Are you looking for what to serve with tacos? Whether you prefer the traditional charm of Mexican classics or crave a fusion of flavors, I’d like to show you what goes well with tacos to turn any taco night into an unforgettable feast!

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While tacos are undoubtedly delicious and satisfying on their own, serving them with a side dish or a specific topping can enhance your dining experience in various ways.

The decision to serve tacos with a side ultimately depends on personal preferences, the context of the meal, and the specific occasion.

Tacos de bistec served on a round wooden board with various accompaniments.

Salsas

Salsas are the star of a taco recipe and you should really pay attention when looking at what to serve with tacos. There are countless salsa varieties available, each with its unique taste and spice level to elevate your eating experience.

From tomatillo red salsa to the perfect creamy guacamole sauce for tacos, these below are my best salsa recipes you should try!

Red Salsas

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa

Roasted tomatillos, chile de árbol and guajillo peppers are blended together with garlic and salt to yield one of the most delicious salsas to drizzle over your tacos, tostadas or sopes.
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Roasted tomatillo red chili salsa recipe.

Salsa Roja Mexicana

A spicy, bright, and delicious Mexican salsa roja made with only 4 ingredients! Perfect to pair with your favorite meals or eat as appetizer with tortilla chips.
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Chile de arbol salsa recipe.

Salsa Taquera

This salsa taquera features simple ingredients, is super easy to make, and goes perfectly with any type of taco recipe. And it stores wonderfully too!
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Salsa taquera recipe.

Green Salsas

Mexican Salsa Verde (Tomatillo Sauce)

The Salsa Verde recipe is a delicious Mexican green sauce prepared with tomatillo, green chilies, and cilantro, it has a bright green color and a slightly acidic, herb-ish flavor.
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Mexican Salsa Verde with tomatillos recipe.

Guacamole Salsa For Tacos

This creamy and spicy guacamole salsa is great for pouring over your tacos or dipping your favorite snacks.
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Guacamole salsa for tacos.

Creamy Poblano Sauce

This Poblano sauce is creamy, herbaceous, and with a hint of smoky taste thanks to the roasted poblanos. It goes great with chips, tacos, burritos, for tossing with pasta or as a dressing for salads.
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Creamy poblano sauce recipe.

Beans

Serving beans with tacos is a common and delicious practice that adds depth and nutritional value to your meal. In some regions in Mexico serving freshly made pot beans as a side for tacos de carne asada or tacos de adobada is a must!

So, check out these traditional bean recipes to serve with your tacos and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures. From pinto beans to black beans, I got you!

Frijoles de la olla

Frijoles de la olla is a staple recipe in Mexican cuisine. They are easy to make and uses just a few pantry ingredients. Cooked beans are a great addition to salads, pasta, and stews, or can be used for many Mexican traditional recipes.
Mexican frijoles de la olla recipe.

Frijoles Charros (charro beans)

A flavorful, hearty soup from Northern Mexico. Beans are simmered in a delicious concoction of aromatic chorizo, ham, sausage, and vegetables.
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Frijoles charros recipe.

Mexican Black Beans (frijoles negros)

Make Mexican black beans from scratch with our easy step-by-step recipe. Cooked beans are perfect on their own with some toppings or as an ingredient for many other Mexican dishes.
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Mexican black beans recipe.

Chorizo Beans

Mexican chorizo is first fried to release it’s flavor and aroma then mashed with beans to deliver a creamy, delicious dish that can be served with your favorite Mexican meals
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Refried chorizo and beans.

Frijoles Refritos

This frijoles refritos recipe is made in a simple way by using only a few high-quality ingredients. Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be served in so many ways!
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Frijoles refritos recipe.

Rice & Pasta

When selecting rice to serve with tacos, there are several delicious options to consider. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific type of tacos you are serving.

Consider the flavors, ingredients, and cultural influences to guide your selection. Whether you opt for Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or any other variation, this side dish serves as a satisfying and flavorful addition to your taco meal.

Mexican Red Rice (arroz rojo)

Mexican red rice is a favorite among everyone. It is so delicious, fluffy, and perfect to serve as a side for many dishes. This super easy recipe is authentic, traditional, and fool-proof!
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Mexican red rice recipe.

Mexican Green Rice (arroz verde)

Delicious and fragrant, this Mexican green rice is one of our favorites because it is also budget-friendly and very easy to prepare.
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Mexican green rice recipe.

Cilantro Lime Rice In Rice Cooker

This cilantro lime rice is aromatic, fluffy, citrusy, and easy to make in a rice cooker. It is the perfect side for grilled meats or tacos, and can also be used to stuff on burritos.
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Cilantro lime rice in rice cooker recipe.

Ensalada de Coditos

Ensalada de coditos is a delicious Mexican macaroni salad made with simple yet flavorsome ingredients, this salad is also very versatile and can be adapted to ingredients you have in your kitchen pantry.
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Ensalada de coditos recipe step by step.

Mexican Green Spaghetti

This Mexican green spaghetti is made with a creamy and no-spicy poblano sauce. Serve as a side with your favorite protein or on its own as a simple and quick dinner with lots of cheese!
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Mexican green spaghetti recipe.

Vegetables & Salads

When you looking for what to serve with tacos besides rice and beans, consider some of the most popular taco toppings such as chiles toreados, a green salad, crispy cucumbers, or fresh radishes.

By including vegetables or salads, you create a more balanced, satisfying, and well-rounded taco meal that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Chiles Toreados

Chiles toreados are a delicious and simple side dish made with jalapeños and serranos chiles sautéed in a pan with onions. Use as a side for any dish you want to add a spicy kick!
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Mexican Chiles Toreados recipe.

Mexican Pickled Onions

Mexican pickled onions are the perfect side dish for tacos, Mexican stews, sandwiches, burritos, and many other delicious dishes!
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Mexican pickled onions recipe.

Cebollitas Asadas (Mexican Green Onions)

These cebollitas asadas (grilled Mexican green onions) are the perfect side for carne asada or tacos. The recipe is very easy to make and requires only 4 ingredients!
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Cebollitas (Mexican green onions) Recipe.

Ensalada de Nopales

A delicious and versatile salad made with Mexican cactus, tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers. Serve as an appetizer with corn chips or as a side dish for grilled meats.
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Ensalada de nopales recipe.

Mexican Cabbage Salad

This super fresh Mexican cabbage salad is perfect for your taco night. Crispy, tangy, and lemony, this slaw is also healthy!
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Mexican cabbage salad recipe.

Salsa Bandera (pico de gallo)

Salsa bandera, aka pico de gallo is an easy and budget friendly recipe. Is made in just a few minutes using fresh vegetables.
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Cucumber Pico De Gallo

The cucumber pico de gallo offers a delightful combination of freshness, tanginess, and a subtle hint of spiciness. This recipe is incredibly simple and easy to make and is the perfect dish for your summer cookouts!
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Cucumber pico de gallo recipe.

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango pico de gallo is a delicious, vibrant, fresh, and zesty Mexican salsa rich in flavors and textures. It is very easy to make and uses fresh ingredients, making it the perfect appetizer!
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Mango pico de gallo recipe.

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Perfectly charred corn and jalapeno tossed with cilantro, lime juice, red onion, and cheese. Healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe.
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Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Drinks

Serving drinks alongside tacos provides a refreshing and cooling element to balance the flavors and provide relief from any spiciness.

Here is a small selection of beverages with options for the whole family! If you looking for more, head over to my collection of traditional Mexican drinks and choose your favorite!

Agua de fresa served in glasses with ice and sliced strawberries. A pitcher with more agua de fresas behind and some fresh strawberries scattered around.

What to Serve With Tacos at a Party

Looking for what to serve with tacos at a party or Cinco de Mayo potluck? When hosting a taco party, it’s important to create a vibrant and diverse spread that caters to various tastes and preferences.

Consider choosing a few recipes from this collection and make some of those ahead to save time.

  • Start by making the tortillas one or two days ahead. They can be reheated and keep them warm for a few hours in a large cooler.
  • Offer max two choices of salsas like a mild creamy salsa and a fire-roasted molcajete salsa, both work perfectly for many taco recipes.
  • Easy make-ahead sides like frijoles refritos (refried beans) and fresh cabbage salad (Mexican coleslaw) can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Provide a selection of totopos tortilla chips and an assortment of dips, such as pico de gallo, guacamole, queso dip, or Mexican street corn dip (elote). This offers a convenient and crowd-pleasing snacking option for guests.
  • Don’t forget the limes, jalapenos, radishes, cucumbers, avocado, or other fresh sides for added textures!

Remember to set up a self-serve station or buffet-style arrangement so that guests can assemble their tacos and customize their plates according to their preferences.

Cochinita pibil tacos with xnipec salsa.

FAQ

What goes on a taco bar?

A well-stocked taco bar ensures that guests can customize their tacos to their liking. Here are some essential components to consider when setting up a taco bar:

Tortillas (regular and gluten-free options)
Proteins (beef, chicken, pork, seafood, & also vegan options).
Salsas (consider a mild creamy sauce and some spicy options like salsa macha).
Toppings (chopped white or red onion, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lettuce, etc).
Beverages (aguas frescas, beer, tequila, water).
Desserts (flan, arroz con leche, or any easy and make-ahead dessert).

What is a good side dish for tacos?

A good side dish for tacos should complement the dish while providing a balanced and satisfying meal. My favorite Mexican side dishes, and highly recommended to anyone who wonders what to serve with tacos, are Frijoles de la Olla and cebollitas asadas.

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Hope you liked this collection of Mexican recipes for your taco night! And save it for whenever you need to know what to serve with tacos.

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6 Comments

  1. Got taco cravings? This roundup is my go-to guide! It offers a mix of classics and fusion options, making taco nights more exciting. I appreciate its variety, perfect for any taste or occasion.

    Reply

  2. Whether I’m preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these recipes are my go-to resource for dazzling and satisfying sides that never fail to impress. Thank you for curating this fantastic collection of tantalizing options!

    Reply

  3. Thanks for all these great ideas! I’m going to make a few for our taco bar party next weekend!

    Reply

  5. You’ve done an impressive job on offering readers a fantastic variety of options that truly enhance the taco experience. Your comprehensive suggestions and recipes ranging from the traditional to the unexpected, coupled with your expert guidance on preparation and presentation, are simply delightful. I love how your passion for food shines through, making the piece as enjoyable to read as it is informative. Excellent work!

    Reply

  6. Some great ideas to spice up our Taco Tuesdays! I think I will try the Poblano sauce first as it looks amazing.

    Reply