What Salad Goes With Mexican Food? (15 Best Salads)

Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complete your Mexican-inspired meal?

Salads are a great way to add some freshness and flavor to any plate.

But when it comes to Mexican food, you can’t just pair it with any salad.

There are certain flavors that work better than others.

So if you are wondering what salad goes with Mexican food, then look no further.

I’m sharing 15 of my favorite salads that go perfectly with Mexican dishes including chopped salads, bean salads, cactus salads, corn salads, and more.

Read Also: Mexican Food Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Mexican Food

Why Serve A Salad with Mexican Food?

• Balance: Salads provide a light, fresh contrast to the heavier flavors of Mexican food.
• Variety: A salad can add variety to a meal by introducing different textures and flavors such as crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy dressings.
• Nutrients: Salads are packed with vitamins and minerals that help balance out the fat content in Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas.
• Colorful Presentation: Adding a colorful salad to your plate helps make it look more appetizing and inviting!
• Versatility: You can customize salads to fit any dietary needs or preferences – vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc., making them an ideal accompaniment for any type of Mexican dish!

What Salad Goes With Mexican Food? (15 Best Salads)

Salads are a great accompaniment to Mexican food, as they can add freshness and variety to the meal.

But what type of salads go best with Mexican dishes?

Here we look at fifteen delicious options that will pair perfectly with your favorite Mexican meals.

1. Grilled Corn Salad

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This fresh, grilled corn salad is a great addition to a Mexican meal.

It’s made with grilled corn on the cob, tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion tossed in a chipotle-lime vinaigrette for extra flavor.

This sweet and savory side dish adds great texture and color to any meal.

Plus, the smoky aroma of grilled corn brings back vivid memories of my last visit to Mexico City.

2. Mango Black Bean Salad

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This easy mango black bean salad is bursting with flavor!

Mix together mangos, black beans, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro in a lime juice dressing for an instant burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with Mexican dishes like enchiladas or tacos.

I love how this unexpected combination has become one of my go-to sides for get-togethers – it always gets rave reviews!

3. Chipotle Caesar Salad

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For me, nothing says “Mexican cuisine” quite like spicy chipotle!

And this zesty caesar salad uses them perfectly as part of an oil-free dressing that features vegan Parmesan cheese.

Toss together romaine lettuce leaves with cherry tomatoes and some roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) before drizzling on the delicious sauce – so tasty they might just forget all about guacamole dip!

4. Avocado Tomato Salad

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This is a classic Mexican side dish made with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, cilantro, and onions.

It’s tossed in a citrus marinade for added flavor and acidic balance.

I like to make extra so I can use the leftovers as tacos or burrito fillings later on.

Besides being incredibly tasty, it’s also rich in essential vitamins and minerals!

5. Jicama and Orange Salad

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This super refreshing salad features jicama – an under-appreciated but delicious root vegetable – along with fresh oranges and chopped pineapple for extra sweetness.

Cumin provides a depth of flavor while pomegranate seeds add a nice pop of color. Perfect for serving cold as a side dish or topping tacos or enchiladas!

6. Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Every time we visit Mexico City, my family makes sure to stop by the street carts to pick up some of this tantalizing snack-turned salad.

Topped with crumbled cheese, creamy avocado slices, smoked paprika seasoning, and lime juice – it adds delightful layers of crunchiness that pair nicely with any classic Mexican meal!

7. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

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This light and flavorful coleslaw is a favorite at every Mexican meal.

It combines shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty, tangy side dish.

For added crunch, I love to add finely chopped jicama or radishes.

This recipe always transports me back to sunny days spent eating by the beach in Mexico!

8. Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

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Watermelon salad is an unexpected twist on traditional Mexican flavors that pairs perfectly with tacos, fajitas, or grilled meats.

The combination of sweet watermelon chunks, salty feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy pumpkin seeds makes this salad irresistible—plus it’s light enough for summertime dining!

9. Pico de Gallo Salad

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Refreshing pico de gallo salsa is one of my all-time favorites when it comes to salads.

It gets its unique flavor from ripe tomatoes combined with onion, cilantro, and chili peppers!

Plus adding a few cubes of creamy avocado turns it into an even more delicious meal topper – just don’t forget the chips!

10. Authentic Mexican Cactus Leaves Salad (Ensalada De Nopales)

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This traditional dish is made from nopal cactus leaves, which are boiled in water and salt to make them tender.

They’re then mixed with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, limes, and often other seasonings for a flavorful combination that’s perfect for any Mexican meal.

I love the salty-tangy flavor of nopales combined with the bright acidity of the lime juice.

11. Quinoa Taco Salad

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For vegan and vegetarian friends, this quinoa taco salad is an ideal accompaniment to any Mexican meal.

It’s easy to make and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado, bell pepper, beans, or cheese.

The addition of quinoa amps up the protein content without sacrificing texture or flavor –it brings out even more deliciousness in our favorite zesty ingredients!

12. Charred Cherry Tomato and Pepper Salad

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This side dish has become one of my favorite pairings whenever I’m having tacos or burritos.

Blistering cherry tomatoes with colorfully charred Poblano peppers gives it an extra punch of flavor that goes perfectly with all types of Mexican food dishes.

Plus, tossing some feta cheese on top elevates this simple salad into something special for all occasions!

13. Chopped Tostada Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

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This salad is seriously addicting! It’s like having a tostada, but in bowl form.

The combination of crunchy fried corn tortillas, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado cilantro dressing will give you all the flavors of Mexico in one bite.

I love adding different toppings like tomatoes, cheese, or crispy pork rinds to up the ante even more.

14. Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

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If you want something unique yet flavorful for your next Mexican meal, this is it!

Thinly sliced kale and shaved corn pair perfectly with tangy feta cheese and cooling sour cream-lime dressing to create an exciting new take on salads.

It’s unexpected but always delicious – my guests are consistently blown away every time I serve it!

15. Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad with Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette

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This spicy grilled shrimp salad takes Mexican flavors to the next level without being too spicy or overpowering.

The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet mangoes, and peppers along with a jalapeno lime vinaigrette is simply unbeatable.

Plus, it comes together quickly so it can be served as a side or part of any main course.