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What to Serve With Tacos at a Party: 15 Best Side Dishes

Planning a taco party? Enhance your spread with these inviting side dishes. Begin with creamy guacamole and zesty Pico de Gallo. Add savory Mexican rice and hearty refried beans. For a lively twist, try street corn salad and mango salsa. Jalapeño poppers add a spicy kick, while nachos and Mexican street fries offer satisfying crunch. Complete the feast with colorful cilantro lime slaw, invigorating black bean salad, and tangy salsa verde. Treat guests to Queso dip and end on a sweet note with churros. These delicious sides will make your taco party unforgettable. Want to explore more? There's plenty to discover!

Guacamole

delicious avocado and lime

Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based dip that is an essential and versatile side dish, originating from Mexico. Avocados provide a rich, buttery texture that makes the dip smooth and delightful. The creamy texture of guacamole pairs beautifully with the crunchiness of taco shells, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the overall taco experience for any gathering.

Pico De Gallo

fresh and zesty salsa

Pico De Gallo, a lively and invigorating salsa, brings a burst of flavor and color to any taco spread. Made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, this traditional recipe is both simple and delicious.

Its crisp texture and zesty taste perfectly complement the rich flavors of tacos, making it a must-have side dish for your taco party.

Mexican Rice

mexican cuisine delightfully described

Mexican Rice is a staple in traditional Mexican cuisine. It offers a savory and aromatic side dish that pairs seamlessly with tacos. Using simple cooking techniques, such as sautéing rice with onions and garlic before simmering in a tomato broth, it creates a rich base.

Flavor variations can include adding vegetables, spices, or even a hint of lime, making it versatile and delightful.

Refried Beans

delicious mexican side dish

Refried beans, a quintessential component of Mexican cuisine, provide a creamy and hearty accompaniment that enhances the flavor profile of any taco dish.

Utilizing simple cooking methods, such as frying mashed beans in oil, they are easy to prepare.

Additionally, refried beans offer nutritional benefits, being rich in protein and fiber, making them both a delicious and health-conscious choice for your taco party.

Street Corn Salad

delicious summer barbecue side

Another delightful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with tacos is street corn salad, which combines the smoky flavors of charred corn with a zesty, creamy dressing.

The flavor profile is vibrant, featuring lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder.

For serving suggestions, consider garnishing with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance both taste and presentation.

Salsa Verde

tasty green sauce recipe

Salsa verde is a tangy and vibrant green sauce made primarily from tomatillos. It is an excellent accompaniment to tacos, enhancing their flavor with its fresh and slightly spicy notes. A homemade recipe allows for experimentation with tomatillo variations, providing a unique twist.

This versatile condiment pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fish, making it a must-have for any taco party.

Queso Dip

cheesy creamy and delicious

Queso dip is a creamy and indulgent cheese sauce that is a crowd-pleasing addition to any taco spread. It is made from different cheese types like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco, offering a delightful richness.

For serving suggestions, pair it with tortilla chips, drizzle over nachos, or use as a topping for tacos. This versatile dip enhances flavors, making your taco party unforgettable.

Churros

delicious fried dough treat

Churros, a beloved Mexican dessert, provide a sweet and crispy complement to a savory taco meal. These traditional desserts are deep-fried until golden and then generously coated in cinnamon sugar, creating an irresistible treat.

Perfect for dipping in chocolate or caramel sauce, churros offer a delightful contrast to the spiciness of tacos, ensuring your party ends on a sweet note.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

refreshing tangy salad recipe

Cilantro Lime Slaw adds an invigorating and zesty element to your taco spread, balancing the rich flavors of the main dishes with its crisp texture and vibrant taste.

This slaw, featuring a delightful cabbage crunch, serves as a rejuvenating, vegan option that complements any taco filling. Its tangy lime and fresh cilantro create a perfect harmony, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Elote

grilled corn with toppings

Elote is a beloved Mexican street food that offers a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos. Mastering the grilling techniques is key to achieving the ideal smoky flavor.

Seasoning variations, such as adding chili powder, lime juice, or cotija cheese, allow for a personalized touch. Serve this charred and seasoned corn on the cob, and watch your taco party guests be delighted.

Black Bean Salad

fresh and colorful dish

Black bean salad is a vibrant and nutritious side dish that complements tacos with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It offers vegetarian protein, making it a hearty option for guests.

The colorful presentation with ingredients like tomatoes, corn, and cilantro adds visual appeal to any party spread. This delightful salad not only tastes great but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Mango Salsa

fresh and zesty topping

Mango salsa, with its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, serves as an excellent accompaniment to tacos. This vibrant side dish pairs beautifully with other flavors like grilled pineapple and avocado salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The juicy mangoes mixed with fresh ingredients add a rejuvenating twist, making it a hit at any taco party. It's both delicious and colorful, delighting guests.

Jalapeño Poppers

spicy cheese filled peppers

Combining a creamy filling with a spicy kick, jalapeño poppers provide an irresistible and flavorful side dish for tacos.

These stuffed peppers, filled with a rich mixture of cheese and spices, make for perfect spicy appetizers.

Their crispy exterior and gooey center offer a delicious contrast, enhancing the overall taco experience and ensuring your guests enjoy a memorable meal.

Nachos

cheese covered tortilla chips

As a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish, nachos complement tacos by offering a delightful combination of crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables.

Cheese toppings add a creamy texture, while spicy seasoning enhances the overall flavor.

This blend of components makes nachos an irresistible addition to any taco party, ensuring guests enjoy a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Tacos for Both a Party and Dinner?

When serving tacos for both a party and dinner, the best side dishes for tacos are versatile options like guacamole, chips, and salsa. These sides are perfect for a casual gathering and also make a great addition to a family meal. You can’t go wrong with classic Mexican side dishes for tacos.

Mexican Street Fries

spicy crispy flavorful indulgence

Mexican Street Fries offer a deliciously rich and spicy accompaniment to tacos, featuring crispy fries topped with flavorful ingredients such as cheese, jalapeños, and seasoned meat.

The crispy texture of the fries pairs perfectly with various seasoning options, making them a crowd-pleaser.

These fries can be customized to suit different tastes, adding an exciting and satisfying element to your taco party.