Whether it’s fried, grilled or baked, there’s just something about a fish taco that gets us every time—it must be the magical combo of flaky fish, creamy sauce and a warm tortilla. But our beloved fish tacos can easily get overwhelmed by heavy flavors—not any accompaniment will do. Wondering what to serve with fish tacos? Here, 26 side dishes you should try next, from watermelon salad and mango salsa to cheesy queso fundido.
What to Serve with Fish Tacos? 26 Quick and Easy Sides
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Published Jul 19, 2022
1. Watermelon Cucumber Salad With Feta And Honey-lime Dressing
It’s refreshing, no-cook and ready in all of five minutes—the ideal side for grilled fish tacos, if you ask us. Feel free to swap the feta for another cheese, like crumbled queso fresco or cotija.
2. Avocado Rice
It’s creamy and rich but somehow still light and fresh. That’s the magic of avocados for you. (It’s also only seven ingredients, NBD.)
3. Light And Tangy Coleslaw
No offense, mayonnaise, but now is not the time for gloppy slaw. This side dish features a vinegar-based dressing with just a touch of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
4. Honeydew, Feta, Jalapeño And Lime Salad
Behold, watermelon and feta’s hip Gen-Z cousin. This gorgeous, 15-minute side is making us rethink fruit salads entirely. It’s spicy enough to be exciting, but not enough to overwhelm those fish tacos you made.
5. Yellow Tomato Gazpacho
Using yellow tomatoes in place of the usual red makes for a chilled soup that’s milder and less acidic. The secret ingredient though, is peaches—they lend a subtle sweetness to balance the peppery dish.
6. Heirloom Tomato Salad With Cacao And Agave Dressing
This side dish sounds exotic, but it’s surprisingly simple. The dressing is a mixture of balsamic vinegar, agave syrup and cocoa nibs, which infuse the salad with complex, rich flavor.
7. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Some nights, you want to fall face-first into a giant bowl of delicious dip. This is one of those nights. Make this recipe work extra for you and put it on the tacos, too.
8. Smoky Barbecued Corn
This elote-inspired barbecued corn on the cob is cheesy, peppery and a match made in heaven for any type of spicy fish taco.
9. Mango Guacamole
Keep the beach vibes going with a scoop of mango guacamole alongside your fish tacos. (Added bonus: It takes only ten minutes to make.)
10. Watermelon And Tomato Gazpacho With Chimichurri Sauce
The sweet juiciness of the watermelon pairs fabulously with flaky white fish. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside the tacos in a small cup.
11. Restaurant-style Mexican Rice
The method is easy: Simmer basmati rice with onions, jalapeños and tomatoes for added flavor (and gorgeous color).
12. Crockpot Pinto Beans
Spend your time perfecting your mahi-mahi tacos, not your beans. Throw the pintos in a slow cooker and ta-da, you have a tasty side dish.
13. Chip-crusted Jalapeño Poppers
Add a kick to the table with these jalapeño poppers—they’re covered in a tortilla chip crust for a fun twist.
14. Mexican Caesar Salad
According to legend (OK, the internet), the Caesar salad was actually invented in Tijuana, Mexico, initially as a finger food than a traditional salad. Surprising, right? The city is also famed for fish tacos, so naturally, we’re pairing the two. (It turns out it’s delicious.)
15. California Roll Nachos
Hear us out: Serve these sushi-inspired nachos with fish tacos and prepare to be wowed.
16. Mango Salsa
The special ingredient in this sweet and tangy salsa? Strawberries. We’re sold. For the best results, make sure your mangos are ripe before making it.
17. Sun-dried Tomato Guacamole
Elevate the traditional avocado guac with a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
18. Roasted Summer Vegetable Sopa Azteca
The new soup and a sandwich? This Mexican tortilla soup and a fish taco.
19. Queso Fundido
Um, we’re gonna need more chips. (And did we mention this deliciousness requires only four ingredients?)
20. Charred Corn And Zucchini Enchilada Pasta Salad
Your barbecue’s buffet table just got a spicy new addition. This enchilada-inspired charred corn pasta salad makes a hearty side for any grilled fish taco.
21. Citrus Slaw
Fun fact: This side dish doubles as a condiment—add a dollop to your fish taco.
22. Mexican Corn And Quinoa Salad
Make an extra batch and save the leftovers for your busy week ahead. Voilà, you just meal-prepped without really trying.
23. Spicy Pear And Cilantro Salsa
Switch up your traditional salsa for a sweet-and-spicy pear-based pico. Choose a crisp variety, like Bosc, for the best texture.
24. Refried Beans
Forget the canned stuff. You can whip up these refried beans in just 20 minutes. (And they can be made vegan or gluten free, too.)
25. Loaded Vegetable Nachos
Transform taco Tuesday into a full fiesta with these colorful sheet pan nachos. (Warning: They’ll disappear in about five minutes.)
26. Cilantro Lime Rice
Sometimes, it’s best to stick to the basics. Keep it simple with this flavorful rice you can cook on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she's an avid home cook and fanatic baker.
