If you’re wondering what goes best with tacos beyond the usual rice and beans, you’re in the right place! Taco night is a fantastic, easy meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Tacos themselves are undeniably the star, but the right side dishes can truly transform your taco experience from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday feast or a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, having a selection of tasty side dishes is key.
pinterest pin for sides to serve with tacos post
Tacos are incredibly versatile – you can fill them with steak, shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian options. But when it comes to side dishes, many of us find ourselves stuck in a rut. Beyond the standard queso, bean dip, and store-bought salsa, there’s a whole world of flavors and textures that can perfectly complement your tacos.
This guide is your go-to resource for discovering the best Side Dishes To Serve With Tacos. We’re diving into a variety of options, from refreshing salsas and creamy dips to hearty rice dishes and vibrant salads. Get ready to explore side dish recipes that will not only enhance your taco night but also leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipes!). These are some truly amazing side dishes that pair wonderfully with all kinds of tacos, including crispy birria tacos or seafood tacos.
Flavorful Side Dish Ideas for Your Taco Night
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)
Looking for a side with a bit of a kick? This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa, inspired by Chipotle, is bursting with bold flavors. The smoky poblano peppers combined with sweet corn and a zesty lime dressing create a delightful taste and satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s perfect with tortilla chips as a starter or spooned directly onto your tacos for an extra layer of flavor. This corn salsa is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
bowl of roasted chili corn salsa with a spoon
Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Elevate your taco night with a side of authentic Mexican Rice, also known as Arroz Rojo. This isn’t just plain rice; it’s packed with rich flavors from tomatoes, savory spices, and flavorful broth. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, Mexican rice is the ideal accompaniment to any taco bar. Its comforting and savory taste perfectly complements the spices in your tacos, making it a must-have side dish.
serving spoon in a bowl of Mexican rice
Grilled Corn on the Cob (in Foil) with Cilantro-Lime Butter
Bring the taste of summer to your taco night with Grilled Corn on the Cob, enhanced with a vibrant garlic cilantro-lime butter. This side dish is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a burst of fresh, zesty flavors. Grilling the corn in foil ensures it’s tender and juicy, while the cilantro-lime butter adds a creamy, aromatic touch that perfectly complements the smoky flavors of grilled tacos. It’s the perfect side for any outdoor taco feast.
grilled corn on the cob in foil with cilantro lime butter
Pineapple Pico De Gallo
For a sweet and savory twist, try Pineapple Pico De Gallo as a side dish or taco topping. The juicy sweetness of pineapple combined with the classic pico de gallo ingredients creates a refreshing and flavorful salsa. This tropical salsa provides a wonderful contrast to richer, meat-filled tacos, especially fish tacos or carnitas. The bright flavors will lighten up your meal and add a unique touch.
bowl of pineapple pico de gallo
Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)
Spice up your taco night with quick and easy Fajita Veggies. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and colorful side dish that complements any taco protein – steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian fillings. These fajita veggies add a delicious smoky char and tender texture, enhancing the overall taco experience. They are a versatile and healthy addition to your taco spread.
skillet of fajita veggies
Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Add a crunchy and refreshing element to your taco meal with Mexican Coleslaw. This flavorful slaw is packed with crisp cabbage, zesty red onion, fresh cilantro, and warm cumin. It’s a winning combination of textures and tastes. Serve it as a side salad or pile it high on top of your tacos for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. This coleslaw is a definite crowd-pleaser.
bowl of Mexican coleslaw
Cactus Salad (Nopales Salad)
For a truly authentic Mexican side dish, try Cactus Salad, or Nopales Salad. Made with tender cactus paddles, this classic recipe is both delicious and unique. Enjoy it as a refreshing summer side or add it directly into your tacos or burritos for a flavorful and slightly tangy filling. Cactus salad is a great way to introduce a new and exciting ingredient to your taco night.
bowl of cactus salad
Blue Corn Tortillas
Elevate your entire taco experience starting with homemade Blue Corn Tortillas. These tortillas offer a unique, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant color that instantly makes your tacos special. They are a step above ordinary white corn or flour tortillas, adding both visual appeal and enhanced taste to your tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas. Making your own tortillas is a rewarding way to impress your guests.
stack of blue corn tortillas
The Best Restaurant Style Refried Beans
Forget canned refried beans and make these Restaurant Style Refried Beans instead. With a luxuriously creamy texture and mouthwatering flavor, these pinto beans are in a league of their own. Aromatics and spices elevate this dish to restaurant quality, making it a comforting and flavorful side that perfectly complements tacos. They are a classic and satisfying addition to any Mexican meal.
bowl of refried beans with a spoon
Mexican Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)
For a healthy and hearty side, try Mexican Beans, or Frijoles de la Olla. These flavorful black beans are packed with plant protein and fiber. Made with just four simple ingredients and minimal hands-on cooking time (especially if using an Instant Pot), they are a nutritious and delicious side dish. These beans are a fantastic vegetarian option and provide a wonderful base for a balanced taco meal.
bowl of Mexican beans
Fresh Avocado Pico de Gallo
Bring out the best flavors of your taco dinner with Fresh Avocado Pico de Gallo. The combination of creamy avocados, ripe tomatoes, and zesty lime creates a vibrant and flavorful salsa that’s hard to resist. Once you try this hearty Mexican dish, it’s sure to become a staple on your menu, especially during the summer. It’s perfect as a dip with chips or as a topping for your tacos.
bowl of avocado pico de gallo
Easy Homemade Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes
Savor the taste of summer with this Easy Homemade Salsa made with fresh tomatoes. This garden salsa recipe is bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to make. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips as an appetizer while you prepare your tacos, or offer it as a classic condiment to accompany your meal. Fresh salsa is always a welcome addition to taco night.
bowl of fresh tomato salsa with tortilla chips
4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
No taco night is complete without guacamole! This 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe is incredibly easy and highlights the fresh, creamy flavor of avocados. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and authentic guacamole that will disappear quickly. Serve it with chips or as a creamy topping for your tacos – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips
Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Indulge in Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, this summer. This classic Mexican side dish is made with fresh corn on the cob, creamy mayonnaise, flavorful seasonings, and cotija cheese. Using the air fryer makes it quick and easy to prepare, perfect for taco bars. The combination of smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors is irresistible and a definite highlight of any taco night.
air fryer Mexican street corn
Homemade Roasted Jalapeno Salsa Recipe
For those who love a spicy kick, Homemade Roasted Jalapeno Salsa is a must-try. Roasting the jalapenos brings out a smoky and savory depth of flavor that elevates this salsa to a new level. Prepare to be amazed by the taste – it’s so good, you’ll want to make a double batch! Serve it with chips or as a bold topping for your tacos when you want to add some serious heat.
jar of roasted jalapeno salsa
Mexican Bean Salad Recipe
Mexican Bean Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish perfect for taco night. Packed with three kinds of beans and crisp veggies, all tossed in a zingy cilantro-lime dressing, this salad is both healthy and flavorful. It adds a lovely textural contrast to tacos and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for easy entertaining.
bowl of Mexican bean salad
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde
This flavorful Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde is incredibly versatile. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or as a mild and tangy addition to your tacos, this salsa is a winner. Roasting the tomatillos enhances their natural sweetness, while the jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat. Customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of jalapeño.
bowl of roasted tomatillo salsa verde
Easy Avocado Lime Crema with Cilantro
Avocado Lime Crema with Cilantro is a must-try for guacamole lovers. This creamy, tangy sauce is incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Luscious avocado, cool sour cream, warm cumin and chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice combine to create an irresistible condiment. Drizzle it over your tacos or serve as a dip with chips – you’ll want to put it on everything!
bowl of avocado lime crema with a spoon
Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Copycat (Taco Bell Inspired)
Inspired by Taco Bell’s iconic quesadilla sauce, this Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Copycat recipe is perfect for topping your tacos. This flavorful blend of ranch, jalapenos, and spices creates a tangy and slightly spicy dip that will take your taco experience to the next level. If you love a creamy sauce with a kick, this is the one to try.
bowl of creamy jalapeno sauce
Mexican Fruit Cups
Add a refreshing and light side with Mexican Fruit Cups. Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a mix of juicy fruits, topped with tangy lime juice and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning. These fruit cups are a delightful palate cleanser and offer a sweet and spicy counterpoint to savory tacos. They are perfect for warmer weather and add a colorful touch to your table.
Mexican fruit cups with Tajin seasoning
Cowboy Caviar with Avocado
You can’t go wrong with Cowboy Caviar with Avocado as a side dish for tacos. This tried-and-true recipe never fails to impress. Packed with red onions, creamy avocado, tomatoes, black beans, and spicy jalapeno, and tossed in a flavorful red wine vinegar and lime juice dressing, Cowboy Caviar is always a hit. Serve it as a side salad or with tortilla chips as an appetizer.
bowl of cowboy caviar with avocado
Charro Beans
These amazing Charro Beans are simmered in a deliciously flavorful broth with bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and other tasty ingredients. These pinto beans are a must-have addition to any Mexican feast! Whether you cook them on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, Charro Beans are a hearty and flavorful side that perfectly complements tacos. Their rich, smoky flavor is a true delight.
bowl of charro beans
Easy Spicy Taquera Salsa Recipe
Bring the authentic taste of a Mexican taqueria to your home with this Easy Spicy Taquera Salsa Recipe. This savory and spicy orange salsa is packed with tomatoes, vibrant spices, and just the right amount of heat from chilis. It’s the perfect salsa to liven up any type of taco. If you are seeking a truly genuine taqueria experience, this salsa is essential.
bowl of taquera salsa
Borracho Beans (Cowboy Beans)
Borracho Beans, also known as Cowboy Beans, are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect with tacos. Packed with spices, dark lager beer, bacon, and jalapeño, this dish is one of the best side dishes you can serve alongside tacos. The combination of beer and bacon infuses the beans with a rich, smoky flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
bowl of borracho beans
Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker Recipe)
Learn how to make Chipotle-style Cilantro Lime Rice right in your rice cooker! This is the perfect side dish for any tacos or grilled meats. Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten up the rice, making it a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment. It’s easy to make and adds a fresh, zesty touch to your taco meal.
bowl of cilantro lime rice
Bonus: Best Drinks to Serve with Tacos!
Don’t forget about drinks to complete your taco feast! Consider pairing your meal with classic margaritas, refreshing agua frescas, or Mexican beers.
With these delicious side dish ideas, your next taco night is sure to be a hit! Enjoy exploring these recipes and creating your perfect taco spread.
