What to Serve with Fajitas (The Best 18 Sides)

1. Mexican rice

Steamed rice has been my go to for a while, but Mexican rice is just so much better!

Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a delicious side dish to serve with fajitas. It features rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices that adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor that pairs well with the robust flavors of fajitas.

This means it is not only vegan but also vibrant, full of flavor, and easy to make!

The texture also helps it be one of the best side dishes for fajitas. The grains are cooked until they are tender yet firm, and provide a satisfying contrast to the softness of the tortilla and the tenderness of the fajita fillings.

You can also add it directly to the fajitas while also serving it on the side.

2. Black beans and rice

One of the simplest yet most satisfying side dishes to serve with fajitas is a hearty helping of black beans and rice. This dish is not only vegan and healthy, but it also adds a delicious contrast of textures and flavors to the fajitas.

Black beans, with their deep, earthy flavor, offer a tasty counterpoint to the savory fillings of the fajitas. They also add a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the fajita vegetables.

Rice, on the other hand, acts as a neutral component that can absorb and balance the potent flavors of the fajitas. It works to mellow out the spiciness.

When combined, black beans and rice form a side dish for fajitas that is both versatile and flavorful. 

3. Tortilla chips

When it comes to pairing dishes with fajitas, tortilla chips are a classic choice that truly never goes out of style. 

These crunchy snacks are not only delicious but also vegan and easy to make. They are perfect for scooping up the leftover fillings from the fajitas or dipping into a variety of vegan dips or fajita sauce.

You can serve tortilla chips with a variety of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or vegan queso, to add an extra layer of flavor.

The crispiness of tortilla chips allows them to hold up well against these dips. This makes every bite a perfect blend of crunch and creaminess.

Plus, you can even make your own tortilla at home and use them to make the chips.

4. Mexican street corn

Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a quintessential Mexican dish that pairs deliciously with fajitas. 

This dish is a flavorful combination of grilled corn, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. It is the perfect balance of textures and tastes that complements the vibrant flavors of fajitas.

Elote is traditionally served on the cob, but it can also be served off the cob as a salad which makes it a versatile side dish for fajitas. 

The sweet, slightly charred corn kernels contrast beautifully with the tangy, creamy sauce and the salty cheese. They’re a classic refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, savory fajitas.

The creaminess of the sauce and the sweetness of the corn helps to balance out the spiciness of the fajitas. Plus, the tanginess of the cotija cheese complements the savory flavors of the fajitas too. 

5. Mexican quinoa

Mexican quinoa is an excellent side dish to serve with fajitas. This dish is often spiced with traditional Mexican flavors, such as cumin and chili, and contains a mix of vegetables, such as corn and bell peppers. 

These ingredients are similar to ones found in fajitas, and work beautifully when served together. 

This pairing works well because the light, fluffy texture of the quinoa provides a pleasing contrast to the hearty, flavorful textures of the fajita fillings.

The mild flavor of quinoa also allows it to absorb the flavors of the fajita seasonings. It is also a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences, much like fajitas. 

6. Corn salsa

Corn salsa is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with fajitas. This dish is a mix of fresh corn, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro and is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. 

The juicy texture and the crunch of the corn complement the softness of the fajitas, adding a layer of complexity to the meal.

The sweetness of the corn in the salsa balances the spicy and savory elements of the fajitas. Plus, the lime in the salsa adds a tangy touch that cuts through the richness of the fajitas.

7. Salad

A refreshing salad can be a delicious side to fajitas. The light, crisp textures and cool flavors of a salad provide a pleasant contrast to the warm, rich flavors of the fajitas. 

A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and balance the meal. For a more substantial side, consider a Mexican-inspired salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime-cilantro dressing. 

The flavors of this salad will complement the fajitas nicely, while the beans and corn add a satisfying heft. Alternatively, a coleslaw with a creamy avocado dressing can provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy fajitas.

8. Guacamole

Guacamole seriously needs no introduction. It’s a traditional Mexican dip made from ripe avocados and is a versatile side dish that pairs excellently with fajitas. 

It’s one of my absolute favorites! The creamy texture of the guacamole provides a perfect contrast to the delicious flavors of the fajitas.

The unique combination of ingredients in guacamole, including avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro, complements the fajita seasonings.

The freshness of the lime juice and cilantro cuts through the richness of the protein, while the avocados add a smooth, buttery texture. 

9. Salsa

The vibrant and lively flavors of fajitas call for a side that can stand up to them without overshadowing them. Salsa features bright, fresh ingredients and a tangy flavor profile and is an ideal side dish for fajitas.

The acidity in salsa that comes from tomatoes and citrus cuts through the richness of the grilled protein commonly used in fajitas.

This creates a balanced palate that is neither too heavy nor too light. Salsa also adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky and spicy elements of fajitas.

Plus, salsa comes in a variety of styles, from the classic tomato-based variety to fruit-infused versions like mango or pineapple salsa. 

10. Grilled avocados

The grilled avocados, with their smoky flavor and creamy texture, make an excellent companion to fajitas. 

The grilling process enhances the natural buttery flavor of the avocados. This makes them a perfect contrast to the spicy and savory fajitas. 

Grilled avocados can be served either as a side dish or as a topping for the fajitas. Their rich and creamy texture balances the heat of the fajitas, while their smoky flavor complements the charred meat or vegetables.

11. Refried bean dip

Refried bean dip is a classic side to fajitas that brings a hearty and creamy element to the table. 

This dip is made from pinto or black beans that have been cooked and mashed and are traditionally seasoned with various spices, including garlic, cumin, and chili powder. The species perfectly complement the flavors of the fajitas.

Plus, the smooth texture of refried bean dip provides a pleasing contrast to the crisp vegetables and seared proteins often found in fajitas. 

12. Roasted potatoes

Roasted potatoes make an excellent side dish for fajitas thanks to their hearty and comforting nature. 

The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the soft tortillas and juicy fillings of the fajitas. 

Plus, the neutral flavor of potatoes pairs well with the robust and spicy flavors of fajitas, as it does not compete with them but rather complements them.

Roasted potatoes can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, or paprika, to add an extra layer of flavor. 

This flexibility allows you to customize the potatoes to suit the specific flavor profile of your fajitas.

For instance, if your fajitas are particularly spicy, you might choose to season your potatoes with milder herbs to balance the heat.

13. Grilled peppers

Grilled peppers are a colorful and flavorful side to any fajita spread. These vibrant vegetables, when grilled, develop a smoky sweetness that complements the spiciness of the fajitas. 

They can be served directly on the fajita or as a side dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the other heavier components of the meal.

Their smoky flavor and crisp texture complement the spicy and savory elements of the fajitas. They can be grilled alongside the fajita filling, absorbing the same flavors and adding a layer of complexity to your meal.

14. Spicy black bean soup

A spicy black bean soup is a perfect side dish to serve with fajitas. The classic flavors of the soup complement the savory and spicy elements present in the fajitas. 

The soup, brimming with hearty black beans and a hint of spice, offers a textural contrast to the tender meat and crisp vegetables found in the fajitas. 

It also offers a warming element, which can be particularly enjoyable if the fajitas are served in cooler weather or in an outdoor setting.

15. Mexican street corn slaw

Mexican street corn slaw, also known as Esquites, is a popular side dish that I love serving with fajitas. 

This slaw is a unique combination of grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, spicy chili powder, and crumbled Cotija cheese. 

The smoky char of the corn pairs excellently with the grilled meat in fajitas, while the creamy, tangy, and spicy elements of the slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fajitas.

16. Mexican pickled carrots

Mexican pickled vegetables, also known as escabeche, serve as an excellent side dish for fajitas. 

This side brings a unique blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors to the table, complementing the savory notes of the fajitas. 

The crunchiness of the carrots provides a contrasting texture to the soft tortillas and fillings of the fajitas.

The pickling process gives the carrots a sharp, acidic flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors in fajitas.

17. Grilled corn

Grilled corn is one of the best side dishes to serve with fajitas. The smoky flavor of the corn adds a unique depth and makes the fajitas taste even better. 

The crunchy texture of the corn kernels provides a pleasant contrast to the soft tortillas and the tender fillings of the fajitas.

Grilled corn can be served straight off the cob for those who prefer to enjoy it in its natural state, or it can be removed from the cob and mixed into a refreshing corn salad. 

This salad can include other vegan-friendly ingredients such as diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and fresh herbs.

Plus, grilled corn can be seasoned according to preference. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of chili powder can elevate the flavor of the corn and make it an even more delicious side dish for fajitas.

18. Cilantro Lime Rice

You can never have too many types of rice when it comes to fajitas and a cilantro lime rice is one of the tastiest options.

The rice soaks up all the extra juices to give you a flavorful, delicious meal that will satisfy you.

The cilantro and lime flavors perfectly complement them and bring out the taste to make them even better.

This is, by far, one of my top go-to side dishes for fajitas.

THANK YOU so much for visiting our website. Please comment below if you have tried this recipe. We LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, please don’t forget to give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RATING. We appreciate all of our readers.  

⇒ GET OUR FREE 7-DAY VEGAN MEAL PLAN E-BOOK NOW! OR CHECK OUT ALL VEGAN MEAL PLAN RECIPES! ⇐