When it’s taco night, you may be so focused on the main event that you neglect to fill out the rest of the table. While tacos are amazing and are surely the superstars of dinner, you may be wondering what sides go with tacos. Everyone will fight for the food if you only serve tacos and their toppings. Plus, do they ever bring you a plate with only tacos when you go to a restaurant for tacos? No! Of course not! They’ve got sides on the plate to make it a full meal. So what sides go with tacos to make your meal complete? Try these!
Beans
In Mexican cuisine, beans are a hearty staple served with almost every meal. You can go for black beans or pinto beans that are slowly simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, and green chilis. Or you can serve up refried beans that burst with flavor. Why not serve them all if you’re having a large taco gathering? Check out HomePerch’s article on how to cook pinto beans Mexican style.
Rice
Rice is another common staple you’ll be served when you go out for Mexican food. Thus, one of the best sides to go with tacos is rice. You can serve cilantro lime rice with a light and fresh flavor, or go for Mexican rice with that warm tomato base to turn your taco night into a full-fledged fiesta.
Want to cut down on carbs or sneak in more veggies? You can make cilantro lime cauliflower rice or Mexican-style cauliflower rice too!
Mexican Street Corn
Sure, you could serve corn on the cob to go with tacos. But you’ll find the right side dish when serving Mexican street corn. Known as elote, it is slathered with cotija cheese and creamy mayo with spicy jalapenos and seasonings. Want a less-mess version? Turn it into a salad using canned corn which will make for easier serving when you’re having a party. Check out HomePerch’s article on how to make elotes with canned corn.
Pico De Gallo
What sides go with tacos? How about pico de gallo, that lovely blend of tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice? That’s a perfect side for tacos that you can add to the tacos themselves, onto your rice, or scoop up with tortilla chips. It’s very similar to salsa though chunkier, and it takes hardly any time to prepare.
Guacamole
Here’s another one you can pile onto your tacos or scoop up with chips. Or even with a spoon. Guacamole definitely goes with tacos; the more of it, the better!
Chili Con Queso
How about a cheesy side dish to go with your tacos? Chili con queso is another dip and dunk item you can put out on your taco table spread. In fact, if you made a dippin’ station with pico de gallo, guacamole, chili con queso, and salsa, it would probably turn into a conga line of guests dunking their tortilla chips with reckless abandon. Want it a little fancier? Consider giving everyone little sauce dishes to fill up on their own plates for personalized dunking…yum!
Roasted Mexican Potatoes
Roast a tray of potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, and cilantro; everyone will love roasted Mexican potatoes. You can do this with sweet potatoes for a super taco side that gives everyone a dose of healthy nutrition.
Chips and Salsa
Iconic in every Mexican restaurant, the moment you sit down and think about what sides go with tacos, chips, and salsa, most certainly comes to mind. You can try a black bean salsa to shake things up, go with a tomatillo salsa, or even do a fiery hot salsa. Make sure you use quality tortilla chips, which will be the perfect taco side dish! Check out HomePerch’s article on how to roast tomatoes for salsa.
Pepper Salad
Put more veggies on the table that will give your taco night more zing. Fresh bell peppers chopped up with cilantro and topped with a honey lemon dressing give things a delicious perspective. You can add some heat (check out HomePerch’s article on the super hot pepper called the Chocolate Bhutlah) or keep it mild to make it more approachable for everyone at the table.
Cucumber Gazpacho
Cool and creamy, this soup is the perfect starter for a more elegant taco night. It’s wonderful if you have lots of spicy options or if it’s hot outside. Garnish with some charred corn or fresh herbs to make it extra pretty!
Tomato Avocado Salad
Want to keep things simple? Then make a tomato avocado salad. Throw in corn, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime to turn this fresh salad into the most popular taco side dish.
Grilled Veggies
If it’s grillin’ season, marinate your favorite veggies and throw them on the grill for that perfect flavor. You can use cilantro lime dressing or a chipotle sauce for more heat. The best part is that you can do this with corn, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, or anything else you like.
Even better, do this with avocados, which take on a new layer of decadence when you grill them. They’ll be creamy, melty, and slightly charred. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a sublime experience.
Margaritas
Ok, so margaritas aren’t a side dish. But they do go on the side of your tacos! You could make a margarita bar for friends to pour their favorite flavors or keep a pitcher of the original flavor ready. Margaritas are great to make ahead this way, allowing for a stress-free way to delight your guests.
Dining with kids or having guests that don’t imbibe? Serve aqua fresca, a light, fruity drink that all ages can enjoy!
Enjoy Taco Tuesdays with Plenty of Sides
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what sides go with tacos, it’s time to start making your ultimate taco night feast!
