What to Serve with Tostadas? 16 Best Side Dishes

Ready to host the most smashing tostada party ever? Tostadas, with their crispy corn tortilla base, offer a delicious platform for a wide array of toppings. But, what about the sides? Choosing the perfect side dishes for your tostadas can truly elevate your meal.

So, let's take a culinary journey together and explore 16 amazing side dishes that can make your tostada night unforgettable.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with tostadas are pico de gallo, creamed corn, steak fajitas, black bean soup, pineapple salsa, taco soup, chicken burrito bowl, pulled pork, Mexican rice, chiles rellenos, guacamole, refried beans, street corn salad, chimichurri, cheese quesadillas, and cilantro lime coleslaw.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a fresh salsa that pairs perfectly with the crispy crunch of tostadas. The juicy tomatoes, sharp onions, spicy jalapeños, and tangy lime juice create a flavorful medley that enhances the taste of your tostadas. It's a simple side dish to prepare, but packs a big punch of freshness and flavor.

2. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn, with its sweet and creamy texture, is a delightful counterbalance to the spicy and savory toppings on your tostadas. The sweet corn kernels in a milky, buttery sauce are simply irresistible. It's a comforting side dish that your guests will be scooping up by the spoonful.

3. Steak Fajitas

Spice up your tostada night with some sizzling steak fajitas on the side. The tender, juicy steak slices with colorful bell peppers and onions in a smoky, spicy seasoning add a hearty touch to your meal. Plus, they can double as an additional topping for your tostadas.

4. Black Bean Soup

A hot bowl of black bean soup is an excellent companion for tostadas. The earthy, rich flavor of the black beans, coupled with spices, creates a warming and filling dish. It's a classic Mexican side dish that's nutritious and satisfying.

5. Pineapple Salsa

Add a tropical twist to your tostadas with pineapple salsa. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with spicy jalapeno and tangy lime creates an explosion of flavors. This salsa not only tastes amazing but also adds a vibrant splash of color to your table.

6. Taco Soup

Taco soup is a hearty, spicy, and warming dish that pairs wonderfully with tostadas. It's packed with flavors from ground meat, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for extra deliciousness.

7. Chicken Burrito Bowl

The chicken burrito bowl is a versatile side that you can customize as per your liking. Filled with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a delectable and wholesome side dish. Plus, guests can pick what they want from the bowl to add to their tostadas.

8. Pulled Pork

Last but not least, the juicy, tender, and flavorful pulled pork. Slow cooked in a mix of delicious spices, pulled pork can be a showstopper side dish. Its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile works wonderfully with the crispy tostadas. Plus, like steak fajitas, it can also serve as an extra tostada topping.

9. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice, often called Spanish rice, is a delightful side dish for tostadas. The fluffy, tomato-infused rice flavored with garlic and onions adds a comforting touch to your tostada meal. It's a staple in Mexican cuisine, and it never fails to satisfy.

10. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos are stuffed, battered, and fried chili peppers typically filled with cheese. They provide a fun, spicy kick and a cheesy indulgence to your tostada table. Their crispy outside and soft, melted inside make them a crowd favorite.

11. Guacamole

Creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious, guacamole is a classic pairing with any Mexican dish, including tostadas. The rich flavors of ripe avocados, mixed with onions, tomatoes, and lime, create a smooth dip that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a healthy side option too!

12. Refried Beans

Refried beans are another staple side dish in Mexican cuisine. They are creamy, flavorful, and full of protein. You can serve them as a side or spread them on your tostadas as an additional layer of flavor. Either way, they’re a hit!

13. Street Corn Salad

Esquites, or Mexican street corn salad, is a tangy, spicy, and creamy side dish that's absolutely mouthwatering. It's made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, cheese, lime, chili powder, and spices. This salad adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your tostada meal.

14. Chimichurri

This vibrant green sauce originally from Argentina is made of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil. Chimichurri offers a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that can complement the richness of tostadas. It’s a nice way to add a bit of international flair to your meal.

15. Cheese Quesadillas

Cheese quesadillas are simple, quick, and, of course, cheesy. They are a great side dish for those who want something light yet satisfying to accompany their tostadas. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

16. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

This isn’t your ordinary coleslaw. The addition of cilantro and lime juice gives it a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs wonderfully with tostadas. This crunchy, zesty coleslaw can be a cooling counterpoint to spicy tostada toppings.

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