexican Diced Potato Hash is a perfect side for any Mexican dish!

Cooked with a delicious blend of diced potatoes, chopped onions, tomatoes, and peppers, a bowl of this concoction is sure to liven up anything you decide to eat with!

The spice also brightens the flavor of the fish in your tacos.

33. Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus

This unique hummus variant is creamy, smooth, and flavorful!

It’s usually served as a dip for pita bread or as a sandwich spread; but in this case, we’ll be using it as a dip for your fish tacos.

I promise it won’t disappoint!

And it’s so easy to make!

You just need to run the garlic and jalapenos through your food processor first to bring out the spice, add the rest of the ingredients and run them till the mix is smooth and creamy.

34. Creamy Avocado Pesto Primavera

One taste and you’ll agree that this side might have been made with fish tacos in mind to pair up with!

The creamy, savory flavor of the pasta goes hand in hand with the zesty saltiness of the fish taco.

Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole to complete the meal!

35. Grilled Zucchini

This recipe shows you how to transform an ordinary zucchini into a simple yet delicious side laced with garlic, lemon, and Italian seasoning.

It very well might be good enough to upstage your entree!

And you can be certain it will pair up extremely well with your fish tacos.

36. Corn Casserole

There’s just something about casseroles that everyone can’t get enough of.

This is why it’s one of the most popular dishes in America.

Another reason it’s so popular is that it goes very well with almost everything, and fish tacos are no exemption!

A bit of the familiar mixed in with a bit of the exotic just might be the mix you’re looking for for your next table spread!

37. Dragon Bowl

Unleash your inner culinary dragon and cook up this unique take on salad: the dragon bowl.

Not familiar with the dragon bowl?

Neither was I up until recently.

A dragon bowl is a tasty, all-in-one dish packed with diverse and colorful ingredients, both cook and raw.

The best part is it pairs up well with your fish tacos!

38. Mexican Martini

If all else fails, you can always have your fish tacos with some alcohol.

And why not serve something up that’s Mexican-themed as well?

Presenting: The Mexican Martini.

It’s just like your ordinary martini, except that instead of using Vodka, the drink is prepared with Tequila instead and served with a slice of lime, which gives it some margarita vibes.

It complements the flavor of the fish taco well, as the alcohol enhances the acidity of the fish resulting in a more flavorful taste.

Remember to drink moderately, though!

The bottom line

If I still have time to prepare my side dishes after creating my taco, I typically whip up three of my favorites: watermelon salad, cilantro-lime rice, and goat-cheese stuffed cherry tomatoes.

Now let me tell you, what do you usually serve with your fish tacos?