When planning your Taco Tuesday or taco night, it’s essential to find the perfect side dishes to complement these flavorful meals. Tacos are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization and satisfaction. By providing a range of fillings, you can allow each guest to create their ideal taco, making it a meal that suits everyone’s tastes.
While tacos are undoubtedly the stars of the show, they often require some supporting actors to truly shine. The key question then becomes: what side dishes can you serve alongside your tacos to create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience?
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Starting with a tried-and-true classic, let’s dive into the simplicity of cooking Mexican Rice in an Instant Pot. This recipe stands out because of the ease of use – just combine all the ingredients, set the pot, and let it do its magic while you focus on preparing the tacos.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
A creative twist on traditional Mexican ‘rice’ is presented here, where actual rice is not used at all. This innovative approach replaces the usual grains with shredded cauliflower, resulting in a nutritious and healthy side dish alternative. The lightly-spiced cauliflower ‘rice’ can be easily incorporated into burritos, tacos, or enjoyed as a standalone accompaniment, offering a refreshing departure from conventional recipes.
Vegan Mexico Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing
For vegans and vegetarians alike, this Mexican chopped salad is a delightful treat. The star of the show is undoubtedly the avocado dressing, which adds a rich, creamy texture to each bite. This dressing is so appealing that even the pickiest of eaters will be eager to dig in and try more – making it an excellent choice for parents looking to encourage their kids to develop a taste for vegetables.
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Indulge in this scrumptious recipe that fills poblano peppers with a flavorful blend of spiced beef, rice, and corn, topped off with melted cheese. The result is a warm, bubbly delight that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether serving as a standalone dish or paired with ribs for a hearty meal, these stuffed peppers are the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Mexican Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this vibrant kale salad, where the leafy greens are transformed from bitter to utterly delicious. A symphony of colors and textures comes together in a dish that’s as quick to prepare as it is to devour – we’re talking just ten minutes! A medley of peppers, beans, corn, and a zesty dressing combine to elevate this salad to new heights.
Mexican Street Corn
Transforming ordinary corn cobs into a mouth-watering masterpiece is as simple as topping them with mayonnaise, crumbly cojita cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. When hosting an outdoor barbecue, consider grilling the corn instead of roasting it in the oven. The resulting char adds a delightful smokiness to the natural sweetness of the corn, making each bite a revelation.
Mexican Coleslaw
Create a deliciously easy and nutritious Mexican coleslaw in just a few short minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a flavorful side dish without a lot of fuss. In fact, making it ahead of time only adds to its appeal – let the flavors meld together in the fridge overnight to bring out the best possible taste.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This elote-inspired salad brings a burst of flavor to your taco night. Its hearty nature makes it a perfect accompaniment to your main taco course, offering a refreshing contrast in textures and tastes. For an added kick, toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Alternatively, this salad also pairs well with pork chops as a satisfying side dish, showcasing its versatility.
Sides for Fish Tacos
Fish tacos occupy a unique culinary space, effortlessly absorbing flavors and spices due to their delicate nature. This quality makes them an ideal canvas for bold, warm, and spicy taco fillings. However, when it comes to pairing with side dishes, a different approach is needed. To complement the lightness of fish, one should opt for refreshing and light accompaniments that echo the freshness of the protein itself.
Pineapple Mango Salsa
To elevate the flavor of your fish dish, I recommend creating a light and zesty salsa that complements its natural sweetness. One trick is to use an abundance of fresh fruit in your recipe, as opposed to relying on canned alternatives. Fresh fruit not only provides a more vibrant taste but also avoids the added sugar found in many commercial canned products.
Cilantro Lime Taco Slaw
The quintessential pairing of cilantro and lime is a staple in traditional Mexican cuisine, and this cilantro lime taco slaw is the perfect representation of their harmonious union. With a delicate balance between the crunchy cabbage and the tangy dressing, each bite is a masterclass in texture and flavor. The freshness of the cilantro and lime juice infuses every component with a vibrant energy, making for a truly irresistible slaw that elevates any taco to new heights.
Mexican Corn Ribs
Corn ribs, a delightful twist on traditional barbecue, are strips of charred corn cut from the cob. What’s more, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a sheet pan and minimal cleanup efforts. This convenient snack can be savored as a standalone treat or paired with chicken wings for a satisfying meal.
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Coleslaw
When crafting fish tacos, a match made in heaven is pineapple and coconut. The harmonious balance between the tart sweetness of the pineapple and the mellow creaminess of the coconut creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Meanwhile, this coleslaw recipe requires minimal effort but yields impressive results; simply prepare it five minutes before serving dinner for a seamless addition to your meal.
Peach Guacamole
The harmonious blend of peachy sweetness and creamy avocado is a match made in heaven, particularly when paired with protein-rich fish tacos. The key is to finely dice the peaches, allowing for effortless scooping and a delightful flavor fusion that will leave you craving more. As the tender flesh of the peaches melds with the smooth avocado, the natural sugars are coaxed forward, creating a truly divine combination.
Sides for Shrimp Tacos
While fish tacos often thrive when paired with sweet and fresh accompaniments, shrimp tacos also find balance in the company of earthy, wholesome options. Root vegetables or legumes add a satisfying depth to the lighter, more delicate flavor profile of shrimp tacos, providing a delightful contrast that elevates the overall dining experience.
Fresh Mango Pico De Gallo
A tangy and refreshing accompaniment to shrimp-centric meals, pico de gallo’s raw, uncooked nature makes it a perfect complement to succulent seafood dishes. This recipe takes the classic condiment to new heights by incorporating crunchy red bell peppers, imbuing the salsa with an added layer of texture and vibrancy. The subtle sweetness of these bell peppers harmonizes beautifully with the pungency of red onion, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will elevate your next shrimp-filled feast.
Healthy Mango Black Bean Salad
This nutritious black bean salad offers the perfect blend of protein and texture to complement lighter tacos. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and won’t overpower your other dishes, such as shrimp tacos. In fact, its mild flavor makes it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of options – including brisket, which may seem like an unexpected pairing at first, but surprisingly works well.
Vegan Cauliflower Ceviche
In lieu of serving shrimp tacos as the main event, consider adding a complementary side dish that cuts the richness without overpowering the meal. This vegan cauliflower ceviche fits the bill perfectly. With its vibrant flavor profile and satisfying texture, it’s a natural accompaniment to your taco feast. The citrusy zip from lime juice and spicy kick from chillis add depth and complexity to this refreshing side dish.
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of this mouthwatering corn salsa, bursting with freshness and zing. The crowning glory is undoubtedly its delightful sweetness, making it an absolute must-have for any occasion. To achieve unparalleled results, we highly recommend using fresh corn from the cob rather than relying on frozen alternatives.
Roasted Red Cabbage
While the simplicity of this recipe is appealing, I encourage readers to get creative with the ingredients. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a rich depth to the cabbage, while roasting it alongside some corn kernels can bring out its natural sweetness. For an extra kick, adding sliced jalapeños can provide a spicy contrast to the dish’s earthy tones. This flexibility makes the recipe even more versatile, allowing you to prepare a large batch of roasted cabbage to accompany your shrimp tacos.
Sides for Chicken Tacos
When it comes to tacos, chicken is another exceptional protein option that can absorb an array of flavors as it cooks. Whether you’re shredding or slicing it, a delicious plate of chicken tacos is almost guaranteed. For sides, sticking to tried-and-true options allows the savory chicken to take center stage. The smoky and sweet notes characteristic of Mexican cuisine beautifully complement the juicy chicken, making for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please.
Chipotle Coleslaw with Cilantro Lime Dressing
The humble coleslaw is often overlooked, but it’s a game-changer when paired with the right ingredients. Its effortless preparation and delightful flavor make it a staple in many cuisines. The chipotle adobo sauce, in particular, brings a rich smokiness that elevates this dish to new heights. When combined with succulent chicken in tacos, the coleslaw’s subtle tanginess provides a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
Pico De Gallo
Pico de gallo is renowned for its invigorating freshness, where a pungent garlic undertone harmonizes with other ingredients to create a fragrant salsa perfect as a topping. While it’s possible to make it just before serving, allowing the flavors to mature and mingle in the refrigerator for several hours can elevate this condiment to new heights. When using ultra-fresh ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a depth of flavor that’s hard to match.
Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with Rice
This versatile recipe is a delight to prepare, thanks to its foundation of rice. What’s more, you can easily scale up the batch to create two distinct meals – serve it as a dinner side one evening, and then repurpose it as lunch the following day. Its adaptability doesn’t stop there, either; this recipe also makes an excellent side dish for steak.
Mango Habanero Salsa
If you’re seeking to add a bold and tantalizing twist to your chicken tacos, look no further than the unique combination of habaneros and mangoes. The fiery heat of the habaneros is expertly balanced by the sweetness of the mango, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. This sauce can be prepared in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for future use, making it an ideal addition to your taco repertoire.
Loaded Street Corn Salad
Building upon the classic street corn recipe, this elevated version incorporates rich and creamy elements, taking it to new heights. Char-grilled corn is smothered in a velvety blanket of melted cheese, sliced red onion adds a burst of freshness, while crispy jalapenos provide a satisfying crunch. Meanwhile, tender chicken breast harmonizes beautifully with the flavors of the street corn salad, resulting in a match made in heaven.
Mexican Cabbage Salsa
While traditional salsa recipes may not include cabbage, incorporating this cruciferous veggie can elevate the dish in several ways. Not only does it add a satisfying crunch to each bite, but it also increases the recipe’s filling power and nutritional value. The subtle bitterness of the cabbage further balances out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, resulting in a more well-rounded flavor profile that pairs beautifully with chicken tacos.
Easy Sides for Tacos
In contrast to the more complex taco preparations, we’re now focusing on side dishes that are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. By opting for simplicity, you’ll be able to effortlessly whip up a delicious accompaniment to your tacos, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to large gatherings with friends and loved ones.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Jalapeno Corn
While this one-pan dish may require some patience as it cooks down, the minimal effort needed upfront makes it an attractive option. Start making it early in the day to ensure you have enough time for the flavors to meld together. The end result is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s equally delicious served alongside tacos or used as a taco topping itself.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This simple recipe delivers a remarkably similar flavor profile to Chipotle’s renowned cilantro rice, but with the added convenience of being incredibly easy to prepare. To make it, simply combine four straightforward ingredients in your Instant Pot, secure the lid, and let the magic unfold. With minimal effort required and maximum flavor potential, you can’t help but win.
Chile Con Queso
The humble Chile con queso has earned its spot as a staple taco accompaniment, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it deliver a bold flavor profile, but it’s also incredibly straightforward to prepare. What’s more, any leftovers can be conveniently stored in the fridge for up to four days, ensuring you can enjoy every last bite of this tasty treat.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Savoring the flavors of every bite, the harmonious balance of chipotle peppers and lime seasoning is sure to leave you craving more. This versatile condiment effortlessly elevates the humble taco, becoming an integral component that complements a variety of proteins. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or something in between, this flavorful addition will have you returning for spoonful after spoonful.
Easy Mango Salsa
Combining the essence of Mexican cuisine, our final creation is a zesty and revitalizing salsa that harmoniously blends sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess. This delectable accompaniment elevates tacos to new heights. To unlock its full potential, ensure you’re using the freshest ingredients possible and allow the flavors to meld together over time.
