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What to Serve with Nachos? 15 Must-try Side Dishes

Whether you’re planning a movie night or hosting happy hour, nachos are always a crowd favorite.

However, it can be difficult to make sure that everyone gets enough of the chips and toppings they love when making large batches at-home.

To ensure your party spreads their chips evenly, why not serve up some creative side dishes alongside?

We’ve taken the hard work out of meal planning by providing 15 mouthwatering recipes featuring unique sides dishes sure to perfectly pair with any nacho setup.

Read on for tips and tricks tailored for busy hosts so you can enjoy reliable meals even during rush hours!

What to Serve with Nachos? 15 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Tomato Corn and Avocado Salad

This salad is the perfect balance of fresh and filling.

The tomatoes, corn, and avocado are all bursting with flavor, and the textures complement each other perfectly.

This dish is also extremely versatile- you can easily add or omit ingredients to suit your taste.

To elevate this dish, I suggest adding a bit of acidity.

A splash of lime juice or vinegar would do the trick.

You could also add some spice with a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeno.

If you’re looking for a heartier salad, you could add some cooked quinoa or black beans.

2. Cucumber, Jicama, and Mango Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing side dish to accompany your nachos, look no further than this cucumber, jicama, and mango salad.

This salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the cucumbers and jicama providing a crisp crunch and the mango adding a touch of sweetness.

The lime juice and cilantro give it a zesty kick that takes it over the top.

This salad is so easy to throw together, and it can be easily tailored to your taste.

If you want it to be more on the sweet side, add more mango; if you prefer it to be more savory, add more lime juice or cilantro.

You can also add in some diced avocado for creaminess or chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.

This salad is best served cold, or at room temperature, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time.

Just wait to add the mango until right before serving so that it doesn’t get too mushy.

This salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

3. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious and easy dish to make.

It is a great side dish for nachos or any Mexican food.

The salad is made with corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.

The salad has a great taste and texture.

The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the creaminess of the mayonnaise and sour cream.

The cilantro and lime juice add a freshness to the dish, while the chili powder gives it a little bit of heat.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

First, you can grill the corn before adding it to the salad.

This will give the salad a smoky flavor that is perfect for nachos.

Second, you can add some chopped jalapeño to the salad for an extra kick of heat.

Third, you can use fresh corn instead of canned corn for a more intense flavor.

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a great side dish for nachos or any Mexican food.

It is quick and easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

4. Black Bean and Avocado Salad

This black bean and avocado salad is the perfect side dish for nachos.

It’s packed with flavor and has a great texture.

The best part about this salad is that it’s so easy to make.

All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go.

The taste of this salad is amazing.

The black beans are slightly sweet, the avocado is creamy, and the lime juice gives it a nice tang.

The texture is also great.

The beans and avocado are both firms, but the salad as a whole is very light and refreshing.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

First, you can add some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Second, you can use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a more intense flavor.

Lastly, you can add a little bit of diced jalapeno for some heat.

Overall, this black bean and avocado salad is an excellent side dish to nachos.

It’s flavorful, easy to make, and can be customized to your liking.

5. Spicy Arugula Cilantro Salad

Arugula, cilantro, and a little bit of spice come together in this flavor-packed salad.

The arugula provides a slightly bitter taste and crispy texture, while the cilantro adds a bright freshness.

The addition of jalapeño gives the salad a nice kick, but if you’re not a fan of spice, you can always leave it out.

This salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish.

To elevate this dish, try adding some chopped avocado or grilled chicken.

The avocado will add creaminess and heart-healthy fats, while the chicken will make it a complete meal.

If you’re looking for even more protein, you could also add some black beans or lentils.

6. Grilled Peach Salad with Arugula and Goat Cheese

This Grilled Peach Salad with Arugula and Goat Cheese is a perfect summer dish.

The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese and the peppery arugula.

This dish is also super easy to make and only takes a few minutes to throw together.

The key to making this dish really great is to get nice, ripe peaches that will grill up nicely.

You also want to make sure that the goat cheese is nicely crumbled so that it evenly disperses throughout the salad.

And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of arugula.

I like to use baby arugula in this dish because it has a more delicate flavor, but you could also use regular arugula or even spinach if you wanted.

This Grilled Peach Salad with Arugula and Goat Cheese is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for summertime entertaining.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just having friends over for lunch, this salad is sure to impress.

7. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are classic comfort food that is easy to make and always hits the spot.

The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices is hearty and filling, and the best part is that it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

While Sloppy Joes are delicious as is, there are a few simple things you can do to take them to the next level.

First, make sure to use quality ground beef that is well-seasoned.

This will give the dish more flavor and make it more enjoyable to eat.

Second, add some chopped onions and green peppers to the mix for a bit of sweetness and crunch.

Finally, serve the Sloppy Joes on a toasted bun with a pickle spear on the side.

8. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a delicious, hearty side dish that is perfect for any occasion.

This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that will leave you wanting more.

The best part about Mexican rice is that it is so versatile and can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.

When it comes to taste, Mexican rice is simply unbeatable.

The combination of spices, herbs, and tomato sauce creates a flavor profile that is out of this world.

The texture of the rice is also perfect – it is firm but not dry, and the overall dish has a great mouthfeel.

If you want to elevate your Mexican rice dish, there are a few simple things you can do.

First, try adding some fresh vegetables to the mix.

This will add a pop of color and an extra nutritional boost.

Second, consider using different types of cheese or even crumbled bacon as a topping.

Both of these ingredients will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.

This is your chance to really make the dish your own.

9. Black Bean Soup

There’s something comforting about a bowl of black bean soup.

Maybe it’s the rich, earthy flavor of the beans or the creamy texture that coats your tongue.

Whatever the reason, this humble dish is a favorite in many households.

But black bean soup doesn’t have to be boring.

There are plenty of ways to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.

For instance, you could try adding some smoked paprika for a touch of heat or using chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.

You could also garnish the soup with diced avocado and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Whichever way you choose to make it, black bean soup is sure to please.

10. Jalapeno Cornbread

Jalapeno cornbread is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with nachos.

The cornbread is moist and fluffy, with a slight kick from the jalapenos.

You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, depending on how many peppers you add.

To elevate this dish, try adding some cheese to the batter before baking.

This will give the cornbread a cheesy, gooey center that is absolutely delicious.

You can also top the cornbread with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and serve it with a side of chili for a complete meal.

11. Cheese Steak Quesadillas

Cheesesteak quesadillas are the perfect party food – they’re easy to make, always a hit, and can be customized to suit any taste.

But what really makes them stand out is their amazing taste and texture.

The combination of melty cheese, juicy steak, and crispy tortilla are simply irresistible.

There are a few things you can do to take your cheesesteak quesadillas to the next level.

First, be sure to use good quality beef – it will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses.

A sharp cheddar or pepper jack would be delicious in these quesadillas.

Finally, be sure to cook your quesadillas until the tortillas are nice and crispy.

This will give them the perfect texture and ensure that all of the flavors come together perfectly.

12. Shredded Beef Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos? And who doesn’t love nachos? Well, we’ve got the perfect dish for you – shredded beef tacos.

These tacos are packed with flavor and texture, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.

The best part about these tacos is that they’re so easy to make.

All you need is some shredded beef, tortillas, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

We like to top ours with sour cream, salsa, and jalapenos, but you can use whatever you like.

If you want to elevate this dish, we suggest using homemade tortillas and adding some chopped onions and cilantro to the mix.

You could also try serving it with a side of beans or rice.

Whatever you do, just make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand – these tacos can get messy.

13. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and one of the most popular dishes at Mexican restaurants.

Fajitas typically consist of grilled chicken, peppers and onions served on a warm tortilla, but there are endless ways to customize this dish to your liking.

One of the best things about chicken fajitas is that they are packed with flavor.

The chicken is usually seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices, which gives it a subtle but delicious flavor.

The peppers and onions are also usually grilled, which adds another layer of flavor to the dish.

If you’re looking for ways to elevate your chicken fajitas, there are a few things you can do.

One option is to use different cuts of chicken.

Chicken breast is the most common type of chicken used in fajitas, but you could also try using thighs or drumsticks.

Another way to change up your fajitas is to use different types of peppers.

Bell peppers are the most common type used in fajitas, but you could also try using jalapeño peppers or even poblano peppers.

Finally, you could also try using different types of tortillas.

Flour tortillas are the most common type used for fajitas, but you could also try using corn tortillas or even whole wheat tortillas.

14. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are classic party food, and they go great with nachos.

They’re usually pretty savory, with a little bit of spice, and they have a nice crunch to them.

But sometimes chicken wings can be a little dry, or the skin can be rubbery.

So how do you make sure your chicken wings are extra delicious?

First, start with good quality chicken.

If you can, get wings that are fresh from the butcher or farmer’s market.

If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Second, when it comes to cooking chicken wings, don’t be afraid of high heat.

You want to cook them until the skin is nice and crispy.

This will help to prevent any rubbery texture.

Finally, once your chicken wings are cooked, there are lots of ways to elevate the dish.

Try tossing them in a homemade sauce, like BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce.

Or top them with some crumbled blue cheese and chopped scallions.

Serve them with celery and carrot sticks on the side, and enjoy.

15. Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeño peppers are a delicious and easy way to spice up any dish.

And when they’re stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, they’re even better.

These peppers are the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.

The taste of these peppers is a perfect balance of spicy and savory.

The jalapeño gives a nice kick, while the cheese and bacon add a delicious richness.

The texture is also amazing – the crunch of the pepper, the creaminess of the cheese, and the crispness of the bacon all come together perfectly.

  • Try using different kinds of cheese for stuffing the peppers. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack would be delicious.
  • Add some chopped grilled chicken or steak to the stuffing for an extra protein boost.
  • Top the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing before serving.
  • Serve the peppers with a dipping sauce on the side, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

There you have it. 15 must-try side dishes to serve with nachos.

From classic to out-of-the-box, there’s something here for everyone.

So the next time you’re planning a party or get-together, be sure to add nachos to the menu and try one (or all) of these delicious side dishes.

And don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What to Serve with Nachos? 15 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Tomato Corn and Avocado Salad
  • 2. Cucumber Jicama, and Mango Salad
  • 3. Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • 4. Black Bean and Avocado Salad
  • 5. Spicy Arugula Cilantro Salad
  • 6. Grilled Peach Salad with Arugula and Goat Cheese
  • 7. Sloppy Joes
  • 8. Mexican Rice
  • 9. Black Bean Soup
  • 10. Jalapeno Cornbread
  • 11. Cheese Steak Quesadillas
  • 12. Shredded Beef Tacos
  • 13. Chicken Fajitas
  • 14. Chicken Wings
  • 15. Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!