What to Serve with Fajitas: Best Sides, Drinks, & Desserts
When you’re at a restaurant, fajitas always make a grand entrance. First, you smell that mouthwatering mix of grilled meat, bell peppers, and onions.
Then, you hear the sizzling sound as they’re brought to the table on a hot cast-iron skillet. Everyone looks up to see the star of Tex-Mex cuisine in action.
But when working on fajitas at home you don’t have to stick to the traditional accompaniments such as refried beans and rice. It is also advisable to go with your creativity and get to taste the various side dishes and beverages to make the meals even more unique.
Below are some delicious side dishes and drinks that you can pair when you are having your fajita party. And the best part? These complement any kind of fajita, be it beef, chicken, or shrimp fajitas.
Classic Side Dishes for Fajitas
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is yet another dish that forms the basis of Mexican food and is characterized by a rich aroma. It can be prepared with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices and is usually very flavorful, which pairs well with the strong flavor of fajitas.
Why it pairs well with fajitas: The mild sourness and saltiness of the Mexican rice complement fajitas’ heavy and slightly burnt taste. It’s tender and fluffy at the same time which complements the tender meat and vegetables so well.
Tips on where to find the best Mexican rice: Although, you can prepare one at home, most Mexican restaurants and markets have mouth-watering prepared Mexican rice. Thus, the focus should be made on places that serve freshly prepared food and apply classic recipes.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a thick and smooth side dish that is prepared from the mashed cooked pinto beans accompanied with seasoning of lard or oil, onions, and garlic. They are a part of Mexican food and give a warm and rather dense feel to the dish.
Nutritional benefits and flavor profile: Refried beans are a good source of protein, fiber and other nutrients that would be beneficial to any meal. These creams’ smoothness and taste do not interfere with the density and the smoky flavor of fajitas.
Best brands or places to buy refried beans: For convenience, you can use canned refried beans that are of good quality and available in the market from brands such as Rosarita or La Preferida. For the fresher beans, there are always Mexican grocery stores and restaurants.
Guacamole
Guacamole is a delicious and creamy dip prepared with avocados, lime juice, chopped coriander, onions and tomatoes. They are green in color and have a sharp taste; hence it is used as a condiment to many Mexican foods.
How it enhances the fajita experience: The texture of guacamole is smooth and its flavor is sour while fajitas are smoky and savory so they complement each other. Moreover, avocados are rich in healthy fats and their creamy texture adds the kind of rich taste to the dish that is so desired.
Tips on choosing the best avocados: When choosing avocados, the recommended ones should be slightly soft to the touch but should not be very soft. Hass avocados are preferred especially because of their smooth and creamy texture and taste.
Fresh and Light Sides
Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca)
Pico de gallo also referred to as salsa fresca; it is a fresh salsa with tomatoes, cilantro, onions, jalapenos, and lime juice. It is a vibrant and zesty condiment that gives a boost to any food item.
How it adds freshness to the meal: Pico de gallo is bright and tangy in taste and thus, complements the rather rich and smoky taste of fajitas. Its crunchy texture also makes it more satisfying to eat with the sound of every bite that is being chewed.
Best store-bought options or local sources: You can find ready-made pico de gallo from most supermarkets in the refrigerated section. Choose the products of the brands that prepare their dishes using fresh and quality ingredients. Instead, looking at the local farmers’ markets for homemade ones would be the best option.
Mixed Green Salad
Mixed green salad is a very light side dish that is suitable to be served during a fajita night. It combines various textures of greens such as lettuce, spinach and arugula. This is very delicious but you can make it even yummier by adding some vegetables, nuts and a good vinaigrette.
Why it’s great with fajitas: I like this salad because it is fresh and cold which complements the sizzling fajitas. It complements your meal and provides a healthy factor that makes it more balanced and filling. Also, it is a nice change from the heat of the spices in the meat or poultry course.
Greens and dressings to try: Try to use different greens for the taste and the textures as it makes the salad more interesting. For dressing, go for the basic olive oil and lemon or a new version of the cilantro lime type. These will be great with your fajitas!
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are another type of side dish that is characterized by a smoky taste and goes well with fajitas. Some of the vegetables include bell peppers, zucchini, onions and mushrooms each seasoned well and grilled to taste.
How to serve them alongside fajitas: Grilled vegetables can be served on the same plate you used for your fajitas, or on another plate. They give a sort of smoky taste that goes well with the grilled meat and vegetables in fajita.
Best vegetables to pair with fajitas: Bell peppers onions, zucchini and mushrooms can be grilled very well. They hold up well to high heat and develop a delicious charred flavor that enhances the overall meal.
Starchy Sides to Satisfy
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a sweet juicy vegetable which when put on the grill is a perfect side order. Sometimes it is taken with a pinch of salt and accompanied by a slice of butter to intensify the sweet taste.
Why it pairs well with fajitas: Combined, sweet, and juicy like corn on the cob makes the meal radically different, different from smoky and savory fajitas. This also grills the corn adding a smoky flavor which is good for the meals to be prepared.
Seasoning tips to enhance flavor: Of course, to add more spice to it you can season your corn on the cob with chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese. This Mexican-style seasoning is another condiment that has a tangy and spicy note to it that would complement a fajita.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Tortilla chips and salsa are crisp which makes the best appetizer and will instantly set your palate dancing. Namely, crispy chips together with tasty salsa constitute a perfect snack.
How it complements the main dish: Tortilla chips are crispy on the outside and soft in texture and the salsa’s spicy taste complements the delicate and grilled relative to the fajitas. It’s a perfect beginning to a meal and keeps the guests satisfied as the main dish is being prepared.
Recommended salsa brands or recipes: Higher brands of salsa may include Tostitos or Herdez you may also prepare salsa at home with fresh ingredients. Some good attributes of a good salsa include but are not limited to a tangy, spicy, and savory taste.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are simply better because they are sweet instead of being a normal fry. Usually, they are deep-fried or baked until crispy and are then spiced preferably seasoned with a blend of spices.
How they add a unique twist to the meal: This soft side dish of sweet potato fries complements the fajita meal well due to the natural sweetness of the fries. They are also nutritious filled, therefore healthier as a side dish than plain rice.
Seasoning suggestions for added flavor: If you would like to prepare some tasty sweet potato fries you can use the following spices: paprika, garlic powder, and, a pinch of red pepper. This combination gives a smoky and a little spicy taste that goes well when used in fajitas.
Beverages to Pair with Fajitas
Margaritas
Margaritas are the best cocktail one can take while eating Mexican-type food. Containing tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, they are refreshing and suit the dishes as they provide a tangy touch that complements the rich parts of the fajitas.
Why it’s a perfect match for fajitas: The taste of margarita is quite zesty and citrusy which suits well with the smokiness and spiciness of fajitas. Lime juice is acidic and thus has the role of countering the thickness of the meat by making it lighter on the tongue.
Popular margarita variations:
- Classic Margarita: This is the basic concoction that just consists of tequila, lime juice, and the triple sec and is made with a salt rim.
- Frozen Margarita: A mix with ice ideal to drink during hot days.
- Fruit-Flavored Margaritas: Variations with the addition of fruit purees such as strawberry, mango or peach for a sort of sweetness.
For an authentic experience, consider checking out this guide on making the perfect margarita.
Mexican Beer
Mexican beer is light, great for drinking during warm summer and can be consumed at any time of the day. Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico beers are usually accompanied by a wedge of lime, which complements the brews’ fresh and refreshing profile.
Recommended brands and serving tips:
- Corona: It is light and crisp and particularly goes well when taken with a slice of lime.
- Modelo Especial: A larger type of beer that has more taste and is more filling which will complement fajitas.
- Pacifico: It is well known for its taste which is smooth and refreshing and can complement any Mexican meal.
How it enhances the dining experience: The light and refreshing nature of Mexican beers helps cleanse the palate between bites. Each mouthful of fajita tastes as good as the first. Carbonation also adds a pleasant texture contrast to food.
Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a non-alcoholic fruity drink prepared from fresh fruits, water, and a little sugar. It is a very simple drink, which gives a cool sensation, ideal for a hot day.
Why it’s great for fajitas: Why it’s great for fajitas: Agua fresca is a nice change to the intensity of the flavors, aids in palate clearing, and even soothes the burning sensation from spicy foods. The natural fruit flavors blend well with the components in fajitas and therefore balance the meal.
Popular flavors to try:
- Tamarindo: From the pulp of tamarind fruit which gives a tangy and slightly sweet taste.
- Jamaica: It is a hibiscus tea that has a floral and tart taste.
For more ideas, check out this collection of Agua Fresca recipes.
Desserts to Finish the Fajita Plate
Churros
Churros are crunchy, and sweet and everyone would love to have some of it. These fried dough pastries are usually dusted with cinnamon sugar and accompanied by a chocolate or caramel sauce.
Why it’s a great ending to a fajita plate: Churros are sweet and crispy and the taste of fajitas is rather intense so their combination is quite enjoyable. They are also enjoyable to consume and perfect for any celebration or special occasion as the final course.
Best places to buy churros or ready-made options: Churros can be bought in almost all Mexican bakeries and most of the street vendors sell freshly made churros. In case one wants to avoid the hustle of making churros, some supermarket stores have frozen churros that can be prepared at home.
Flan
Flan is a dessert similar to a custard with a layer of caramel on top prepared using eggs, milk and sugar. The dessert is very smooth and creamy and its taste of caramel is very much enjoyed in many Latin American countries.
How it complements the flavors of the meal: Flan is sweet and creamy and gives a soothing finish to fajitas and balances its spicy flavor. It’s also still very light which makes it a good dessert that is not too heavy on the stomach.
Recommended brands or local bakeries: You should be able to find flan at different Mexican bakeries and sweet shops. If one has no time to make flan from scratch, one can buy it pre-made from brands such as Goya, available in the refrigerated dessert section.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad is a light and refreshing dessert: it is perfect for ending a meal. It includes seasonal fruits, such as berries, melons, and citrus and you can select preferred fruit mixes.
Why it’s a perfect dessert choice: Fresh fruit has natural sweetness and juiciness therefore it provides refreshing to smoky and rich flavors of fajita. This combined plate is great for those who looking healthy option because it includes some vitamins and nutrients.
Best fruits to include for a balanced flavor:
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all berries are sweet and colorful additions to your plate.
- Melons: Cantaloupes, honeydew, and watermelons, all give juiciness and hydration.
- Citrus: Oranges and grapefruits also give a nice tangy refreshing sort of taste to the food.
For more tips on creating the perfect fruit salad, check out this guide.
Conclusion
Therefore, the choice of the side dishes and the accompanying elements can improve your fajita plate. On the traditional side, there is Mexican rice and refried beans while on the light side, there is pico de gallo and mixed green salad. Don’t forget to wash down your food with some beverages, such as margaritas or agua fresca; end on a sweet note with churros or flan.
You can choose from these suggestions independently, and you can also combine them in any way you desire do not forget that the main thing is to experiment. Please list your favorite side dishes for fajita in the comment section below and let me help you compile the best fajita meal.
FAQs: What to Serve with Fajitas
What are the best sides to serve with fajitas?
The best side dishes that complement fajitas are Mexican rice and refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, a mixed green salad, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, tortilla chips and salsa, and sweet potato fries.
Can I prepare any of these sides ahead of time?
Yes, most of these sides can be prepared in advance and kept warm. Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole can be prepared a day before and then kept in the refrigerator. Pico de gallo and mixed green salad should be prepared on the day of serving, though the ingredients can be chopped a few hours in advance.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for fajita sides?
Absolutely! Some of the sides described, for instance, guacamole, pico de gallo, mixed green salad, grilled vegetables, and sweet potato fries are vegetable and vegan.
What drinks pair well with fajitas?
Perfect drinks for fajitas are margaritas, Mexican beer, and agua fresca. Margaritas and Mexican beer are traditional alcoholic beverages and agua fresca is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage.
Thus, by following this guide, you will have a list of tasty and suitable side dishes to go with your fajitas and create a fantastic and fulfilling meal for everyone. Enjoy your fajita plate!
