• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Elise Tries To Cook
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meal Prep Friendly Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Clean Eating Snacks
    • Clean Desserts
    • Cocktails
    • Juices and Smoothies
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact Me
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe index
  • Cocktails and Drinks
  • Meal Prep Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    40+ Best Sides for Fish Tacos

    Published: Apr 6, 2022 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    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

    1. Traditional Sides
    2. Chips, Dips and Salsas
    3. Aguas Frescas
    4. Cocktails
    5. Desserts

    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

    A large bowl with an avocado salad with a large silver spoon inside.

    Light, refreshing and delicious Mexican avocado salad. Only five fresh ingredients to make the easiest, best side dish to pair on top of or in tacos.

    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.

    Get the 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

    These homemade fluffy flour tortillas will up your taco game by providing a perfectly fresh, soft, and warm base.

    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!

    Get the recipe

    Red Cabbage Coleslaw

    This no-mayo coleslaw recipe uses bright red cabbage and features a sweet and spicy dressing. 

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Rice

    A large bowl of Mexican rice topped with cilantro and fresh lime on top of a napkin.

    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 ingredients only.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Tajin Watermelon Salad

    Fresh watermelon, chili lime seasoning, mint and lime juice. This Tajin Watermelon Mint Salad is the most refreshing and light side dish salad.

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

    Get the recipe

    Grapefruit Arugula Salad

    This Grapefruit & Arugula Salad is the perfect side to any taco with a simple & tangy 3-ingredient grapefruit dressing.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Fiesta Salad

    Black beans, corn and diced veggies drizzled with cilantro lime vinaigrette, Fiesta Salad is a party of flavors and textures in your mouth.

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

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Street Corn

    close up photo of corn on the cob with cotija cheese, cilantro and tajín

    Mexican Street Corn

    This Healthy Mexican Street Corn is no mayo, no butter and all the flavor. It’s the lighter, healthier version of the traditional Mexican Elotes recipe. 

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

    Get the recipe

    Cucumber Salad

    Zingy thin-sliced cucumber is a great pair with fish tacos! It's a great side dish to make in advance and serve a large crowd.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Chipotle Vinaigrette Salad

    This Chipotle Vinaigrette is smoky, a little bit spicy, and seasoned to perfection to complete any salad! Pour over fish tacos or pair with your favorite greens.

    Best served with: White fish tacos or grilled tacos, as this smokey chipotle flavor will add a ton of pizazz either to the taco itself or to any greens you pair it with.

    Get the 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

    Baked corn tortilla chips on a sheet with limes.

    Corn Tortilla Chips

    These homemade tortilla chips make the perfect partner with fish tacos. They're fresh, crispy and salty.

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

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Salsa Verde

    This authentic spicy serrano salsa uses traditional Mexican techniques to make the perfect spicy and fresh salsa.

    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!

    Get the recipe

    Serrano Chimichurri

    Want to amp up your meal with bold flavor? This Serrano Pepper Chimichurri Sauce is the perfect way to level-up any meal.

    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!

    Get the recipe

    4 Ingredient Guacamole

    A bowl of guacamole in a tray with radishes, chips, jalapeños, and lime. Next to a white napkin and cilantro.

    Guacamole

    This 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is so easy to make and is super flavorful. Made with minimal ingredients, and ready in under 15 minutes! 

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

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce

    Fresh, simple Avocado Lime Sauce with only two ingredients! This creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling on any kind of fish taco!

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Mango Habanero Salsa

    Salsa in a molcajete with the blender filled with more salsa to the right and homemade tortilla chips to the left.

    Mango Habanero Salsa

    This authentic mango habanero salsa uses traditional Mexican techniques to make the perfect sweet and spicy salsa. It’s bold, fresh, flavorful and perfect with tacos.

    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!

    Get the recipe

    Honey Mustard Sauce

    This creamy vegan honey mustard recipe is the perfect sweet and tangy topping and/or dipping sauce for fish tacos.

    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!

    Get the recipe

    Cilantro Garlic Sauce

    Blended cilantro garlic sauce in a jar on a cutting board with cilantro leaves next to it and limes and garlic in the background.

    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 citrusy.

    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.

    Get the 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

    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.

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

    Get the recipe

    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

    Two glasses of pineapple water with a pitcher.

    Pineapple Agua Fresca

    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!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Strawberry Agua Fresca

    Best served with: Anything!

    Agua de 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.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Cucumber Agua Fresca

    This easy, refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca is the perfect Summer drink. With cucumber, lime and mint, this recipe is a great healthy drink to keep you refreshed.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Orange Agua Fresca

    A glass in the center garnished with an orange wedge.

    Orange Agua Fresca

    This orange agua fresca recipe is easy, sweet and refreshing. A traditional Mexican agua de naranja is the perfect drink for the summer.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    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

    An angled view of a skinny margarita garnished with lime wedge and orange wheel.
    Skinny Margarita

    Skinny Margarita

    Make this 3 ingredient Skinny Margarita with tequila and fresh juices for a refreshing cocktail! Skinny margaritas are a low-calorie drink option. 

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Skinny Jalapeño Margaritas

    This Spicy Skinny Margarita Recipe is made with jalapeno, fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for a refreshing twist on the healthier margarita!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Ranch Water Cocktail

    Ranch Water is a delicious lighter, lower calorie tequila and Topo Chico cocktail. Three easy ingredients meant for the best cocktail!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Mule (Tequila Mule)

    Close up view of a tequila mule in a copper mug with two lime wedges inside.

    Mexican Mule / Tequila Mule

    Bubbly, refreshing and light ginger beer cocktail! This Mexican Mule (aka a Tequila Mule) is the easiest tequila drink you can make.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Frozen Blackberry Margaritas

    Blackberries, fresh mint and limes blended for the best Frozen Blackberry Margaritas! Fruity, fresh and tart! Top these easy margaritas with a mint sugar rim.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Red Sangria Margarita

    Angled view of a sangria margarita in a glass garnished with orange and lime wedges.

    Red Sangria Margarita

    Fruity red wine sangria, a shot of tequila, some orange juice and lime juice. The best of both worlds: a cocktail and a sangria at the same exact time! 

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the 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

    These creamy mango pineapple popsicles have only four, simple ingredients. The result: the creamiest, zestiest and fruity popsicle dessert! 

    Get the recipe

    Mango Popsicles

    These three ingredients Mango Popsicles are creamy, tart, refreshing and delicious. A no sugar added frozen treat perfect for the family!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Lime Popsicles

    A layer of lime popsicles and lime wedges on marble.

    Lime Popsicles

    Zesty, fresh Lime Popsicles made of only three ingredients! The perfect frozen treat for the Summer that’s only 48 calories.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Pineapple Spears

    These pineapple spears are grilled to perfection with a jalapeno honey glaze! An easy and healthy summer dessert idea that everyone will love.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Fruit Cups

    These Mexican Fruit Cups bring the taste of real authentic Mexican fruit stands right to your own kitchen!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream

    No-Churn Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream

    Refreshing, light, creamy coconut and pineapple ice cream. This easy no churn soft serve-like recipe has only three, natural ingredients! 

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Kiwi Sorbet

    This recipe for Kiwi Sorbet couldn't be easier. With only two ingredients, this frozen treat is destined to become a summertime favourite.

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe

    Fresh Fruit Salad

    A variety of fresh fruit with a hint of mint tossed in a delicious lemon honey dressing. This simple fruit salad will quickly become a favorite!

    Best served with: Anything!

    Get the recipe
    « Cilantro Garlic Sauce
    50+ Best Summer Cocktails »

    Sign up!

    For clean eats and drinks recipes sent directly to your inbox!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elise Shivamber Photo

    Hey there, I’m Elise! I use fresh, simple ingredients to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. With clean ingredients, these recipes will make your heart and belly happy. Thanks for making me a part of your cooking journey!

    About →

    Fave Holiday Beverages

    • 5 ingredient sangria,easy sangria,red wine sangria,easy red wine sangria,best wine to use in a sangria,best wine to use in a red wine sangria,what fruit can i put in my sangria,classic ingredients in a sangria,5 ingredient red wine sangria
      Red Wine Sangria (5 Ingredients!)
    • Spiked Apple Cider,Kombucha
      Spiked Apple Cider Kombucha Cocktail
    • Sage-Infused Bee's Knees Cocktail
    • Winter Aperol Spritz,aperol spritz,cocktail,spiced orange & cranberry,simple syrup,aperol,prosecco
      Winter Aperol Spritz
    Sign Up! For weekly emails.

    Fave Sides

    • couscous salad,israelí couscous salad,pearled couscous salad,pearled couscous,israeli couscous,caramelized fennel salad,should you wash pearled couscous?,bbq side dishes
      Vegan Couscous Salad
    • eggplant dip greek,eggplant dip,eggplant dips,dip eggplant,roast eggplant dip,eggplant dip roasted,recipe for eggplant dip,eggplant dips recipe,eggplant recipes dip,roasted eggplant dip,recipes for eggplant dip,eggplant greek dip,greek eggplant dip,mediterranean eggplant dip,recipe roasted eggplant dip,healthy dip for veggies,healthy veggie dips,dips recipes healthy,healthy dip recipes,whipped eggplant,roasted eggplant and garlic dip,roasted eggplant and garlic,eggplant and garlic recipes,eggplant and garlic,healthy mid morning and afternoon snack,healthy afternoon snacks at work,healthy afternoon snack for kids,mid afternoon snack healthy,healthy mid afternoon snack,hummus eggplant,eggplant hummus,eggplant hummus recipe,hummus with eggplant,roasted eggplant hummus recipe,dips for appetizers,cold dips for appetizers
      Creamy Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip
    • healthier potato salad,brussels sprouts potato salad,healthy potato salad,mayo-less potato salad,what is in a potato salad,how to make a brussels sprouts potato salad,best potatoes for a potato salad,which potatoes should i use in a potato salad,how long to boil potatoes for a potato salad,potato salad with mustard
      Easy Vegan Potato Salad with Dill
    • kale fennel dried fig salad,kale fennel salad,kale dried fig salad,how long to massage kale,how to prepare fennel for a kale fennel salad,how do i pick the best fennel,can i eat fennel fronds,what does fennel taste like,how to cut fennel,kale fennel and dried fig salad
      Kale Fennel Dried Fig Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing

    New Recipes

    • Gluten Free Chicken Burgers
    • Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
    • Easy Chicken Fajita Tacos
    • Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)

    As Featured In

    the food gawker logo of a bowl above food gawker text
    the feed feed logo of circle surrounding two spoons

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Let's Connect!

    • Find us on Facebook
    • Find us on Instagram
    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2022 Elise Tries to Cook

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.