16+ Sides for Tacos

Tacos are a beloved meal, but they’re even better with tasty side dishes. The right sides can turn a simple taco night into a full feast.

From classic Mexican flavors to creative new options, there are many delicious choices to pair with your tacos.

You can find 15 great side dishes to serve with tacos that will take your meal to the next level. These sides range from quick and easy to more elaborate recipes.

Some are traditional Mexican dishes, while others offer unique twists. With these options, you’ll have plenty of ideas to make your next taco night extra special.

1. Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic taco side dish that never disappoints. This creamy avocado-based dip adds a rich and tangy flavor to your tacos.

To make guacamole, mash ripe avocados and mix with lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Add salt and a pinch of cumin for extra flavor.

You can customize your guacamole by adding jalapeños for heat or garlic for a savory kick. Serve it alongside your tacos or use it as a topping.

Guacamole pairs well with many taco fillings, from beef to fish. It also tastes great with tortilla chips as an appetizer before the main taco course.

2. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a fresh and zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos. This chunky salsa is made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice.

You can spoon pico de gallo directly onto your tacos or serve it on the side. Its bright flavors and crisp texture add a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory taco fillings.

Pico de gallo is easy to make at home. Just chop the ingredients and mix them together. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.

This versatile side isn’t just for tacos. You can also enjoy it with tortilla chips, rice, or beans.

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a tasty side dish for tacos. You grill corn on the cob until it’s slightly charred. Then you coat it with a mix of mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

The mayo gives it a creamy texture, while the cheese adds tang. Chili powder brings some heat, and lime juice adds zest. This combo of flavors goes great with tacos.

You can also make a salad version called esquites. Cut the corn off the cob and mix it with the same toppings. This makes it easier to eat alongside your tacos.

4. Refried Beans

Refried beans are a classic taco side dish. You can make them quickly at home or use canned versions for convenience.

To prepare homemade refried beans, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add pinto beans, water, and spices like cumin and paprika. Mash the beans as they cook.

For a shortcut, heat canned refried beans in a skillet. Add some spices to boost the flavor.

Serve your refried beans warm alongside tacos. They’re great for spreading inside tacos or eating on the side. You can also top them with cheese for extra tastiness.

5. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice adds a zesty kick to your taco spread. This flavorful side dish combines fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice.

To make it, cook your rice as usual. Once done, mix in chopped cilantro, lime zest, and a splash of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

This rice pairs well with many taco fillings. Its bright flavor complements spicy meats and beans. You can also use it as a base for burrito bowls.

For extra flavor, try sautéing garlic or onions before adding the rice. This adds depth to the dish. You can also mix in some corn or black beans for added texture and nutrition.

6. Queso Fundido

Queso fundido is a tasty side dish for tacos. It’s a warm, gooey cheese dip that pairs perfectly with your favorite taco fillings.

To make queso fundido, you melt cheese in a skillet or baking dish. Many recipes add cooked chorizo sausage for extra flavor.

You can customize your queso fundido by mixing in onions, peppers, or spices like cumin and chili powder. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Serve your queso fundido hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next taco night.

7. Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a tangy and zesty green sauce that adds a burst of flavor to your tacos. You can make it at home using fresh ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice.

This sauce is easy to prepare and tastes much better than store-bought versions. It offers a bright, slightly tart taste that complements the rich flavors of taco fillings.

Serve salsa verde on the side or drizzle it directly over your tacos. It also works great as a dip for chips or a topping for other Mexican dishes.

8. Chipotle Slaw

Chipotle slaw adds a spicy kick to your tacos. You can make it quickly with a few simple ingredients.

Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions in a bowl. For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and lime juice.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well. Let the slaw chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

This tangy, smoky slaw pairs perfectly with shrimp or fish tacos. You can also serve it with beef or chicken. The crunchy texture and bold flavor make it a standout side dish.

9. Churros

Churros make a sweet ending to your taco feast. These crispy, fried dough treats are dusted with cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch.

You can serve churros with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche. The contrast between the warm churros and cool sauce is tasty.

For a fun twist, try making churro bites. These smaller pieces are easier to share and perfect for dipping. You can even sprinkle them over ice cream for a delicious dessert.

10. Frijoles Charros

Frijoles charros are a tasty Mexican side dish that pairs well with tacos. These “cowboy beans” are made with pinto beans, bacon, onions, and spices.

To make them, cook bacon until crispy. Sauté onions and garlic in the bacon grease. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices to the pot.

Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 hours until the beans are tender. The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend nicely.

You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add some fresh cilantro before serving for extra flavor. Frijoles charros offer a hearty and flavorful complement to your taco meal.

11. Jicama Slaw

Jicama slaw is a crisp and refreshing side for tacos. This Mexican-inspired dish combines julienned jicama with cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.

The slaw has a light, sweet flavor and crunchy texture. It pairs especially well with fish tacos or seafood tacos.

To make jicama slaw, toss the vegetables with a tangy dressing made from lime juice and mayo. You can add jalapeños for some heat if you like.

This easy side dish comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s a great way to add a cool, crisp element to your taco spread.

12. Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is a tasty and nutritious side for your tacos. You can make it easily with canned black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Add some red onion and cilantro for extra flavor. Mix in lime juice and a bit of olive oil as a simple dressing.

This salad brings a nice contrast to your tacos with its cool, fresh taste. It’s also packed with protein and fiber from the beans.

You can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend together even more.

13. Mango Salsa

Mango salsa adds a sweet and zesty kick to your tacos. This colorful side dish combines diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a perfect balance of flavors.

To make mango salsa, chop ripe mangoes into small cubes. Mix in finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño to taste. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and add a pinch of salt.

This versatile salsa pairs well with fish tacos, bringing a tropical flair to your meal. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or pork tacos for a refreshing contrast.

For extra crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or cucumber to your mango salsa. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño.

14. Elote

Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a tasty side dish for your taco night. You can make it by grilling corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred.

Next, spread a mixture of mayo and sour cream on the corn. Sprinkle it with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.

Squeeze some lime juice over the top for extra flavor. The mix of sweet corn, creamy sauce, and spicy seasoning goes great with tacos.

Elote adds a fun, hands-on element to your meal. It’s a popular street food in Mexico that brings authentic flavor to your table.

15. Spicy Pickled Vegetables

Spicy pickled vegetables, also known as escabeche, are a zesty side dish for tacos. You can make them at home with carrots, onions, and jalapeños.

To prepare, slice your veggies and place them in a jar. Mix vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot. Add garlic, bay leaves, and spices like peppercorns and coriander.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it over the vegetables in the jar. Let it cool before sealing. The pickles will be ready to eat after a few hours in the fridge.

These tangy, spicy veggies add a nice crunch to your tacos. They’re also great for balancing rich, meaty fillings.

Flavor Harmony and Contrast

Choose flavors that enhance your tacos without overpowering them. Fresh lime juice can brighten rich, meaty fillings.

Cilantro adds a zesty kick to milder fish tacos. For beef or pork tacos, try sides with bold flavors like chili-spiced corn or pickled jalapeños.

Sweet elements can balance spicy tacos. Try mango salsa or grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

Acidic sides like pickled onions or a vinegar-based slaw can cut through fatty meats.

Don’t forget about herbs and spices. Cumin, oregano, and chili powder in your sides can echo the flavors in your taco seasoning.

Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can add a cool contrast to spicy fillings.