What To Serve With Margaritas? 16 BEST Side Dishes

When you're sipping on a refreshing margarita, what could be better than having some delightful food by your side to complete the experience? From Mexican classics to fusion favorites, the options are endless.

Let's explore 16 amazing side dishes that will make your margarita moment extra special.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with margaritas are birria quesadillas, avocado salad, shrimp poke bowl, Korean corn dog, steak fajitas, chili con carne nachos, buffalo chicken pizza, blooming onion, chicken wings, chicken tacos, fish ceviche, chorizo and cheese queso dip,  guacamole, and chips and salsa.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Birria Quesadillas

For a truly mouthwatering match, birria quesadillas are the way to go. These quesadillas are stuffed with succulent, slow-cooked meat, oozing with melted cheese, and grilled to perfection. The robust flavors of the birria quesadillas stand up to the strong tequila in the margarita, creating a delicious pairing that is sure to impress.

2. Avocado Salad

Fresh and vibrant, an avocado salad is a fantastic side dish for margaritas. Ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing make for a refreshing salad that pairs well with the tartness of a margarita. The creaminess of the avocado also balances out the tangy tequila and lime in the drink.

3. Shrimp Poke Bowl

A shrimp poke bowl, with its combination of succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, offers a tasty and healthier side option for your margarita. The bowl's fresh, zesty flavors work well with the zing of the margarita, while the succulent shrimp add a touch of indulgence.

4. Korean Corn Dog

For a unique side dish, try a Korean corn dog. This street food favorite is a hot dog or cheese coated in a sweet batter, deep-fried, and rolled in sugar. The contrast between the sweet corn dog and the salty, tart margarita is simply delightful.

5. Steak Fajitas

Juicy steak fajitas, with their savory meat, caramelized onions and peppers, and warm tortillas, make a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with margaritas. The fajitas' robust flavors can stand up to a strong margarita, and the spicy seasoning on the fajitas is balanced by the cool, tart drink.

6. Chili Con Carne Nachos

A plate of chili con carne nachos, loaded with rich chili, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, makes a satisfying side dish for margaritas. The nachos' hearty flavors and the chili's heat are a great match for the cool, refreshing margarita.

7. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Spicy, tangy buffalo chicken pizza is a delicious and unconventional side dish for margaritas. The pizza's heat and the tangy blue cheese balance the sweet and sour elements of the margarita, making for a fun and flavorful pairing.

8. Blooming Onion

For a fun, shareable side, serve a blooming onion with your margaritas. This dish consists of an onion cut to 'bloom,' battered, and deep-fried to a golden brown. The sweet onion and crispy coating provide a pleasing contrast to the tart margarita.

9. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings, whether you like them hot and spicy or sweet and sticky, are a great side to serve with margaritas. Their crispy skin, juicy meat, and the variety of flavors they come in make chicken wings an exciting and versatile companion to your drink. The robust flavors can stand up to a strong margarita, while their finger-food nature makes them a fun and casual side dish.

10. Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos, with their succulent meat, tangy salsa, and warm tortillas, make a hearty side dish perfect for pairing with margaritas. The rich flavors of the chicken, the freshness of the salsa, and the heat from any chili you might add all complement the tangy, refreshing taste of the margarita.

11. Fish Ceviche

Fresh and zesty, fish ceviche is an excellent match for margaritas. The fish, marinated in citrus juices and mixed with fresh vegetables, offers a light and flavorful dish that matches the freshness of the margarita. The acidity of the ceviche balances out the sweet and sour elements of the margarita.

12. Grilled Corn on the Cob

For a side dish that's a little different, try grilled corn on the cob. The corn's natural sweetness is enhanced by the grilling, creating a smoky, sweet flavor that pairs well with margaritas. Add a sprinkle of chili powder and a squeeze of lime to mimic the flavors in your drink.

13. Chorizo and Cheese Queso Dip

A queso dip made with spicy chorizo and gooey cheese is an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with margaritas. The dip's creamy texture and spicy flavor can stand up to the strong flavors of a margarita, making it an ideal side for those who like their food with a kick.

14. Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers, with their delicate flavor and smoky char, offer a light and delicious side dish that complements margaritas. The shrimp's mild flavor and the smoky notes from the grill work well with the margarita's tartness. You can even marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lime and tequila for an extra flavor twist.

15. Guacamole

Creamy, tangy guacamole is a must-have side for margaritas. This avocado dip, with its smooth texture and fresh flavor, is a classic pairing for any tequila-based drink. The richness of the avocado balances the tartness of the margarita, while the lime in the guacamole echoes the citrus in the drink.

16. Chips and Salsa

Of course, you can't go wrong with the classic chips and salsa. The salty, crispy chips and the tangy, spicy salsa are a match made in heaven for margaritas. The chips provide a satisfying crunch, while the salsa adds a flavorful kick that complements the refreshing margarita.

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