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    Home » Side Dishes

    Published: Nov 5, 2021 · Modified: Nov 4, 2021 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    What to Serve With Tacos

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you are trying to figure out what goes well with tacos for dinner or a taco party, this list is exactly what you are looking for. Crispy or street tacos is a simple hearty meal that can be hearty with meat such as beef, chicken, seafood, or pork but also vegetarian.  No matter what your favorite taco is, they have so many flavor combinations.  Tacos whether spicy or mild, go well with all sorts of side dishes.  All of these suggested sides work great for all your meal ideas, including party buffets, potlucks, backyard barbecues, or any taco dinner plan.

    The best sides to serve with tacos are all right here. Many fellow food bloggers have shared some of their quick and easy side dish recipes to serve and eat with tacos besides just beans and rice. If you want a salad, baked goods, vegetables, or dessert, we have you covered with so many choices on what to enjoy with your next taco Tuesday. There are healthy, gluten-free, traditional, unique, vegetarian, and keto-friendly side dishes. 

     

    What to Serve with Tacos PN1 4 recipe images for pinto beans jalapeno moscow mule fried ice cream and avocado salad

     

     

    What to Serve with Tacos

    This is a tasty list of what sides to eat with your homemade tacos  Many of these side dishes are also great to serve with quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and tamales. In reality, all of these sides can be made to eat with any taco filling including ground beef, steak, chicken, carnitas, lengua, shrimp, or vegetarian tacos. There is a variety of side dish options that include low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, and dairy-free.

    To help you decide what to serve with tacos, I have broken down the list into some subcategories. So based on your mood, preference, or diet, there is something for everyone.  So based on what course you are looking for these recipes all are perfect to serve with tamales including appetizers, drinks, side dishes, and even dessert.   This list includes the best of what to cook and enjoy with tacos:

    • Drinks & Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook
    • Drinks & Appetizers to Serve With Tamales
    • Classic & Unique Mexican Side Dishes
    • Healthy Side Dishes
    • Desserts to Serve With Tacos

     

     

    Drinks & Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook

    All of these recipes can be found on the website and are what to eat with tacos the next time you make them at home.   These are some of our family favorites.

    TEQUILA SUNRISE COCKTAIL: TWO UNIQUE TWISTS ON A CLASSIC
    A gorgeous colorful cocktail with tequila, citrus juices, and grenadine.
    Check out this recipe
    Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
    Texas Ranch Water
    Texas ranch water is a refreshing 3-ingredient cocktail recipe. Ranch water is simply the easiest tequila cocktail you can make at home. 
    Check out this recipe
    Texas Ranch Water featured recipe image
    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
    A refreshing and spicy twist on a Moscow Mule that includes jalapenos and basil. A wonderful vodka cocktail that is an easy recipe and a crowd-pleaser.
    Check out this recipe
    spicy jalapeno moscow mule with basil garnish in copper mugs
    Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)
    Sweet and spicy watermelon pico de gallo is the summer salsa great with chips or on seafood tacos.
    Check out this recipe
    watermelon pico de gallo
    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    Tastes just like the flavorful, bright, and fluffy Mexican rice you get in your favorite authentic Mexican restaurant.
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    Easy Mexican Street Cornbread Muffins
    Mexican street corn (elote) meets cornbread muffins for this fun sweet, savory, salty, and spicy side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Mexican Street Cornbread Muffins
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
    The flavors of this chicken tortilla soup are rich and deep thanks to the slow cooker process.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
    Mexican Watermelon Cucumber Salad
    A refreshing salad with the zing of Tajin added to watermelon, cucumber, and toasted pepitas.
    Check out this recipe
    mexican watermelon cucumber salad close up the short order cook

     

    Drinks & Appetizers to Serve With Tacos

    Start off dinner with a cocktail or appetizer the next time you have tacos or any other Mexican entree at home.  Enjoy a margarita, chips & dip, and more with these recipes that are the best to get things started.

    Tamarind Margarita
    This cocktail is inspired by a sweet and sour Mexican tamarind candy. This Tamarind Margarita recipe is a great start to your Mexican meal!
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos Mexican-Candy-Margarita-2-683x1024 thesoccermomblog
    Matcha Horchata
    For a cool refreshing drink, try this homemade matcha horchata. This easy vegan recipe is a combination of rice and almond milk with a ton of flavor from the matcha green tea powder and cinnamon combination.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos MatchaHorchata2 veggiedesserts
    Roasted Tomato & Habanero Salsa
    Every taco night needs a wonderful spicy homemade salsa to serve with it. This recipe is just the right amount of heat and flavor for those that like to kick up the flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos Roasted-Tomato-and-Habanero-Salsa-August-2020-11-780x1040 realfoodwithsarah
    Shrimp Ceviche
    Homemade ceviche is so easy to make, it really should be part of any taco night at your house. Plump shrimp with citrus and crisp onion and jalapenos is the flavor combo that makes this a classic Mexican appetizer.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos Ceviche-683x1024 mealsbymolly

    Classic & Unique Mexican Side Dishes

    This list of sides to serve with Mexican food includes some of the best authentic and new recipe ideas.  If you want standards like rice or beans, two amazing recipes are listed below.  Plus for a new twist on what to serve with tacos, try out different takes on beans and rice here.  No matter which recipe you choose, they all taste amazing and go well with your next Mexican meal. 

    Homemade Refried Black Beans
    Instead of the same old pinto beans, try refried black beans. This easy recipe is done in about 10 minutes and has all the spices and flavors as your favorite restaurant-quality beans.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Tacos 10-Minute-Homemade-Refried-Black-Beans-vegan-gluten-free-5 joyfoodsunshine
    Mexican Pinto Bean
    For a classic whole pinto bean side dish, try this easy recipe. It is no ordinary Mexican bean recipe, the spices and sundried tomato paste add so much richness, spice, and flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Tacos Smokey-Tomato-Pinto-Beans.2-768x1024 bytheforkful
    Fresh Mexican Avocado Salad
    For avocado fans like myself, this will be your new favorite salad for any day of the week. WIth just a few ingredients and some fresh lime, this recipe could not be more simple or delightful to serve along with your favorite tacos.
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Tacos avocado salad ready to eat Center-Bowl--819x1024 elisetriestocook
    Mexican White Rice (arroz blanco)
    For a mild rice side dish to serve with tacos, try this white rice recipe. Arroz blanco is a really super easy recipe that the whole family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    What to Serve with Tacos white-rice-mexican-on-a-bowl maricruzavalos

    Healthy Side Dishes

    This category of ideas to serve with tacos includes quick, easy, and healthy recipes.   They are all on the lighter side and include fruits, vegetables, and quality whole ingredients.  These Mexican recipes include gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, and low-carb ideas.  

    Quick Pickled Red Onions
    I am such a sucker for pickled vegetables when I eat tacos. I love them all but onions are my absolute favorite. This quick and easy recipe is perfect to put on tacos or munch on the side.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos sweet-spicy-pickled-red-onions-1 fitmealideas
    Fresh or Frozen Cauliflower Rice
    Whether you use frozen or fresh cauliflower, this rice is a healthy side dish for your Mexican meal. A little bit of onion and garlic for flavor and top with cilantro for a simple flavorful side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos cauliflower-rice-8 cassidycraveablecreations
    Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
    For a fresh and colorful side dish with tacos, whip up this amazing salad. Corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a fresh lime dressing make this side dish the perfect Mexican-inspired salad.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos Corn_salad-2 supergoldenbakes
    Healthy Greek Yogurt Guacamole
    For a unique and healthy take on guacamole, try this homemade greek yogurt version. It is creamy and tangy with all the classic jalapeno and tomato ingredients too.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos greek-yogurt-guacamole chefsavvy

     

    Desserts to Serve With Tacos

    A Mexican meal isn’t complete until you have dessert. Any of these wonderful desserts would be great to complete your taco supper.   Whether you want something rich or cool and spicy,  these dessert recipes are great to eat with tacos.

    Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes
    This dessert is a strawberry margarita lovers dream. The cupcakes include liquor so be ready for a kick with this sweet treat.
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos strawberry-marg-cupcakes ottawamommyclub
    No Fry Fried Ice Cream
    Fried ice cream is a special treat and showstopper when you go out to Mexican restaurants. Now make this dessert at home with this delicious no fry method that still gives you that classic crispy outside and the cool creamy ice cream center. Dig in!
    Check out this recipe
    What to serve with Tacos No-Fry-Fried-Ice-Cream-with chocolate sauce and whipped cream savingdollarandsense

     

    MORE MEXICAN APPETIZERS, DRINKS, SIDE DISHES, & DESSERTS

    For more Mexican recipe options, check out these other posts that include more tasty choices.  All of these are wonderful to serve for your next dinner, party, or gathering when you want unique or authentic traditional Mexican flavors. 

    • WHAT TO SERVE WITH FAJITAS
    • WHAT TO SERVE WITH QUESADILLAS
    • WHAT TO SERVE WITH TAMALES

     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

     

    What to Serve with Tacos PIN 4 recipe images for corn salad white rice greek yogurt guacamole and shrimp ceviche

     

     

    Product Recommendations for this Article #ad: 

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     

     

    What to Serve with Tacos PN1 4 recipe images for pinto beans jalapeno moscow mule fried ice cream and avocado salad

    What To Serve With Tacos

    Angela
    If you are trying to figure out what goes well with tacos, this list is exactly what you are looking for. If you want salsas, cocktails, salads, rice, beans, or dessert this list has the best recipes for side dishes to eat with Mexican entrees. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 0 mins
    Course Appetizer, Dessert, Drinks, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    TRY ONE OR MORE OF THE RECIPES SHARED:

    • Mexican Rice
    • Tomato Habanero Salsa
    • Avocado Salad
    • Fried Ice Cream
    • Jalapeno Moscow Mule
    • Pinto Beans
    • Tamarind Margarita

    Instructions
     

    • Make your favorite taco recipe.
    • Choose one or more recipes to serve with the tacos.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword beans, dessert, easy, gluten-free, keto, Mexican, quick, rice, salads, side dish, sides
    « Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    Cinnamon Roll Pie (Cracker Barrel copycat) »

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat and explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that enjoys cooking with and for my family, traveling to try new cuisine, and constantly learning about food, drink, & how it touches all our lives.

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