What to Serve with Tacos

When you're hosting a taco night at home, selecting the best sides is key to creating a well-rounded and memorable meal. You are going to love these 15+ ideas for what to serve with tacos.

Tacos, with their endless flavor combinations and versatility, are a beloved dish that never fails to satisfy our taste buds. Taco night is an event in our house and we often experiment with different flavors and methods for making tacos. Our favorites include Crock Pot shredded chicken piled high on hard or soft taco shells or shrimp tacos with cilantro cabbage slaw when were craving something light and fresh. My guys love these easy and delicious steak tacos and these skillet chicken fajita tacos are the perfect combination of Mexican favorites.

When it comes to tacos, the spotlight often shines on the savory fillings and perfectly seasoned meats. Low sodium DIY taco seasoning and chicken taco seasoning add robust flavor but your choice of sides can elevate your taco experience to new heights.

First, I like to serve a condiment place which includes my family's favorite taco toppings. These include sour cream, salsa verde or pico de gallo, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes or whatever other toppings are requested. Now let's get to the best side dishes.

Store bought chips and salsa and refried beans are classic pairings when choosing what to serve with tacos, but branching out creates an exciting opportunity to diversify flavors and textures and take your taco feast to the next level. Choosing sides that complement and contrast helps to create a well-balanced meal while showcasing the vibrant flavors found in Mexican cuisine. If you are looking for that perfect side dish, we have plenty! 

What to Serve with Tacos

1. Chips and Salsa

A classic pairing with tacos, this homemade salsa is an easy recipe that is ready in just three minutes using a blender or food processor. It easily rivals the salsa from any Mexican restaurant. It's fresh and flavorful and goes perfect with tortilla chips.

2. Instant Pot White Rice

Long grain white rice is a staple in most households and it's so easy to whip up a batch to serve with tacos. Serve it plain or mix in your favorite salsa or taco seasoning to spice it up a bit.

3. Mexican Cabbage Slaw

This fresh Mexican coleslaw is ready in minutes and topped with a flavorful honey lime dressing. You can serve this crunch cabbage slaw as a topping for your favorite tacos or for a complete meal as a fresh side dish.

4. Super Easy Mexican Guacamole

Creamy guacamole is fresh, flavorful and loaded with healthy goodness. It's the perfect accompaniment to any mexican meal, especially tacos and fajitas. This authentic guacamole recipe has the perfect amount of avocados, onions, garlic and lime juice.

5. Easy Mexican Street Corn

Easy Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is flavorful corn on the cob topped with a seasoned crema and mayonnaise mixture and Cotija cheese. It's savory, sweet, salty and a little spicy all in one.

6. Black Bean and Corn Salsa

The addition of corn and black beans make this simple salsa recipe really stand out. Not only does it make a savory side dish, corn and black bean salsa is an ideal for topping tacos and creating a really filling meal.

7. Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad

Loaded with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, this Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad is the perfect mix of easy and tasty. A tangy olive oil dressing drizzled over top makes this a downright delightful dish that'll have you feeling those sunny summer vibes.

8. Roasted Vegetables

Tacos are sometimes heavy on the meat so I like lighten things up a bit with a variety of fresh roasted vegetable. Choose your favorites and serve them on or beside tacos for a burst of healthy goodness.

9. Refrigerator Pickled Jalapenos

These sweet and spicy peppers add a punch of sweet heat and are perfect for putting tacos (or burgers, sandwiches, salads and more). There is no canning involved and the jalapenos are ready to enjoy in just a few hours.

10. Avocado Tomato and Arugula Salad

Heavy side dishes can step aside because sometimes a refreshing salad is the perfect option for what to serve with tacos. This avocado tomato arugula salad is healthy and easy with a light cilantro vinaigrette that won't leave you feeling heavy.

More Favorite Sides for Taco Night

Our carefully selected list of sides promises to add a burst of flavors and textures to your taco feast and help you move beyond the standard stpre bought chips and salsa. And if you're still craving more inspiration, check out our additional recipes that guarantee to take your next taco Tuesday from delicious to downright spectacular.

• Easy Mexican Pinto Beans from The Foodie Affair
• Fiesta Saffron Rice from Swirls of Flavor
• Black Bean Soup from Souffle Bombay
• Skillet Jalapeno Cornbread from Grumpy's Honey Bunch
• Mexican Bean Salad from Everyday Eileen
• Spanish Rice via Honeybunch Hunts
• Mexican Sweet Potatoes via A Couple Cooks
• Cilantro Lime Rice via The Recipe Critic
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Jiffy Corn Casserole

Get ready to savor every moment and create a taco dinner experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.

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