Spice up your next taco night with this list of 28 delicious taco side dishes. From traditional Mexican classics like Pico de Gallo and Refried Beans to unique and flavor-packed dishes like Chili Lime Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots, there’s a perfect pairing for every taco variety. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect sides to enhance your taco experience.
1. Mexican Street Corn Salad
An Invigorating Side Dish
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delightful twist on the classic elote. With grilled corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a flavor-packed accompaniment to your favorite tacos. It provides the right balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Great for Sharing
This salad is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The vibrant colors and irresistible flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs exceptionally well with any type of taco.
Personalize Your Salad
Feel free to make this dish your own by adjusting the spice level or adding other ingredients like chopped tomatoes or cilantro. It’s versatile and can cater to your taste buds.
2. Black Bean and Corn Salsa
A Burst of Flavors
This Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a refreshing, vibrant side that pairs perfectly with your tacos. It combines the earthiness of black beans, the sweetness of corn, and the freshness of tomatoes and cilantro in a beautiful symphony of flavors.
A Healthy Choice
This salsa is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a source of fiber and protein, making it a healthful addition to your taco night.
Make it Your Own
Customize this salsa by adding avocado, adjusting the spice levels, or incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
3. Creamy Cilantro Lime Slaw
A Tangy, Refreshing Side
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Slaw offers a fresh, tangy contrast to your savory tacos. With crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing, this slaw will make your taco experience even better.
A Quick and Easy Preparation
This slaw is a great option when you’re short on time. It’s simple to prepare, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Adaptable to Your Tastes
You can modify this recipe according to your liking. Try adding some jalapeño for heat or mixing in other vegetables for extra color and texture.
4. Refried Beans
A Traditional Favorite
Refried Beans are a classic Mexican side dish, offering a creamy, comforting complement to your favorite tacos. The hearty beans, seasoned to perfection, add a delicious depth of flavor to your meal.
Nutritious and Satisfying
Not only are refried beans tasty, but they’re also a good source of protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied while you enjoy your tacos.
Personalize Your Beans
Add your own twist to refried beans by adding some cheese, spicy salsa, or chopped cilantro to customize the flavor to your liking.
5. Jicama and Mango Salad
A Sweet and Crunchy Side
This Jicama and Mango Salad provides a refreshing, sweet, and crunchy counterpoint to your tacos. The crisp jicama and juicy mango are a delightful combination that enhances any taco meal.
A Vibrant Addition to Your Meal
This salad is not just delicious, but also visually appealing. The colors pop, adding a vibrant touch to your table setting.
Adjust to Your Liking
You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste preferences. Add some chili powder for a kick, or squeeze in some extra lime for a tangier flavor.
6. Mexican Rice
A Classic Staple
Mexican Rice is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine. It’s flavorful, comforting, and makes the perfect side dish for tacos. Its enticing aroma and vibrant color will elevate your taco meal.
Satisfying and Nutritious
This rice dish not only fills you up but also provides essential nutrients from the vegetables and spices used.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different spices, vegetables, or even switch out the white rice for a healthier brown or wild rice alternative.
7. Chipotle Honey Roasted Carrots
A Flavorful Twist
These Chipotle Honey Roasted Carrots offer a unique and flavorful twist as a side dish. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the heat from the chipotle, complementing your taco meal.
Read also: 21 Leftover Taco Meat Recipes
Quick and Easy
This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a short roasting time, making it a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight taco dinner.
Customizable
Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking, or add some lime zest for a citrusy touch.
8. Avocado and Black Bean Salad
Refreshing and Healthy
This Avocado and Black Bean Salad is a refreshing, healthy side dish for tacos. It’s a delightful mix of creamy avocado, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime.
Perfect for Summertime
This salad is especially great for warm summer days. Its fresh flavors and chilled serving temperature make it a wonderful addition to your taco meal.
Versatile and Adaptable
Customize this salad by adding corn, cilantro, or a spicy jalapeno. You can also change the dressing to suit your taste.
9. Pico de Gallo
A Classic Salsa
Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a classic Mexican salsa that pairs wonderfully with tacos. Its bright, fresh flavors from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a zesty touch to your meal.
Healthy and Delicious
This salsa is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, making it a guilt-free side dish.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the ratios of the ingredients or add some jalapeno or serrano peppers for an extra kick.
10. Spicy Grilled Zucchini
A Veggie-Packed Side
This Spicy Grilled Zucchini is a simple and healthy side that goes great with tacos. It’s seasoned with spicy chili powder and fresh lime juice, providing a burst of flavor with each bite.
Perfect for Grilling Season
This side dish is perfect for the grilling season, adding a nice charred flavor to your zucchini.
Adaptable to Your Liking
Feel free to change up the seasonings or add some grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
11. Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
A Refreshing Salad
This Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with tacos. It’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and provides a lighter contrast to your meal.
Perfect for Summer
This salad is especially suited for warm weather, with its chilled serving temperature and crisp, fresh ingredients.
Personalize Your Salad
Feel free to mix in other ingredients like black beans, corn, or feta cheese to add an extra dimension of flavor.
12. Mexican Grilled Corn
A Savory Treat
Mexican Grilled Corn, also known as Elote, is a savory and delicious side dish. It’s smoky, creamy, and tangy, perfectly complementing the flavors of your favorite tacos.
A Must-Have for Barbecues
This dish is a great option for outdoor barbecues and get-togethers. Your guests will love the unique flavors.
Customizable Toppings
Feel free to change up the cheese or add additional spices to make this dish your own.
13. Shrimp Stuffed Avocado
A Deliciously Rich Side
Shrimp Stuffed Avocado is a rich, tasty side dish that pairs well with tacos. It features creamy avocado stuffed with juicy, seasoned shrimp and fresh salsa.
A Healthy Indulgence
Despite its decadent taste, this dish is packed with healthy fats and lean protein, making it a nutritious choice.
Adjust to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the spices used on the shrimp, or use a different protein like chicken or beans, depending on your preference.
14. Mexican Chorizo and Garlic Shrimp Burger
A Flavorful Feast
This Mexican Chorizo and Garlic Shrimp Burger is an unusual but delicious side dish for tacos. It’s packed with flavors from the spicy chorizo and the garlic shrimp, adding a delightful twist to your meal.
Perfect for a Hearty Meal
This dish is perfect for when you want a hearty, satisfying meal. The burger is filling, and the flavors go well with any type of taco.
Customizable
Feel free to switch out the shrimp for other proteins or add extra toppings to the burger, such as cheese or avocado.
15. Grilled Pineapple with Lime Mint Sauce
A Sweet and Tangy Side
This Grilled Pineapple with Lime Mint Sauce is a sweet and tangy side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of tacos. The caramelized pineapple and the zesty lime mint sauce create a delicious balance.
Great for Summer
This side dish is particularly wonderful in the summer months when pineapples are at their sweetest and grilling is in full swing.
Versatile and Easy
Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste, and enjoy how easy this recipe is to whip up.
16. Green Chile Cornbread
A Spicy Take on a Classic
This Green Chile Cornbread adds a spicy twist to a classic side dish. The sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the heat of the green chiles, creating a flavorful side that complements tacos well.
Read also: 20 Frozen Shrimp Recipes
Comfort Food at Its Best
This cornbread is ideal when you want a comforting, home-cooked side dish. It’s hearty, warming, and delicious.
Add Your Personal Touch
Feel free to add more chiles if you like extra heat, or sprinkle in some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
17. Mexican Quinoa Salad
A Nutrient-Packed Side
This Mexican Quinoa Salad is a nutrient-packed side dish that goes great with tacos. It’s filled with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, black beans, corn, and avocado, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping. It tastes great cold or at room temperature.
Easily Adaptable
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Try adding some grilled chicken or swapping the black beans for chickpeas.
18. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
A Hearty and Filling Side
These Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans make a hearty, filling side dish. The sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and the earthy black beans complement each other perfectly and go well with tacos.
Rich in Nutrients
This side dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamin A, while black beans are an excellent source of protein.
Versatile and Adaptable
Feel free to add some spices to the sweet potatoes before roasting or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
19. Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole
A Comforting Dish
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty side dish that pairs well with tacos. The creamy cheese and flavorful rice create a satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table.
Great for Family Dinners
This casserole is a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to add some vegetables or proteins to the casserole, or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
20. Mexican Coleslaw
A Crunchy, Fresh Side
This Mexican Coleslaw is a crunchy, fresh side dish that’s perfect for tacos. It’s filled with colorful vegetables and a tangy, spicy dressing that will add a nice contrast to your meal.
Perfect for Picnics and Barbecues
This coleslaw is great for outdoor events like picnics and barbecues, as it’s refreshing and easy to transport.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the dressing to your liking or add in some additional ingredients like jalapeno or cilantro.
21. Mexican Grilled Vegetable Stack
A Veggie Delight
This Mexican Grilled Vegetable Stack is a delightful side dish that offers a vibrant, fresh addition to your tacos. The combination of grilled vegetables and Mexican seasoning makes for a delicious flavor.
Ideal for Grilling Season
This dish is perfect for the grilling season, offering a healthy and delicious option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Customizable
Feel free to switch out or add any vegetables you prefer, and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
22. Pineapple Mango Salsa
A Sweet and Spicy Kick
This Pineapple Mango Salsa provides a sweet and spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with tacos. The juicy pineapple and mango create a perfect balance with the spicy jalapeno and tangy lime juice.
Perfect for Summer
This salsa is especially great for warm summer days. Its fresh, tropical flavors and chilled serving temperature make it a wonderful addition to your taco meal.
Adaptable to Your Taste
Adjust the ingredients based on your preference. You could add some bell peppers for extra crunch, or use more or less jalapeno depending on your desired heat level.
23. Black Bean and Corn Guacamole
A Hearty and Flavorful Dip
This Black Bean and Corn Guacamole is a hearty and flavorful dip that makes a wonderful side for tacos. The creaminess of the avocado, the sweetness of the corn, and the earthiness of the black beans make a delicious combination.
Healthy and Nutritious
This guacamole is packed with healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the black beans, making it a nutritious choice.
Versatile and Customizable
You can adjust the recipe based on your preferences. Add some jalapeno for a spicy kick, or sprinkle in some feta cheese for a tangy twist.
24. Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers
A Colorful and Savory Side
These Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers make a colorful and savory side dish. They’re stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, and a variety of spices, providing a delightful burst of Mexican flavors.
Great for Dinner Parties
These stuffed peppers are not only delicious, they also make a beautiful presentation on your dinner table, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Customizable
You can add other ingredients like ground beef or chicken, or swap the rice for quinoa for a healthier twist.
25. Zesty Mexican Pasta Salad
A Creamy, Tangy Side
This Zesty Mexican Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish that pairs well with tacos. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and a zesty dressing creates a unique dish that’s sure to please.
Ideal for Potlucks
This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks or large gatherings, as it can be made in advance and served cold.
Versatile and Adaptable
Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like olives, corn, or even some grilled chicken for extra protein.
26. Chili Lime Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A Unique Side Dish
These Chili Lime Roasted Brussels Sprouts offer a unique side dish for your taco night. The Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection and tossed with a chili lime dressing, providing a flavorful and healthy side.
Perfect for Health Conscious
Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and this recipe is a great way to include them in your diet. Plus, the chili and lime add a nice zing to this dish.
Easily Adjustable
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili, or add other spices to suit your taste.
27. Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)
A Classic Mexican Side
Mexican Red Rice, or Arroz Rojo, is a classic Mexican side dish. It’s a flavorful combination of rice, tomatoes, and spices, and pairs excellently with tacos.
Great for Family Meals
This dish is a fantastic choice for family meals, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and is loved by both adults and kids.
Versatile
You can add vegetables or even proteins to this dish, or adjust the spices according to your preference.
28. Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots
A Tangy, Spicy Treat
These Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots offer a tangy, spicy addition to your taco meal. They’re pickled with vinegar, spices, and jalapenos, providing a burst of flavor that contrasts well with other dishes.
Ideal for Make-Ahead
This is a fantastic make-ahead recipe, as the flavors deepen over time. You can prepare these pickled carrots a few days in advance for best results.
Adjustable Heat Level
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno, depending on your spice preference. Similarly, you can experiment with other spices or herbs to add different flavors.
Conclusion
Exploring this list of 30 delectable taco side dishes, it’s clear that tacos are more than just a main dish – they’re part of an entire culinary experience. Each side dish brings its own unique flavor, complementing and enhancing the taste of your favorite tacos.
So next time you whip up some tacos, don’t forget to pair them with these delightful sides to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal !
