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 favorites, 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. 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.
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. 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.
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!
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Mexican Street Corn Salad to Serve with Tacos
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup purple onion diced
- 1 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
- lime for garnishing optional
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup Mexican cream or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add all salad ingredients (except lime). Mix together.
- In another bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Add the dressing to the salad and toss gently. Coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish with lime wedges. Serve and enjoy!
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