5 Mexican Sides and Appetizers That Aren’t Just Chips and Guac

Why can appetizers and sides sometimes be the favorite part of a meal? Try Mexican cuisine and you will discover how Mexican sides and appetizers tantalize your taste buds and boost your appetite.

Appetizers are a great way to get distracted from waiting for the main course to be served. And, they are often light for the stomach and very appealing. Sides are served with the main dish and they enhance the flavors of your meal.

Mexican cuisine includes creativity in their appetizers. Their recipes are easy to prepare and you can serve them on any occasion or even on ordinary days as a healthy snack.

Let’s learn the best Mexican sides and appetizers that will definitely make your meal more interesting. You will see that there are many interesting flavor-filled Mexican recipes that are not only chips and guacamole.

1. Bean Nachos

Bean NachosWho doesn’t love nachos? Everybody does! Even the kids down the street know how nachos can be very delicious. This Mexican recipe can be your healthiest food intake for the day.

Traditional Mexican nachos are eaten with tortilla chips topped with cheese and jalapeño. There are now many variations of nachos created by different Mexican restaurants.

Some variations made to suit the taste of customers include adding ingredients like cheese, guacamole, salsa, garlic sauce, ground meat, and loads of lettuce. Search online and you will see a range of nachos recipes that are not only served as appetizers or sides but as an ultimate feast.

Let’s look at some interesting facts about this delightful Mexican appetizer:

Nachos are traditionally served as a snack or appetizer. The original recipe only had 3 ingredients: heated tortilla chips, (called totopos) melted cheese, and sliced jalapeño peppers.

The name of this Mexican appetizer or side dish came from Ignacio “Nacho” Andaya, a chef who served the original nachos to a group of US military wives. The most expensive nachos in America are served at Park Hyatt Hotel in New York.

One serving costs $210. They are called Russian Nachos prepared with fresh potato chips and topped with caviar, sour cream, chives, and hard-boiled egg yolks.

Now, there are hundreds of variations of nachos. What can never be missing though are the crunchy chips.

One of the favorite variations is the bean nachos which are very simple and easy to prepare. Nachos are baked crisp in the oven instead of fried so it is healthier, and then smothered with black beans, mixed beans, or refried beans, cheese, corn, crema, and jalapeños for the extra heat.

It can also be topped with homemade guacamole and eaten with black bean soup. It’s a low-calorie diet that can be one of your favorite recipes. Enjoy it with a cold drink of lime juice.

2. Spicy Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple SalsaSpice up your meal with this Mexican recipe that carries its distinct flavor. It’s a great side to Mexican popular casseroles or rice casseroles.

It is one of the old-fashioned side Dishes in Mexico that enhances the flavor heights of your favorite meals. If you are craving economical comfort food, this can be your best bet for a Mexican appetizer or side.

Imagine loads of fresh pineapple, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. These fresh ingredients give the salsa lots of flavor. You can add more flavor by adding back pepper and a few drops of tangy lime juice.

If you are on a restrictive diet, this Mexican side or appetizer can be one of the best and most delicious options. It can go with any Mexican meal, being on the top list of vegan options.

3. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp CevicheHere’s a Mexican side and delicious filling for soft tortillas. Ceviche can sound intimidating, but it is actually a very simple recipe. It is similar to other salsas prepared with spices like black pepper, black olives, clove garlic, Mexican street corn, and hot sauce.

You can eat this on its own or enjoy it with soda crackers, nachos, chips, golden-brown fried chicken, raw fish, or Mexican dishes you love.

Shrimp ceviche can be a pop of color and refreshing side or appetizer to delight your guests. Serve it in mini bowls for those who want it on its own or serve it as a quick filling for soft tortilla or crispy nachos for a cool treat.

4. Cauliflower Vegan Quezo

Cauliflower CheeseA Mexican treat that goes beyond chips and guacamole is the cauliflower vegan quezo. True to its name, it is a healthy alternative to the regular cheese dip that restaurants serve. If you are a fan of the broccoli side, cauliflower is considered a great substitute for broccoli.

It’s a simple party-ready snack that you can place on flour tortilla taco boats or mini flour tortilla tacos. Children also enjoy it as a chip dip or as a single-serving snack. You will be amazed at the balance of flavors that the ingredients in this simple snack offer.

It has a unique nutty flavor because of the roasted cashews that are added to it along with vegan cheese, cauliflower, extra virgin olive oil, and onions. What are you waiting for? Grab a mixing bowl and whip up the delicious flavors from this cauliflower vegan queso.

5. Chicken and Avocado Pinwheels

Chicken Mexican TacoAre you throwing a party at your place? The chicken and avocado Mexican side or appetizer is one of the best crowd-pleasing options you can prepare. It’s a favorite Mexican dish served during the holiday season.

All you need for this hearty side are ripe avocados, chicken breast, taco seasoning, cheese, and sun ripe fresh tomatoes. What makes this Mexican side amazing is that it can be eaten as a party-ready snack or for personal consumption. Enjoy these pinwheels with a dollop of crema or Greek yogurt and a drizzle of hot sauce.

Enjoy the first bite of your meal with a Mexican appetizer that goes beyond just the flavors of chips and guacamole. Take your dish to a new level of gastronomical experience. These simple recipes of Mexican sides and appetizers are guiltless pleasures that make you enjoy memories of Mexican home-cooking.

More From El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

12 Vegan Mexican Desserts You Need to Try

Mexican Salads You Can Order at El Rincón TX

The Most Common Mexican Lunches that You Must Try

Non-Alcoholic Mexican Drinks to Try

All-Time Mexican Classic Dishes to Try

5 Traditional Foods in Mexico


El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar or known as El Rincon among the locals around the restaurant serves traditional Mexican food and drink made from the freshest ingredients. El Rincon is an authentic Mexican restaurant in Texas, visit us now!

Besides serving food for our customers in Carrollton and Addison we’re also active in communities across Texas. Contact us today to know more details!

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