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Homebody Eats » Mexican Inspired

15 Simple Side Dishes for Tamales

Published: Jun 10, 2021 · Modified: Jul 2, 2022 by Jessica Mode · This content may include affiliate links.

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Looking for what to make with tamales? Check out these 15 easy and healthy side dishes that will pair perfectly! Many of these sides feature fresh produce, beans and rice, and even some dips that you could use as toppings for the tamales. These are going to be your new go-to side dishes for tamales.

4 pictures of tamale side dishes.

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Jump to:
  • 1. Avocado Cucumber Salad
  • 2. Air Fryer Plantains
  • 3. Elotes (Mexican Street Corn) Salad
  • 4. Papas Con Rajas
  • 5. Refried Black Beans
  • 6. Gallo Pinto
  • 7. Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
  • 8. Arroz Borracho (Beer Steamed Yellow Rice)
  • 9. Queso Blanco
  • 10. Easy Mexican Rice
  • 11. Easy Seasoned Guacamole
  • 12. Cabbage Salsa
  • 13. Three Bean Salad
  • 14. Quinoa Salad with Green Chilies
  • 15. Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)
  • Other Recipes To Try

Tamales are a delicious and well loved dish. They have been around for thousands of years, and each state/region/family has their own special recipe. Be sure to check out this video to learn more about the history of tamales.

It's debatable whether or not tamales should be served with side dishes. Traditionally, they are a well known street food. However, for individuals who like to eat tamales with other flavors and dishes, here are some side dish ideas.

1. Avocado Cucumber Salad

Two plates with Mexican avocado salad.

With only five main ingredients, this side dish whips up in under 15 minutes. The avocado salad is then topped off with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This is the perfect healthy salad that's light and refreshing!

Read More

2. Air Fryer Plantains

salted air fried sweet plantains in bowl.

Air fryer plantains are a sweet & simple side dish! They crisp up perfectly in an air fryer and come together in under 20 minutes.

Read More

3. Elotes (Mexican Street Corn) Salad

Image via Season & Thyme

Fresh, in season corn grilled and cut right off the cob, combined with flavor-packed ingredients like radishes and jalapeños, make this salad something special.

Read More

4. Papas Con Rajas

Image via Mamá Maggie's Kitchen

Papas con rajas, or potatoes and poblano chiles, is a savory Mexican recipe. There's no meat in this dish, so it's a great option for vegetarians or meatless Mondays.

Read More

5. Refried Black Beans

Image via The Forked Spoon

Refried Beans are a delicious and flavorful side dish made when boiled beans are cooked and mashed (or re-fried) in oil, spices, and onion.

Read More

6. Gallo Pinto

Image via Boulder Locavore

Gallo Pinto is a combination of rice and beans and means ‘spotted rooster’ when translated into English. While typically eaten at breakfast, this dish also makes a great side dish for tamales.

Read More

7. Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

Image via Bites with Bri

This roasted chili corn salsa is loaded with roasted poblanos, garlic, onions, cilantro, and corn, of course. To keep things simple, the recipe calls for frozen fire roasted corn but you can also swap it with fresh.

Read More

8. Arroz Borracho (Beer Steamed Yellow Rice)

Image via Sense & Edibility

Arroz borracho means drunk rice. Obviously, the rice didn’t stumble into the kitchen after a night of pounding beers; it’s just white rice that’s steamed in beer and water. It gives the finished rice a malty, rich flavor.

Read More

9. Queso Blanco

Image via Baking Beauty

Smooth and creamy queso with just the right amount of spice. This restaurant copycat is ready in less than 10 minutes! 

Read More

10. Easy Mexican Rice

Image via The Forked Spoon

Tender grains of perfectly cooked rice in a fragrant mix of flavorful tomato, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.

Read More

11. Easy Seasoned Guacamole

Image via Amanda Wilens

The perfect easy and versatile guacamole recipe. You can even add some delicious toppings to spice things up!

Read More

12. Cabbage Salsa

Image via Vegan Blueberry

This homemade cabbage salsa recipe is super easy to put together, and a great healthy option!  Mexican pico de gallo combined with fresh crunchy green cabbage pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.

Read More

13. Three Bean Salad

Image via Lemon Blossoms

This three bean salad is quick, easy and the perfect make-ahead salad to serve at dinner parties and potlucks. This protein-rich bean salad is loaded with lots of flavor!

Read More

14. Quinoa Salad with Green Chilies

Image via Boulder Locavore

Quinoa salad is fast and easy to make, AND packed with plant protein! This version is loaded with other tasty ingredients, Mexican seasonings, and green chilies!

Read More

15. Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)

Image via Mamá Maggie's Kitchen

Ensalada de Nopales (or Cactus Salad) is a tasty, vegan-friendly, and refreshing side dish that's a staple in Mexico. It's quick and SO versatile. You can pair it with just about everything!

Read More

Other Recipes To Try

  • Instant Pot Chicken Tamales
  • Simple Chorizo Street Tacos
  • How To Cook Mexican Chorizo
  • 30 Minute Mexican Quinoa Skillet

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

  • two watermelon margaritas in a salted coupe glass with a watermelon garnish.
    Restaurant Style Watermelon Margarita
  • air fried plantains in green bowl.
    Air Fryer Plantains (In 20 Minutes)
  • yellow queso dip in a mini cast iron skillet.
    Cast Iron Skillet Three Cheese Queso (In 25 Minutes)
  • margarita flight with three glasses.
    At Home Margarita Flight (in 15 Minutes)

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Hi, I'm Jessica! Here, you'll find delicious & fresh recipes that will help you learn to master a new skill in the kitchen!

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4 pictures of tamale side dishes.