What to Serve with Tamales
When you’re wondering what to serve with tamales to complete a tasty family dinner that everyone will love, you only need to read here! We’ve compiled the very best side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly!
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that has long been a staple for breakfast or dinner. Made with corn flour dough and wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk, you can fill tamales with a variety of sweet or savory options.
Similarly, there are all kinds of sides to go for with tamales. Here are ten you should definitely consider:
1. Mexican Rice
The traditional side – and the one you will find at many restaurants – with tamales is Mexican rice. They are simple to make and are done in just 25 minutes. But what really makes them special as a side is all the spice combinations you can get with them.
2. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Adding some vegetables to your tamales dinner is never a bad option. This side dish updates the traditional cucumber and tomato salad with some diced avocado, all of it, topped with cilantro, some black pepper, and a lemon dressing. Citrusy, fruity, fresh – it’s a delight.
3. Black Beans
Black beans and tamales just go together, making for a memorable experience whenever they are both put on a table. They are versatile, simple to make, and incredibly delicious. Just chop up your vegetables of choice and mix them up with the black beans.
4. Refried Beans
While we are on the topic of beans, refried beans make for a fantastic side. They might not be as simple to make as some of the other dishes on this list, but nothing else gives you as much control over flavor and consistency.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice
This side dish packs a punch so delicious and tangy that it comes close to taking all the attention away from the tamales. The blend of zest, lime juice, and cilantro gives the rice a strong kick of freshness and a variety of flavors.
6. Corn Chowder
Thick, creamy, and delicious: corn chowder combines with tamales to give you a most gratifying summer meal. Make sure to get fresh yellow corn, red potatoes, and onions to get the most out of this dish.
7. Cucumber and Avocado Soup
Made up of some mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, and lime juice, this soup is ready in just a few minutes and is scrumptious. You can also refrigerate it and keep it with you for days.
8. Jicama Slaw
Colorful and crunchy, this delightful slaw brings life to any meal. The bite from the jicama and cabbages is complimented by the tanginess of a delicious vinaigrette, making this slaw the ideal side for tamales.
9. Guacamole Salad
Simple, traditional, and always tasty, this summer salad makes for a simple but special side to any meal. Adding some tortillas is always a great option as well.
10. Caesar Salad
The legendary Mexican salad is a sure bet as the main dish or as a side at any time of the day. If you’re looking for something familiar, fresh, and delicious with your tamales, you can’t go wrong with a Caesar salad. It’s simple, diverse, and always leaves you wanting more.
