21 Amazing Sides for Nachos

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Need some amazing sides for nachos?! Look no further! Whether nachos are your main course, or you’re wondering what to serve with nachos at party, here you will find 21 awesome ideas! Let the party begin!

Collage of 4 of the sides for nachos.

Nachos are a way of life at our house whether it’s Ultimate Air Fryer Nachos or my (in)famous Chili con Carne Nachos, we LOVE the family-style vibe of nachos!

Nachos can be an appetizer OR a main course, so I have rounded up this ultimate guide of what to serve with nachos…no matter how you serve them up! Most of these are tried and true Mexican or Tex Mex side dishes, but there might be a few that surprise you! But they all pair perfectly with nachos!

Here we goooo…….

Best Main Courses to Serve with Nachos

Nachos are a PERFECTLY acceptable main course to serve any night of the week! TRUST ME! 🙂 They can be a meal just on their own, but if you feel like you need a little accompaniment to your amazing nachos, here are some suggestions.

1. Chili con Carne

You can serve this easy, amazing Chili con Carne along side your nachos OR use it as a topping like in this Chili con Carne Nachos recipe! This chili has no beans, making it a perfect pairing with (or on top of!) nachos!

Chili con Carne, a great side dish for nachos.

2. Tortilla Soup

This tortilla soup recipe is light, fresh and flavorful! A great accompaniment to nachos!

Bowl of tortilla soup with garnishes.
Photo Credit: Cookies + Kate

3. Black Bean Soup

This black bean soup is easy and creamy–and you can load it up with your nachos toppings, too!

White bowl of black bean soup and jalapeños.
Photo Credit: Love & Lemons

4. Cilantro Lime Chicken

This crispy cilantro lime chicken is super flavorful and will go great if you need a main dish for your nachos!

Mexican spiced chicken in a pan. This chicken goes well with nachos.
Photo Credit: Cafe Delites

5. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a natural pairing with nachos! If you’re using meat ON your nachos, opt for these amazing veggie quesdillas!

A white tray with slices of quesadillas.
Photo Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Best Dips and Sides to Serve with Nachos

Serving up your nachos as a main course and just need a little something to go along side? Here are some amazing dishes that perfectly complement any kind of nachos!

6. Black Beans

Black beans are the perfect little side dish for nachos! And these spiced-up canned black beans are delicious and flavorful!

A large blue bowl with black beans topped with cheese.
Photo Credit: Food Network

7. Avocado Salad

This salad is crispy and fresh and topped with an amazing, light dressing!

Bowl of avocado salad that pairs well with nachos.
Photo Credit: Cooking Classy

8. Mexican/Spanish Rice

This homemade Spanish rice recipe is super simple, but tastes like it came from a restaurant!

A white plate of Mexican rice.
Photo Credit: Lil Luna

9. Guacamole

This is a given, right? Everyone has their own preference on how they like their guac, I like mine chunky with lots of “stuff” in it! LOL! 🙂

A big blue bowl of guacamole and chips -- the perfect side for nachos.
Photo Credit: Gimme Delicious

10. Crack Dip

Smokey bacon, corn and cheese are combined to create the absolute perfect cold dip for parties and sports watching…and alongside your nachos!

Cheesy bacon and corn crack dip pairs with with chips and nachos.

11. Crockpot Corn and Jalapeno Dip

Similar to crack dip, but this one is served warm from the crockpot!

A bowl of slow cooker hot corn dip.
Photo Credit: Damn Delicious

Best Vegetable Dishes to Serve with Nachos

Nachos can be on the heavy side, so I always appreciate a lighter dish to complement them. Or maybe you have some vegetarian friends and family and you’re looking for some great veggie sides for nachos. Here are some amazing side dishes that will complement your nachos that EVERYONE will enjoy!

12. Corn Salad

This salad is nice and light and a great fresh side dish with your nachos!

A large bowl of sweet corn salad and tomatoes.

13. Street Corn on the Cob

If this doesn’t scream Mexican side dish I don’t know what does! Yummmm!

A piece of Mexican street corn.

14. Mexican Slaw

This Mexican cole slaw is crunchy and fresh and contains no mayo. It’s a great, fresh side for nachos!

A white bowl with crisp Mexican cole slaw that is a great side for nachos.
Photo Credit: Foodie Crush

15. Citrus Salad

This simple citrus salad is light and refreshing–the mint in it is divine!

A plate of citrus salad and arugula.
Photo Credit: Our Salty Kitchen

16. Peppers & Onions

These peppers and onions are a Chipotle copycat recipe and great either piled onto your nachos, or just served alongside!

An iron skillet with peppers and onions.
Photo Credit: Culinary Hill

17. Mexican Roasted Vegetables

These Mexican-spiced roasted veggies could not be easier and great for your veggie-lovin’ friends and family!

A sheet pan of Mexican spiced veggies.
Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes

18. Pico de Gallo

This one needs no explanation! Fresh pico is perfect for topping your nachos….or to devour with more chips on the side!

A white bowl with fresh pico de gallo.

Best Finger Foods to Serve with Nachos

If you’re serving nachos at a party, it’s always nice to have some other fun fingers food that pair well with nachos! Here are a few that will sure to be a hit!

19. Taquitos

These taquitos can be baked or fried and they are the perfect, crispy complement to your nachos!

A large platter with taquitos stacked on top of each other and topped with salsa.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo

20. Mexican Roll Ups

How cool are these Tex-Mex pinwheel sandwiches?!! This would be an awesome finger food to serve with nachos if you want to stay with the Tex Mex theme! 🙂

A plate of Mexican pinwheel sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Culinary Hill

21. Jalapeno Peppers

These oven baked jalapeno poppers are the perfect blend between spicy, crispy, cheese and creamy!

Jalapeno poppers on a wooden table.
Photo Credit: Recipe Fairy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can nachos be a main meal?

Heck yes!!!! If you serve nachos as your main meal, I suggest adding a protein like chicken, beef or black beans and one of the side dishes above such as a crunchy slaw or corn on the cob!

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