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PUBLISHED: • By 7 Comments

Cinco de Mayo Side Dishes

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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.

cinco de mayo side dishes

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
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.
Check out this recipe
Authentic Costa Rican Gallo Pinto recipe (beans and rice). A filling flavorful dish solo or perfect side dish, even for breakfast! - BoulderLocavore.com
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!
Check out this recipe
huevos rancheros
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!
Check out this recipe
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!
Check out this recipe
Mexican quinoa in yellow bowl square
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.
Check out this recipe
ELOTE ON BAKING SHEET SQUARE IMAGE
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.
Check out this recipe
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.
Check out this recipe
mexican cauliflower rice
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.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Tortilla Chips and Pico de Gallo
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!
Check out this recipe

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.

side of bowl of corn salsa overhead sq
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.
Check out this recipe
pineapple salsa with chips
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.
Check out this recipe
mango pico de gallo in bowl with chips close up
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.
Check out this recipe
Chayote-Orange Salsa
Chayote-Orange Salsa
This delicious salsa is light and citrusy, a fresh option for the heat of summer…or any day really.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Easy to make, better than purchased salsas. Can be frozen! | BoulderLocavore.com
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.
Check out this recipe
Chile con Queso and Roasted Jalapeno Salsa | BoulderLocavore.com
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!
Check out this recipe
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TONI DASH
Toni Dash head shot

Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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  1. Jessie says

    Thank you so much for compiling this great collection of TexMex recipes! I found everything I need for Cinco de Mayo!

    Reply

  2. Dana says

    So many good ideas here! It’s gonna be hard to choose…

    Reply

  3. Kris says

    I can’t wait to make many of these for Cinco de Mayo! Thank you for putting this together! 🙂

    Reply

  4. Kali alexandria says

    Thank you for the inspo! I will be making these this weekend!

    Reply

  5. Elaine says

    Right on time! So many fantastic recipes and ideas, I don’t even know where to start! Grilled sweet corn salsa maybe?

    Reply

  6. Donna Burke says

    What an amazing collection! I’ve made a couple of these but I am making that corn tmorrow!

    Reply

  7. Samantha says

    I always make a fun dinner for Cinco de Mayo and this is such a great collection recipes for ideas to add to my menu. I’ve already made a few of them in the past that were a hit…can’t wait to try more!

    Reply