Looking for the perfect sides to go with tamales?

These 10 delicious Mexican side dishes will take your meal from ordinary to amazing!

1.Mexican Cornbread

Mexican cornbread is a flavorful twist on a classic, loaded with chiles, cheddar cheese, and sweet corn. This delicious mix brings together sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors for a taste sensation like no other.

The crumbly texture adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite. Plus, it pairs perfectly with tamales since they both share a corn-based goodness. Yum!

2.Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a delicious mix of sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors that makes it the perfect side dish for tamales. Its rich texture is sure to complement your meal nicely.

Plus, you can easily customize it to match your tamales by adding your favorite ingredients like pork, fish, chicken, or potatoes. It’s a versatile and tasty way to round out any meal!

3.Eggs and Salsa

Tamales are fantastic on their own, but adding a few toppings can elevate them to a whole new level.

Imagine a fried egg sitting atop your tamale–its golden yolk oozing down, adding a rich, savory flavor that makes every bite a delight.

For some heat, a spoonful of salsa mixed with fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, spicy kick. If you prefer it even spicier, a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne powder will add that extra punch.

These simple touches turn your tamales into a flavorful, eye-catching meal.

4.Jicama Slaw

Jicama Slaw is a fresh and vibrant mix of crisp, sweet, and tangy flavors that will brighten up any meal.

The satisfying crunch of jicama perfectly balances the softness of a warm tamale, making it a delightful contrast of textures. Best of all, it’s super easy to make!

Start by slicing jicama, carrots, and cabbage into thin strips and tossing them together in a bowl. For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, vinegar, ancho powder, honey, and a drizzle of oil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the veggies and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Stir in some chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

For a fruity twist, feel free to toss in diced mango or orange slices. This slaw is ready in no time and packs plenty of flavor!

5.Mexican Street Corn

Elote is a crowd-favorite street food in Mexico, and for good reason! It’s grilled corn on the cob, but taken to the next level with some amazing flavors.

It’s hearty, delicious, and pairs perfectly with tamales for a match made in heaven. Here’s how it’s done: Grill your corn on the cob for about 6-10 minutes.

While that’s cooking, mix together mayonnaise, chili powder, black pepper, and garlic salt. Once the corn is nicely charred, slather on that tasty mixture.

Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese on top and serve it with a lime wedge on the side. Trust us, this combo is absolute perfection!

6.Chilled Avocado Soup

Avocados are already super creamy, but turning them into a chilled, velvety soup takes them to the next level. It’s the perfect refreshing twist!

Pair this silky soup with tamales for a fun texture contrast and a vibrant pop of color.

To make it, just blend avocado slices, chicken broth, lemon juice, cilantro, water, and a mix of sautéed onions, chili, and garlic.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill it in the fridge for 3 hours.

When you’re ready to serve, top it off with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of croutons for that extra oomph. It’s creamy, it’s fresh, and it’s absolutely delightful!

7.Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a classic in Mexican cuisine, and it pairs perfectly with your favorite tamales.

This hearty, creamy, and nutritious soup is a breeze to make with just four simple ingredients: black beans, chicken broth, salsa, and a hint of allspice.

To give it an extra boost of flavor and fun, top it off with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh guacamole, and a sprinkle of crunchy tortilla chips.

It’s the perfect way to add a little excitement to your meal!

8.Fresh Fruit

A simple bowl of fresh fruit is all you need to brighten up your meal. Whether it’s watermelon, mango, orange, or honeydew, each bite is a burst of freshness.

It’s the perfect way to cleanse your palate between rich dishes. For an extra twist, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or cayenne–sweet meets heat in the most delightful way!

9.Cilantro Rice

Mexican rice is a must-have side dish that pairs perfectly with tamales, especially those filled with savory meats.

To take your rice game up a notch, try cooking it in chicken broth instead of water for added depth of flavor.

Then, give it a vibrant twist by mixing in some fresh cilantro, chopped onions and scallions, a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

This flavorful combination turns plain rice into a delicious, aromatic dish that complements any Mexican meal.

10.Mexican Crema

This Mexican crema is the ultimate topping for tamales, bringing a rich, creamy texture and a touch of tanginess to every bite. But it doesn’t stop there–it’s also amazing on tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

To make it, combine heavy cream and plain yogurt in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for two days, which will make it super thick and creamy.

Stir in some lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra flavor, and you’re done! It’s a total game-changer for any Mexican-inspired meal.

11.Dessert:Mexican Wedding Cookies

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about these classic Mexican wedding cookies–they’re the perfect sweet ending to your meal. These bite-sized treats are soft, buttery, and packed with delicious pecan flavor.

Also known as snowballs, they’re rolled in powdered sugar, giving them that elegant, snow-like appearance. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients: butter, flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pecans.

Easy to make and utterly delightful, these cookies are a fantastic way to wrap up your Mexican-inspired meal.