22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

In this article, you’ll find 22 of the best Mexican vegetable side dishes.

Whether you’re looking for something to accompany your enchiladas or tacos, or just want to add some extra veggies to your diet, these dishes are sure to please.

From traditional favorites like refried beans and corn on the cob, to more unusual options like jicama salad and roasted poblano peppers, there’s something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for?

Get cooking!

See Also:

• Mexican Food Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Mexican Food
• 43 Traditional Mexican Side Dishes

22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

What’s a Mexican meal without a heaping helping of vegetables?

Mexico is known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, and a big part of that is due to the wide variety of fresh vegetables used in Mexican dishes.

From zesty salads to savory salsas, there are a number of great vegetable side dishes that are perfect for any Mexican meal.

Here are 22 of the best:

1. Mexican Roasted Zucchini

Let’s start with an easy one: Mexican roasted zucchini.

This is a great side dish for any Mexican meal because it’s simple, flavorful, and goes with pretty much anything.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add some chili powder or cumin to the zucchini before roasting.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some corn to the mix for a little sweetness and texture contrast.
• Swap out the zucchini for sweet potatoes if you’re looking for something a little heartier.
• Top with crumbled feta or Cotija cheese for a salty, creamy finish.

2. Easy Mexican Green Beans Recipe

Here’s a low-carb side dish made with fresh tomato, onion, garlic, herbs and spices.

It’s the perfect addition to any Mexican meal, and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a little bit of protein to this dish, try adding some cooked black beans or crumbled tofu.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add a can of corn for sweetness and extra texture.
• Mix in some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Top with crispy tortilla strips or chopped cilantro for a little crunch.

3. Mexican Street Corn Salad

This recipe turns the classic Mexican street food into a delicious and healthy salad.

It’s perfect for a summer cookout or potluck, and can easily be made vegetarian by leaving out the chicken.

The best part about this dish is that it can be served cold or hot, making it versatile for any occasion.

Pro Tip: To make this dish even easier, use frozen corn instead of fresh.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add avocado to the salad for a creamy twist.
• Swap out the lime juice for lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
• Add chopped cilantro to the salad for a fresh herb flavor.

4. Mexican Potatoes

These Mexican potatoes are so easy to make and you’ll surely find all the spices in your pantry.

The key to this dish is to let the potatoes cook until they’re nice and crispy.

I like to add a little bit of cumin and chili powder for some extra flavor.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, cook them in bacon grease.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some shredded cheese on top for a cheesy twist.
• Mix in some black beans for a filling side dish.
• Top with diced avocado or guacamole for a creamy twist.

5. Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

This slaw tastes extra fresh and light, and it can work great as a side or as a topping on tacos.

The cilantro and lime juice give it a zesty flavor, while the mayo and sour cream add creaminess.

I like to add a little bit of sugar to balance out the acidity from the lime juice.

Pro Tip: To make sure your slaw is extra creamy, use full-fat mayo and sour cream.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
• Swap out the cabbage for kale or spinach for a more nutrient-dense dish.
• Stir in some diced jalapeño for an extra kick of spice.

6. Calabacitas: Mexican Zucchini and Corn

This Calabacitas recipe is a beloved Mexican vegetable side dish that is perfect for any Mexican meal.

It is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

This dish is traditionally made with zucchini, corn, and onions, but you could also add in diced tomatoes, green chiles, or black beans.

Pro Tip: For a bit of extra flavor, try roasting the veggies before adding them into the dish.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add in some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Swap out the corn for quinoa or rice for a heartier side dish.
• Top with crumbled cotija cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

7. Easy Mexican Coleslaw

This Tex-Mex style coleslaw is bursting with flavor from tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno and cilantro (to name a few).

It’s the perfect side to any Mexican meal, or really any meal at all.

And it’s so easy to make, you’ll be whipping it up on the regular.

Pro Tip: For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the cabbage for kale or spinach for a healthier option.
• Add in some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Top with crispy tortilla strips for added texture.

8. Mexican Corn Casserole

This dish is a blend of corn, red bell pepper, butter, cream cheese and cheddar jack cheese.

It’s easy, it’s flavorful and it’s always a hit when I bring it to a party.

Plus, it pairs well with just about any Mexican main dish.

Pro Tip: If you want a little bit of a crunch in your casserole, add some chopped up bacon or top with crushed up tortilla chips.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add black beans for extra protein
• Swap out the cream cheese for goat cheese for a tangier flavor
• Top with avocado or diced jalapeño for extra spice

9. Best Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is a flavorful corn dish that is typically served as a side or appetizer.

It is made with fresh corn, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

This dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavorful corn dish, try using roasted corn. You can roast the corn on the cob over an open flame or in the oven.

Twists:

• Add some spice to your Mexican Street Corn by adding jalapeno peppers to the mayonnaise mixture.
• Give your Mexican Street Corn a southwestern twist by adding cumin and smoked paprika to the chili powder mixture.
• Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your Mexican Street Corn.

10. Fajita Veggies

Fajita veggies are a super versatile quick and easy Mexican vegetable side dish.

All you need is some oil, veggies of your choice (I like bell peppers and onions), and fajita seasoning.

You can make them on the stovetop, in a skillet or even in the oven.

Pro Tip: If you want to add some extra flavor, try roasting your veggies with some fresh garlic before adding the fajita seasoning.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add black beans or corn for a heartier dish.
• Swap out the fajita seasoning for taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Use zucchini or summer squash instead of bell peppers for a lower carb option.

11. Sweet and Spicy Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Easy, healthy, delicious, gluten free, paleo, and vegetarian (and can easily be made vegan), these roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal!

And, they only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, add a pinch of cumin to the spice blend.

Twists:

• Swap out the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or carrots.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top.

12. Easy Mexican Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets tossed with some flavorful spices and roasted until crispy and caramelized.

This easy Mexican roasted cauliflower is a great side dish for any Mexican dinner, or really any meal at all!

Pro Tip: Be sure to toss the cauliflower with the spices before roasting for the best flavor.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped cilantro to the spice mix for an extra zing.
• Swap out the chili powder for smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Roast the cauliflower in chicken or beef broth instead of water for even more flavor.

13. Mexican Avocado Salad

This Mexican vegetable side dish recipe is vegan, gluten-free, healthy, easy to make, and SO delicious!

It’s the perfect addition to any Mexican meal, and can easily be made ahead of time.

Pro Tip: For a little extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the salad.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced mango for sweetness and a pop of color.
• Throw in a handful of chopped cilantro for an extra zing.
• Swap out the avocado for tofu to make it vegan-friendly.

14. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Bold and flavorful Mexican cauliflower rice is the perfect healthy side dish to any Mexican-inspired meal.

Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to regular rice, and it soaks up all the delicious flavors of the dish.

This recipe is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try sautéing the cauliflower rice in a little bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients.

15. Mexican Black Bean and Corn Salad

How about a healthy plant-based Mexican side salad with red pepper, tomato and avocado and a light cilantro lime dressing?

This salad is a great way to bulk up a meal with some extra veggies, and it’s so easy to make ahead of time.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of protein, add a can of black beans to the salad.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish.
• Swap out the red pepper for roasted poblano peppers.
• Add crumbled feta or queso fresco cheese on top.

16. The BEST Mexican Roasted Vegetables

Mexican Roasted Vegetables are FULL of flavor and so easy to make.

I love roasting veggies because it brings out their natural sweetness.

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving Mexican food, but want a healthier option.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a little bit of chili powder to the vegetables before roasting.

3 Unique Twists:

1. Add black beans to the mix for a heartier side dish.

2. Swap out the corn for roasted sweet potatoes.

3. Top with fresh cilantro and diced avocado for a beautiful presentation.

17. Cilantro Lime Corn Salad

This perfect mexican vegetable side dish is so easy to make and is the perfect accompaniment to any mexican main dish.

The salad is made with fresh corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and salt.

Pro Tip: For an extra zing, add a diced jalapeno to the salad.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add black beans to the salad for a heartier side dish.
• Swap out the lime juice for orange juice for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Add avocado to the salad for creaminess and healthy fats.

18. Easy Tajín Corn

With just a few simple ingredients – corn, tajín, cilantro, and cotija – you can have a delicious and healthy side dish in no time.

This dish is perfect for satisfying your Mexican food cravings, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be able to have it on the table in no time.

Pro Tip: Tajín is a spice blend made of chili peppers, lime, and salt. It can be found in the Hispanic section of most grocery stores.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add a little bit of heat by adding some diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Swap out the cotija for crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add some chopped avocado to the corn mixture for a creamy finish.

19. Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

Everything you love about Mexican street corn, now made easy in a salad!

This vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free side dish is perfect for any Mexican night or potluck!

The best part?

It can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is throw it together when you’re ready to eat!

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, roast the corn in the oven before adding it to the salad.

Twists:

• Add black beans for extra protein.
• Swap out the cilantro for chopped green onions.
• Add diced avocado for creaminess.

20. Easy 7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe

This recipe is great served with grilled chicken as a meal or served as a simple side dish.

It’s a 7 layer taco salad, which means it has all of your favorite Mexican flavors in one bite.

The best part is that it’s so easy to make!

Pro Tip: For a healthier version of this dish, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add black beans to the recipe for an extra boost of protein.
• Swap out the iceberg lettuce for romaine lettuce for a crunchier texture.
• Add avocado to the recipe for a creamier flavor.

21. Healthy Vegan Jicama Slaw

Jicama slaw is a crunchy, fresh, and light healthy vegan salad that is perfect for Mexican food cravings!

It is made with jicama, cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and cilantro.

This slaw is a great side dish or can be used as a topper on tacos.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add diced avocado or a sprinkle of chili powder to the slaw.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add mango for a sweet and spicy twist
• Swap out the lime juice for orange juice for a citrusy twist
• Add black beans for a heartier twist

22. Roasted Poblano Peppers

The last Mexican vegetable side dish I want to mention is roasted poblano peppers.

I could eat these every day.

They are roasted over an open flame until the skin is charred, then peeled and diced.

You can use them in so many dishes like enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas or just eat them plain with some dipping sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, try roasting the peppers with some onions and garlic.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty twist
• Mix in some corn and black beans for a hearty Tex-Mex take
• Top with a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro for a cooling contrast to the spice

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