Ever wonder what to serve with tacos? I’m here to share a wide variety of versatile and popular options which include chips and salsa, rice and beans, grilled vegetables, Mexican street corn, salad, margaritas and more!
If there is one food I love it’s a good taco. Since we love Mexican food in my home, and specifically tacos, I figured I would share some of my favorite sides for tacos.
Tacos are a beloved dish that originated in Mexico but has since spread throughout the world. They are made with a variety of fillings, from grilled chicken, ground beef, to sautéed vegetables to seafood tacos like mahi mahi tacos. Tacos are typically served in soft flour tortillas, homemade corn tortillas or hard tortillas. The toppings range of garnishes, such as salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.
If you’re planning a taco night with friends or family, you might be wondering what to serve alongside these delicious little parcels. In this blog post, we’ll explore some great options to complement your tacos and make your meal complete.
Jump to:
- FAQs about Sides for Tacos
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chips and Dip Recipes
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Salsa Dip for Nachos
- Velveeta Cheese Dip
- 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
- Peach Salsa
- Chipotle Cashew Queso Dip
- Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip
- Chunky Avocado Salsa recipe
- Watermelon Salsa
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Pineapple Pico de Gallo
- Rice and Bean Recipes
- Mexican Red Rice
- Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower “Rice”
- Ranchero Beans
- Black Bean Corn Tomato Salad
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Mango Quinoa Salad
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Bacon Refried Beans
- Black Bean Mango Salad
- Mexican Vegetable Side Dish
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Crispy Baked Avocado Fries & Chipotle Dipping Sauce
- Pickled Red Onion
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn
- Mexican Roasted Zucchini
- Tomato Avocado Salad
- Mexican Roasted Cauliflower
- Mexican Sweet Corn Cakes
- Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes
- Taco Recipes
FAQs about Sides for Tacos
Traditional sides to serve with tacos include rice, refried beans, and chips and salsa.
Yes, there are plenty of healthy sides that go well with tacos, such as grilled vegetables, a side salad, or a fresh fruit salsa.
Absolutely! Dips like guacamole, queso, and salsa are great options to serve alongside your tacos.
Some creative sides to serve with tacos include grilled street corn, black bean and corn salad, or cilantro lime rice.
For fish tacos, sides like pineapple salsa, mango slaw, or a citrus salad are great options. For chicken tacos, sides like Spanish rice, pico de gallo, or avocado crema are delicious complements.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some of my expert tips and tricks on to help you create a memorable taco spread that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Variety is Key: Offering a variety of taco fillings ensures that there’s something for everyone at the table. Consider including options such as grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. Set up a taco bar with an array of toppings and condiments, allowing guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
Balance Flavors and Textures: When planning your taco spread, aim for a balance of flavors and textures to create a harmonious dining experience. Pair savory fillings with fresh and zesty accompaniments like salsas, guacamole, and coleslaw to add brightness and contrast. Incorporate crunchy elements such as toasted seeds or crispy tortilla strips to provide texture and depth to your tacos.
Make Ahead and Batch Cook: To streamline the cooking process and minimize stress on taco night, prepare components of your meal in advance. Marinate meats, chop vegetables, and make salsas and sauces ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Consider batch cooking proteins like shredded chicken or beef ahead of time and reheating them just before serving to save time and effort.
Don’t Forget the Tortillas: The quality of your tortillas can make or break your tacos, so it’s essential to choose wisely. Opt for fresh, soft corn or flour tortillas from your local bakery or tortilleria for the best flavor and texture. Warm your tortillas before serving by briefly heating them on a dry skillet or in the microwave to make them pliable and enhance their taste.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Adding fresh herbs and citrus to your tacos and side dishes can elevate their flavors and brighten up the entire meal. Keep a variety of herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint on hand to garnish your tacos and salads just before serving. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over your dishes to add acidity and enhance the other flavors.
Chips and Dip Recipes
Mexican chips and dip recipes are a delicious and flavorful addition to any party or gathering. Popular Mexican dips include guacamole, salsa roja, salsa verde, and queso dip. Tortilla chips are the perfect dipping option for these dips and can be served alongside other Mexican-inspired appetizers like taquitos, tamales, or mini tacos. Below you will find some of my favorite recipes.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
If you’re searching for a snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful without any guilt attached, then air fryer tortilla chips are the perfect solution! Plus, the best part is you can get creative with your toppings and dips to suit your taste buds. So why stick with boring old potato chips when you can have a fun and tasty fiesta in your mouth?
Salsa Dip for Nachos
Velveeta Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a cheesy and zesty dip that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, then Velveeta cheese dip with Rotel is the perfect crowd-pleaser! With its velvety texture and bold flavor, this dip is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. I know my friends and family can’t get enough of this cheese dip. Take your dip game up a notch with this deliciously addictive Velveeta cheese dip?
4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
If you’re searching for a healthy and flavorful snack that the whole family will love, then homemade guacamole with cilantro is the way to go! Packed with healthy fats and fresh ingredients, this dip is perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on toast. Plus, making it from scratch is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and teach them how to make salsa.
Peach Salsa
Chipotle Cashew Queso Dip
Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dip that’s perfect for snacking or as a condiment, then homemade cilantro lime yogurt dip is the answer! Made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, this dip is a great source of protein and nutrients. Plus, its tangy and zesty flavor is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Chunky Avocado Salsa recipe
Watermelon Salsa
If you’re searching for a refreshing and healthy snack that the whole family will love, then homemade watermelon salsa is the perfect choice! Packed with juicy watermelon, tangy lime, and fresh herbs, this salsa is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer. My kids love making this recipe– it’s easy why not get the kids involved in making it. I always find that if my child doesn’t like a food I’ll have them help me prepare it and most of the time they end up eating it and loving it. Cooking is always a great way to introduce kids to new foods, like yicama.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Rice and Bean Recipes
Mexican Red Rice
Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower “Rice”
Ranchero Beans
Black Bean Corn Tomato Salad
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Mango Quinoa Salad
Instant Pot Black Beans
Bacon Refried Beans
Black Bean Mango Salad
Mexican Vegetable Side Dish
If you’re looking for a Mexican vegetable side dish to pair with tacos, consider options such as Mexican street corn and avocado fries. Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and onions also make great accompaniments to any taco dish.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Crispy Baked Avocado Fries & Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Pickled Red Onion
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Roasted Zucchini
Tomato Avocado Salad
Mexican Roasted Cauliflower
Mexican Sweet Corn Cakes
I grew up eating at ChiChi’s Mexican Restaurant. My favorite part of eating there was the corn cakes. Years later I created a recipe that rivals the childhood classic Mexican chain restaurant.
Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes
These roasted Mexican sweet potatoes would pair perfectly with grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce.
Taco Recipes
Choosing the perfect sides to accompany your tacos is a matter of personal preference and creativity. While traditional options like rice and beans or chips and salsa are always a crowd-pleaser, there are endless possibilities when it comes to crafting the ultimate taco spread. From homemade guacamole to zesty cilantro lime yogurt dip, adding unique and flavorful sides is a great way to elevate your taco game and impress your guests. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your taco creations!
If you loved this recipe round-up and looking for more… here are a few more of my favorite recipe round-ups and comprehensive recipe guides.
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Letty / Letty's Kitchen
What a great assemblage of taco recipes! Thank you for including my tofu hamburger taco rec!
Katie
Thank you!