25 Amazing Sides For Tacos You’ll Love

Sides For Tacos are one of the most popular Mexican dishes. Loved and well appreciated by everyone, these veggie and protein-filled tortilla rolls are served at everything from parties to game night.

However, while you’re busy preparing the filling and toppings to put in your tacos, it can sometimes be hard to decide what sides to pair it with in order to make it a complete meal.

Tacos are loved by everyone, and sides enhance their taste. One must check out the Side For Tacos.

The great news is that there are many delicious sides you can pair with tacos. From dips and salsa to flavor-filled rice and salads. Each side dish is perfectly made to suit your preference and taste.

So whether you’re preparing for your next taco Tuesday or simply looking for a delicious tex-mex side dish to pair with your dinner, we’ve put together some of the most delicious sides for tacos.

This post seriously has everything you need to up your taco game.

Quick Table: Sides For Tacos

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Mexican Roasted Vegetables	63	25 Minutes
Salsa Verde Guacamole	129	10 Minutes
Mexican Cauliflower Rice	105	25 Minutes
Slow Cooker Charro Beans	246	16 Hours 45 Minutes
Layered Taco Salad	59	35 Minutes
Jicama Slaw	136	15 Minutes
Calabacitas	40	10 Minutes
Pico De Gallo	24	18 Minutes
Cilantro Lime Rice	200	30 Minutes
Refried Black Beans	137	30 Minutes
Mexican Street Corn	175	25 Minutes
Fresh Mango Salsa	46	10 Minutes
Mexican Quinoa Salad	413	35 Minutes
Cilantro Lime Slaw	167	5 Minutes
Fiesta Rice Skillet	380	20 Minutes
Fresh Pineapple Salsa	45	5 Minutes
Mexican Rice	218	45 Minutes
Corn Salad	21	20 Minutes
Mexican Brussel Sprouts Salad	46	15 Minutes
Blistered Cheesy Peppers	166	18 Minutes
Mexican Chickpeas	269	12 Minutes
Rajas Poblanas (Roasted Poblano Strips In Cream Sauce)	20	30 Minutes
Tomato Avocado Salad	203	10 Minutes
Sweet And Spicy Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes	170	35 Minutes
Tex Mex Ranch Potatoes	345	1 Hour 15 Minutes

1. Mexican Roasted Vegetables

This roasted vegetable is a tasty side dish that will definitely satisfy the dietary requirements of nearly everyone. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and tastes incredible. 

Seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and onions are coated in taco seasoning and baked until tender and lightly browned. 

Once roasted, these vegetables are great to mix with other dishes like frittatas and quesadillas, so if you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to repurpose them for other meals.

Calories Per Serving: 63

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

2. Salsa Verde Guacamole

Is there a more perfect side dish to go with tacos than guacamole? This salsa verde guacamole is a classic side that will take your taco nights to the next level.

With its creamy blend of avocados, salsa verde, jalapenos, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and garlic, this side contains everything you love in guacamole and more.

Make sure to serve quickly after preparing, as the avocados can quickly turn brown.

Calories Per Serving: 129

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

3. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Looking for a keto and paleo-friendly rice substitute you can pair with tacos? Try this Mexican cauliflower rice, and you’ll be hooked forever.

Riced cauliflower is sauteed with onions, garlic, jalapenos, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and fresh cilantro.

You’ll need a food processor to chop the cauliflower florets into small rice grains, but if you‘d like to save some time and effort, you can also use store-bought cauliflower rice.

Calories Per Serving: 105

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

4. Slow Cooker Charro Beans

Also known as “cowboy beans,” these flavor-filled slow-cooked beans are a great tex-mex side dish to pair with tacos.

They are easy to make since you essentially just toss a creamy base of pinto beans into the slow cooker with sauteed onions, bacon, sausage, and serranos.

They can be made ahead and stored in an air-tight container if you have a party coming up and are looking for a side dish you can make a day before.

Calories Per Serving: 246

Preparation Time: 16 Hours 15 Minutes

5. Layered Taco Salad

You know what makes taco Tuesday better? Even more tacos. This layered taco salad is a refreshing taco-like salad you can serve as a side dish or enjoy as a main entree.

It is a deconstructed taco with layers of cooked ground beef, corn, salsa, black olives, lettuce, Roma tomatoes, black beans, avocados, and Colby cheese. 

It is best served cold and is a great way to use up any extra taco toppings you have left.

Calories Per Serving: 59

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

6. Jicama Slaw

A tangy side dish with a nice crunch and spicy flavor, this jicama slaw is perfect for fish and other seafood tacos.

It combines julienned jicama, cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and jalapenos tossed in a creamy mayo and lime dressing.

Most people often assume jicama cannot be eaten raw, but it’s a very versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. So, do not worry about trying to cook the jicama before making this slaw.

Calories Per Serving: 136

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

7. Calabacitas

Ever have those days when you’re expecting friends over, and you have your bomb tacos all ready, but no side dish in sight? Meanwhile, your guests are less than 3 minutes away? 

Well, these calabacitas are the perfect dish to come to your rescue in those desperate times. They are made of sauteed onions, zucchini,  summer squash, and peppers.

They taste amazing, and the best part is that they can be ready in less than 5  minutes.

Calories Per Serving: 40

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

8. Pico De Gallo

It may look a lot like salsa, but this flavorful salsa fresca is like a much chunkier cousin of salsa. It is made from chunky slices of Roma tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. 

It is a refreshing and light side dish you can enjoy with tacos without feeling too full or over-stuffed.

Some people may not like the taste of jalapenos, so you can easily substitute the jalapenos with serrano peppers if you prefer the latter.

Calories Per Serving: 24

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

9. Cilantro Lime Rice

An easy-to-make herby rice with a tangy kick, this lime cilantro rice is the perfect way to spice up your taco nights.

Rice is cooked with chicken stock and then flavored and fluffed with a fresh mixture of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil after cooking.

You’ll need to use long grain rice as it’s the best rice for this recipe, but if you don’t have it, jasmine rice is a great substitute to use.

Calories Per Serving: 200

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

10. Refried Black Beans

Beans are a classic side dish for tacos, but the canned beans most people opt for are often dull and lack flavor. With these referred black beans, you can take your regular canned beans to the next level.

Canned black beans are fried with onions, garlic, and kosher salt and gently mashed until creamy yet chunky.

You can add a lot of flavor to this dish by experimenting with different spices, so feel free to use other herbs or spices like cilantro, cumin, or coriander.

Calories Per Serving: 137

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

11. Mexican Street Corn

This delicious corn on the cob style street corn is traditionally known as Elote.

Grilled corn on the cob is smothered with spicy Mexican crema, chipotle seasoning, cotija seasoning, and parsley. 

It is a fairly easy side dish that goes great with tacos and also makes a great snack when served hot.

You may have leftovers when you make this street corn, so be sure to store them in a tight container and add more cream when it is ready to be served, as it could get dry by the next day.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Fresh Mango Salsa

This sweet and spicy salsa is also called mango pico de gallo. It is loaded with rich, juicy chunks of mango, cucumber, avocado, serrano peppers, bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro; all tossed with tangy lime juice. 

It is a quick and easy salsa with a balanced blend of tanginess and sweetness.

The sweetness of ripe mangoes is key to perfecting this salsa, so make sure to use a ripe mango. This salsa is best served chilled, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

Calories Per Serving: 46

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: The 30 Best Taco Recipes

13. Mexican Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is a super satisfying side dish that’s a great vegan option. It is also so delicious that even your non-vegan friends will instantly devour it once they get a  taste.

It consists of quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomato, peppers, and avocados tossed together in a spicy, tangy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and pepper.

Calories Per Serving: 413

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

14. Cilantro Lime Slaw

A great way to balance most tacos’ spicy, savory flavors is to opt for a creamy side dish with a sweet tanginess. This cilantro lime slaw is a perfect way to achieve that flavor combo.

A mix of shredded coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and cayenne pepper are tossed together to make this quick slaw that can be ready in five minutes or less.

To make the vegetables coat the dressing and develop the flavor more evenly, be sure to leave the slaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving if you can.

Calories Per Serving: 167

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

15. Fiesta Rice Skillet

A rice side dish that leaves the palate dancing with satisfaction, this rice fiesta skillet has everything you need to make taco Tuesdays better. 

Long grain rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and cumin are cooked and brought to a simmer before being garnished with fresh cilantro.

It is an easy way to combine some of your favorite Mexican taco staples in a one-pot dish that wows everyone.

Calories Per Serving: 380

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

16. Fresh Pineapple Salsa

This salsa is sweet, spicy, and seriously hard to stop eating once you dig in. It is packed with sweet and tangy pineapples, jalapenos, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

If you’re looking for a side that goes perfectly well with fish tacos, this fruity salsa is the perfect option to try.

Save yourself some time and use a food processor to chop the pineapple and vegetables if you’re busy or in a rush.

Calories Per Serving: 45

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

17. Mexican Rice

A classic side for tacos, Mexican rice is a common and well-loved side you can never go wrong with.

In this version, long grain rice is cooked in a broth of chicken stock, tomato juice, garlic, powder, and oil. 

Be sure to fluff the rice and garnish it with cilantro and lime to prevent the grains from sticking together.

Calories Per Serving: 218

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

18. Corn Salad

You’ve probably noticed that corn is a common staple in Mexican dishes, so it’s no surprise that a great side dish for tacos would be this creamy corn salad.

Cooked corn is combined with mayo, feta cheese, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and red pepper flakes.

This salad can be served warm or cold, so if you have a busy day, you can make it ahead of time and store it overnight.

Calories Per Serving: 21

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

19. Mexican Brussel Sprouts Salad

Need a simple vegan salad that’s quick to make and requires no extra cooking? This Mexican Brussel sprout salad is here to make your life easier.

Shredded Brussel sprouts, scallions, garlic, cilantro, lime, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and jalapenos are tossed together in a bowl, and you have a quick side dish that that’s ready in minutes.

Serve the salad with quinoa and pair it with your tacos for a filling, hearty meal, or enjoy it alone as a refreshing snack.

Calories Per Serving: 46

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

20. Blistered Cheesy Peppers

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A hot and cheesy side dish you can enjoy as a snack or serve with tacos, these blistered cheesy peppers are great for those on a keto diet and are so easy to make.

The chewy crunch of the roasted poblano peppers used in this dish is elevated by the addition of melty pepper jack cheese, olive oil, and serrano pepper for an added kick.

Jalapenos are great alternatives to poblanos for this recipe, so don’t hesitate to use them if you don’t have poblano pepper or are not a fan of the taste.

Calories Per Serving: 46

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

21. Mexican Chickpeas

These flavor-filled chickpeas are so delicious that they’ll soon become your go-to side dish to serve with not just tacos but burritos, nachos, and even salad bowls.

Chickpeas are simmered with onions, garlic, and a spice mixture of chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, paprika, and sugar. It is a great healthy side dish that’s perfect to pair with veggie tacos or enjoy if you’re on a vegetarian diet.

Calories Per Serving: 269

Preparation Time: 12 Minutes

22. Rajas Poblanas (Roasted Poblano Strips In Cream Sauce)

A traditional Mexican creamy sauce with some heat and spice; what’s not to love about rajas poblanas? 

With this sauce, roasted poblano peppers are cut into strips, or “rajas” in Spanish. The pepper strips are then brought to a simmer with Mexican crema, cheese, oregano, chili powder, onions, and butter. 

The final product is a rich, decadent hot, and creamy sauce that you can put on your tacos or enjoy on its own as a side dish.

It might be hard to find Mexican crema, so if you don’t have it, feel free to substitute it with sour cream.

Calories Per Serving: 20

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

23. Tomato Avocado Salad

Looking for a refreshing and healthy salad to pair with your Tacos? Then you should give this tomato avocado salad a try.

This creamy salad is not your average boring salad, so even the pickiest eaters will love it. With each bite, you get a well-seasoned taste of cilantro, lime, red onions, tomato, olive oil, pepper, and avocados.

This salad is so easy to throw together that you can make it within minutes if you’re having guests over or at a last-minute party.

Calories Per Serving: 45

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

24. Sweet And Spicy Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A gluten-free side dish that sweet potato fans will love, these sweet and spicy roasted sweet potatoes are generously seasoned with garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin and baked for a light, crunchy exterior.

Made tastier with a drizzle of honey after cooking, they are easy to make and will fast become a favorite for their sweet and savory flavor.

The best part of these sweet potatoes is that you can also serve them with other dishes like salads or your favorite salsa. So if you have leftovers from your taco nights, don’t hesitate to enjoy these sweet potatoes with other dishes.

Calories Per Serving: 179

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 13 Tasty Birria Tacos Recipes

25. Tex Mex Ranch Potatoes

This is another delicious side dish for those who can’t get enough of potatoes. It is a smooth cheesy blend of potatoes, cheese, ranch, taco seasoning, scallions, and crumbled bacon. 

It is an easy-to-make side dish with a creamy, crumbly texture that will pair perfectly with tacos.

Calories Per Serving: 345

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toppings Can You Put In A Taco?

Tacos can be served with numerous different toppings. The great thing about them is that you can put almost any vegetable, meat, or sauce that suits your preference.

Some common toppings include cheese, guacamole, onions, minced beef, chicken, leafy greens, and fresh herbs.

There is almost no wrong topping for a taco, so you can get creative and use whatever you’d like.

How Do You Keep Tacos From Getting Soggy?

When left for long or stored in the fridge, the taco shells will typically absorb the moisture from the filling. To prevent the taco from getting soggy, it is best not to put the filling in if you don’t intend to eat them within a day of making it.

So the best way to do this is to store the tortilla separately from the filling and combine it when ready to serve. 

However, if your tacos do get soggy, you can make them crispy again by putting the taco filling in a container and then reheating the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes

What Is The Healthiest Taco Shell?

Both hard and soft taco shells are essentially made from the same corn tortillas and have almost the same nutrition content.

However, the tortilla is often fried in hard tacos shells to make the crispy hard shell. So, the frying may add some more calories that the soft shell will not have.

Hence, it could be said that the soft taco shell has fewer calories. However, If the taco shell is baked, then there is really no difference between the two.