20+ BEST Sides for Shrimp Tacos (Easy Recipes!!)

Wondering what the best sides for shrimp tacos are? Look no further, here’s 20+ great options. From healthy sides, to Mexican side dishes, dips and appetizers. This handy guide will help you find what you want to make for taco night.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Platings + Pairings.

Are you having shrimp tacos for dinner? Wondering what the best side dishes are to pair with them?

You can never go wrong with the classics, like refried beans, tortilla chips, and salsa.

But, what else goes with shrimp tacos for a side?

Easy Side Dishes for Shrimp Tacos

Roasted carrots in bowl with spoon.
I’m serving up these Oven Roasted Mexican Carrots elote style. Similar to how you’d dress grilled street corn, these delicious tender carrots are topped with lime, crumbled cheese, jalapenos and cilantro. So crazy good! 
Get the RECIPE
Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
Get the RECIPE
Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of arroz verde in bowl.
This easy Arroz Verde (Green Rice) recipe is inspired by the classic Mexican side dish. Fluffy white rice is mixed with green veggies and lime juice, lending a vibrant green hue and delicious, zesty flavors! Pair it with chicken, beef, or seafood, or use it as the tasty base for a grain bowl.
Green Rice
Easy Mexican Street Corn
Easy Mexican Street Corn- this street corn is super easy to make on the grill and is the perfect side dish that everyone will enjoy!
Get the RECIPE from Food with Feeling
Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of octopus ceviche in large grey bowl next to lime slices and tortillas.
Octopus Ceviche (aka ceviche de pulpo) combines tender octopus with tangy lime juice, red onions, cilantro and chiles for a light and refreshing appetizer. Serve it with tortillas or chips and enjoy! 
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
Get the RECIPE
Mexican black beans in grey bowl topped with cotija and lime wedges.
Jazz up the cans of black beans in your cupboard with this easy Mexican Black Beans recipe. It’s a low-fuss skillet recipe that’s quick and easy, and made with warm and smoky Mexican-inspired flavors. Serve them with tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and more!
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of refried beans in blue bowl topped with crumbled cotija, tomatoes and jalapenos.
Instant Pot Refried Beans require no presoaking. Plus, they're virtually fat free and can be made vegetarian or vegan with some simple swaps. 
Get the RECIPE
Top shot of black beans in large white bowl with spoon
These no soak Instant Pot Black Beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these black beans can be ready in under an hour.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of Mexican rice in white bowl topped with lime wedges.
Inspired by the flavors of the classic Mexican restaurant side dish, this Instant Pot Mexican Rice is perfect with enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. It’s a foolproof recipe made entirely in your pressure cooker!
Get the RECIPE
Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
I am a huge fan of the rice at Chipotle’s. Here is a copycat version for their cilantro lime rice, it tastes just like the real thing!
Get the RECIPE from Skinnytaste
Side shot of jar of pickled onions with pink background.
Quick Pickled Onions are so easy to make at home. With just 5-minutes you can have your red onions pickling. Let them cool to room temperature before using and then you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks! 
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of guacamole on tray with chips.
This fresh and vibrant Guacamole recipe is so easy! Mix it up in minutes for a creamy dip, a delicious topping for nachos, or to serve on Taco Tuesday.
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of mango salsa in serving bowl next to tortilla chips.
This sweet Mango Salsa has tons of flavor and flair! The bursts of acidity and brightness from the juicy fresh mangos, jalapeno, lime juice, and red onion are delicious with tortilla chips or on fish tacos.
Get the RECIPE
Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.
This quick and tangy Cilantro Lime Crema is ready in just 5 minutes. Better than sour cream, this Mexican condiment is flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice to create a creamy and vibrant dressing, taco topping, or dipping sauce.
Get the RECIPE
Hand dipping spoon into bowl of pico de gallo.
This fresh, easy Pico de Gallo recipe is a classic Mexican salsa made from tomatoes, onions, lime, chiles, and cilantro. It’s a delicious snack to enjoy with chips or as a topping on tacos, eggs, and burrito bowls!
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of chipotle salsa in serving tray with chips and limes.
This 5-Minute Chipotle Salsa comes together easily with the help of your blender. It's a great sauce for tacos or dip for tortilla chips!
Get the RECIPE
Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Add some smoke and spice to your favorite recipes with this Chipotle Crema. A Mexican-inspired sauce, this creamy mix is made with chipotles in adobo to give a boost to tacos, salads, and more!
Get the RECIPE

Chips + Tortilla Strips

Extreme close up of tortilla chips in air fryer basket.
These 3-ingredient Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are quick and easy to make, super crunchy, and light. They’re perfect for dunking in salsa, guacamole, hummus, and more! Made with flour or corn tortillas.
Get the RECIPE
Close up of baked chips in basket.
These Baked Tortilla Chips are made using store-bought corn tortillas. Just cut them into wedges, season them with Mexican spices, spray with oil and bake for a perfectly crispy, dippable chip!
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
Get the RECIPE

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these shrimp taco side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Mexican Recipes

Be sure to check out these Mexican Appetizers, Mexican Desserts and Mexican Breads too!

More Mexican Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Shrimp Taco Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for shrimp tacos. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on PinterestTikTok, FacebookYouTube and Twitter.

Collage of sides for shrimp tacos.

20+ BEST Sides for Shrimp Tacos

Wondering what the best sides for shrimp tacos are? Look no further, here's 20+ great options. From healthy sides, to Mexican side dishes, dips and appetizers. This handy guide will help you find what you want to make for taco night. Try this Red Cabbage Slaw. It's a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cabbage and carrot to a large bowl.
  • Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil and salt. Pour over cabbage mixture.
  • Toss well to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

In place of the cabbage and carrot, you can use a 16-ounce package of shredded cabbage mix. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1276IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.