Taco without a side dish is as boring as a hero without a side kick.
Hello taco fans! When it comes to what to serve with tacos besides rice and beans, there are plenty of options you can choose from, but today we are going to discuss 20 side dishes for tacos besides rice and beans. From unique and tasty esquites and zesty salads to grilled vegetables and delicious taco slaw, these taco sides healthy will change your taco nights. Who knew there were so many tasty options for what to eat with tacos? A mouthful fiesta! Let’s get started with these great sides for tacos:
1- Mexican Street corn:
Street corn, also known as “Elote” in Mexico or “cowboy fried corn”, is grilled or roasted corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cheese. The corn is usually served on a stick, which makes it a quick and easy snack. Street corn is unique for its flavours and textures.
The chilli powder gives heat, the shredded cheese adds salt, and the lime juice and mayonnaise balance the sweet and juicy corn. Roasted or grilled corn adds depth and richness with its charred and slightly smoky flavour. It’s one of the best Mexican vegetable side dishes that pairs well with tacos.
2- Guacamole with Chips
Guacamole and chips are always a winner when thinking about what goes good with tacos. The crunchy tortilla chips and creamy charred-vegetable guacamole are a combination made in heaven. Avocados are tasty and high in healthy fats and nutrients. Win-win!
3-Chile Rellenos:
For a warm, cozy side dish, try these cheese-stuffed poblano peppers, similar to jalapeño poppers. Serving them with tacos makes a complete feast and is one of the best side with tacos.
4- Jicama slaw:
Cilantro-jalapeño jicama slaw is a delicious taco night sides dish. This crunchy slaw is made with jicama, carrots, and acidic dressing, adding flavour and texture to tacos. Additionally, its mild and fresh flavour balances the tacos’ richness. Overall, jicama slaw is a great addition to any list of good taco sides.
5- Chicken Tortilla Soup:
A bowl of heated chicken tortilla soup goes well with tacos for dinner on a cold, rainy night. The rich and savoury broth will warm you up from the inside out.
6- Cilantro lime Rice:
The spicy and refreshing flavour of cilantro lime rice can enhance any meal. First, prepare the rice, then add fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Lime’s lively, citrusy aromas and cilantro’s herbaceous notes create a balanced and aromatic vegetable side dish for tacos. Try this recipe of Mexican cauliflower Rice & Arroz verde to freshen your next dinner!
7- Grilled Vegetable Skewers:
Grilled vegetable skewers are a great way to add extra Mexican vegetable side dishes to your tacos or meal. Add colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions to skewers and cook until done. The charred and smoky flavours of grilled vegetables enhance your taco meal.
8- Avocado Salad:
Avocado-corn salad makes a great addition to any list of sides for street tacos. Assembling ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a tangy lime dressing makes a healthy taco side dish.
Tacos are savoury, but avocado’s creaminess balances them. Colorful and flavorful salad adds freshness and visual appeal to the presentation. This side dish not only improves the tacos but also elevates the meal as a whole.
9- Pineapple Salsa:
Pineapple Salsa, similar to peach salsa, can be a great side dish for pineapple lovers wondering what to make with tacos. This salsa has diced pineapple, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, making it a delicious companion to street taco sides.
Pineapple salsa’s sweet and tangy flavours enhance your meal and provide freshness. This homemade salsa will impress guests and enhance your taco feast.
10- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
Spicy roasted sweet potatoes, like chipotle sweet potato fries, make a great addition to any list of taco bar side ideas. The tacos’ strong tastes pair perfectly with the potatoes’ sweetness.
For a spicy meal, combine sweet potato pieces with olive oil, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Roast them till soft and slightly crunchy. Spicy and sweet tastes of spicy potatoes and tacos will boost taco night.
11- Pickled Red Onions:
My must-have condiment is pickled red onions, because they add a professional touch to any taco dish with their ease of preparation. With their vibrant color and sour flavour, pickled red onions make a great addition to any list of Mexican side dishes for tacos.
I like how pickled red onions give crunch and acidity to tacos, balancing the richness of meat or vegetables.
12- Black Bean Salad:
A black bean salad with tacos is a light and healthful side dish. This colorful and healthy salad, similar to Texas caviar or mango-black bean salsa, is made of black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado in a zesty lime dressing.
This refreshing alternative will spice up your dinner and is one of the healthy sides with tacos.
13- Charro Beans:
Charro beans, also known as “Cow Boy” beans or frijoles de la olla, are a hearty and flavorful side dish that goes well with tacos. These pinto beans are slowly cooked. They are seasoned with bacon, tomatoes, onions, cumin, and chilli powder flavour these slow-cooked pinto beans.
14- Caesar Salad:
If you want to put a Mexican twist, you can go for Caesar salad. To make a Mexican Caesar salad, add cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. This fresh and tasty salad will enhance your tacos.
15- Corn Dip:
Mexican street corn dip makes tacos creamy and tasty. This creamy esquites dip contains grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chilli spice. Serve it with tortilla chips for a delicious starter. It’s a great alternative to regular Mexican corn salad.
16- Avocado cilantro dressing:
Avocado cilantro dressing adds creaminess and richness to tacos. Ripe avocados, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil make this zesty dressing. This tangy and refreshing option will enhance your taco experience.
17- Refried Beans:
For a classic side dish, offer refried beans with your tacos. These creamy and delicious beans are a popular Mexican dish and match nicely with the taste of tacos. Heat them and serve them alongside your favourite taco ingredients. They’re a great alternative to Arroz rojo.
18- Pico de Gallo:
I definitely recommend Pico de Gallo as a taco side dish to a professional chef. This fresh and flavorful blend of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños enhances the savoury tacos. Against the substantial taco contents, Pico de Gallo’s crisp texture and spicy kick enhance the dining experience.
Including this traditional Mexican salsa in your taco spread shows that you paid attention to the little things, making the food taste better for you and your guests. It’s similar to charred corn salsa or smoked-tomato salsa.
19- Chipotle Slaw:
Spice up taco night with chipotle slaw. The shredded cabbage, chipotle chiles, mayonnaise, and lime juice make this spicy, smoky slaw. This spicy and tasty side dish will give your tacos an extra kick, similar to cilantro-lime slaw or tangy rainbow slaw.
20- Grilled Zucchini:
Serve tacos with grilled zucchini for a lighter vegetable side dish for tacos. Cut zucchini into rounds, spray with olive oil, salt & pepper and grill until soft and charred. This easy and healthful option goes well with taco flavours. If you prefer sauce, then you can read these articles: orange taco sauce, garlic lime sauce, enchilada sauce.
If you prefer sauce, then you can read these articles: orange taco sauce, garlic lime sauce, enchilada sauce.
6 Comments