What To Serve With Fajitas

May 21, 2024
traditional mexican fajitas served on sky blue coloured table with side dishes such as guacamole, salsa, beans etc.

Full of sizzling flavours, fajitas can be enjoyed with a range of fillings! Their adaptability makes fajita night a great theme for parties and get-togethers. But what sides should you serve with fajitas we hear you ask? Don’t worry, Old El Paso is here to show you!


Dive in to learn which sides are commonly served with fajitas and how you can make them. We've even thrown in some unique twists for those who want to try something different.

What To Have With Fajitas On The Side

Choosing what sides to serve with fajitas doesn't have to be tricky, whether you're serving chicken, shrimp, or vegetable fajitas, there's plenty of sides to match. Check out our suggestions below.

chilli and garlic one pan rice meal

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is perfect for serving with fajitas and is colourful and full of flavour! It's usually made with long-grain rice cooked in a tomato-based sauce, infused with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chilli powder. A filling accompaniment, make it right, and your guests are sure to ask for your secret recipe (the secret being how easy it was to make)!
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fiesta bean

Refried Beans

Refried beans are another classic side that's often paired with fajitas. The beans are cooked until soft, mashed, and cooked again with onions, garlic, and spices. They add a creamy velvety texture and earthy taste that pairs beautifully with cheesy fajitas. If you're looking for a shortcut, you can also buy Old El Paso Mexican Refried Beans in your local supermarket to help you serve up this tasty side in minutes!
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Traditional Guacamole

Guacamole

Guacamole pairs well with a variety of Mexican meals. Made with mashed ripe avocados, lime and lemon juice, cilantro, onions, tomatoes and sometimes a sprinkling of salt depending on taste, it adds a refreshing and zesty element. We’d recommend serving it with tortilla chips or as a topping for the fajitas themselves. Guacamole is also particularly great for vegetarians, vegans or those who are gluten-free. If buying store-bought guacamole, be sure to check the ingredients first as these may contain wheat.
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Traditional Salsa

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a Mexican salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Its bright flavours and crunchy texture balance well with the richness of fajitas, adding a burst of freshness to every bite. Just like guacamole, this side can also be served up with your favourite tortilla chips!
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Fajita Accompaniments With A Twist

Looking for something different to accompany your fajitas? We’ve got you covered, from corn and black bean salad to mango salsa, there’s plenty of options for those who’d like to try something new.

mexican side dish corn and black bean salad served in a white bowl

Corn and Black Bean Salad

Corn and Black Bean Salad is great for adding some crunch to your plate and it’s easy to make too! Simply combine grilled corn kernels, rinsed black beans, diced bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette.
delicious and chunky mango salsa served in a white bowl

Mango Salsa

If you're throwing your fajita night in the summer or outdoors, consider a side of mango salsa to add some tropical flavours. Refreshing and tangy, it's made by combining diced ripe mangoes, red onions, jalapenos, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The sweetness is great for balancing the heat for those who like their fajitas spicy!
grilled vegetable skewers placed on grill near to red pepper and fork

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

If you love vegetables, grilled skewers are a great accompaniment! Thread your chosen vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions onto skewers, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill, turning until tender. The charred flavours are great for adding depth and complexity to your fajita meal.
crunchy cucumber and radish salad served in a bowl

Cucumber and Radish Salad

Make a cucumber and radish salad for a light and refreshing side. Thinly slice cucumbers, radishes, and red onions and toss them with lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The crispness of the cucumber and radishes provides a satisfying crunch and a cooling contrast to the sizzling fajitas.

Fajita Night Tips

  • Warm Your Tortillas: Enhance the pliability and flavour of your tortillas by warming them up and making them the perfect vessel for your fajita fillings. We’d recommend using our Old El Paso 8 Regular Corn Tortillas which can easily be heated in the microwave.
  • Experiment With Seasonings: Experiment with different fajita seasoning options like Old El Paso Fiery Jalapeno & Tomato Fajita Kit or Old El Paso Chili Con Carne Seasoning Mix to add exciting flavour profiles to your fajitas and find what you like best. Each seasoning mix offers a unique blend of spices and herbs, which is great for when you want to mix things up a bit.
  • Tortilla Options: There’s a variety of tortillas you can use to create your fajitas such as Old El Paso Stand 'N' Stuff™ Soft Flour Tortillas which offer a soft and pillowy texture. Old El Paso Stand 'N' Stuff™ Crispy Chicken Soft Taco Kit is perfect for those who prefer more crunch. You can also try Old El Paso™ Street Market White Corn Tortillas or Old El Paso Stand 'N' Stuff™ Whole Wheat Tortillas, all depending on your preferences.
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Make Our Traditional Salsa Recipe At Home!

Traditional Salsa

Traditional Salsa

Colourful and easy to make, this traditional salsa is great for spooning on everything from tortilla chips to tacos!

Recipe Name

Traditional Salsa

Total Time

20 minutes

Spice Level

Medium

Servings

10

Ingredients

  • 5 large tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced (See Tips)
  • 1 large green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped coriander
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bag (185g) Old El Paso™ Original Tortilla Nachips™

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients except the Nachips™. Serve with the Nachips™.

Expert Tips

  • Cover and refrigerate; serve within 3 days. Fresh tomato salsa becomes juicier over time. Drain off the extra liquid, if you like.
  • Choose ripe on the vine tomatoes or look out for flavoursome plum tomatoes for this salsa. You will need approx. 600g before deseeding and chopping.
  • Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Made With...

We hope we helped you to find the perfect sides to serve with your fajitas. After all, fajita nights are all about bringing people together to enjoy delicious food and with these sides, you’ll have something tasty for everyone. Remember to warm your tortillas and experiment with different fajita seasoning options to personalise your meal. We wish you a great fajita night filled with the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine and don’t forget to share your photos with us on Instagram: @oldelpasouk!!

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