20 Easy Side Dishes for Taco Tuesday Besides Rice and Beans

Who doesn’t love a good taco? This classic Mexican street food is a hit with people of all ages! Believe it or not, side dishes can make or break your taco night – and there are so many delicious sides to serve with tacos! We’ve covered different side dish options from fruits, veggies, salad, soup, rice, together with some amazing taco topping ideas.

Tacos are incredibly versatile. Depending on the fillings, you can have them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They’re perfect for special occasions or just a random weeknight at home.

Taco Toppings

What’s most fun about tacos is piling them high with all your favorite toppings. Most popular taco toppings include shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, cheese, chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, salsa, guacamole or sour cream. You can create a taco bar to feed a crowd!

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that’ll please even the pickiest eaters. From vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options to classic Mexican favourites, you’ll be spoiled for choice on your next taco night.

What to Serve with Tacos

Wondering what to serve with your tacos? Look no further than this master list of our favourite options. We’ve got traditional Mexican side dishes that’ll rival your favorite restaurant and even fruit-based salsas for that tropical vibe.

The best thing about these side dishes is that they’re all made with fresh, colorful and wholesome ingredients. Let’s dig in!

Mexican Side Dishes

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad

You’re in for a treat with this combo of slightly charred sweet corn, zesty lime juice and tangy Cotija cheese. Mexican Street Corn Salad is easy to make and will add unbelievable flavor to your tacos.

Substituting Cotija for feta cheese will yield the same delicious result – a combination of flavors and textures that’s out of this world.

2. Guacamole Quinoa Salad

This low-calorie combo of superfoods avocado and quinoa is equally tasty as a side dish for your tacos as it is on its own. You can even whip this up ahead of time and serve it cold or room temperature.

As with all Mexican side dishes, this Guacamole Quinoa salad is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that you will love.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice

This versatile side dish is great with tacos or as a base for burrito bowls. Simply combine your favorite rice with lime juice and cilantro and ahí está!

Try using brown rice for an even healthier addition to your next taco night.

4. Mexican Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato cubes are coated in spices and roasted to perfection for this classic Mexican side dish. They’re simple to make and are always a crowd pleaser for vegans and meat eaters alike.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and delicious all around.

5. Mexican Rice

This recipe is sure to be a hit for those who love traditional Mexican cuisine. It’s easy to make in just one pot, for easier cleanup after taco night.

It’s made with white or brown rice, along with hearty tomato sauce, fresh veggies and spicy chili and cumin. Can you imagine how amazing your kitchen will smell?!

6. Pico De Gallo

Some taco aficionados will argue that no taco night is complete without a heaping serving of fresh pico de gallo. This colorful tomato-based dip ensures you’re getting your daily requirements of veggies while adding irresistible flavor to any taco.

Since it only takes a few minutes to prepare, you can make it just before taco time for maximum freshness.

7. Salsa Verde

This homemade salsa verde is so much better than store-bought varieties. Made with fresh and flavorful ingredients, salsa verde is super easy to make and is sure to be a hit next Taco Tuesday.

Simply combine green tomatillos, jalapenos, lime juice and seasonings to add a spicy kick to your tacos.

Sides for Fish Tacos

8. Refried Beans

If you like hummus, you’ll love refried beans! Ditch the canned stuff and whip up this tasty Mexican classic in less than fifteen minutes.

With simple ingredients like pinto beans, fresh garlic and spices, this recipe is the perfect complement to your fish tacos.

9. Chips and Salsa

This restaurant-style favorite is great as an appetizer or as a side dish to your fish tacos. We prefer having them as a side because it’s far too easy to eat too many of these and forget to leave room for the main course!

 Make it as spicy or as mild as you like!

10. Cole Slaw

Crunchy, sweet and tangy – coleslaw is the perfect topping for crispy fish tacos! Made with red and green cabbages, carrots and onions, there’s no tastier way to tuck in an extra serving of veggies into your day.

11. Black Bean Salad

This delicious combo of black beans and fresh tomatoes, avocado, corn and cilantro is always a crowd pleaser.

What’s more, black beans are super filling and loaded with protein and fibre.

Fruit that Goes with Tacos

12. Fruit Salsa

Trust us – this isn’t your grandma’s fruit salad. It combines the sweet, tropical flavors of fruit like mango, pineapple, kiwi and strawberries with zesty lemon juice.

This unique, gluten-free option is great on its own or piled on top of your favorite chicken, beef or fish tacos.

13. Pineapple Salsa

This unique salsa is easy to prepare and made with fresh pineapples to add unexpected sweetness. It’s somewhat sweet, somewhat savory and totally delicious with your favorite tacos.

Add jalapenos for a spicy kick!

14. Mango Salsa

Similar to pineapple salsa, but with mangoes! Lovers of this tropical fruit will find this to be a welcome addition to any taco.

It’s fresh, flavorful and fun! Why not try something new and delicious with your tacos?

15. Blueberry Salsa

Fruity blueberry salsa is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. What’s more, blueberries are considered superfoods and are packed with antioxidants.

Make this salsa ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Other Good Appetizers to Serve with Tacos

16. Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb substitute for rice or quinoa, cauliflower rice is an easy way to steal an extra serving of veggies into your day – or your tacos.

Complete with savory spices like cumin, garlic and smoked paprika, you’ll hardly believe you’re eating a vegetable!

17. Tex-Mex Salad

Loaded with crunchy bell peppers, sweet corn and creamy avocados, this Tex-Mex salad is anything but bland.

Stir in fresh tomatoes and romaine lettuce and enjoy with your favorite tacos.

18. Baked Beans

Hearty and wholesome, baked beans are a simple, yet tasty option for your next taco night.

Baked beans are loved by vegans and non-vegans alike because they pair so well with both meat and veggies.

19. Black Bean Soup

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, along with your favorite tacos. Made with fresh aromatics like garlic and onion, this hearty recipe is the best way to jazz up an ordinary can of black beans.

It’s the ultimate comfort food.

20. Corn Enchiladas

These corn enchiladas represent everything we love about Mexican food. Cheesy, spicy and seasoned to perfection, they’re the perfect companion to any taco.

And there you have it! Whether you’re looking for something traditional, modern or even fruity, you’re sure to find your new favorite taco side dish somewhere on this list. Enjoy!