Have you ever found yourself wondering what to serve alongside your delicious tacos? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore a variety of flavorful and complementary dishes that will elevate your taco night to a whole new level. Whether you prefer traditional Mexican sides or are open to trying some creative combinations, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the perfect accompaniments that will make your tacos truly shine. So, grab a plate, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of taco pairings!
Salads
Traditional Mexican Salad
A traditional Mexican salad is the perfect accompaniment to any taco feast. Bursting with bright and fresh flavors, this salad combines crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a truly authentic taste. It adds a refreshing element to balance out the richness of the tacos, while also providing a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving chicken, beef, or vegetarian tacos, a traditional Mexican salad is a must-have side dish.
Corn and Black Bean Salad
For a delicious and hearty side dish, look no further than a corn and black bean salad. This vibrant salad is a perfect blend of colors and textures, featuring sweet corn kernels, protein-packed black beans, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and zesty lime dressing. The combination of flavors in this salad creates a mouthwatering experience that complements the savory flavors of the tacos. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences by adding diced avocado, jalapenos, or even a squeeze of fresh orange juice.
Avocado Salad
If you’re a fan of avocados, then an avocado salad is the way to go. This creamy and delicious salad showcases the natural richness and buttery texture of avocados. Mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a tangy lime dressing, it creates a vibrant and refreshing dish that pairs beautifully with tacos. The creamy avocado adds a luxurious element to your meal, while the zesty lime dressing brings a burst of citrusy goodness. This salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthy and nutritious option.
Side Dishes
Mexican Rice
No taco feast is complete without a side of Mexican rice. This flavorful and fragrant side dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a comforting element to your meal. The rice is cooked in a mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken or vegetable broth, giving it a rich and savory taste. Each grain is perfectly seasoned, and the addition of herbs and spices such as cumin, chili powder, and cilantro enhances the overall flavor profile. Mexican rice is the perfect accompaniment to any type of tacos and adds a touch of warmth and satisfaction to your plate.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are another classic Mexican side dish that pairs wonderfully with tacos. These creamy and savory beans are made from pinto beans that are mashed and cooked with onion, garlic, and spices. The result is a smooth and flavorful bean paste that adds a lusciousness to your tacos. Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans onto your tortilla before adding the fillings, and you’ll be greeted with a burst of rich and satisfying flavors. Whether you prefer them smooth or slightly chunky, refried beans are a must-have side dish that enhances the overall taco experience.
Grilled Vegetables
For a healthy and colorful addition to your taco spread, grilled vegetables are a fantastic option. You can mix and match a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, and mushrooms to create a delicious medley. The vegetables are seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled until slightly charred and tender. The smoky flavors imparted by the grill add depth and complexity to the vegetables, making them a wonderful complement to the tacos. Serve them alongside the tacos or as a filling option for vegetarian or vegan guests, and you’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Salsas and Dips
Pico de Gallo
No taco feast is complete without a generous serving of fresh and vibrant pico de gallo. This traditional Mexican salsa combines diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice to create a refreshing and tangy condiment. The combination of flavors in pico de gallo adds a burst of freshness and acidity to your tacos, cutting through the richness of the fillings. It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of jalapenos for spiciness or adding extra ingredients like diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. Prepare a large bowl of pico de gallo and watch it disappear as your guests reach for more.
Guacamole
There’s no denying that guacamole is a crowd favorite when it comes to taco accompaniments. This creamy and rich avocado dip is made by mashing ripe avocados and combining them with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. The result is a smooth and luxurious blend of flavors that elevates your tacos to a whole new level. The creamy consistency of guacamole adds a lusciousness to your tacos, while the tangy lime juice and hint of spice from the jalapenos create a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether used as a dip or a topping, guacamole is a must-have addition to your taco spread.
Sour Cream
If you’re looking for a cooling and creamy element to balance out the bold flavors of your tacos, sour cream is the perfect choice. This tangy and velvety condiment adds a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the fillings. You can dollop a spoonful of sour cream onto your tacos or serve it in a bowl alongside the other accompaniments for guests to help themselves. Its smooth and rich texture complements the crispy shell or soft tortilla, creating a delicious contrast in every bite. Whether you prefer a plain sour cream or one infused with herbs or spices, this versatile condiment is a welcome addition to any taco feast.
Beverages
Mexican Horchata
Transport yourself to the streets of Mexico with a refreshing glass of horchata. This traditional Mexican beverage is made from a blend of rice, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and milk. The resulting drink is creamy, sweet, and delicately spiced, making it the ideal companion to your taco feast. The mild and soothing flavors of horchata provide a pleasant contrast to the bold and savory flavors of the tacos. Served over ice, this beverage helps cool down the heat from any spicy fillings and adds a touch of elegance and authenticity to your meal.
Agua Fresca
Agua fresca, which translates to “fresh water” in English, is a popular Mexican beverage that is both refreshing and hydrating. This drink is made by blending fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, mango, or cucumber with water, sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is a light and fruity concoction that quenches your thirst and complements the vibrant flavors of your tacos. Agua fresca is incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with different fruit combinations to create your own unique flavors. Serve it ice-cold in tall glasses, garnished with a slice of fruit or a sprig of mint, and your guests will be delighted.
Margaritas
If you’re in the mood for a festive and spirited beverage to pair with your tacos, margaritas are the way to go. This classic Mexican cocktail is made by combining tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, and can be served on the rocks or blended with ice. The tangy and refreshing flavors of margaritas make them a perfect match for the bold and spicy flavors of your tacos. The tequila adds a delightful kick, while the citrusy notes of lime and orange provide a refreshing burst of zest. Whether you prefer a classic margarita or one with creative twists like strawberry, mango, or jalapeno, this cocktail is sure to enhance your taco experience.
Condiments
Lime Wedges
Lime wedges are a simple yet essential condiment that can elevate the flavors of your tacos. They add a vibrant burst of citrus that balances out the richness and spiciness of the fillings. Squeezing a wedge of lime over your tacos not only adds a tangy freshness but also enhances the overall taste of the ingredients. The acidic notes of lime help cut through any greasiness and provide a bright and zesty finish to your dish. Place a bowl of lime wedges on the table, and let your guests customize their tacos with a squeeze of refreshing lime juice.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb that adds a unique and refreshing flavor to your tacos. Its bright and citrusy taste provides a burst of freshness that complements the other condiments and fillings. Whether sprinkled over the tacos as a topping or mixed into salsas and guacamole for added depth, cilantro brings a delightful aromatic component to your meal. Some people have a strong affinity for cilantro, while others find its taste polarizing. If you’re a fan, be generous with your cilantro usage, and if not, you can simply omit it or offer it as a separate garnish for guests to add according to their preference.
Pickled Red Onions
For a tangy and zesty condiment that adds crunch and flavor to your tacos, pickled red onions are a fantastic choice. These thinly sliced onions are pickled in vinegar, sugar, and spices, resulting in a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet topping. The pickling process transforms the sharp raw onions into a mellow and vibrant component that balances out the richness of the tacos. Their vibrant pink color adds a pop of visual appeal to your dish, making them an eye-catching addition to your taco spread.
Sauces
Hot Sauce
If you’re a fan of spicy food, hot sauce is a must-have sauce for your tacos. Its fiery kick adds a thrill of heat and intensity to your taco experience. Whether you prefer classic varieties like Tabasco or Sriracha or opt for homemade chili sauces, hot sauce is a versatile condiment that can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. Drizzle it over your tacos for an extra burst of heat or serve it on the side for guests to add according to their taste. Just remember to warn them about the heat level, as some hot sauces can pack quite a punch!
Chipotle Sauce
The smoky and rich flavors of chipotle sauce make it an ideal accompaniment to your tacos. Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapenos that are packed with a distinctive and robust taste. When blended with other ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or adobo sauce, they create a creamy and smoky sauce that adds depth and complexity to the flavors of your tacos. Whether used as a topping or a dipping sauce, chipotle sauce provides a unique flavor profile that nicely complements both meat and vegetable fillings.
Creamy Salsa
For those who prefer a milder and creamier alternative to traditional salsas, creamy salsa is a fantastic option. This sauce combines the best of both worlds by blending tangy and spicy salsa ingredients with creamy elements like sour cream or Greek yogurt. The result is a smooth and luscious sauce that adds a cooling sensation to your tacos. Creamy salsa pairs beautifully with any type of taco and helps mellow out the spiciness while enhancing all the other flavors. It’s a versatile sauce that can be made to your desired heat level and taste preferences.
Cheeses
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a soft and crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a delightful touch of saltiness and texture to your tacos. Its mild and tangy flavor profile enhances the overall taste experience without overpowering the other ingredients. Queso fresco crumbles easily, making it an ideal cheese to sprinkle on top of your tacos or crumble into fillings for an extra burst of creaminess. It pairs well with a variety of taco fillings, from grilled vegetables to shredded chicken or beef, and adds a delightful finishing touch.
Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a hard and crumbly Mexican cheese that brings a distinct and salty flavor to your tacos. Often referred to as the “parmesan of Mexico,” cotija cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a strong and pungent taste. Its unique flavor profile adds a bold and savory note to your tacos, making it a popular choice for meat-filled tacos or grilled veggies. You can crumble cotija cheese on top of your tacos or use it as a filling ingredient, and its robust flavors are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Cheddar Cheese
While not traditionally Mexican, cheddar cheese can be a delicious addition to your taco spread. Its smooth and creamy texture, along with its slightly tangy flavor, pairs wonderfully with a variety of fillings. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a comforting and indulgent element to your tacos. Whether sprinkled over your tacos or used as a filling in quesadillas, cheddar cheese brings a familiar and delightful taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Toppings
Chopped Onions
Chopped onions are a classic taco topping that adds a welcome crunch and pungent flavor to your tacos. Whether you prefer red onions for their vibrant hue or white onions for their milder taste, chopping them into small pieces allows their flavors to mingle with the other ingredients. The sharpness of the onions cuts through the richness of the fillings, creating a satisfying and well-balanced bite. Spread a handful of chopped onions over your tacos, and you’ll enjoy the harmonious medley of flavors that they bring.
Shredded Lettuce
For a refreshing and crisp element to your tacos, shredded lettuce is a fantastic choice. The cool and crunchy texture of lettuce provides a pleasant contrast to the warm and savory fillings. Whether you opt for iceberg, romaine, or a blend of salad greens, shredding the lettuce into thin strips ensures a consistent distribution of flavors. The mild and slightly sweet taste of lettuce adds a refreshing note to your tacos, making them satisfying and light at the same time.
Sliced Jalapenos
If you’re a fan of heat and spiciness, sliced jalapenos are the perfect topping for your tacos. These vibrant green chilies add a burst of fiery flavor that enhances the overall taste experience. Whether fresh or pickled, the crisp texture of jalapenos provides a satisfying crunch and a mouthwatering kick. The spiciness of jalapenos can vary, so be sure to adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance. Add a few slices to your tacos, and you’ll enjoy the tantalizing heat that leaves you craving more.
Desserts
Churros
No Mexican feast is complete without indulging in some delicious churros. These fried pastries are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. Served piping hot with a side of warm chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping, churros are the ultimate sweet treat to end your taco meal on a high note. The combination of the crunchy exterior and the soft, pillowy interior creates a delightful textural contrast that will leave you wanting more.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, meaning “three milks” in Spanish, is a moist and decadent dessert that is beloved in Mexican cuisine. This sponge cake is soaked in a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, creating a luscious and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, each bite of tres leches cake is a heavenly experience. The richness and sweetness of this dessert provide a satisfying conclusion to your taco feast.
Mexican Flan
Mexican flan is a classic dessert that is both elegant and delicious. This silky and creamy custard is made from a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, which are baked until set and then chilled. The result is a smooth and velvety dessert with a caramelized sugar syrup that adds a touch of decadence. Mexican flan is typically served chilled and garnished with a drizzle of caramel sauce or fresh berries. Its delicate flavors and elegant presentation make it a delightful ending to any meal, including your taco feast.
Alternative Proteins
Grilled Shrimp
For those who prefer seafood or are looking for a lighter protein option, grilled shrimp is a fantastic choice to serve with your tacos. The succulent and tender shrimp pairs beautifully with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled until slightly charred, grilled shrimp adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste to your tacos. Serve them alongside traditional salsa or guacamole, and you’ll have a refreshing and satisfying taco experience.
Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is a versatile and crowd-pleasing protein that can be used in a variety of taco fillings. Whether seasoned with traditional Mexican spices or marinated in a tangy citrus sauce, shredded chicken adds a savory and satisfying element to your tacos. The tender and juicy texture of the chicken pairs well with all the flavorful condiments, and its mild taste allows the other ingredients to shine. From enchilada-style shredded chicken tacos to chipotle-flavored variations, the options are endless when it comes to incorporating shredded chicken into your taco feast.
Vegetarian Options
For those who prefer a plant-based or vegetarian meal, there are plenty of delicious options to enjoy alongside your tacos. Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, can be marinated in a flavorful sauce or seasoning before hitting the grill. The charred and smoky flavors of grilled vegetables add depth and complexity to your tacos, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Alternatively, you can opt for protein-rich alternatives like black beans, chickpeas, or tofu as fillings for your tacos. These plant-based alternatives are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned and spiced to mimic the flavors of traditional fillings, providing a delicious and wholesome meal for everyone at your taco feast.
No matter what your preferences or dietary restrictions may be, there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving tacos. From traditional Mexican salads to refreshing beverages, mouthwatering condiments, and delectable desserts, you can create a diverse and flavorful spread that caters to everyone’s tastes. So gather your favorite ingredients, assemble the perfect combination of toppings and fillings, and savor the joy of a well-rounded taco meal. Enjoy!
