What to Serve with Tamales: 20 Perfect Sides for Your Meal
Tamales are a comforting, delicious meal that many of us enjoy, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. But sometimes, figuring out what to serve with tamales can be a challenge. To make your tamale meal even better, it’s important to pick sides that complement the flavors and textures of this traditional dish.
Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, there are plenty of options to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s explore some simple and tasty side dishes that pair perfectly with tamales.
1. Mexican Rice
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Mexican rice is a perfect side dish to serve with tamales, offering a subtle, savory flavor that complements the bold spices often found in tamale fillings. Flavored with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes a bit of chili, this fluffy, lightly spiced rice provides a mild backdrop that balances out the richness of tamales.
The vibrant red color of the rice also adds a visual pop to the plate, making it an appealing and satisfying side for any tamale meal.
2. Refried Beans
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Creamy, hearty refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and an ideal companion to tamales. Made from pinto or black beans, refried beans offer a rich, savory contrast to the soft masa of tamales. The smooth texture of the beans pairs well with the dense, flavorful fillings of tamales, making each bite more satisfying.
Whether you spread the beans over the tamale or serve them on the side, they are a comforting and filling addition to any tamale feast.
3. Guacamole
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Few things complement tamales better than a bowl of fresh, homemade guacamole. The creamy avocado mixed with lime, cilantro, onions, and a touch of salt brings a refreshing and zesty flavor that contrasts with the warm, savory tamales.
Guacamole adds a light, cooling element to the meal, which can be especially welcome if you’re serving spicier tamales. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with extra ingredients like tomatoes or jalapeños, depending on your taste.
4. Salsa Verde
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Salsa verde is a bright, tangy addition that elevates any tamale meal. Made from tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and lime juice, this zesty green salsa offers a fresh, slightly acidic flavor that cuts through the richness of tamales.
Drizzle salsa verde over the tamales, or use it as a dipping sauce to add a burst of brightness to every bite. Its mild heat and bold flavor make it a versatile side that enhances both meat and vegetable-filled tamales.
5. Pico de Gallo
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Pico de gallo, a fresh, chunky salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, is a great side dish to serve with tamales. Its light and crisp texture contrasts nicely with the softness of tamales, providing a refreshing balance to the meal.
The citrusy punch from lime juice in the pico de gallo brings a burst of freshness that helps brighten up the rich and hearty flavors of tamales. Plus, it’s a simple, healthy addition that adds color and vibrancy to the plate.
6. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
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Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a delightful side that adds a sweet and savory element to your tamale meal. Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is slathered with creamy mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder, then finished off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
The smoky char from grilling, combined with the tangy and spicy flavors, complements the richness of tamales. The juicy, crunchy corn kernels provide a satisfying texture contrast to the soft masa, making elote a must-have for any tamale feast.
7. Cabbage Slaw (Curtido)
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Curtido is a lightly fermented Salvadoran cabbage slaw that brings a refreshing, tangy crunch to a plate of tamales. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing, this slaw is often seasoned with oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
The acidity of the vinegar and the crisp texture of the cabbage provide a palate-cleansing effect, balancing out the rich and dense flavors of tamales. It’s a perfect side for those who want something light and refreshing with their meal.
8. Tortilla Soup
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A warm bowl of tortilla soup is the ultimate comfort food to pair with tamales, especially in colder months. This flavorful soup is made with a base of tomatoes, chilies, and broth, and is typically topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese.
The savory, slightly spicy broth contrasts well with the dense, starchy texture of tamales, while the crispy tortillas and fresh toppings provide additional textures and flavors. Tortilla soup is a heartier option that can complement tamales without overwhelming them.
9. Queso Fundido
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Queso fundido is a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs wonderfully with tamales, particularly if you’re in the mood for something extra cheesy. Made by melting a blend of cheeses, often with chorizo, onions, or peppers mixed in, this dip is perfect for scooping up with pieces of tamales or tortilla chips.
The creamy, savory flavors of queso fundido add a layer of decadence to the meal, balancing the more subdued flavors of masa with bold, gooey goodness. It’s an ideal appetizer or side for those who love cheese.
10. Churros
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Though traditionally served as a dessert, churros can be an excellent side option to complete your tamale meal with a sweet touch. These golden, fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of tamales.
Their crispy exterior and soft, doughy center provide a satisfying textural balance. Whether served alongside a cup of hot chocolate for dipping or enjoyed on their own, churros add a fun and flavorful way to end your tamale feast on a sweet note.
11. Nopales Salad
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Nopales, or cactus paddles, are a unique addition to a tamale meal, offering a combination of tangy, slightly sour flavors with a fresh, crunchy texture. This traditional Mexican ingredient is typically cooked and served in salads with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, all dressed with lime juice.
Nopales add a light, refreshing element to tamales and bring a unique flavor profile that contrasts with the warm, hearty masa. The acidity of the lime juice and the mild flavor of the nopales cleanse the palate, making it a great pairing for richer tamales.
12. Chiles Rellenos
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Chiles rellenos are stuffed poblano peppers filled with cheese or meat, offering a decadent side option to accompany tamales. The mild spice of the poblano pepper, combined with the gooey melted cheese or savory meat filling, provides a rich and indulgent addition to the meal.
The roasted flavor of the peppers pairs well with tamales, especially those filled with similar ingredients like cheese or pork. This is a heartier side dish, perfect for those looking to create a feast of bold, traditional Mexican flavors.
13. Calabacitas
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Calabacitas is a traditional Mexican side dish made with sautéed zucchini, corn, and tomatoes. This colorful and healthy side adds a touch of sweetness and a light, refreshing flavor to complement tamales. The combination of tender zucchini and the slight pop of sweetness from the corn creates a textural balance that works beautifully with the soft masa of tamales.
Calabacitas can be seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and chili powder, providing a savory punch without overwhelming the flavors of the tamales, making it a great choice for those who prefer lighter side options.
14. Pozole
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Pozole is a hearty, traditional Mexican soup made from hominy and a rich broth, typically flavored with pork or chicken and spices like chili powder and cumin. Serving pozole alongside tamales creates a full, satisfying meal, as the savory and slightly spicy broth complements the dense, starchy texture of tamales.
The hominy adds an extra layer of chewiness that contrasts nicely with the softness of tamales, while the warm, comforting soup helps to balance the dish with its rich, meaty flavor. Top the pozole with fresh ingredients like cabbage, radishes, and lime for a burst of freshness.
15. Rajas con Crema
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Rajas con crema is a creamy, mildly spicy dish made from roasted poblano pepper strips cooked in a rich, tangy cream sauce. This indulgent side provides a smoky, creamy flavor that pairs excellently with tamales, especially those with cheese or vegetable fillings.
The creamy texture of the dish contrasts with the masa in tamales, while the roasted poblanos add a hint of heat and smokiness. Rajas con crema can also be spiced up with the addition of onions and garlic, making it a perfect, flavorful accompaniment for those who enjoy a creamy side with a slight kick.
16. Mexican Street Salad
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A Mexican street salad brings together a variety of fresh ingredients like lettuce, roasted corn, black beans, cotija cheese, and avocado to create a light and flavorful side. Drizzled with lime juice and a simple vinaigrette, this salad offers a refreshing contrast to the heavier tamales.
The crunch of the lettuce and the creaminess of the avocado provide a nice balance of textures, while the roasted corn and beans add substance and earthy flavors. This salad is ideal for adding a healthy, vibrant element to your meal, especially if you’re looking to lighten things up.
17. Frijoles de la Olla
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Frijoles de la olla, or “beans from the pot,” are slow-cooked beans simmered in a broth with simple seasonings like garlic, onions, and herbs. Unlike refried beans, these beans are served in their broth, offering a lighter, more rustic flavor.
The subtlety of frijoles de la olla balances well with tamales, providing a more delicate flavor profile that complements the heartiness of the meal. Serve them with a bit of chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to elevate the dish.
18. Sopa de Fideo
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Sopa de fideo is a traditional Mexican noodle soup made with short vermicelli noodles cooked in a light, tomato-based broth. This simple yet flavorful soup provides a mild and comforting side to tamales, adding a touch of warmth and moisture to the meal.
The lightness of the broth contrasts with the denser texture of tamales, while the savory tomato flavors tie in well with the spices and fillings in the tamales. It’s a great starter or light side that complements the richness of the tamales without overpowering them.
19. Charro Beans
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Charro beans, also known as cowboy beans, are a flavorful and hearty side dish made from pinto beans simmered with bacon, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chili peppers. These beans are packed with smoky, savory flavors that pair well with tamales, especially meat-filled ones.
The broth from the beans adds moisture to the dish, while the bacon and spices bring an extra layer of richness that complements the masa in tamales. This is a great option if you want a filling and flavorful side to go with your tamale meal.
20. Jicama Salad
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Jicama salad is a refreshing, crunchy side that lightens up the meal and adds a bit of brightness. Jicama, a crisp and slightly sweet root vegetable, is typically sliced thin and tossed with lime juice, chili powder, and salt. The crisp texture and tangy flavor create a nice balance with the softness and richness of tamales.
Adding other ingredients like oranges, cucumbers, or radishes to the salad can boost the freshness, making this a perfect palate-cleansing side for your tamale feast.
