11 Tasty Side Dishes That Go with Tacos
Sides for tacos can elevate any meal, adding flavor, color, and texture that complete the experience. From zesty and spicy to creamy and cooling, the variety ensures each bite complements your main dish.
Known for freshness and vibrant spices, these sides transform ordinary tacos into a full meal. Mixing vegetables, grains, and fresh salsas creates a feast for the senses.
Whether you’re looking for light or hearty options suit any taco night perfectly. Following are 11 sides for tacos you’ll love to add to your next spread:
Mexican Sweet Potatoes
Mexican sweet potatoes are a standout side that can elevate your taco night to new levels.
This dish features tender sweet potatoes mixed with avocado, red onion, corn, and jalapeño for an exciting flavor profile.
It requires minimal prep time and allows you to utilize your oven for effortless cooking in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
Once baked with cheese and corn, simply top it off with cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Chips And Salsa
Chips and salsa is a perfect pairing for tacos, offering an exciting blend of textures and flavors. The crispy tortilla chips provide the perfect crunch while delivering a salty contrast to the zesty freshness of homemade salsa.
Whipping up your own salsa is incredibly simple; just throw some ingredients into a food processor, letting it create that vibrant dip in minutes. Beyond being an ideal companion for chips, this lively condiment enhances tacos with added zest or works wonderfully in quesadillas and burritos too.
If you're short on time or fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned varieties make great alternatives without sacrificing taste. For those who enjoy extra flavor dimensions, explore diverse chip options at local stores, think jalapeno-infused or cilantro lime varieties.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved culinary favorite found at fairs and food stalls. This dish shines with its smoky flavor when grilled to perfection; the key is to achieve that ideal tenderness without overcooking.
Topped with fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a hint of pepper, it offers an explosion of taste that complements any taco meal effortlessly. Allowing the corn to cool slightly before serving enhances enjoyment while preventing burns from those eager bites.
For variation, consider creating a vibrant Mexican street corn salad using fresh kernels for added texture and freshness, finishing touches like cotija cheese elevate this simple yet enticing side even further.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding stands out as a creamy and sweet side that enhances your taco night.
With its smooth, custard-like texture achieved through canned corn and eggs, this dish offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of tacos.
You might appreciate how easily it adapts to your taste preferences; feel free to include sugar for added sweetness or experiment with nutmeg and vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.
Whether served hot alongside spicy meats or chilled as a refreshing complement, this versatile dish is sure to elevate any meal inspired by Mexican cuisine.
Pepper Salad
Pepper salad is a side dish that highlights the beloved peppers central to Mexican cuisine.
This refreshing mix features colorful bell peppers, which not only add visual appeal but also pack essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing your meal with both flavor and nutrition.
Creating this salad involves simply tossing together yellow, green, and red peppers with fresh vegetables in a large bowl; cilantro adds an aromatic touch that elevates the taste.
A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten up the flavors further while jalapeños offer just the right kick for those who crave some heat.
Drinks To Serve With Tacos
Taco night is a festive occasion that truly shines with the right beverages. Offering an array of drinks enhances the experience, making it memorable for everyone involved.
For families or those preferring non-alcoholic options, traditional Mexican drinks like non-alcoholic sangria provide a refreshing alternative that complements tacos wonderfully. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate classic choices such as Modelo and Dos Equis to maintain an authentic vibe.
Refreshing mojitos featuring fresh mint and frozen margaritas crafted from scratch elevate your gathering even further with their lively flavors. Exploring cocktail pairings based on specific taco styles can add unique flair; consider gin & tonic with chicken tinga or paloma alongside rajas con crema tacos for distinct tastes that enhance every bite you savor together.
Jicama With Mango Slaw
Jicama with mango slaw offers a refreshing take on taco night, bringing an exciting fusion of flavors and textures.
This crunchy root vegetable has a unique taste reminiscent of both potato and pear or even cabbage and cucumber, making it a versatile companion for your favorite tacos.
The addition of sweet mango elevates this dish further while providing vibrant color alongside optional ingredients like carrot, cilantro, and red pepper that enhance its crispness.
Perfectly paired with seasoned ground beef or grilled chicken, this slaw transforms any meal into something truly special as you savor every bite in delightful harmony.
Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican coleslaw is a refreshing complement to your taco feast.
Unlike traditional American coleslaw that relies on mayo, this version incorporates fresh lime juice or vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
Red onion and crunchy cabbage form the base while cilantro adds an aromatic touch that enhances every bite.
Preparing this slaw is incredibly simple, making it an ideal choice when you want something quick yet flavorful alongside tacos or grilled proteins like chicken and fish.
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a perfect accompaniment that perfectly complements taco night, enhancing your meal with its bold flavors. Unlike plain rice, this dish bursts with seasonings like chicken broth and tomato sauce, transforming it into a colorful side filled with zest.
A blend of garlic salt, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, lime juice, and dried oregano creates an inviting aroma that draws you in. For those seeking something heartier or spicier, mixing the rice with sour cream and chiles allows for a cheesy casserole that's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare, just bake until the cheese melts!
Opting for brown rice or quinoa provides nutritious variations while still delivering on taste.
Guacamole
Guacamole is an essential accompaniment for tacos, offering a rich and creamy texture that enhances each bite. The key to making exceptional guacamole lies in selecting the perfect avocado; it should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape.
To ripen avocados quickly, leaving them at room temperature works wonders, though patience may be required if you're not in a hurry. For those short on time or looking to boost flavor effortlessly, pre-packaged seasoning mixes are readily available and can elevate your dip with ease.
While browning is inevitable once prepared, you can slow it down by mixing in lime juice and covering the surface directly with plastic wrap.
Mexican Black Beans
Mexican black beans serve as a classic accompaniment to taco nights, delivering rich flavor and hearty texture. These dark legumes provide endless versatility, allowing you to experiment with various seasonings like cilantro, garlic powder or fresh cloves, ground cumin, salt, and a splash of lime for brightness.
Enhancing your dish with diced tomatoes, onions, or colorful peppers can elevate the overall taste experience significantly. You might even find that adding these savory beans to your corn salad brings an exciting twist that complements both dishes beautifully.
This side not only rounds out the meal but also keeps everyone coming back for more at the table.