What to Serve With Tacos

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. 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.

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 & love them with any tacos, keto chicken enchiladas, & carnitas burritos.

TEQUILA SUNRISE COCKTAIL: TWO UNIQUE TWISTS ON A CLASSIC

A gorgeous colorful cocktail with tequila, citrus juices, and grenadine.

Tequila Sunrise

Texas Ranch Water (keto & low-calorie)

Texas ranch water is a refreshing 3-ingredient cocktail recipe. Ranch water is simply the easiest tequila cocktail you can make at home. Its the best low-carb & light cocktail for summer.

Texas Ranch Water

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.

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)

Sweet and spicy watermelon pico de gallo is the summer salsa great with chips or on seafood tacos.

Watermelon Salsa

Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Red Rice

Tastes just like the flavorful, bright, and fluffy Mexican rice you get in your favorite authentic Mexican restaurant. This easy recipe for Mexican Red Rice (arroz rojo) is great served with any of your favorites - tacos, enchiladas, steaks, seafood, & in burritos.

Easy Mexican Rice

Easy Mexican Street Cornbread Muffins

Mexican street corn (elote) meets cornbread muffins for this fun sweet, savory, salty, and spicy side dish.

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

Mexican Watermelon Cucumber Salad

A refreshing summer salad with the zing of Tajin added to watermelon, cucumber, and toasted pepitas. This simple recipe is a great side dish with all your Mexican favorites - tacos, enchiladas, & tortas.

Mexican Watermelon Cucumber Salad

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!

Tamarind Margarita

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.

Matcha Horchata

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.

Roasted Tomato & Habanero Salsa

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.

Shrimp Ceviche

Classic & Unique Mexican Side Dishes

This list of sides to serve with Mexican food includes some of the best authentic and new recipe ideas. 

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.

Refried Black Beans

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.

Mexican Pinto Beans

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.

Fresh Mexican Avocado Salad

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!

Mexican White Rice

Healthy Side Dishes

These ideas 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.

Quick Pickled Onions

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.

Cauliflower Rice

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

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.

Greek Yogurt Guacamole

Desserts to Serve With Tacos

Any of these wonderful desserts would be great to complete your taco supper. See my full list of Desserts That Go With Tacos for over 20 ideas or try one of these below.

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists

For a flaky buttery sweet treat, these puff pastry cinnamon twists are so amazing. This quick & easy recipe only uses 4 ingredients. The cinnamon sugar on the inside is so yummy with the crispy pastry. So fun to eat. Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists

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.

Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes

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!

No Fry Fried Ice Cream

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