When it comes to rounding out your taco night, picking the perfect sides for tacos is just as important as assembling the main dish!
After all, these accompaniments can take your taco experience to the next level.
If you’re still figuring out which side dish you should whip up, don’t worry.
Below, we’ve featured a rundown of the best taco sides that can bring color, texture, and a burst of flavor to your favorite Mexican-inspired feast!
59 Sides for Tacos: Perfect Pairings To Make Taco Tuesday a Treat!
1. Quick and Easy Pico de Gallo
You won’t be able to resist the fresh, vibrant flavors of this pico de gallo! This refreshing salsa brings a balance of acidity and heat, making it an ideal companion for any taco variety, from fish to carne asada.
It’s super easy to make too. Simply combine ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, verdant cilantro, and fiery jalapeños, then finish with a zesty squeeze of lime.
2. Homemade Mango Salsa
Complete your taco feast with a side that elevates every bite with a sweet and spicy kick!
Here, ripe mangoes fuse with the flavor of red bell peppers, the freshness of tomatoes and cucumbers, and the sharpness of red onions. A drizzle of lime juice and apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang to the mix.
3. Chipotle Guacamole
Recreating Chipotle’s classic guac, this side dish highlights the creaminess of rich, buttery avocados with crunchy onions, hot jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Each scoop offers a wonderful mix of textures and effortlessly melds with the flavors of any taco creation.
4. Mexican Beans
Beans are a beloved staple in any taco party, and these frijoles de la olla bring homey goodness to your table.
In this recipe, pinto beans are simmered until soft, resulting in a creamy and satisfying side that caters to all taco lovers.
5. Simple Cilantro-Lime Coleslaw
This slaw's crunch comes from a mix of fresh cilantro with shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed in a lively lime dressing.
It's the perfect cool counterpoint to the warm, spiced fillings of your favorite tacos, and it's just as delightful when savored on its own.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice
Bursting with the freshness of cilantro and lime, this aromatic rice is the perfect canvas to soak up the rich flavors of your favorite tacos.
It adds a subtle citrusy note that complements both meat and vegetarian options beautifully.
7. Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Bring a creamy, funky twist to your taco spread with this blue cheese coleslaw!
This unique coleslaw variant drenches cabbage and carrots in a delicious and unique blue-cheese-and-mayo sauce, giving you a side that's rich in both flavor and texture.
8. Roasted Jalapeño Salsa
Set your taste buds ablaze with this zesty jalapeño salsa, where the bold heat of jalapeños meets the sharp tang of lime and the aromatic punch of garlic.
Perfect for those who crave a fiery touch, this side can make eating even the simplest, most traditional taco exciting.
9. Pineapple Mango Habanero Salsa
With the sweet heat of this pineapple mango habanero salsa, you can easily add an exotic and spicy edge to your taco night!
The sweet flavors of the tropical fruits meld exquisitely with the spicy habanero, creating a salsa that's as daring as it is delightful.
10. Cilantro Lime Red Cabbage Slaw
For those seeking a taco side that packs a punch of color and flavor, this cilantro-lime red cabbage slaw is a must-try.
Not only does red cabbage pair beautifully with onions, cilantro, and lime for a blend of sharp and fresh flavors, but it also makes this side dish pop with its bright, stunning hue!
11. Elote Dip
When it comes to warm and inviting flavors, nothing comes close to this Mexican street corn dip!
Cooked corn, red onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños are enrobed in a spiced blend of sour cream, lime juice, and Cotija cheese in this dish, making it a creamy, crunchy side to enjoy with tacos or spoon onto tortilla chips.
12. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Charred pineapple chunks offer a caramelized depth and a smoky sweetness to this fruity salsa.
They’re combined with fresh ingredients like red onions, jalapeños, and lime juice to create a salsa that's perfect for adding a sweet, tangy flair to any taco variety.
13. Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes
A side that's both healthful and satisfying, these broccoli florets and potatoes are browned to a crisp in the air fryer and made flavorful with a hint of seasoning.
It’s an easy and healthy addition that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of tacos, especially when topped with vegan cream cheese.
14. Tropical Salsa
This tropical salsa boasts a refreshing medley of watermelon, pineapple, and mango, combining their irresistibly sweet, fruity flavors. A dash of red onions completes the mix for a hint of complexity.
Enjoyed with a beef or fish taco, this side will make you feel like you’re having a feast by the beach!
15. Spicy Mango Guacamole
With juicy mango chunks, jalapeños, and red onions added to a bed of mashed avocados, this guac is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
It’s a creamy, fruity delight with a kick of heat that can work as a side or a dip for chips and veggies!
16. Vegan Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
The classic elote gets a vegan makeover with this recipe!
It retains all its classic, comforting, and exciting flavors of the famous Mexican street treat, with corn on the cob covered in a Brazil nut coating, brushed with chili mayo, and grilled to charred perfection.
And it’s completely plant-based, so it can go perfectly with a veggie taco.
17. Roasted Garlic Rice
Infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, this fragrant and savory rice dish can go with all taco varieties.
Its aroma alone will entice you to ditch your diet and load up on carbs!
18. Peach Pineapple Salsa
In the mood for a sweet side? This fruity salsa is just what you’re craving.
The combination of ripe peaches, tropical pineapple, hot jalapeños, and fresh cilantro creates a salsa that's both refreshing and complex — perfect for those who enjoy a fruity complement to their savory tacos.
19. Crispy Keto French Fries
These keto French fries provide a low-carb alternative to a beloved side, crafted from alternative ingredients like coconut flour and xantham gum to achieve that classic potato texture.
With this side, you can satisfy your cravings for fries and enjoy them alongside a keto-friendly taco. Of course, you can also enjoy these on their own as a fun snack!
20. Charred Corn
Simple yet sublime, this side dish showcases the natural sweetness and smokiness of grilled corn, spiced with onions, pepper, and cilantro.
This straightforward preparation allows the corn's robust flavor to shine through, making it a versatile side that pairs effortlessly with the rich and varied flavors of tacos.
21. Hearts of Palm Salad With Avocado
Don’t want anything too heavy? This refreshing side is for you!
It’s wonderfully light but still amazingly flavorful, marrying the creaminess of avocados and the juiciness of tomatoes with the hearts of palm’s subtle, earthy notes.
22. Crunchy Cucumber Slaw
A duo of English cucumbers and red cabbage gives this slaw an ultra-delightful crunch, complemented by fragrant cilantro and a creamy, tangy dressing.
This side dish goes perfectly with beef tacos, cutting through their richness to make each bite more enjoyable.
23. Olive Hummus
Rich, creamy, and spicy all at the same time, this hummus gives you the bold flavors of olives and the earthy taste of chickpeas with a hint of heat from cayenne.
It adds a smooth element to any taco, and it can even serve as a dip for other side dishes!
24. Pink Pickled Red Onion
Brighten up your taco with this side’s quick, zesty crunch and a pop of vibrant pink!
Aside from offering a pleasantly tangy contrast to the richness of your taco meats, these pickled onions are also quick to make and easy to store; you can whip them up in 15 minutes and store them for days!
25. Autoimmune Paleo Guacamole
If you’re following the autoimmune protocol diet, you’ll be sure to enjoy this side!
Free of inflammation-causing ingredients, this guacamole is gentle on the stomach but doesn’t sacrifice the beloved creaminess and complex flavor profile of the traditional recipe.
26. Mango Pico de Gallo
Here’s a tropical take on the iconic salsa, with sweet mango pieces offering a fruity counterbalance to the classic pico ingredients.
It’s light, colorful, and juicy, bringing a refreshing sweetness that perfectly complements your tacos’ savory elements.
27. Refried Pinto Beans
Hours of slow cooking bring out the creaminess of these refried pinto beans to yield an extraordinarily smooth and comforting texture.
Their naturally nutty flavor is enhanced by different aromatics and seasonings, so they’re a great choice for a hearty side to go with tacos, burritos, fajitas, and other Mexican dishes.
28. Mexican Street Corn Casserole
This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of elote into a creamy, cheesy, and shareable casserole!
To make it, just mix corn, mayo, sour cream, queso fresco, and seasonings, then bake away! After 30 to 40 minutes, you’ll have an easy side for family taco nights and large gatherings.
29. Charro Beans
Called frijoles charros, this hearty, flavorful stew has pinto beans simmered in seasoned beef broth and topped with bacon.
Its robust, meaty flavor can complement tacos with light meat, such as fish and chicken.
30. Refried Black Beans
If you find the flavor of pinto beans a bit too mild, go with refried black beans instead!
This rich, velvety, and perfectly seasoned side dish offers cozy flavors and adds a protein-packed punch to your tacos.
31. Avocado Corn Salad
Cherry tomatoes, avocados, and corn come together to create this bright and colorful side dish!
To create a balanced flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of tacos, the salad is tossed in a dressing made with lime juice, cumin, and garlic.
32. Salsa Verde
Made with roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, this green salsa is a tangy and herbaceous alternative to red salsa!
It brings a zippy and slightly tart flavor profile that gives your favorite tacos a lively burst of freshness.
33. Corn Mango Salsa
Pairing corn with mangoes brings out corn's natural sweetness, and this dish does just that!
The combo also harmonizes with avocados, bell peppers, and jalapeños, adding a summery touch to your taco night.
34. Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Verde
For more depth and heat, this version of salsa verde features apple cider vinegar in place of lime juice and adds poblano pepper to the mix of tomatillos, onions, and jalapeños.
All the ingredients are blended together in a food processor until smooth — perfect for a quick side dish!
35. Green Rice
Green rice — or arroz verde — is a treat for the senses, infusing long-grain rice with the smoky flavor and verdant color of charred poblano peppers.
Cilantro, garlic, onion, and chicken broth also give this rice an enhanced boost of flavor to make for a remarkable accompaniment to your rich and spicy tacos.
36. Mexican Roasted Potatoes
There’s no side as versatile as roasted potatoes, and these ones pair amazingly well with all taco meats and fillings.
They’re roasted to perfection with a blend of Mexican spices, producing a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior that adds a robust bite to your plate.
37. Roasted Honey Gold Potatoes With Cilantro Vinaigrette
The secret to elevating the flavor of these roasted potatoes? A cilantro vinaigrette!
With crisp, salty potatoes and a zesty, acidic dressing, this is the perfect side dish to balance the heat of your favorite tacos.
38. Mixed Bean Chilli
Want a hearty side while seeking a meatless option? This mixed bean chili will hit the spot!
What makes this truly satisfying — aside from the tomato-based sauce and the filling, fiber-rich beans — is the blend of spices that gives you addictively mouthwatering flavors.
39. Easy Curtido
Curtido is a traditional Salvadoran slaw that offers a burst of colors and a tangy crunch.
This lightly pickled cabbage salad is healthy and delicious, and refrigerating it for a couple of days before serving with tacos further amps up its flavors.
40. Mango Black Bean Salad
Mangoes and black beans in one side dish? Yes, it works! The nutty earthiness of black beans brings out the sweetness of mangoes.
And in this salad, the surprising duo is accented with red bell pepper, red onion, and a fresh lime vinaigrette for a colorful side that brings tropical flair to your taco night.
41. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Even the most dedicated Brussels sprouts hater will have a hard time resisting this side dish.
It tames the naturally bitter taste of Brussels sprouts with sweet, hot honey and Sriracha sauce, creating a side that's crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor.
42. Jalapeño Coleslaw
Make your taco experience more dynamic and thrilling with this jalapeño coleslaw!
The heat of jalapeños sings through the creamy dressing and the crunchy veggies, especially when paired with a meaty taco.
43. Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad With Charred Corn
Expect an explosion of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors in your mouth with each bite of this delicious salad!
It ties the contrasting taste and texture of charred corn and fresh watermelon with a unique jalapeño-lime dressing. The perfect summertime side for a pork or shrimp taco!
44. Ensalada de Nopales
Ensalada de nopales is a classic Mexican salad that's both healthy and delicious.
Tender cactus paddles, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco are assembled together and tossed in a blend of olive oil and lime juice to create a side full of invigorating flavors.
45. Tofu Skewers
Marinated tofu cubes, zucchinis, tomatoes, and peppers are threaded onto skewers and grilled until charred in this scrumptious side.
This plant-based creation boasts an enticingly smoky, savory taste that can stand alone, but it can also work as a side that makes a taco meal feel extra indulgent.
46. Chipotle Potato Salad
Turn a simple potato salad into a smoky, spicy treat with this recipe!
Just mix tender potatoes with a creamy dressing enlivened by the kick of chipotle and a hint of tangy lime. With this, you can have a bold and flavorful accompaniment to any taco of your choice.
47. Mexican Roasted Vegetables
This simple yet delicious side brings the natural sweetness and earthiness of vegetables to the forefront.
Healthy veggies like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers are sprinkled with taco seasoning and roasted in the oven. The result is a side that boosts both the texture and nutritional profile of your taco.
48. Spicy Guacamole
The best way to take your guac to new heights is by adding a bit of a kick!
This recipe mixes roasted jalapeños and red pepper flakes into the avocado base, contrasting the creamy texture with a distinctive heat.
49. Patatas Bravas
These beloved Spanish tapas can easily find a place at your taco table.
Featuring crispy potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and a drizzle of creamy aioli, they come with a combination of textures and flavors that can please any crowd looking for an appetizing side.
50. Rojos Street Corn
Sour cream and shredded cheddar make this dip irresistibly creamy and cheesy, while the green chilis and Tajín seasoning upgrade the sweet, crunchy corn’s flavor.
These ingredients come together harmoniously for a decadent side your guests will ask for again and again.
51. Bell Pepper Nachos
Slices of crisp bell peppers serve as the base of these nachos, topped with seasoned meat, melted cheese, and your favorite nacho fixings.
These tasty and colorful bites deliver all the satisfying flavors of a classic nacho platter in a healthier form!
52. Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)
These Turkish zucchini fritters are a delightful addition to any meal, including tacos.
They’re packed with grated zucchini and fresh herbs like dill and parsley, then pan-fried to achieve a golden exterior with a tender, flavorful interior — a whole new way to incorporate vegetables into your taco meal!
53. Mexican Pickled Carrots
Requiring just a handful of ingredients like fresh carrots, onions, and a selection of aromatic spices, this pickled delight can elevate your soft tacos and give them a nice crunch.
It’s especially ideal for taco recipes with grilled meats as it refreshes your palate after enjoying all those smoky flavors.
54. Cowboy Caviar
Don’t let the name fool you; this salad is as straightforward and affordable as it gets!
This colorful medley of simple ingredients, like beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, is dressed in a bright, acidic vinaigrette, offering a lovely, rustic side for a taco picnic.
55. Avocado Coleslaw
Two classic sides for tacos are brought together in this dish: guacamole and coleslaw!
It balances the traditional crunch of cabbage and carrots and the surprising sweetness of apples with the smooth richness of an avocado dressing.
56. Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Try this flavorful side for a low-carb alternative to your favorite rice dish!
Generously seasoned and mixed with tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and onions, this cauliflower rice is a substantial side that can offset the bold flavors of tacos without weighing you down.
57. Cherry Tomato Salsa
Sweet cherry tomatoes are the star of this amazing salsa recipe!
They’re combined with diced tomatoes for a smooth texture, along with salsa classics like red onion and cilantro.
58. Frijoles Charros
A staple in Mexican cuisine, this hearty dish is filled with pinto beans, bacon, sausage, chorizo, ham, and a variety of flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
With all those filling ingredients, it practically counts as a full meal in itself! But a warm bowl can go excellently with tacos as a robust side.
59. Summer Corn and Cucumber Salad With Basil
Celebrate the flavors of summer with this salad, which tosses the sweet, refreshing, and aromatic flavors of corn, cucumber, and basil together in a light and delicious dressing!
This is wonderful to enjoy a warm day — with a warm taco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Keep My Taco Sides Warm for a Party?
Here are some options to keep your taco sides warm:
- Get chafing dishes with a heat source (such as a candle or a fuel canister), which can help maintain a consistent temperature.
- Make the sides in a slow cooker to keep beans and rice warm and ready to serve.
- Keep casseroles in an oven to help them retain their warmth. Just make sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
- Go for insulated food carriers if you want to transport your sides and keep them warm at the same time.
Can Sides for Tacos Double as Toppings?
Yes, many sides for tacos can indeed double as taco toppings! Classics like guacamole, salsa, rice, and coleslaw can be spooned directly onto tacos to add moisture and flavor.
Refried beans can be used as a base layer in a taco, while pickled vegetables can provide a zesty garnish.
Level Up Your Taco Game With These Delicious Sides for Tacos!
With so many scrumptious sides for tacos to choose from above, you can easily whip up your favorite or even mix and match different recipes.
So for your next taco party, try one, two, or even three of the sides above to create the perfect plate that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
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