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What to Serve with Tamales: 25+ Sides

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

April 27, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Collage of sides for tamales with text overlay.

Wondering what to serve with tamales? Look no further! Here’s 25+ great options. From healthy side dishes, to sauces and appetizers, this handy guide will help you find what you want to make to complete your Mexican themed dinner.

Collage of sides for tamales with text overlay.

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Table of Contents

  • The BEST Sides for Tamales
  • What to Eat with Tamales
  • Beans // 3 Ways!
  • Rice – An Essential Mexican Side Dish
  • Salsas, Sauces & Condiments
  • What Drink Goes with Tamales?
  • What to Serve with Tamales Besides Beans and Rice?
  • How to Make Ahead and Store
  • Full Recipe

The BEST Sides for Tamales

When serving tamales for dinner, there are 3 essentials in my book:

  1. An amazing homemade sauce – like this chipotle crema or cilantro lime sauce. Here are even MORE: 15+ Sauces for Tamales.
  2. Margaritas. Keep reading below to find some great options!
  3. And, of course, some really delicious side dishes.

Be sure to check out these 25+ Mexican Desserts too!

When it comes to serving tamales for dinner, you can never go wrong with the classics, like Mexican black beans, tortilla chips, and salsa.

But, what else goes with tamales for a side? Here’s some of our favorite options.

What to Eat with Tamales

Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
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.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
Blistered Shishito Peppers
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. 
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Bowl of Mexican Corn Soup garnished with cliantro, chile powder and lime wedges.
Mexican Street Corn Soup
This Mexican Corn Soup recipe has all the flavors of Mexican street corn in soup form. This creamy corn soup is flavored with chile powder, poblano peppers and cotija cheese.
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican rice in white bowl with serving spoon.
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Inspired by the flavors of the classic Mexican restaurant side dish, this Rice Cooker Mexican Rice is perfect with enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. It’s a foolproof recipe made entirely in your automatic rice cooker!
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Roasted carrots in bowl with spoon.
Mexican Carrots
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! 
Mexican Carrots
Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Overhead close up of assembled elote salad in bowl.
Elote Salad with Shrimp
Elote Salad with Shrimp is the ultimate summer side dish! Smoky shrimp, grilled corn, fresh veggies, and tangy cotija cheese are tossed in a rich and zesty dressing, making it a must-try side for grilling season.
Elote Salad with Shrimp
Overhead shot of octopus ceviche in large grey bowl next to lime slices and tortillas.
Octopus Ceviche (aka Ceviche de Pulpo)
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! 
Octopus Ceviche

Beans // 3 Ways!

Mexican black beans in grey bowl topped with cotija and lime wedges.
Mexican Black Beans
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!
Mexican Black Beans
Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
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.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Overhead shot of refried beans in white bowl topped with cilantro and cotija cheese.
The BEST Instant Pot Refried Beans
Instant Pot Refried Beans require no presoaking. Plus, they're virtually fat free and can be made vegetarian or vegan with some simple swaps. 
Instant Pot Refried Beans

Rice – An Essential Mexican Side Dish

Overhead shot of Mexican rice in white bowl topped with lime wedges.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
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!
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Overhead shot of arroz verde in bowl.
Arroz Verde (Green Rice)
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.
Arroz Verde
Bowl of rice with chopsticks next to rice cooker machine.
Rice Cooker Rice
With an electric rice cooker and this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll make tender and fluffy rice every time. This Rice Cooker Rice is as simple as measuring, pushing a button, and returning to a batch of perfectly cooked rice!
Rice Cooker Rice
Mexican rice in white bowl with serving spoon.
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Inspired by the flavors of the classic Mexican restaurant side dish, this Rice Cooker Mexican Rice is perfect with enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. It’s a foolproof recipe made entirely in your automatic rice cooker!
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

Salsas, Sauces & Condiments

Side shot of jar of pickled onions with pink background.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
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! 
Pickled Red Onions
Overhead shot of bottle of salsa taquera next to dried chiles and spoon with sauce.
Taquera Salsa
Skip the jar of store bought salsa and make ​​Salsa Taquera instead! It’s a smoky and vibrant condiment that’s perfect for quesadillas and tacos. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is extravagant!
Taquera Salsa
Bowl of guacamole on tray with chips.
Easy Guacamole
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.
Guacamole
Mexican pickled carrots on small plate.
Mexican Pickled Carrots
Learn how to make Mexican Pickled Carrots at home! Tender-crisp carrots are pickled with spicy jalapeños and aromatics to create the perfect tangy-hot, crunchy condiment to add to any meal. They stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 weeks, and there’s no canning needed!
Mexican Pickled Carrots
Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Crema
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.
Cilantro Lime Crema
Hand dipping spoon into bowl of pico de gallo.
Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe
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!
Pico de Gallo
Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Chipotle Crema
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!
Chipotle Crema
Bowl of chipotle salsa in serving tray with chips and limes.
Chipotle Salsa
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!
Chipotle Salsa

What Drink Goes with Tamales?

Margaritas, of course! Here are some amazing ones to try!

Hibiscus margarita in salt rimmed glass garnished with grapefruit wedge on white serving tray.
Hibiscus Margarita
This Hibiscus Margarita recipe is a fun twist on a traditional margarita. Made with an easy homemade hibiscus tea concentrate, grapefruit juice and tequila. The ingredients are simple, but the taste is amazing!
Hibiscus Margarita
Overhead shot of prepared margarita.
Grapefruit Habanero Margarita
This Grapefruit Habanero Margarita is the perfect spicy cocktail for sipping on summer days!
Grapefruit Habanero Margarita
Side view close up of elderflower margarita.
St. Germain Margarita
Elderflower Margaritas can be made with just three ingredients – tequila, elderflower liqueur and lime juice. They're a delicious St. Germain cocktail that you'll love having in your arsenal.
St. Germain Margarita
Three glasses of Italian Margarita rimmed with salt and garnished with orange and lime slices.
Italian Margarita
This Italian Margarita recipe is easy to make with just four ingredients! Orange juice, tequila, amaretto and lime juice combine in this delicious cocktail recipe. 
Italian Margarita
Side view of grilled pineapple margarita garnished with grilled pineapple and jalapeno.
Grilled Pineapple Margarita
This Grilled Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky. Caramelized grilled pineapple & a splash of vanilla make it extra delicious.
Grilled Pineapple Margarita

What to Serve with Tamales Besides Beans and Rice?

  • Vinegar Coleslaw
  • Shishito Peppers
  • Street Corn Salad
  • Mexican Carrots
  • Easy Pickled Onions

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these tamale 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

  • Fish Taco Bowls
  • Taco Zucchini Boats
  • Migas
  • Mexican Breakfast Tostadas
  • Cauliflower Tacos
  • Instant Pot Carnitas
  • PLUS → 30+ Mexican soup recipes

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Sides for Quesadillas
  • Sides for Enchiladas
  • Sides for Tacos
  • Sides for Pizza
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Ribs

Did you Make Any of These Sides for Tamales?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with tamales. 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 Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Full Recipe

What to Serve with Tamales: 25+ Great Sides

Wondering what to serve with tamales? Here's 25+ great options. Healthy side dishes, salads, appetizers and more! Try this Mexican Street Corn Salad. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 ears corn (husked)
  • 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (divided (6-8 limes))
  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 5 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (diced (and seeded if less heat desired))
  • 2 Tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta, crumbled)

Instructions

  • Prepare grill for medium heat. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until tender and charred, 8–10 minutes; let cool slightly. Cut kernels from cobs and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the couscous. In a saucepan combine the broth, water, 1/4 cup lime juice and 1 ½ teaspoons salt, bring the mixture to a boil, and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan, and let the couscous simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool in the pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup lime juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, cumin, black pepper and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  • To the bowl with the corn, add the cooled couscous, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno. Stir to combine. Drizzle on the dressing, and the cheese and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Notes

  • DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Corn can be grilled and cut from cobs 1 hour ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
  • You can also use frozen corn. There’s no need to defrost it. Just heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat and add 3 cups of frozen corn. Cook until it gets a nice char, about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1108mg | Potassium: 327mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 24.5mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

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