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40+ Best Sides for Fish Tacos

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These are the best 40+ sides to serve with fish tacos! Here you'll find traditional sides like rice and salads, to chips and dips, drinks (both cocktails and non-alcoholic) and finally desserts! These sides are all delicious and pair perfectly with any kind of fish taco you might serve. Gluten-free and dairy-free options.

An overhead view of a plate of fried fish tacos with many salsas, salads, beers and drinks surrounding it.

Whether you're eating shrimp tacos, fried fish tacos, seared tuna tacos, or even grilled fish tacos, there's a side for that! You'll find below countless options as well as recommendations for what type of fish tacos would work best for it.

There's no better way to celebrate the heat of the summer than tasty fish tacos and refreshing drinks. Whether you're planning a taco bar or your next BBQ, nothing completes a summer meal like drinks. So don't forget to check out my top 40+ non-alcoholic summer drinks, or if you're looking for some boozy cocktails, I've rounded up my favorite 50+ cocktails for the summer season.

Recommendations per type of fish

Close up of a fried piece of tilapia in a corn tortilla.

While most of these side dishes work with any type of fish taco, there's a rhyme and reason to pairings because every fish taco is slightly different! Below you will find a general outline of finding the right pairings!

Spicy or Blackened Tacos - Tacos with spicy seasonings and marinades require something light and refreshing. I recommend fatty sides like guacamole and creamy yogurt-based sauces or avocado based-sauces to reduce the heat.

Fried Tacos - Fried fish tacos tend to be in two types: pan-seared or battered and fried. The fish used inside is typically a lean white fish like cod or tilapia. I recommend accompanying fried tacos with sides that have plenty textures like crunchy slaws, or something that packs flavor like spicy salsas or creamy sauces.

White Fish Tacos - White fish typically has minimal taste and is great for those who are hesitant of fish. I recommend pairing bright and flavorful sides like mango pico de gallo or cilantro garlic sauce.

Grilled Fish Tacos - Grilled fish tacos generally uses tilapia, cod, tuna, salmon or swordfish. The char of the grill tends to add a flavor of its own that doesn't require any marinade. If using a seasoning or marinade, I recommend pairing with a lighter dish like a coleslaw, rice or classic salad. This won't take away from the flavor of the seasoning!

What to serve with fish tacos

Traditional sides

Here you'll find the most classic side dishes for fish tacos. Traditional sides are those classic side dishes we think of when enjoying tacos: tortillas (both corn and flour), salads, rices and veggies. Start off with a few of these ideas and then build on the rest!

Mexican Avocado Salad

Best served with: Honestly, all tacos deserve avocado on the side! The fattiness of the avocados would be preferential with shrimp or lean white fish rather than fatty fish like salmon or tuna.

Fresh Mexican Avocado Salad
Light, refreshing and delicious Mexican avocado salad. Only four fresh ingredients to make the easiest, best side dish for any time of year.
Featured image of a Mexican avocado salad in a large green bowl.
Check out this recipe

Corn Tortillas

Best served with: All fish tacos! Corn tortillas are my favorite kind of tortillas to serve all forms of tacos in. However, if going to make a super-loaded taco and are not gluten-free, I recommend considering a flour tortilla.

Flour Tortillas

Best served with: Loaded fish tacos - flour tortillas can hold up a lot better than its delicate corn tortilla cousin. If adding tons of toppings, I recommend going flour!

Homemade Fluffy Flour Tortillas — Marley’s Menu
These homemade fluffy flour tortillas will up your taco game by providing a perfectly fresh, soft, and warm base. And they wont fall apart!
Homemade Fluffy Flour Tortillas — Marley’s Menu
Check out this recipe

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Best served with: fried fish tacos to cut the heaviness of the batter with some acid, or as a light topping with marinated fish so as to not overpower the flavor.

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen
Red cabbage, jalapeno, and carrots are dressed with a bright sweet and spicy dressing in this easy red cabbage slaw recipe. Perfect for BBQs or healthy meal prep.
Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen
Check out this recipe

Mexican Rice

Best served with: Anything! Mexican rice is a staple with any kind of taco and can be served inside or to the side. If enjoying a heavy-battered fish, you may not need to accompany with a rice side.

Vegan Mexican Rice
This easy vegan Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish to your Mexican spread. This flavorful and fluffy rice is seasoned with fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic salt. Serve it alongside black beans or as the base to burrito bowls. Ready in under 30 minutes, vegan, and gluten free.
A large bowl of Mexican rice topped with cilantro and fresh lime on top of a napkin.
Check out this recipe

Tajin Watermelon Salad

Best served with: Anything! This salad is extremely light, refreshing and pairs as a dessert or salad!

Tajín Watermelon Mint Salad
Fresh watermelon, chili lime seasoning, mint and lime juice. This Tajin Watermelon Mint Salad is the most refreshing and light side dish and salad. Under 15-minutes total and easy to make-ahead. Naturally vegan, paleo, Whole30.
square photo of overhead view of a blue plate with watermelon tajin salad, some limes, a wooden knife and beers in the background
Check out this recipe

Grapefruit Arugula Salad

Best served with: Anything, but preference for seasoned or marinated fish. Something light and citrusy is always a great combination with fish, and for seasoned or marinated fish the salad doesn't overpower the flavor.

Citrus Arugula Salad
This winter Citrus and Arugula Salad with juicy citrus and spicy arugula makes the perfect colorful salad to brighten up the winter months!
Grapefruit and arugula salad topped with dressing and pistachios.
Check out this recipe

Fiesta Salad

Best served with: Blackened or heavily seasoned white fish, or salmon.

Fiesta Salad - Big Delicious Life
healthy, make ahead side dish, this Fiesta Salad is perfect for your next BBQ, picnic, pot luck or meal prep.
Fiesta Salad - Big Delicious Life
Check out this recipe

Mexican Street Corn

Best served with: Anything! This light-in-flavor side dish pairs with any kind or flavor of taco!

Healthy Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)
This Healthy Mexican Street Corn is no mayo, no butter and all the flavor. Charred corn on the cob, freshly squeezed lime juice, topped with chili lime salt, cilantro and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s the lighter, healthier version of the traditional Mexican Elotes recipe.
close up photo of corn on the cob with cotija cheese, cilantro and tajín
Check out this recipe

Cucumber Salad

Best served with: This salad is great for cutting through fatty fish like salmon, tuna or swordfish. It is also a great pairing with battered and fried fish to add acid.

Cucumber Salad
This easy Asian cucumber salad has minimal ingredients, is quick to make, and can be made in advance. It is a great no-cook BBQ side dish and tastes delicious on tacos!
close up of an asian cucumber salad
Check out this recipe

Lemony Kale Salad

Best served with: A simple side salad is great for cutting through fatty fish like salmon, tuna or swordfish. It is also a great pairing with battered and fried fish to add acid.

Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
This simple fresh kale and spinach salad tossed in a light lemon dressing is perfect for a side salad or larger dinner salad topped with your favorite proteins!
Blue bowl filled with a spinach and kale salad, with lemon wedges on top.
Check out this recipe

Simple Arugula Spinach Salad

Best served with: A simple side salad is great for cutting through fatty fish like salmon, tuna or swordfish. It is also a great pairing with battered and fried fish to add acid.

Simple Arugula and Spinach Salad
This simple Spinach and Arugula Salad recipe has fresh baby spinach and peppery arugula with a light balsamic vinaigrette. This is a great side salad, and can also be made into a light lunch.
spinach and arugula salad featured image
Check out this recipe

Mexican Green Beans

Best served with: white fish tacos or blackened tacos as a side dish.

Mexican Green Beans with Salsa
Mexican green beans are an easy side dish and only take 15 minutes to make! Charred green beans tossed with chunky salsa. Makes a great side for your Mexican inspired main course!
Mexican green beans with salsa in a serving plate.
Check out this recipe

Fajita Veggies

Best served with: shrimp or meaty white fish tacos. These fajita veggies add some flavor and texture to otherwise boring fish tacos.

Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)
Delicious sautéed peppers and onions seasoned with the perfect blend of spices so you can have Chipotle copycat burritos, fajitas, and tacos at home!
Seasoned fajita veggies in a cast iron skillet with a spoon.
Check out this recipe

Mexican Potatoes

Best served with: non-battered and fried fish tacos. These are great served for a larger crowd.

Mexican Breakfast Potatoes
Mexican breakfast potatoes make an easy, tasty, and filling breakfast! These potatoes are creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a Mexican spice blend. This versatile dish can be eaten alone, added to eggs, served in a burrito, or used as a side in a big breakfast or brunch spread.
Roasted Mexican breakfast potatoes on a baking sheet with lime wedges and topped with cilantro.
Check out this recipe

Chips, dips + salsas

What's a combination better with fish tacos than chips and salsa? Nothing! Try these dips and salsas for chips or drizzle over your fish tacos to add extra flavor!

Corn Tortilla Chips

Best served with: Anything! Corn tortilla chips are a staple with tacos no matter the kind! Serve these prior to enjoying your tacos.

Corn Tortilla Chips (Gluten Free)
These homemade corn tortilla chips are baked to perfection in the oven and seasoned lightly with salt. Using only three ingredients, you’ll get deliciously crisp gluten free tortilla chips in under 20 minutes! You’ll never buy store-bought again!
A close up of salted gluten free tortilla chips on a baking sheet with lime pieces.
Check out this recipe

Chili Lime Tortilla Chips

Best served with: Anything! Corn tortilla chips are a staple with tacos no matter the kind! Serve these prior to enjoying your tacos.

Chili Lime Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
These air fryer tortilla chips are the easiest, crispiest snack ever. Sprinkled with chili lime seasoning, with less oil and lower sodium, these homemade chips take only 15-minutes! Naturally gluten free and vegan.
square image of an overhead photo of a white plate topped with chili lime tortilla chips and a bowl of pico de gallo with limes scattered
Check out this recipe

Spicy Salsa Verde

Best served with: White fish tacos and lighter fish tacos with minimal seasoning. This salsa will bring the heat to tacos that otherwise have limited flavor!

Spicy Serrano Salsa Verde
This authentic spicy serrano salsa uses traditional Mexican techniques to make the perfect spicy and fresh salsa. This spicy and tangy salsa is the perfect pairing with everything from quesadillas to tacos and much more! (Makes 1 cup)
A bright green serrano salsa verde in a molcajete with a chip being dipped into it.
Check out this recipe

Spicy Chimichurri

Best served with: White fish tacos and lighter fish tacos with minimal seasoning. This chimichurri will bring the heat to tacos that otherwise have limited flavor!

Spicy Chimichurri
This traditional Argentinian sauce takes on some heat for a spicy chimichurri! An easy sauce that takes minutes to whip up with fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, garlic and crushed red pepper. This delicious chimichurri is perfect for pairing with any proteins or vegetables.
Spicy chimichurri featured image.
Check out this recipe

4 Ingredient Guacamole

Best served with: Anything and everything! I only recommend going lighter on tacos that use fatty fish (think salmon, tuna or swordfish)!

Easy 4 Ingredient Guacamole
This 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is so easy to make and is super flavorful. Made with minimal ingredients, and ready in under 10 minutes. This recipe is great on it’s own, or you can add your favorite ingredients to it. It’s a healthy snack, easy appetizer, or perfect topping for other dishes.
A large molcajete full of fresh guacamole, with lime wedge garnish and cilantro.
Check out this recipe

Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce

Best served with: Spicy tacos to cut the heat! This sauce is also a great lighter option to guacamole to pair with battered and fried tacos.

Creamy Vegan Avocado Lime Sauce
Fresh, simple Avocado Lime Sauce with only two ingredients! This sauce is perfect for drizzling on any protein like shrimp, chicken or steak, to spruce up your favorite taco recipe! Naturally gluten-free and vegan! (Makes 2 cups)
a bowl of whipped avocado surrounded by chips and a spoon of green creamy sauce
Check out this recipe

Mango Habanero Salsa

Best served with: White fish tacos and lighter fish tacos with minimal seasoning. This salsa will bring the heat to tacos that otherwise have limited flavor!

Mango Habanero Salsa
This authentic mango habanero salsa uses traditional Mexican techniques to make the perfect sweet and spicy salsa. It’s bold, fresh and flavorful!
A featured image of a mango habanero salsa in a molcajete surrounded by tortilla chips.
Check out this recipe

Honey Mustard Sauce

Best served with: Fried fish tacos to act as a fried fish dipping sauce. This dressing is great for serving fish tacos to kids too!

The Best Vegan Honey Mustard
Learn how to make the best vegan honey mustard with 4 easy-to-find ingredients in just a couple of minutes!
The Best Vegan Honey Mustard
Check out this recipe

Cilantro Garlic Sauce

Best served with: Spicy tacos to cut the heat! This sauce is also a great lighter option to pair with strong seasoned fish and shrimp, or battered and fried tacos.

Cilantro Garlic Sauce
This fresh cilantro garlic sauce is a light and creamy sauce flavored with fresh lime, cilantro, and garlic. It is fresh, tangy, and citrussy.
Blended cilantro garlic sauce in a jar on a cutting board with cilantro leaves next to it.
Check out this recipe

Mango Pico de Gallo

Best served with: Blackened fish, white fish and lighter fish tacos with minimal seasoning. Great pairing with salmon and seared tuna.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Best served with: Blackened or heavily seasoned white fish, or salmon.

Black Bean And Corn Salsa Recipe - Spice Up The Curry
Black bean and corn salsa is always a crowd favorite! It has such a deliciously fresh and vibrant flavor with just a perfect blend of ingredients
Black Bean And Corn Salsa Recipe - Spice Up The Curry
Check out this recipe

Juices and Aguas Frescas

Aguas frescas (or fresh water in Spanish) are a staple to serve at taco stands and are great non-alcoholic drinks to serve with tacos. These juice drinks blend water with fresh fruits and a little sweetener, resulting in a sweet and fruity summer beverage.

Pineapple Agua Fresca

Best served with: Anything!

Agua de Piña (Pineapple Water)
This Agua de Piña (also known as Pineapple Water) is easy, refreshing and simple. It’s only 3-ingredients and ready to make in minutes!
A featured image of a glass of pineapple agua fresca.
Check out this recipe

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Best served with: Anything!

Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresca)
Sweet and fruity Agua de Fresa is the perfect summer drink for a hot day! Made with only 3 fresh and simple ingredients, and ready in 10 minutes!
Two glasses of agua de fresa topped with strawberry slices.
Check out this recipe

Agua de Horchata

Best served with: Anything!

Vegan Horchata
This vegan horchata recipe makes a creamy and slightly sweet milky drink with a hint of cinnamon spice. It’s the perfect drink when you want something light and refreshing. You can even make this creamy horchata into a mocktail or cocktail!
A glass of horchata with a cinnamon stick topped with ground cinnamon.
Check out this recipe

Cucumber Agua Fresca

Best served with: Anything!

Cucumber Agua Fresca (Agua de Pepino)
This easy, refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca (Agua de Pepino) is the perfect Summer drink. This drink recipe has cucumber, mint and lime poured over ice. A great healthy non-alcoholic drink to keep you cool in the Spring or Summer. (Serves 6-8)
small glass of cucumber agua fresca with a mint leaf and a lime on the side
Check out this recipe

Orange Agua Fresca

Best served with: Anything!

Orange Agua Fresca (Agua de Naranja)
This orange agua fresca recipe is easy, sweet and refreshing. Made with only three ingredients including freshly squeezed orange juice. This traditional Mexican agua de naranja is the perfect drink.
A glass in the center garnished with an orange wedge.
Check out this recipe

Grapefruit Orange Juice

Best served with: Anything!

Grapefruit Orange Juice
A twist on classic orange juice, this freshly squeezed grapefruit orange juice is the perfect refreshing beverage any time of day. The sweetness from the orange balances out the tart and bitterness from the grapefruit. It’s a delicious fresh citrus juice combination.
A glass of grapefruit orange juice with orange slices in it.
Check out this recipe

Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice

Best served with: Anything!

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Best served with: Anything!

Cocktails

What kind of taco isn't the perfect pair with a cocktail? From your classic Mexican beer and fish taco, to tequila-based cocktails like a ranch water or margarita, there's a great combo to be had!

Skinny Margarita

Best served with: Anything!

3 Ingredient Skinny Margarita
This 3 ingredient Skinny Margarita is made with fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for the most refreshing healthier margarita!
A featured image of a skinny margarita garnished with lime wedge and orange wheel.
Check out this recipe

Skinny Jalapeño Margaritas

Best served with: Anything!

Spicy Skinny Margarita
This Spicy Skinny Margarita Recipe is made with jalapeno, fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for a refreshing twist on the healthier margarita!
A featured image of a spicy skinny margarita garnished with a fresh lime wedge and jalapeno slice.
Check out this recipe

Ranch Water Cocktail

Best served with: Anything!

the Best Ranch Water Cocktail
Ranch Water is a delicious lighter, lower calorie tequila and Topo Chico cocktail. Three easy ingredients meant for the best cocktail!
Check out this recipe

Mexican Mule (Tequila Mule)

Best served with: Anything!

the Best Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule)
This Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule) is the easiest cocktail containing tequila, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This tequila drink is based on the class Moscow mule, tasting light, refreshing and citrusy!
A featured image of a tequila mule in a copper mug with two lime wedges inside.
Check out this recipe

Frozen Blackberry Margaritas

Best served with: Anything!

Frozen Blackberry Margaritas with Mint
Blackberries, fresh mint and limes blend for the best Frozen Blackberry Margaritas! Fruity, fresh and tart! Top these easy margaritas with a mint sugar rim.
frozen blackberry margarita with mint inside it.
Check out this recipe

Watermelon Gin Mojito

Best served with: Anything!

Fresh Watermelon Gin Mojito
Watermelon juice, muddled lime wedges and fresh mint. Fresh ingredients and gin add a spin to the classic cocktail. This Watermelon Gin Mojito is the perfect refreshing cocktail.
a square image of a pink watermelon gin mojito that is finished and filled with mint leaves and lime wedges
Check out this recipe

Red Sangria Margarita

Best served with: Anything!

Red Sangria Margarita
This skinny red sangria margarita is your two favorite cocktails in one! Naturally sweet fresh orange juice, red wine, tequila blanco, and a squeeze of lime make the perfect lightened up sangria margarita. It’s a simple yet delicious easy cocktail recipe!
A glass of red sangria margarita with a lime and orange wedge.
Check out this recipe

Desserts

Any fish taco needs it's perfect dessert! Because fish tacos are most prominently enjoyed in the warmer months, these desserts range from light, citrusy popsicles to fruit cups and salads.

Mango Pineapple Popsicles

Best served with: Anything!

Creamy Mango Pineapple Popsicle
These creamy mango pineapple popsicles have only four, simple ingredients. The result, the creamiest, zestiest and full fruity popsicle dessert! Clean, fresh ingredients for the perfect healthy, frozen treat.
three yellow popsicles with a red tajin top layered on top of one another
Check out this recipe

Mango Popsicles

Best served with: Anything!

Creamy Mango Popsicles (No Sugar Added)
These three ingredients Creamy Mango Popsicles are tart, refreshing and delicious. A vegan, no sugar added frozen treat perfect for the family!
a square image of four mango popsicles on top of one another with a lime wedge in the back
Check out this recipe

Lime Popsicles

Best served with: Anything!

Lime Popsicles
Zesty, fresh Lime Popsicles made of only three ingredients! Sparkling water mixed with fresh tart lime flavor and honey! The perfect frozen treat for the Summer that’s only 24 calories.
A featured image of lime popsicles and lime wedges on marble.
Check out this recipe

Grilled Pineapple Spears

Best served with: Anything!

Grilled Pineapple Recipe
These pineapple spears are grilled to perfection with a jalapeno honey glaze! An easy and healthy summer dessert idea that everyone will LOVE!
Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Check out this recipe

Mexican Fruit Cups

Best served with: Anything!

Mexican Fruit Cups - Isabel Eats
These easy Mexican Fruit Cups feature fresh fruit sprinkled with Tajin chile lime seasoning, a drizzle of salty sweet chamoy sauce, and fresh lime juice.
Mexican Fruit Cups - Isabel Eats
Check out this recipe

Vegan Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream

Best served with: Anything!

Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream {No Churn}
Refreshing, light, creamy coconut and pineapple ice cream. This easy no churn soft serve recipe has only three, natural ingredients! It’s naturally vegan, refined sugar free and delicious.
coconut pineapple ice cream in a loaf pan with two ice cream cones
Check out this recipe

Kiwi Sorbet

Best served with: Anything!

Easy Kiwi Sorbet Recipe with Only TWO ingredients needed!
This Kiwi Sorbet is light, refreshing, and a great summer treat. Easy to make kiwi recipe with only two ingredients.
Easy Kiwi Sorbet Recipe with Only TWO ingredients needed!
Check out this recipe

Fresh Fruit Salad

Best served with: Anything!

Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe
The BEST Fruit Salad Recipe, so healthy. Cubed fresh fruits tossed with a delicious homemade dressing (syrup) with mint. Perfect salad for potlucks and parties.
Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe
Check out this recipe

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