Tacos are a beloved Mexican dish enjoyed by many. They’re easy to make and can be customized with different fillings and toppings. But what about the sides to go with them?
There are many tasty options to serve alongside your tacos. From rice and beans to fresh salads and salsas, the right side dishes can take your taco night to the next level.
Let’s explore some delicious choices that will round out your meal and satisfy everyone at the table.
1. Guacamole
Guacamole is a classic taco side dish that you can’t go wrong with. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
To prepare guacamole, mash ripe avocados and mix them with lime juice, diced onions, and chopped cilantro. Add salt to taste.
You can customize your guacamole by adding extras like diced tomatoes, minced garlic, or a dash of hot sauce. Serve it alongside your tacos or use it as a topping.
Guacamole pairs well with crispy tortilla chips too. It’s a versatile side that complements the savory flavors of your tacos perfectly.
2. Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh and zesty side dish that goes great with tacos. It’s made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
This salsa adds a burst of flavor and juiciness to your tacos. The crisp texture and tangy taste make it refreshing and light.
Pico de gallo brings out the best in taco fillings. It cuts through rich meats and adds brightness to every bite.
You can easily make pico de gallo at home. Just chop the ingredients and mix them together. Serve it right away for the freshest taste.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a tasty side dish for your tacos. It’s grilled corn on the cob covered in a creamy sauce and spices.
To make elote, grill corn until it’s slightly charred. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice for the sauce. Spread this mix on the corn.
Sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro on top. The result is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy corn dish. It adds great flavor and texture to your taco meal.
You can also cut the corn off the cob and serve it as a salad or dip. This version works well as a taco topping too.
4. Refried Beans
Refried beans make a tasty side dish for tacos. You can buy canned refried beans or make your own at home.
To make homemade refried beans, cook pinto beans until soft. Mash them and fry in oil with garlic, onion, and spices.
Spread refried beans on tortillas before adding other taco fillings. Or serve them as a dip for chips on the side.
For extra flavor, top refried beans with cheese, green chilies, or lime juice. You can also mix in spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Chili lime roasted sweet potatoes make a tasty side dish for your taco night. They bring a zesty kick that complements the flavors of your tacos perfectly.
To make them, toss cubed sweet potatoes with lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, chili flakes, and sea salt. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the sweet potatoes in a 425°F oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The lime adds brightness while the chili gives a subtle heat.
These sweet potatoes offer a nice balance of sweet and spicy flavors. They’re easy to prepare and add color to your taco spread.
6. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a classic side dish for tacos. You’ll love its vibrant color and rich flavor. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by sautéing rice in oil until golden. Add tomato sauce, broth, and spices like cumin and garlic powder. Simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy.
This tasty side soaks up taco juices perfectly. It also balances spicy fillings with its mild, savory taste. For extra flavor, mix in some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
7. Cilantro Lime Slaw
Cilantro lime slaw adds a zesty crunch to your tacos. You can make it in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in a bowl.
For the dressing, combine lime juice, Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey. This creates a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the veggies with the dressing until well coated. The slaw will be crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to add texture and brightness to your tacos.
You can also serve this slaw as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish tacos.
8. Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
Creamy jalapeño sauce adds a zesty kick to your tacos. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and some of their brine in a blender. Add a splash of lime juice for extra tang.
This versatile sauce goes well on many dishes. Try it on quesadillas, burritos, or as a dip for chips.
Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the seeds before blending.
Store any leftover sauce in the fridge. It will keep for several days, ready for your next taco night.
9. Black Bean Salad
Black bean salad is a tasty and easy side dish for tacos. You can make it with canned black beans, corn, tomatoes, and onions. Add some cilantro and lime juice for extra flavor.
This salad is cool and refreshing next to hot tacos. It gives a nice contrast in texture too. The beans add protein and fiber to your meal.
You can make black bean salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Serve it cold or at room temperature with your favorite tacos.
10. Mango Salsa
Mango salsa adds a sweet and tangy twist to your tacos. You can make it by mixing diced mango with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
This fresh topping balances spicy taco fillings and adds a tropical flair. It pairs well with fish tacos, but also complements chicken or pork.
For extra kick, add some diced jalapeño to your mango salsa. You can serve it as a side dish or spoon it directly onto your tacos.
Try making a big batch – mango salsa tastes great with tortilla chips too!
11. Queso Fundido
Queso fundido is a warm, gooey cheese dip that makes a great side for tacos. It’s typically made with melted cheese and sometimes includes chorizo for extra flavor.
To make queso fundido, you’ll need cheese that melts well, like Oaxaca or Chihuahua. Shred the cheese and melt it in a pan or skillet.
You can add diced onions, peppers, or tomatoes for more texture. Serve the hot, melted cheese in a warm dish to keep it gooey.
Scoop the queso fundido with your tacos or use it as a dip for tortilla chips. It adds a rich, creamy element that complements the flavors in your tacos perfectly.
12. Tomatillo Salsa
Tomatillo salsa adds a zesty kick to your taco spread. This tangy green sauce is easy to make at home. Start by husking and rinsing fresh tomatillos.
Roast the tomatillos until they’re soft and slightly charred. Blend them with lime juice, onions, garlic, and cilantro. Add some chili peppers for heat if you like.
Season your salsa with salt to taste. Chill it in the fridge before serving. This bright, flavorful salsa pairs perfectly with chips or as a taco topping.
You can adjust the ingredients to make it milder or spicier. Tomatillo salsa brings a fresh, tangy flavor that complements your tacos nicely.
13. Chorizo and Potatoes
Chorizo and potatoes make a tasty taco filling that’s both hearty and flavorful. You can easily prepare this side dish to accompany your tacos.
Start by cooking diced potatoes until they’re tender. In a separate pan, brown some chorizo sausage. Once cooked, mix the potatoes and chorizo together.
The spices from the chorizo will coat the potatoes, giving them a rich, savory taste. This combination offers a nice balance of textures too – soft potatoes with slightly crispy chorizo.
Serve the chorizo and potato mix in warm tortillas. You can add toppings like diced onions, cilantro, or lime juice for extra flavor.
14. Jicama Slaw
Jicama slaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos. This Mexican-inspired slaw features julienned jicama, a root vegetable with a sweet and crisp texture.
You can mix jicama with shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro for added flavor and color. A tangy lime dressing brings all the ingredients together.
For extra sweetness, try adding some diced mango or green apple to your slaw. You can also include cucumber or bell pepper for more variety.
Jicama slaw is easy to make ahead of time. Just prepare it, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to a day before serving. It’s a versatile side that goes well with fish tacos or grilled meats.
15. Baja Sauce
Baja sauce is a tasty topping for your tacos. It’s creamy and has a bit of spice. You can make it at home with simple ingredients.
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl. Add chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can use this sauce on fish or shrimp tacos. It keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container. Don’t freeze it, as the texture will change.
Try Baja sauce to add flavor to your next taco night. It’s quick to make and adds a creamy, zesty touch to your meal.
16. Avocado Crema
Avocado crema is a creamy, tangy sauce that takes your tacos to the next level. You can make it easily by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and salt.
This versatile sauce works great on fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or veggie tacos. It adds a cool, smooth contrast to spicy fillings.
You can adjust the thickness by adding water or more sour cream. For a vegan version, use cashew cream instead of sour cream. Traditional Accompaniments
Some sides have been paired with tacos for generations. Refried beans are a staple, often topped with crumbled cheese.
Mexican rice cooked with tomatoes and spices is another common side. Lime wedges are always on the table to squeeze over tacos.
Radishes, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro add crunch and zest. Grilled green onions called cebollitas are popular in many areas.
For drinks, you’ll often see aguas frescas – fresh fruit waters. Horchata, made from rice and cinnamon, is a classic choice with spicy tacos.
Nutritional Insights
Taco sides can boost the nutritional value of your meal. Smart choices add vitamins, fiber, and protein to your plate.
Balancing Flavors and Nutrition
Pick sides that complement your tacos and provide key nutrients. Fresh salsa offers vitamin C and antioxidants.
It’s low in calories too. Black beans are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. They help keep you full longer.
For a healthy crunch, try jicama sticks. They’re rich in vitamin C and fiber.
Guacamole made with avocados gives you heart-healthy fats. It also adds potassium and fiber to your meal.
Grilled corn on the cob is tasty and nutritious. It provides fiber and B vitamins.
For a lighter option, try a corn and black bean salad. This mix gives you protein, fiber, and complex carbs.
Allergy-Friendly Options
Many taco sides can work for different dietary needs.
For gluten-free choices, stick to corn tortillas and rice-based sides. Quinoa is a protein-rich, gluten-free grain that pairs well with tacos.
If you’re dairy-free, skip the cheese and sour cream. Try cashew cream or avocado as creamy toppings instead. These options are rich in healthy fats and vitamins.
For nut allergies, avoid peanut-based sauces.
Choose seed-based options like sunflower seed butter for spreading. It’s packed with vitamin E and healthy fats.
Veggie-based sides are great for most diets.
Roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber salad, and grilled zucchini are safe bets. They add nutrients and flavor without common allergens.