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What to Serve With Tacos as a Side: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elevate your taco night with delectable side dishes that enhance every bite. Mexican Rice delivers rich, savory flavors, while creamy Refried Beans provide a hearty complement. Guacamole, with its smooth texture and health benefits, and Pico de Gallo's fresh crunch both brighten your meal. Don't miss Elote, the famous Mexican street corn, which adds a smoky and creamy note. For even more flavor, consider Salsa Verde, spicy Jalapeño Poppers, or a medley of grilled vegetables. Finish with sweet, crispy Churros to make your taco night unforgettable. Explore these fantastic sides to make your tacos truly extraordinary.

Mexican Rice

flavorful side dish recipe

As a classic accompaniment, Mexican Rice enhances the vibrant flavors of tacos with its seasoned and aromatic profile. This delightful side dish offers numerous flavor variations, from spicy to mild, accommodating diverse palates.

Preparation techniques often include sautéing rice with onions and garlic before simmering in a tomato-based broth, ensuring a rich, savory taste that complements taco fillings beautifully.

Refried Beans

mexican cuisine staple dish

Refried beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine, provide a creamy and savory complement to tacos, enhancing the meal's overall texture and flavor.

Originating from indigenous traditions, their history is rich.

Today, refried beans variations include black beans and pinto beans, seasoned with spices and sometimes enriched with cheese.

This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with tacos, making each bite more satisfying and flavorful.

Guacamole

fresh creamy avocado dip

Guacamole, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, provides a rich and creamy texture that perfectly complements the flavors of tacos. A homemade recipe guarantees freshness and allows for customization to suit your taste.

Not only is guacamole delicious, but it also boasts numerous health benefits, including healthy fats and essential vitamins. This delightful dip elevates any taco meal, making it truly unforgettable.

Pico De Gallo

fresh tomato salsa recipe

Pico de Gallo, a fresh and invigorating salsa, serves as an excellent side dish that enhances the vibrant flavors of tacos.

Made with fresh ingredients, this tomato-based relish combines diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

The crisp texture and rejuvenating taste make it a perfect complement, adding a burst of brightness and a delightful crunch to every taco bite.

Elote

mexican street corn delight

Another delightful side that pairs perfectly with tacos is elote, a popular Mexican street corn dish known for its rich, smoky flavors and creamy texture.

This dish involves corn grilling until it is slightly charred, then coating it with a mix of mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice, and elote seasoning.

The result is a deliciously savory and tangy side that enhances any taco meal.

Avocado Fries

delicious and crispy snack

Avocado fries offer a crispy yet creamy alternative to traditional sides, making them an innovative accompaniment to tacos. Utilizing simple cooking techniques, avocados are sliced, breaded, and baked or fried to perfection.

Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy aioli or tangy ranch, to enhance their rich flavor, creating a delightful contrast to your taco experience.

Black Bean Salad

colorful black bean dish

Black bean salad is a nutritious and vibrant side dish that complements the rich flavors of tacos. Packed with protein and fiber, it offers significant nutrition benefits.

The flavor combinations of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a tangy lime dressing create an invigorating contrast to the hearty tacos.

This colorful salad not only enhances the meal but also adds a delightful texture.

Cilantro Lime Rice

delicious herb infused grain dish

In addition to black bean salad, cilantro lime rice provides a zesty and invigorating side that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of tacos.

Using simple cooking techniques, this dish combines fluffy rice with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and zest.

For flavor variations, consider adding garlic or jalapeños.

The result is a vibrant, revitalizing complement that enhances the overall taco experience.

Queso Fundido

melty cheese goodness served

Queso Fundido is a rich and melty cheese dip often featuring chorizo or peppers. It serves as an indulgent and crowd-pleasing side for tacos.

The combination of melty cheese and chorizo topping creates a savory delight that complements the vibrant flavors of tacos.

Perfect for dipping or drizzling, this dish adds a layer of gooey goodness that is sure to impress.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber dish

Balancing the rich and savory elements of queso fundido, an invigorating cucumber salad offers a crisp and light contrast that enhances any taco spread.

This dish combines invigorating cucumbers with tangy lime and a hint of chili, creating delightful flavor combinations.

Additionally, cucumber salad boasts health benefits, being low in calories and hydrating, making it a wholesome addition to your taco meal.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

delicious summer side dish

A vibrant addition to your taco feast, Mexican street corn salad combines charred corn with creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. The flavor profile is enhanced by ingredients like lime juice, mayonnaise, and chili powder.

To guarantee a well-charred corn for that smoky taste, and mix ingredients thoroughly.

This salad provides a delightful contrast that complements the savory richness of tacos.

Salsa Verde

smooth green salsa dip

Salsa verde, with its bright and tangy tomatillo base, brings a zesty freshness that pairs perfectly with tacos.

A homemade recipe guarantees you get the most flavor and health benefits, such as vitamins A and C from the tomatillos.

This green salsa is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great addition to your taco night spread.

Jalapeño Poppers

spicy stuffed pepper appetizers

Complementing the zesty salsa verde, jalapeño poppers offer a delightful combination of spice and creamy richness that enhances any taco spread.

The spicy kick from the jalapeños pairs perfectly with a cheesy filling, creating a mouthwatering bite.

This side dish adds a fun and flavorful element to your meal, making it a favorite among those who love a bit of heat with their tacos.

Grilled Vegetables

delicious summer barbecue option

Grilled vegetables provide a healthy and colorful side option that pairs seamlessly with the bold flavors of tacos.

Vegetable skewers, featuring a mix of bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, can be grilled to smoky perfection.

Grilled zucchini adds a delightful, tender crunch that complements the savory taco fillings.

These vibrant sides not only enhance the meal's visual appeal but also its nutritional value.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Tacos and Burritos?

When serving tacos and burritos, the best side dishes for burritos also work well with tacos. Beans, rice, and guacamole are traditional options that complement both dishes. These versatile sides enhance the overall flavors and textures of the meal, making for a satisfying dining experience.

Churros

delicious fried dough treat

Churros provide a sweet and crispy contrast to the savory flavors of tacos, making them an ideal dessert option.

These delightful treats, coated in cinnamon sugar, are best enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces such as rich chocolate or creamy caramel.

Their light, airy texture and sugary exterior create a perfect ending to a delicious taco meal, leaving everyone satisfied.