When it comes to planning a large gathering or casual get-together, tacos are an ideal choice. But why stop there? Pairing them with one or two favorite side dishes can take the experience to the next level. One classic combination is pairing tacos with rice and beans – a match made in heaven! And when it comes to easy weeknight dinners, tacos and their trusty sidekicks are always a winner.
To take your taco game to new heights, consider these 22 fast and delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with tacos. Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday or just want to spice up your next dinner party, these crowd-pleasing options are sure to impress.
Easy Sour Cream Potato Salad – Perfect Side for Fish Tacos
Imagine indulging in a salad where tender potato slices practically dissolve on your palate, surrounded by a luscious sauce crafted from the perfect blend of sour cream and mayonnaise. This wholesome side dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly practical, as it can be prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a social gathering or enjoying an outdoor picnic, this comforting and flavorful addition will elevate any meal to new heights.
Healthy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe
I’m thrilled to share my latest culinary discovery – a game-changing cilantro lime brown rice recipe inspired by Chipotle’s iconic dish. This speedy and wholesome side dish is a mere 45 minutes away from being ready in your kitchen. Its versatility knows no bounds, elevating everything from tacos and burritos to bowls and Mexican-inspired meals with its bold flavors.
Moreover, it’s become a reliable go-to for adding a nutritious and delicious twist to my family gatherings – always garnering praise from loved ones.
Mexican Black Beans – Best Side for Tacos
I’m thrilled to confess my enduring passion for Mexican cuisine, particularly when it comes to the harmonious union of beans and corn. This match made in heaven not only tantalizes the taste buds but also presents a visually stunning side dish, thanks to its vibrant color palette. Imagine serving tacos to your friends and accompanying them with a bean and corn salad that’s sure to garner rave reviews.
The combination is nothing short of magical, elevating even the most casual gathering into an unforgettable experience. Now, let’s turn our attention to another beloved taco side dish: refried beans. These creamy, sweet, and earthy gems are not only an excellent dip for tacos and chips but also a game-changer when used as a topping, imbuing your tacos with an extraordinary depth of flavor. What I adore about these dishes – especially the refried beans – is their satisfying nature.
Packed with plant-based protein, they ensure that your guests depart with full and contented bellies. To set the record straight, refried beans aren’t actually fried twice, despite the name ‘frijoles refritos’ in Spanish translating to ‘well-fried beans,’ not ‘re-fried.’ So, if you’re concerned about their fat content, rest assured that they typically undergo a single frying process following boiling, preserving their hearty flavor without excessive oil.
What to Serve with Fish Tacos? – Spanish Rice!
When it comes to pairing fish tacos with a side dish, I’m a firm believer that rice is the way to go. In fact, Spanish rice – also known as Mexican rice – takes the humble grain to new heights. By adding in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of cumin, this rice is transformed into a flavorful accompaniment that complements the tacos perfectly.
While it’s certainly delicious on its own, I like to take it up a notch by incorporating some colorful corn kernels, peas, and carrots for added texture and depth. This extra burst of flavor and fun ensures that my guests leave the table feeling full and satisfied.
Easy Refried Beans
For years, I underestimated the humble pinto bean, dismissing its potential as nothing more than a bland, run-of-the-mill staple after some lackluster meals at Mexican eateries. However, a recent epiphany has transformed my perspective on this unassuming legume. Pinto beans have surprised me with their rich, creamy texture and versatility in dishes like scrambled eggs, soups, and rice-based meals.
I’ve discovered they’re the perfect candidate for making refried beans, thanks to their buttery, indulgent nature. Inspired by a culinary ‘aha’ moment, I merged techniques from my refried black bean recipe with my pinto beer beans recipe (both available in my cookbook). The outcome was nothing short of remarkable – a batch of refried beans that defied expectations with its bold flavors and sublime texture, leaving me utterly delighted in the kitchen!
Homemade Salsa Verde for Taco Tuesday
The revelation of making salsa verde from scratch has been nothing short of transformative for me. The store-bought variety can’t hold a candle to the vibrant, unadulterated flavor that I create at home. It’s as if the freshness and zestiness of my homemade salsa have a way of elevating the entire culinary experience. This journey began with an experiment in creating a seven-layer dip, but it was the humble salsa that stole the show.
Its simplicity belied its complexity, with each batch offering a subtly unique flavor profile. The uncertainty surrounding the ripeness and intensity of the tomatillos, jalapeño, onions, and cilantro only adds to the allure. The magic of relying on natural ingredients is that it brings an element of surprise to the table. You can’t quite predict how the flavors will meld together or what nuances will emerge.
But one thing is certain – the finished product is always a delicious reflection of its maker’s hand. In contrast, store-bought salsa often relies on excessive salt and artificial preservatives to extend its shelf life. But by embracing the simplicity of my homemade recipe, I’ve discovered a world of flavor and texture that never fails to impress. It’s a testament to the power of trusting the process and allowing the natural beauty of ingredients to shine through.
Authentic Pico de Gallo
Effortless Instant Pot Pinto Beans – Serve on Taco Tuesday
Creating tender and creamy pinto beans from scratch using the Instant Pot is surprisingly easy! With this straightforward no-soak recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a side dish that’s not only comforting but also versatile enough to serve as either a main protein or a accompaniment to your meal. Simply follow these simple steps and you’ll be rewarded with a mouthwatering pinto bean dish that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice – A Chipotle-Inspired Creation
This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is an instant hit with its versatility and tantalizing flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser in your household. Whether served as a complement to Mexican or Asian cuisine, used as the base for bowl meals, or stuffed inside burritos and tacos, this mouthwatering rice dish is sure to elevate any taco or chicken meal. Its adaptability makes it an indispensable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Pineapple Salsa Goes with Tacos
This delectable pineapple salsa is incredibly easy to prepare using just a few basic ingredients. Its versatility knows no bounds – not only does it pair perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips, but it also complements the flavors of grilled chicken, fish, and your favorite Mexican dishes, making it an ideal choice for elevating taco nights.
Quick Refried Black Beans in Just 10 Minutes for Taco Evenings!
Enhance your taco nights with a quick and easy vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free twist on traditional refried black beans. This 10-minute recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Easy Guacamole Recipe – Best Side Dish to Serve Next Taco Tuesday
Indulge in the creamy delight of homemade guacamole, crafted with only five wholesome ingredients and a mere 5-minute preparation time. This effortless dip has earned a special place as our top choice for satisfying appetites, particularly on taco nights when its simplicity and rich flavor profile shine.
Easy-to-Make Homemade Adobo Guacamole – Elevate Your Mexican Meals
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mexico by transforming your ordinary guacamole into an extraordinary Homemade Adobo Guacamole. This easy-to-make dip requires only basic ingredients and can elevate even the most mundane side dishes, infusing them with a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Swift Instant Pot Pinto Beans (Options for Both Soaked and Unsoaked)
With its ease of use and speed, the Instant Pot makes creating perfect southwestern pinto beans a straightforward process. These versatile beans are a staple in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes, serving as a tasty side, a flavorful dip component, or an integral part of burritos and bowls. What’s more, the Instant Pot allows you to skip the pre-soaking step altogether, making the entire process even more efficient.
In under an hour, you can have a delicious batch of pinto beans ready to elevate your favorite recipes.
Esquites | Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad – Healthy Side for Tacos
As we finally got to serve the corn salad, a sense of anticipation hung in the air – just as expected. Yet, the euphoria was short-lived, replaced by dismay when it became apparent that there simply wasn’t enough remaining to satisfy our afternoon cravings.
Slow Cooker Borracho Beans – Mexican Side for Tacos
Indulge in the rich flavors of our simple slow cooker recipe for Borracho Beans, which yields a mouthwatering pot of creamy, spiced, and deeply satisfying pinto beans. While they’re more than capable of stealing the show as a standalone dish, these Borracho Beans also excel as a versatile accompaniment to any meal or occasion, elevating even the most mundane gatherings into a memorable experience.
7 Layer Dip with Black Beans – Best Taco Side Dish Idea
Imagine a seven-layer dip that’s so tantalizingly flavorful, it’s sure to become the star of every get-together. By combining the bold, authentic tastes of Mexico with the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips, this straightforward bean dip is ready to impress at a moment’s notice – and best of all, you can prepare it ahead of time, freeing up your attention for more important things.
Easy Mexican Rice with Traditional Flavors for Taco Night
Indulge in the bold flavors of Mexico with a game-changing, Whole 30 compliant, and low-carb side dish that’s also keto-friendly. By harnessing the power of either fresh or frozen cauliflower rice, you’ll create a scrumptious addition to any meal without sacrificing taste or dietary restrictions.
Effortless Coconut Cauliflower Rice – A Perfect Keto & Whole30 Side
Indulge in the harmonious blend of simplicity and flavor explosion with this coconut cauliflower rice recipe, requiring only five essential ingredients. This effortless skillet preparation, followed by a toasting process that amplifies its rich flavor profile, makes it an outstanding option for individuals adhering to Whole30, Keto, Vegan, or Gluten-Free dietary lifestyles.
3 Bean Salad – Mexican Side Dish Recipe
Indulge in the simplicity and flexibility of this effortless Trio of Beans Salad, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition. The best part? No cooking required, making it an ideal option for any situation.
Black Bean And Corn Salsa – Easy Side for Tacos
This vibrant black bean and corn salsa is the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any taco gathering, boasting a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave you craving more. Not only does it shine as a delicious dip, but its harmonious blend of ingredients also elevates tacos to new heights, guaranteeing a thrilling taste experience for your senses. Its versatility makes it an effortless addition to any meal, whether served as a side or used as a topping – and the best part?
It’s incredibly simple to prepare, ensuring that even the busiest of schedules won’t get in the way of this culinary delight.
Chipotle Sauce – Tasty Side Dish to Serve with Tacos
The allure of this homemade chipotle sauce lies in its unparalleled flavor profile. Once you’ve savored it, store-bought alternatives will seem dull by comparison. This easy-to-make condiment is a chameleon-like accompaniment to tacos, effortlessly transforming into an irresistible dip for burritos, chips, and fries, or elevating nachos and taco salads with its rich, velvety drizzle.
To elevate your next taco night, explore our curated list of 22 quick, healthy side dishes that perfectly complement your favorite tacos.
Instructions
Discover the perfect pairings for your tacos by exploring our curated selection of side dishes. Click on each image to access the full recipe, including step-by-step instructions. Don’t be afraid to get creative and share your own taco-themed creations with us on Pinterest! MomsHealth.co is your go-to resource for all things food-related, from classic American cuisine to innovative recipes that are sure to please.