Tacos are a beloved meal, but they’re even better with tasty side dishes. The right sides can take your taco night to the next level. They add variety and balance to the meal.
You can choose from many different sides to go with tacos. Some are classic Mexican-inspired options, while others put a new spin on taco night. From rice and beans to salads and veggies, there’s something for everyone. Let’s look at 15 great sides to serve with your next taco feast.
1. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a tasty side for tacos. You can make it easily at home. Start by grilling or roasting corn on the cob.
Once cooked, slather the corn with mayo. Sprinkle it with chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
You can serve the corn on the cob or cut the kernels off. Either way, it’s a delicious addition to your taco night. The mix of sweet corn and tangy toppings complements the tacos perfectly.
2. Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh and zesty Mexican salsa that’s perfect for tacos. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To prepare pico de gallo, dice tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. Mix them in a bowl with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Let the flavors meld for 5-20 minutes before serving. This gives you a bright, crisp topping for your tacos.
You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño. For the best taste, use ripe tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
Pico de gallo adds a burst of flavor and texture to any taco. It’s also great with chips or on other Mexican dishes.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole is a classic taco side dish that adds creamy richness to your meal. This avocado-based dip is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Mash ripe avocados and mix in diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. You can adjust the flavors to your liking by adding jalapeños for heat or garlic for extra punch.
Serve your guacamole with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. You can also use it as a topping for your tacos, adding a cool contrast to spicy fillings.
For a twist, try mixing in some diced mango or pineapple to give your guacamole a fruity kick. This pairs well with fish tacos especially.
4. Chili Lime Rice
Chili lime rice adds a zesty kick to your taco night. This flavorful side dish is easy to make and complements the savory fillings in your tacos.
To prepare it, cook rice as usual. Then mix in chili powder, lime juice, and a bit of salt. You can also add some chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
The tangy lime and spicy chili create a perfect balance. This rice works great as a base for taco bowls too. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with both meat and vegetarian taco options.
Try making a big batch to use throughout the week. It reheats well and can jazz up your leftovers.
5. Black Bean Salad
Black bean salad is a tasty and nutritious side for tacos. You can make it quickly with canned black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and red onion.
Mix in some chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for extra flavor. Add a pinch of cumin and chili powder to give it a mild kick.
This salad is packed with protein and fiber. It’s also refreshing and light, which balances out heavier taco fillings. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.
For a creamier version, try adding diced avocado just before serving. This side dish is versatile and keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
6. Cilantro Lime Slaw
Cilantro lime slaw adds a fresh, zesty crunch to your tacos. This simple side combines cabbage, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing.
To make it, mix shredded green and red cabbage with chopped cilantro and green onions. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil for a light vinaigrette.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the cabbage slightly.
This versatile slaw works great as a taco topping or a side dish. It stays crisp in the fridge for several days, so you can make it ahead of time.
7. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Spicy roasted cauliflower makes a tasty side for tacos. Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Toss them with olive oil and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Roast it in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking. The cauliflower is ready when it’s tender and golden brown.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Serve the roasted cauliflower alongside your tacos for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
8. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic taco side dish. They add a creamy texture and rich flavor to your meal.
You can make refried beans at home or buy them canned. Heat them up and season with cumin, garlic, and salt for extra taste.
Spread refried beans inside your tacos or serve them on the side. They pair well with both soft and crispy taco shells.
For a twist, try topping your refried beans with cheese and broiling until melted. This creates a delicious dip for tortilla chips too.
9. Cheesy Queso Dip
Queso dip is a tasty side for tacos. You can make it with melted cheese, tomatoes, and spices. Many people use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for flavor.
To make queso, start by melting butter in a pan. Add diced onions and garlic, then cook until soft. Mix in diced tomatoes and let them warm up.
Next, add shredded cheese and stir until melted. You can add milk or cream to make it smoother. Spice it up with chili powder or jalapenos if you like heat.
Serve your queso warm with tortilla chips or drizzle it over your tacos for extra cheesy goodness.
10. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers make a great side dish for tacos. These spicy, cheesy bites complement the flavors of your tacos perfectly. You can make them by stuffing jalapeño peppers with cream cheese and cheddar, then breading and frying them.
For a healthier option, try baking your poppers instead. Wrap them in bacon for extra flavor. Serve them hot alongside your tacos for a delicious contrast in textures.
Don’t forget a cool dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream to balance out the heat. Jalapeño poppers add a fun, finger-food element to your taco meal that guests will love.
11. Mango Salsa
Mango salsa adds a burst of tropical flavor to your tacos. You can make it by mixing diced mango with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
This sweet and tangy topping pairs well with fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or grilled chicken tacos. The fresh fruit balances spicy flavors and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
For extra kick, you can include diced jalapeño or a dash of chili powder. Mango salsa is quick to prepare and brings bright colors to your taco spread.
Try it as a side dish or use it to top your tacos for a tasty twist on traditional toppings.
12. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your taco night. Cut a fresh pineapple into rings or spears for grilling.
Brush the pineapple with a little olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon or chili powder for extra flavor. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until you see nice char marks.
The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating a delicious contrast to savory taco fillings. Chop the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces and use it as a topping or side dish.
This tropical treat pairs especially well with fish or shrimp tacos. The juicy, warm pineapple brings a taste of summer to your taco plate any time of year.
13. Cucumber Tomato Salad
A cucumber tomato salad is a perfect side for tacos. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make. You’ll need cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a simple dressing.
Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop some red onion for extra flavor. Mix these veggies in a bowl.
For the dressing, combine olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Pour it over the vegetables and toss gently. You can add herbs like cilantro or parsley for more taste.
This salad adds a cool crunch to your taco meal. It balances out spicy flavors and brings a fresh element to the table. Make it just before serving for the best texture.
14. Avocado Crema
Avocado crema is a creamy, tangy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to your tacos. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To prepare it, blend ripe avocados with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt. You can also add cilantro or garlic for extra taste.
This versatile sauce works great as a taco topping or dip. It’s smoother than guacamole and has a richer texture.
You can store avocado crema in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens, simply thin it out with a little water or lime juice before serving.
15. Taco Spiced Potato Wedges
Taco spiced potato wedges are a tasty twist on regular fries. You can make them easily at home in your oven.
Cut potatoes into wedges and coat them with taco seasoning. This gives them a zesty Mexican flavor. Bake the wedges until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.
These wedges go great with tacos or as a side dish on their own. They’re perfect for dipping in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Kids love these spicy potato wedges too. They’re a fun way to add more veggies to taco night. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly for those who don’t eat meat.
Benefits of Adding Sides to Tacos
Sides can take your taco experience to the next level. They bring extra flavors, textures, and nutrients to your meal.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Sides add depth and variety to your taco feast. Salsa brings a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through rich meats. Guacamole offers creamy, buttery notes that complement spicy fillings. Pickled veggies like jalapeños or onions add tang and crunch.
Try pairing smoky chipotle chicken tacos with cool sour cream. Or match fish tacos with a bright mango salsa. The right sides can highlight and balance the main taco flavors.
Experiment with different combos to find your perfect match. You might discover new flavor pairings you love.
Nutritional Balance
Taco sides boost the nutritional value of your meal. They add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to round out your plate.
Black beans provide protein and fiber. They help keep you full longer. Corn salad adds vitamin C and antioxidants. Sliced avocado gives you healthy fats and potassium.
Here’s a quick nutritional boost from common taco sides:
- Pico de gallo: Vitamin C, lycopene
- Refried beans: Protein, iron
- Grilled veggies: Fiber, various vitamins
By adding these sides, you turn tacos into a more complete, balanced meal.
Adding Texture Variety
Sides bring exciting textures to your taco spread. They make each bite more interesting and satisfying.
Crunchy cabbage slaw contrasts nicely with soft tortillas. Creamy queso dip adds richness to lean meat fillings. Crisp jicama sticks offer a refreshing crunch.
Mix and match textures for a fun eating experience:
- Smooth: Guacamole, refried beans
- Crunchy: Tortilla chips, radishes
- Crisp: Lettuce, fresh veggies
This variety keeps your taste buds engaged. It makes your taco meal more exciting and memorable.
Complementary Flavors for Taco Sides
Taco sides offer many tasty options to round out your meal. Let’s explore some flavor combinations that work well with tacos.
Spicy and Tangy Options
Salsa is a classic taco side that brings heat and acidity. Try a jalapeño salsa for extra kick. Mix diced jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
Pickled vegetables add tang and crunch. Quick-pickle sliced carrots, onions, or jalapeños in vinegar, water, and salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Spicy slaw is another zesty choice. Shred cabbage and carrots. Toss with a dressing of mayo, lime juice, and hot sauce. Add chopped cilantro for freshness.
Creamy and Savory Choices
Refried beans offer rich, savory flavor. Mash pinto beans and cook with onions, garlic, and spices. Top with crumbled queso fresco.
Guacamole is a creamy favorite. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, diced onion, tomato, and cilantro. Season with salt and garlic powder to taste.
Queso dip pairs well with tacos. Melt cheese with milk and add diced tomatoes and green chiles. Serve warm for dipping chips or drizzling on tacos.
Fresh and Citrusy Pairings
Corn salad brings sweet crunch. Mix corn kernels with diced bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro. Dress with lime juice and a pinch of chili powder.
Fruit salsa adds bright flavor. Dice mango, pineapple, and red onion. Toss with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of salt. Great with fish tacos.
Lime-dressed greens offer a light side. Toss mixed greens with a dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and honey. Add sliced radishes for extra crunch.
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