Cinco de Mayo Side Dishes

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas always take center stage but it’s the Cinco de Mayo side dishes that round out the meal. These delicious easy recipes are perfect any time of the year but definitely for any Mexican-themed meal.

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Usually the first thing we think of when planning a meal are the main dishes or maybe the dessert. Sure Tres Leches cake is a showstopper but really what’s a meal without the side dishes? They mesh all the delicious flavors together making a complete and satisfying meal.

A Cinco de Mayo celebration is no different! Can you imagine a meal at your favorite Mexican restaurant without the sides? Black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, Mexican rice. They really make the Cinco de Mayo fiesta an event.

Wonder what to serve with enchiladas? We’ve got some delicious ideas! These personal favorites pair great with your favorite Mexican recipes. Mexican sides make the Cinco de Mayo meal.

For all of our favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes (delicious margaritas through Mexican desserts) check out our Cinco de Mayo recipes. This Skinny Mexican Recipes collection from our sister website Make It Skinny Please has even more healthy delicious options.

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

This easy rice recipe is fresh flavored with cilantro and lime zest added at the end of the recipe. Perfect side dish or added to Mexican-themed dishes like tacos, burritos and more.

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Authentic Costa Rican Gallo Pinto (beans and rice)

I was fortunate to get my hands on a personal recipe to share, thanks to the concierge at my hotel who hails from a region she feels is known for the best Gallo Pinto!

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Homemade Refried Beans

A favorite component of this homemade Huevos Rancheros recipe is the homemade refried beans. They can be made for a delicious easy side dish too (just make that portion of the recipe)! A secret ingredient really takes the flavor over the top too!

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Homemade Mexicorn (Fiesta Corn)

This classic blend of corn, green bell pepper and red bell pepper is jazzed up with some taco seasoning. It's a great easy side dish with loads of variations!

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Mexican Quinoa Salad

This tasty salad is great chilled or served warm as a side dish. Light and bright, it's easy to prepare and is chock full of great nutrition as well as spicy, full flavors.

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Grilled Mexican Corn {Elote}

This classic Mexican street food kicks ordinary corn on the cop up a few notches. Charred grilled corn with a sweet smoky flavor is slathered with a spicy, smoky sauce, fresh cilantro, lime and cotija cheese. Great as a side dish or the main event.

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Mexican Fiesta Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower ‘rice’ is all the rage and there’s no question why.  It’s a great alternative to traditional rice for those wishing for a grain-free option or to get more vegetables into their meals.  The bold Mexican flavors make this recipe a favorite for everything from a side dish to main for building a delicious bowl recipe.

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Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Mexican Cauliflower Rice has all the traditional flavors of authentic Mexican rice. It's slimmed down on calories by using cauliflower rice with the same flavors as traditional Mexican rice! No compromising on flavor in this perfect low carb recipe.

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Homemade Tortilla Chips and Pico de Gallo

Making chips at home and fresh pico de gallo is so easy you may never buy them again!

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Salsa Recipes

Is salsa a side dish or an appetizer? We think it can be either or both so we are including it. It’s not uncommon to add a chunky salsa especially to a plate full of your favorite Mexican dishes and mix it all in with the satisfying flavors.

Grilled Sweet Corn Salsa Recipe

Sweet-and-Spicy Corn Salsa is full of fresh summer ingredients. Grilled corn is a delicious addition to this dip or relish for grilled meats.

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Roasted Pineapple Salsa

Roasting pineapple allows the sugars to caramelize adding a wonderful depth of sweetness.  Combined with spicy jalapeno, onions, lime and cilantro, the flavors are exciting and a fun departure from traditional salsa.

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Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango Pico de Gallo takes traditional salsa up a notch. Full of sweet, savory and spicy flavors, this salsa fresca will be a favorite appetizer with tortilla chips or as a relish on cooked and grilled meats.

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Chayote-Orange Salsa

This delicious salsa is light and citrusy, a fresh option for the heat of summer…or any day really.

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Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Salsa made with fresh seasonal ingredients is always a delicious reminder of the season’s bounty. This easy salsa may be enjoyed fresh or freezes well in a freezer-proof container (leave some room at the top of the container for expansion) to enjoy later.

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Chile con Queso & Roasted Jalapeno Salsa

Two favorite Mexican and South American dipping sauces sure to liven up any party or gathering: Chile con Queso (‘chile with cheese’) and Roasted Jalapeno Salsa. Both offering a different sort of smoldering heat (controlled to your liking with the ingredients) and bold flavors not soon to be forgotten!

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