What to Serve With Nachos for Dinner: 35+ Best Side Dishes

Welcome foodies! If you are anything like me, I’m sure a plate of crunchy nachos laden with delicious cheese and a host of toppings can be quite irresistible.

But sometimes, you may like to turn the nacho night into a full-fledged dinner. Pair your nachos with these hearty side dishes and take your next nacho night to the next level.

Be it a casual gathering of friends, an evening for a family movie night, or just an occasional craving for something larger than just a snack, these sides will complement your nachos and leave people seated at the table feeling quite satisfied.

Creamy Guacamole Recipe

One must-try side dish for your nachos is a bowl of creamy guacamole, a delightfully tangy and rich accompaniment that’s not only easy to make but also packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Your nacho topping won’t be complete without this avocado-based delight. The creamy guacamole recipe involves blending ripe avocado with lime juice, giving it a unique zest that complements the cheesiness of nachos.

When you serve with nachos, the cooling effect of the guacamole balances the spiciness of the nachos, creating a fusion of flavors that’s hard to resist. The creaminess of the avocado, the tanginess of the lime juice, and the crunchiness of the nachos culminate in a gastronomic experience that’s both satisfying and healthy. You’re not just eating, you’re nourishing your body too.

Fresh Pico De Gallo

While the creamy guacamole provides a rich and cooling effect, a vibrant bowl of fresh Pico De Gallo can deliver an exciting burst of freshness to your nachos experience.

This traditional Mexican salsa, made with a mix of chopped tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, isn’t only a fantastic topping but also a perfect side dish for nachos.

Consider these reasons why Pico De Gallo is a must-serve for your nacho platter:

• Its bright, fresh flavors balance out the heavier elements of the nachos.
• The chili peppers add a nice kick, making each bite more exciting.
• The chunky texture provides a satisfying crunch, enhancing your nachos’ overall experience.

Mango Salsa Twist

If you’re looking to add a sweet and tangy twist to your nachos, mango salsa serves as a delightful side dish. This mango salsa twist complements the savory flavors of your nachos, creating a perfect balance of taste. The sweetness of the mango, combined with the tang of lime and the heat of jalapenos, adds a refreshing layer of complexity to your dishes.

Serve alongside your nachos as a dip or top it directly onto your nachos for an infusion of vibrant flavors. The mango salsa’s colorful presentation also enhances the visual appeal of your table, making it one of the best dishes to serve with nachos.

Flavorful Black Bean Salad

Switching gears from the sweet and tangy flavors of mango salsa, let’s consider a robust and hearty side dish that also pairs beautifully with nachos: a flavorful black bean salad. This concoction is a medley of black beans, lime, and cilantro, offering a unique blend of flavors that complements the cheesy goodness of nachos.

Here’s why black bean salad is a great side for nachos:

• It provides a crunchy contrast to the soft and cheesy texture of nachos.
• Its zesty lime and cilantro seasoning adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the nachos.
• Black bean salad isn’t only delicious but also packed with proteins and fiber, making your nacho meal healthier.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Slaw

For those in search of a side dish for nachos that’s both crisp and zesty, Cilantro Lime Slaw will certainly hit the spot.

This zesty cilantro lime slaw, packed with bright and tangy flavors, is one of the best side dishes to serve with your nachos for dinner.

The crunch from fresh cabbage contrasts beautifully with the robust texture of nachos. Moreover, the burst of cilantro and fresh lime juice adds a refreshing zest that can balance out the heaviness of cheesy nachos.

It’s an easy-to-make slaw that’s as tasty as it’s versatile. So, next time you’re thinking about what to serve with your nachos, consider this slaw.

It’s the perfect side dish that will add that extra ‘oomph’ to your meal.

Cheesy Quesadillas Pairing

Your nacho night’s game-changer could be a pairing with cheesy quesadillas, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that truly elevate the meal. When contemplating what to serve with nachos for dinner, a cheesy quesadillas pairing is an ideal choice.

These quesadillas can perfectly complement your nachos by:

• Adding a soft, creamy contrast to the crunch of nachos.
• Introducing a warmth that balances the coolness of dips typically served with nachos.
• Offering a satisfying, hearty main course to serve, making the meal more filling.

The combination of nachos and quesadillas is a perfect accompaniment to nachos, making them not just a side dish, but a vital part of a complete, satisfying meal. So, next time you’re planning nacho night, don’t forget the cheesy quesadillas.

Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread

While cheesy quesadillas offer a delightful combination with nachos, another mouthwatering side dish you shouldn’t overlook is spicy jalapeño cornbread. This appetizer is easy to make and packs a hearty punch of flavor. A perfect blend of sweet cornbread and spicy jalapeno peppers, it’s the ultimate finger food. Each bite is a mini-explosion of taste that complements the crunch of the nachos beautifully.

The bread’s moist, crumbly texture contrasts well with the crispiness of the nachos. And the kick from the jalapeno is just enough to turn up the heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a twist on dinner, spicy jalapeño cornbread alongside nachos are always a hit. Try it next time you’re serving nachos and watch the rave reviews pour in.

Hearty Beef Chili

Diving into a bowl of hearty beef chili alongside your nachos can elevate your snack to a full, satisfying meal. Wondering what to serve with nachos for dinner? Hearty beef chili is a great side dish and it’s quick and easy to prepare.

This chili is full of robust flavors that create a delightful contrast with the crispiness of the nachos. Consider these key ingredients:

• Ground beef, cooked to perfection and seasoned just right
• A blend of spices, including chili powder and cumin, to give it that authentic chili flavor
• Kidney beans for added texture and protein

Incorporating hearty beef chili into your nacho dinner can take it from simple to sublime. It’s undeniably one of the best side dishes to complement nachos.

Classic Mexican Rice

If you’re looking for a lighter, yet equally delicious accompaniment to your nachos, Classic Mexican Rice is a fantastic option. This best side dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its delightful combination of tomatoes, onions, and long-grain rice.

A traditional Mexican rice recipe involves lightly sautéing the rice in oil before adding the other ingredients, which results in a fluffy, non-sticky texture. The flavor of this classic Mexican rice is gentle, yet robust, making it an ideal side to serve with nachos for dinner.

Its vibrant color and tantalizing aroma make it visually appealing too.

Refreshing Watermelon Salad

On a hot summer’s day, nothing complements a plate of nachos quite like a Refreshing Watermelon Salad, offering a crisp, cool counterpoint to the savory, spicy flavors. You might be wondering what to serve alongside nachos as a main course. If you’re serving nachos at a party, consider this salad, it’s an excellent addition to any party.

The Refreshing Watermelon Salad is simple to make. It involves:

• Watermelon chunks for a refreshing burst of juiciness
• A sprinkle of feta cheese to add a tangy contrast
• Fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness

Nachos are a beloved dish, and pairing them with this salad elevates the meal. Here’s another idea for what to serve – remember, balance is key in creating a satisfying meal.

Grilled Sweet Corn

While the Refreshing Watermelon Salad brings a cool, crisp contrast to your nachos, don’t overlook the charm of Grilled Sweet Corn, a side dish that adds a delightful sweetness and smoky depth to your meal.

Grilled sweet corn is a great side dish for nachos, offering a balance of taste that’s truly irresistible. The smoky, slightly charred kernels burst with sweetness, providing a unique contrast to the cheesy, spicy flavors that nachos are known for.

When you eat with nachos, the corn’s natural sweetness and the grill’s smoky nuances enhance the fiesta of flavors in each bite. As one of the side dishes, grilled sweet corn stands its ground, complementing the hearty nachos perfectly.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Don’t forget to consider Sautéed Bell Peppers, a vibrant and flavorful addition that enhances the rich, complex taste profile of your nacho dish. If you’re wondering what to serve with nachos, these peppers make one of the best side dishes. They bring a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy goodness of nachos.

Sautéed bell peppers aren’t just a topping for nachos, they’re a game changer. Here’s why:

• Their natural sweetness balances the heat of the nachos.
• They add a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing.
• The soft, tender texture of the peppers contrasts beautifully with the crunchiness of the nachos.

In short, sautéed bell peppers are among the best toppings for nachos. They’re easy, versatile, and delicious. So, next time you’re serving nachos, try adding them to your menu.

Smoky Refried Beans

Another fantastic side dish to complement your nacho feast is smoky refried beans, a hearty, flavorful addition that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. These beans are cooked until they’re soft, then mashed and fried, resulting in a creamy, savory delight that adds depth to any meal.

Their smoky flavor comes from a combination of spices and, often, a touch of liquid smoke. They’re a great side to pair with the crunch of tortilla chips and the richness of your main course. If you love nachos, you’ll appreciate how these beans can elevate your dish.

They contribute to the layers of taste and texture that make nachos so enjoyable. So next time you’re planning to make nachos, consider adding smoky refried beans to the mix.

Tangy Pickled Jalapenos

If you’re keen on adding a spicy kick to your nachos, tangy pickled jalapenos are a must-have side dish. These pickled peppers not only spice up the flavors of the nachos but also bring a zingy twist that complements the hearty, cheesy nachos.

Consider this:

• The acidity of pickled jalapenos cuts through the richness of tacos and nachos, making them the best main courses.
• They add an extra layer of flavors making them a tasty side dish to what to serve with nachos for dinner.
• They’re simple but essential nachos to make, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Rich Sour Cream Dip

While you’re savoring the flavors of your nachos, a rich sour cream dip can elevate the experience, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy and tangy elements.

This dip is a crowd-pleaser; it’s a dip for parties that you can’t go wrong with. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a plate of nachos, transforming each chip into a bite of creamy delight.

The beauty of a rich sour cream dip lies in its simplicity. It’s easy to whip up, requiring just a few ingredients, yet its impact on your nachos is profound. It adds a layer of richness, balancing out the heat and creating a harmony of flavors that will keep you reaching for more.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – over 35 delicious side dishes to pair with your nachos for dinner.

From the creamy guacamole and fresh Pico De Gallo to tangy pickled jalapenos and rich sour cream dip, these options will truly elevate your nacho game.

Whether you’re after something spicy, tangy, or sweet, there’s something for everyone.

So, go ahead, experiment with these recipes, and discover your next favorite nacho accompaniment.

Happy cooking!