27 Mexican Side Dishes for Taco Tuesday

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday for you, or you’re just craving a spicy, flavorful Mexican meal, I’ve got 27 Mexican Side Dishes that will enhance your weeknight dinner. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Mexican cuisine has an unparalleled ability to dazzle our senses with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and rich cultural history. And what better way to celebrate this culinary marvel than by diving into a sensational collection of Mexican side dishes that are sure to elevate any meal to a fiesta of flavors?

From the sizzle of perfectly seasoned street corn to the creamy decadence of guacamole made from avocados kissed by the Mexican sun, these side dishes are not just accompaniments; they’re the stars of the show! Whether you’re hosting a lively fiesta with friends, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply craving the exquisite tastes of Mexico, this recipe roundup has got you covered. 

1. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

We absolutely have to start out with salsa, because what would a Mexican meal be without it?!  This roasted tomatillo salsa will switch things up from the usual red tomato-based salsa. By roasting the veggies before blending, you’re creating an amazing depth of flavor. It gives you that charred bite that keeps you coming back for more. 

2. Authentic Best Ever Guacamole 

Quickly following salsa is guacamole of course. This authentic guacamole will give you the best, table-side guac vibes. You don’t need any other recipe! It’s got the perfect amount of jalapeno, salt, and lime so the creamy avocado is still the star of the show. It’s great with chips as a Mexican side dish, or on tacos. 

3. Easy 10-Minute Blender Salsa

Store-bought salsa is a great go-to when you have no time at all, but this 10-minute blender salsa is a great solution. Homemade salsa is delicious, fresh, and you can control the heat. With an easy recipe like this, there’s no need for store-bought salsa again. 

4. Mexican Side Dishes: Street Corn Casserole

This street corn casserole makes a great option if you’re looking for traditional but simple Mexican side dishes. Instead of grilling all the individual ears of corn, you can use frozen corn and put all of the spices and cheese into one big dish. This allows you to serve more people, without using up more time.  

5. Restaurant Style Mexican Rice 

We have to have Mexican rice as one of our Mexican side dishes. It goes with everything and is very cheap to make. It takes about 30 minutes, and there’s even a version where you can completely skip the chopping. Definitely save this recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. 

6. Mexican Quinoa Soup

Soup is a very popular item on most Mexican Side Dishes lists. A cup of it can give you a world of different Mexican flavors- and this recipe is no different. The ingredient list looks long, but most are spices that you probably have stocked in the back of your pantry anyways. 

7. Quick and Easy Mexican Bean Salad

If you’re in the heat of summer and don’t want to add more heat to your meal – this Mexican Bean Salad is what you’re looking for. It’s got all the traditional Mexican flavors, but with a calm heat. A refreshing mix of corn, beans, and zesty vinaigrette in this salad will please all the guests. 

8. Mexican Side Dishes: Authentic Refried Beans

Epazote is the key ingredient when making authentic refried beans. It’s a Mexican herb very similar to oregano, so if you can’t find it, dried oregano works. This recipe details several different ways to make the Mexican refried beans whether you want to use a stovetop or an instant pot. 

9. Spicy Shrimp Ceviche 

Here is another recipe that can help you cool off in the summer heat. Spicy Shrimp Ceviche is also very healthy and is a no-cook recipe. Big wins! Chopped shrimp is mixed with a combination of tomatoes, onion, cucumber, lime juice, habanero, cilantro, and avocado. Serve it with some warm tortilla chips, and you’ve got a fantastic addition to your Mexican side dishes. 

10. Three Bean Avocado Corn Salad

Three Bean Avocado Corn Salad is healthy and nutritious. It’s packed with chopped peppers, soft avocado, and a variety of beans which gives you a mixture of vitamins and minerals. Three Bean Avocado Corn Salad is absolutely tasty too! It’s easy to make ahead, so it saves you time when entertaining. You can dial up the heat, or dial it down depending on your crowd’s preference. 

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11. Mexican Side Dishes: Drunken Beans (Frijoles Borrachos)

Frijoles Borrachos are similar to refried beans but with the addition of dark beer and bacon (uhh, yum!). The alcohol cooks out while the beans simmer, but the savory, rich flavor of the combination remains. Since it’s not spicy, it’ll be a hit with the whole family. This will definitely be added to your Taco Tuesday! 

12. Better than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

If you’ve ever had Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, you know how delicious it is. I bet you didn’t know how easy it is to make right at home! You just need to add three ingredients to your rice – oil, cilantro, and lime juice. It instantly brightens up white rice and enhances your meal. 

13. Best From Scratch Homemade Flour Tortillas

Making tortillas at home can be daunting, but the flavor difference between them versus store-bought tortillas is definitely worth the try. This recipe doesn’t require much extra effort though. It’s five ingredients and can be made by hand or with a stand mixer. Give it a try! You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how easy it is. 

14. Cilantro Lime Taco Slaw 

Elevate your tacos on Taco Tuesday with this light, refreshing slaw. You only need 5 minutes to make it, but it really adds a lot of flavor to your tacos. It’s a one-stop shop for taco toppings. You just need a bit of grilled fish or chicken and you’ve got a complete taco that’s bursting with flavor. It can also be eaten by itself as a Mexican side dish. 

15. Mexican Side Dishes: Spicy Pineapple Salsa

There’s no debate, pineapple was meant to be in salsa. It adds a touch of sweetness that works so well against the spicy jalapenos. It calms the mouth down a bit so it can take more and more. You can even roast your pineapple beforehand to add a great depth of flavor. Serve this salsa with blue corn tortilla chips. 

16. Homemade Margaritas 

 I don’t know if a margarita counts as a side dish, but it absolutely should. We can’t have a Taco Tuesday without a homemade margarita. Skip the bottled mix, and make this recipe instead. It’ll give you restaurant, top-shelf quality margs that you can sip all throughout your Mexican-inspired meal. 

17. Authentic Horchata

If margaritas were included, horchata definitely had to be on the list of Mexican side dishes. This creamy. sweet, iced drink calms things down in the heat of summer. You need six ingredients, none of them hard to find. It’s made ahead of time so that it chills properly so make sure you start it early. 

18. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled ears of corn are covered with butter, mayonnaise, spices, and cheese to create this easy but amazing Mexican side dish. Elote Corn is well known as a Mexican street food but makes a great side dish for any Mexican meal. It’s filling and tasty and will keep your guests coming back for more. So make sure to cook a large batch! 

19. Mexican Side Dishes: Pozole Rojo 

Pozole Rojo is a celebration dish, usually made on New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and birthdays. It’s a mixture of roasted red peppers, pork, and hominy that creates this rich, hearty stew-like dish. Serve it as a course in your next Mexican feast. It’ll bring all the traditional flavors you’re going for. 

20. Mexican Side Dishes: Skillet Nacho Dip

While this is not a traditional Mexican recipe for the list of Mexican side dishes, it does count as something you can serve with a burst of Mexican flavor. Melty, baked cheese is the perfect compliment to any Mexican-inspired party. Make a large batch because skillet nacho dip will go fast! 

21. Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho 

If you think cold soup sounds terrible, you’ve never had gazpacho! Gazpacho is a cold soup served when summer is at its hottest. It can be an appetizer or a side dish to help cool the meal down. This sweet corn gazpacho is light, creamy, and delightful. Don’t skip on the fresh basil – fresh herbs always add much-needed flavor. 

22. Roasted Poblano and Corn Guacamole

 I love a chunky guacamole, and this one is no exception. This recipe is perfect for a party because it’s hearty and can feed a crowd. Roasted poblanos bring the heat, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. And of course, we love the creaminess of the ripe avocados. 

23. Roasted Poblano Elote Queso

If you want more of a traditional side dish rather than the skillet nacho dip, give this elote queso a try. It’s beautiful and packed with Mexican flavors. Traditional Mexican cheese (Oaxaca) is cooked down until melted and mixed with a variety of spices, herbs, and more cheese. It’s absolutely delicious!

24. Mexican Side Dishes: Elote Cauliflower 

Elote isn’t just for corn – it goes great with other vegetables as well. Cauliflower is a great base for the traditional elote seasonings and it keeps the side dish low carb as well. You could even claim this as a keto meal if you needed to, with all of the healthy fats from the oil and cheese.  

25. Calabacitas Recipe – Easy Mexican Summer Squash 

If you’re looking for Mexican side dishes that easily transition from summer into fall, this calabacitas recipe will do the trick. It’s also a foolproof recipe, so you don’t have to be a whiz in the kitchen to whip this up. It’s healthy, full of flavor, and a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet. 

26. Mexican Side Dishes: 7 Layer Dip 

Layers and layers of Mexican flavors make this one of the best Mexican side dishes you can make. One dip of a chip will give you creamy cheese, fresh cilantro, soft avocado, hearty beans, crunchy peppers, and spicy salsa. It’s a whole world of flavors all in one. It’s definitely a potluck favorite. 

27. Mexican Side Dishes: Homemade Tortilla Chips

I’ve saved the best for last – homemade tortilla chips. It’s never ever a Mexican meal without a side of crispy fried tortilla chips. This recipe is baked in the oven, so they are a bit healthy for you. And you can even make them gluten-free. A splash of lime juice really makes these chips pop. 

From the spicy to the sublime, the zesty to the indulgent, these dishes represent the soul of Mexico on a plate. So, grab your apron, sharpen those knives, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to ignite your passion for cooking and introduce you to the authentic flavors of Mexico. ¡Vamos a comer! (Let’s eat!)

And I’ll leave you with one bonus recipe. This is my favorite Roasted Poblano Salsa Recipe! It is perfect for tacos, or just as a fancy dip for your favorite tortilla chips.