Best Side Dishes For Shrimp Tacos (20+ Tasty Sides & Sauces)

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and refreshing meal that’s perfect for taco night or any summer get-together. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh toppings, and a warm tortilla makes for a mouthwatering bite.

But, what makes these tacos even better? The perfect side dishes to serve with them.

In this blog post, I explore the best sides to serve with shrimp tacos. From classic options like guacamole and pico de gallo to more unique dishes like grilled pineapple salsa and honey lime fruit salad, these sides will add a burst of flavor and complete your taco night.

1. Corn and black bean salad

Corn and black bean salad is the perfect side dish to serve with shrimp tacos. The fresh, crisp flavors of the salad pair well with the bold flavors of the shrimp in the tacos.

With ingredients like corn, black beans, red onion, and lime juice, this salad has a Mexican flair that complements the shrimp tacos perfectly.

This side dish is also super simple to make and comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It can also be prepared in advance and served cold, making it a great option for a make-ahead side dish.

We love: Black Bean and Corn Salad (by Kitchn)

2. Cilantro lime rice

Cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish to serve with shrimp tacos. The tangy lime and fresh cilantro in the rice adds a burst of flavor to every bite, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savory shrimp.

This gluten-free side dish is also versatile and pairs well with more Mexican dishes. Plus, it’s a quick and easy dish to make in an instant pot or on a sheet pan in the oven.

We love: Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (by Real Life Dinner)

3. Grilled pineapple salsa

Grilled pineapple salsa is a delicious and refreshing salsa for your shrimp tacos.

The sweetness of the grilled pineapple balances out the spicy flavors in the shrimp tacos, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, the tangy lime and cilantro in the salsa adds a refreshing kick to each bite.

This simple and easy side dish is a great way to upgrade your shrimp tacos from ordinary to restaurant-style. And with just a few simple ingredients and a quick grill, it’s a perfect addition to any taco night.

We love: Grilled Pineapple Salsa (by Simple Joy)

4. Avocado crema

Shrimp tacos are such a popular dish for a reason. They’re super delicious! And adding some avocado crema makes them even better.

The creamy and tangy Mexican crema adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy and savory flavors of the shrimp tacos. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to the tacos.

Avocado and lime crema is also a great alternative to traditional taco sauce, providing a healthier and more flavorful option. So why not try this delicious side dish with your next batch of shrimp tacos?

We love: Avocado Crema (by Well Seasoned Studio)

5. Chipotle slaw

When it comes to serving shrimp tacos, a refreshing and flavorful slaw is a must.

This easy side dish combines the smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle peppers (use chiles in adobo for extra flavor) with the crunch of fresh red cabbage and the tang of lime juice. It pairs perfectly with the light and fresh flavor of shrimp tacos, making for a delicious and well-balanced meal.

Plus, this side dish is quick and easy to make, you can even use store-bought shredded cabbage for a stress-free cabbage slaw. Give it a try and see why chipotle slaw is one of the best side dishes to serve with shrimp tacos.

We love: Creamy Chipotle Lime Slaw (by Butter Your Biscuit)

6. Street corn salad

When it comes to serving the best side dishes with shrimp tacos, street corn salad is at the top of my list.

This refreshing Mexican corn salad is a perfect complement to the bold flavors of the shrimp tacos. The sweetness of the corn kernels, the tang of lime, and the kick of chili powder make for a delicious combination. And the charred corn adds a smoky element.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Salad (by Eatwell101)

7. Mango salsa

Mango salsa is another Mexican salsa that pairs perfectly with seafood. The sweet and tangy flavors of the salsa complement the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Not only is mango salsa delicious, but it also adds a refreshing element to the meal. Simply dice up some fresh mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro, then mix with lime juice and salt for a quick and easy homemade salsa.

This side dish is also versatile and works just as well with chicken tacos. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal with a kick of flavor and freshness.

We love: The Best Mango Salsa Recipe (by Cooking LSL)

8. Pico de gallo

Pico de gallo is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with shrimp tacos. The fresh flavors of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro perfectly complement the savory and spicy flavors of shrimp tacos.

For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve the shrimp tacos and pico de gallo with some guacamole or avocado crema, or a generous dollop of sour cream.

We love: Pico de Gallo Recipe (Easy & Authentic) (by Downshiftology)

9. Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic Mexican side dish that is simply a must-have with tacos, especially seafood tacos. Luckily, it is also one of the simplest Mexican side dishes to make at home.

Simply mash a perfectly ripe and creamy avocado and add a selection of aromatics. I like mine with green onions, chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. And you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning.

For a Tex-Mex twist, add some corn kernels to your guacamole. Or serve alongside a street corn salad.

We love: Best Guacamole Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

10. Jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are the perfect appetizer for taco night. These spicy, cheesy bites add a fun and flavorful element to dinner time.

Serve with some sour cream to dip the spicy poppers into.

They are a great addition to any taco night and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser, especially with some salty bacon!

We love: Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

11. Mexican chopped salad

Looking for a low carb side dish to pair with your shrimp tacos? Look no further than Mexican chopped salad.

This colorful and flavorful salad is packed with fresh ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s the perfect light and refreshing side dish to balance out the rich and spicy flavors of the shrimp tacos.

And with its low carb ingredients, you can feel good about indulging in this tasty side dish. So go ahead and serve some Mexican chopped salad alongside your shrimp tacos for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

We love: Mexican Chopped Salad (by Feel Good Foodie)

12. Mexican rice

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. And what better side dish to serve with them than Mexican rice?

Mexican rice (similar to Spanish rice) is a classic and versatile side dish that goes well with many different Latin dishes, including shrimp tacos. Season fluffy rice with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Additionally, Mexican rice is a great way to add some substance to your meal. It can easily be made in large batches and frozen in an airtight container for future taco nights. Just be sure to always reheat rice thoroughly!

We love: Easy Mexican Rice (by Downshiftology)

13. Refried beans

Refried beans are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with any Mexican-inspired main meal.

The creamy texture and savory flavor of refried beans make a great spread for the soft corn tortilla. Top it with the juicy cooked shrimp, and a crispy jicama slaw for some crunch. Then, finish with fresh chilies or your favorite hot sauce.

We love: Easy Homemade Refried Beans (by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

14. Mexican street corn pasta salad

When it comes to shrimp tacos, you want a great side dish that will complement the bold flavors of the dish without overpowering it. That’s where Mexican street corn pasta salad comes in!

You can also go ahead and serve a classic macaroni salad, but this version combines the classic flavors of Mexican street corn with the heartiness of pasta, making it the perfect side dish for shrimp tacos. The tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the grilled shrimp and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Plus, pasta adds a satisfying and filling element to the meal, making it a great option for a crowd or a hungry family. I always drizzle mine with extra virgin olive oil before serving for a luscious texture.

We love: Mexican street corn pasta salad (by The Travel Palate)

15. Garlic cilantro lime sauce

Garlic cilantro lime sauce is the best shrimp taco sauce!

The creamy and tangy flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the spicy and savory flavors of the shrimp tacos. The garlic adds a delicious bite, while the cilantro, lime provide a refreshing and zesty balance, and greek yogurt turns it into a delightfully creamy dressing.

This sauce is also versatile, as it can be used as a dip for the tacos or drizzled on top for added flavor. Plus, its vibrant green color adds a pop of color to the meal, making it even more appetizing.

We love: Lime Cilantro Garlic Sauce (by It’s A Veg World Averall)

16. Plantain chips

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal on their own, but they can be taken to the next level with the perfect side dish. One great option is plantain chips, adding a delicious crunch and savory flavors to your seafood tacos.

These homemade chips are easy to make and pair perfectly with the tangy lime juice and savory shrimp in your tacos.

Whether you’re using frozen shrimp or cooking fresh summer seafood, plantain chips are an absolutely delicious side dish that will take your shrimp tacos to the next level.

We love: Crunchy Baked Plantain Chips (by The Novice Chef)

17. Quinoa and black bean salad

A delicious quinoa and black bean salad is a great alternative to traditional side dishes like rice or beans.

To make the quinoa salad, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and roughly chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Season with kosher salt and add a splash of lime juice for extra flavor.

With its fresh veggies, bold flavors, and ability to go well with different types of tacos (like chicken or fish tacos), this quinoa and black bean salad will become a staple in your taco night menu.

We love: Quinoa Black Bean Salad (by A Pinch of Healthy)

18. Charred corn and avocado salad

For a delicious and well-rounded meal, serve shrimp tacos with a side of charred corn and avocado salad. This refreshing and flavorful side dish is the perfect option to balance out the spicy and tangy flavors of the tacos.

A tangy lime dressing on the slightly smoky charred corn pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and salty cotija cheese.

Whether you’re using classic corn tortillas or homemade flour tortillas, this charred corn and avocado salad will be a family favorite for sure. Scoop it into your tacos or serve it as a delicious side salad.

We love: Charred Corn & Avocado Salad (by Georgie Eats)

19. Mexican coleslaw

Mexican coleslaw is the best side dish to serve with shrimp tacos. This refreshing and healthy salad is the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful and spicy shrimp tacos.

The crunchy texture and creamy dressing of the coleslaw provide a delightful contrast to the soft and spicy shrimp. Plus, wit fresh vegetables like green and red cabbage, sweet corn, red onion, this coleslaw recipe adds a pop of color and nutritional value to your meal.

We love: Mexican Coleslaw Recipe (by Lemon Tree Dwelling)

20. Elote (Mexican style corn on the cob)

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for shrimp tacos, look no further than elote, also known as Mexican-style corn on the cob.

This classic Mexican side dish is the perfect complement to any taco recipe. The slightly smoky and slightly caramelized corn pairs perfectly with the spicy and zesty flavors of shrimp tacos. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for a quick and delicious side dish.

We love: Grilled Mexican Corn (by Amanda Cooks & Styles)

21. Black bean and corn salsa

Black bean and corn salsa is a perfect side dish for shrimp tacos. The combination of black beans, corn, and fresh shrimp creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

This easy and refreshing side salad recipe is a great way to add some plant-based protein to your meal. Plus, it pairs well with any type of shrimp taco, whether it’s a classic Mexican shrimp taco or a Cajun-inspired version.

The sweetness of the corn and the saltiness of the black beans perfectly balance the spiciness of the shrimp tacos. It’s a delicious addition to your favorite shrimp taco recipe.

We love: Black Bean and Corn Salsa (by Easy Family Recipes)

22. Taco salad

A loaded taco salad is not only super easy to make, it’s also great as an appetizer or side dish for taco night!

The wide variety of toppings and ingredients in a taco salad, such as fresh guac, spicy salsa, and grated cheddar cheese, allow for customization to perfectly complement your shrimp tacos. Plus, the crunchy tortilla strips add a satisfying texture to your meal.

We love: Taco Salad Recipe (by The Cozy Cook)

23. Tortilla chips

Tortilla chips with dips are a great appetizer, but you can also serve them as a quick and easy side!

Not only do they add a satisfying crunch, but they also provide a nice contrast to the softness of the shrimp and other toppings.

Plus, tortilla chips are a versatile side dish that can be used in many different ways. You can dip them in salsa or guacamole, crush them up and sprinkle them on top of your tacos, or even use them as a base for nachos.

So, whether you’re enjoying shrimp tacos on a warm summer night or as a true comfort food on a chilly evening, tortilla chips are the perfect side dish for your next taco night.

We love: Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe (by Gimme Some Oven)

24. Cheesy corn casserole

When it comes to pairing well with shrimp tacos, cheesy corn casserole is a clear winner. Not only does it add a delicious side to the meal, but it also makes a great comfort food dish when you’re having taco night on a cold winter’s eve.

It’s a great alternative for white rice or beans if you want to switch things up.

We love: Cheesy Fiesta Corn Casserole (by The Kitchen is My Playground)

Frequently asked questions

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. And what makes them even better is the addition of the best shrimp taco sides to complete your meal.

From tangy lime slaw and pico de gallo to Mexican street corn on the cob, in a salad, or even a pasta salad, there are so many great options to choose from.

So, next time you make shrimp tacos, be sure to pair them with a few of these delicious sides for a truly satisfying meal. Which delicious shrimp taco side dish is your favorite?