Fajitas are a fantastic, flavorful, and fun meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The sizzle of seasoned meat and vegetables, the warmth of tortillas, and the array of fresh toppings create a truly interactive and satisfying dining experience. But beyond the classic fillings, what truly elevates fajitas from good to great is knowing What To Serve With Fajitas to create a complete and unforgettable meal.
Close up of an open chicken fajita with further fajitas in the background
While the spiced and sizzling fajita mix of chicken, peppers, and onions is undoubtedly the star, the sides and toppings are where you can really customize and enhance your fajita night. This guide will take you through the best options, ensuring you know exactly what to serve with fajitas to impress your family and friends.
Essential Fajita Toppings: Building Your Fajita Bar
No fajita feast is complete without a generous spread of toppings. Think of these as your personal customization station, allowing everyone to build their perfect fajita. Here are some must-have toppings and how to take them to the next level:
- Salsa: A cornerstone of any fajita bar. You can offer a variety of salsas to cater to different tastes.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant, with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Roasted Tomato Salsa: Adds a smoky depth, perfect for those who prefer a richer flavor.
- Salsa Verde: Tangy and bright, made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm fajitas and adds a touch of richness. Mexican crema is slightly thinner and tangier than sour cream, offering a more authentic flavor.
- Guacamole: A non-negotiable for many fajita lovers! Homemade guacamole is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Chunky Guacamole: Full of texture, with chunks of avocado, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Smooth Guacamole: Creamy and decadent, perfect for spreading easily on tortillas.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese adds a savory and melty element.
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice, mild and universally liked.
- Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly buttery flavor.
- Cotija Cheese: A firmer, saltier Mexican cheese, adds a salty bite when crumbled.
- Avocado Slices: Simple yet essential, providing healthy fats and a creamy texture. Remember to squeeze lime or lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a kick! Offer sliced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for different levels of heat.
- Cilantro (Coriander): Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
- Lime Wedges: Essential for squeezing over fajitas, adding a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Pickled Onions: Adds a tangy and crunchy element to cut through the richness of the fajitas.
Delicious Side Dishes to Complete Your Fajita Feast
While toppings are crucial, side dishes round out the meal and offer more substantial options. When considering what to serve with fajitas as sides, think about flavors and textures that complement the main dish.
- Rice: A classic side that soaks up all the delicious fajita juices.
- Mexican Rice: Cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, offering a flavorful and colorful side.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Bright and refreshing, with a zesty citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with fajitas.
- Spanish Rice: Similar to Mexican rice but often includes saffron for a deeper flavor and vibrant color.
- Beans: Another hearty and flavorful side dish that complements fajitas beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and comforting, you can choose from refried black beans or pinto beans.
- Black Beans: Served whole or slightly mashed, black beans offer a hearty and earthy flavor.
- Pinto Beans: A classic Mexican bean, often served stewed or charro style with bacon and vegetables.
- Salads: A lighter side to balance the richness of the fajitas.
- Mexican Salad: A vibrant salad with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette.
- Corn and Black Bean Salad: A refreshing and colorful salad with corn, black beans, bell peppers, and a cilantro lime dressing.
- Simple Green Salad: A light and crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Perfect if you are already grilling the fajita fillings. Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness.
- Queso Dip: A warm and cheesy dip for tortilla chips, perfect as an appetizer or a side.
- Tortilla Chips and Dips: Serve warm tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, or queso for dipping.
8 image collage showing how to make chicken fajitas
Drinks and Desserts for a Fajita Fiesta
To truly make it a fiesta, don’t forget the drinks and desserts! When considering what to serve with fajitas, think about beverages and sweet treats that complement the Mexican-inspired flavors.
Cocktails:
- Margaritas: The quintessential Mexican cocktail, perfect with fajitas. Classic lime, strawberry, or mango margaritas are all great choices.
- Palomas: A refreshing tequila-based cocktail with grapefruit soda and lime juice.
- Mexican Beer: Pair your fajitas with a crisp Mexican lager like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico.
- Non-alcoholic options: Offer agua frescas (fresh fruit drinks), iced tea, or sparkling water with lime.
Desserts:
- Churros: Crispy and cinnamon-sugar coated, churros are a classic Mexican dessert. Serve them with chocolate sauce or caramel.
- Flan: A creamy and rich custard dessert with a caramel topping.
- Sopapillas: Puffy fried pastries drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
- Fruit Salad with Lime and Chili: A refreshing and light dessert with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and watermelon, tossed with lime juice and a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Overhead of chicken fajitas on a wooden board on a blue background
Making it Your Own Fajita Night
Ultimately, the best answer to what to serve with fajitas is to choose what you and your guests love! Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings and sides to create your perfect fajita feast. Consider dietary needs and preferences, and offer a variety of options to ensure everyone has something to enjoy.
Whether you keep it classic with simple toppings and rice and beans, or go all out with a full fajita bar and festive cocktails and desserts, fajitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, get sizzling, and enjoy a delicious and customizable fajita night!
