If you're wondering what to serve alongside your tacos, look no further, friend! I have a list of easy sides for taco night: tested and approved side dish recipes that go farther than a side of rice and beans.

Jump to:
Take Taco Night from Good to Great with the Best Sides
When it comes to a fabulous taco Tuesday meal or Cinco de Mayo, the main attraction is always the delicious food and the great company. When Grey and his friends have dinner at home, or when we have guests, a taco bar is almost guaranteed because of its ease. Who doesn't love a self-serving situation with kids around? Feed ya'self all the tacos you want!
But when I want to create this dinner party, I end up totally drawing a blank on ideas for what to serve and what goes well with tacos. Tacos are traditionally served with things like chiles, lime juice, cilantro and onion...but what about the sides?!
I'm looking for sides for steak tacos. What would be good with shrimp tacos?
Hence this list, 25 sides to serve with tacos, just in time for Cinco de Mayo!

Besides the usual queso, bean dip, and jarred salsa - let's step outside the box and discover the perfect side dish and new taco toppings that'll change your taco experience from good to 'omg can we have that again tomorrow?!'
We're talking mild avocado crema and spicy salsa, Mexican street corn in a variety of ways from grilled corn on the cob to in a bowl, rice sides, charro beans, you name it! These are some of my favorite side dishes
They all go so well with crispy, cheesy birria tacos, which honestly are one of my favorite tacos ever.
And that mango salsa goes so well tacos, especially seafood tacos. A love.
And if you're looking for more Mexican favorites, I have rounded up a list of delicious flavored margaritas and fun Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Tacos we Love
What to Serve with Tacos: Tasty Side Dishes for Taco Night
If you enjoy bold and flavorful dishes with a kick of heat, then get ready to be wowed by this delicious roasted chili corn salsa recipe inspired by Chipotle! With the perfect blend of smoky poblano peppers, sweet corn, and zesty lime juice, every bite is filled with taste and crunch. Whether you're pairing it with crispy chips or adding it to your go-to tacos, this simple corn salad recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your next event.
Take your taco night up a notch with some delicious Mexican Rice, also known as Arroz Rojo! Packed with flavor from tomatoes, spices, and broth, this easy-to-make rice dish is the perfect addition to any taco bar. Don't miss out on this flavorful complement to your favorite tacos!
Dive into the fresh flavors of summer with mouthwatering grilled corn coated in a vibrant garlic cilantro lime butter. This is the side to serve at any al fresco taco night this season. Easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy!
This Pineapple Pico de Gallo recipe is a perfect side dish for tacos. The combination of juicy pineapple and flavorful salsa ingredients serve as a fresh complement to meaty tacos.
Spice up your next taco night for with these easy fajita veggies! Using only a handful of ingredients, this simple side for tacos is the perfect accompaniment no matter what the protein: steak, chicken, or seafood.
One of the best sides for taco night is this incredibly flavorful Mexican coleslaw recipe! Packed with crunchy cabbage, zesty red onion, fragrant cilantro, and warm cumin, this dish is a winner. Whether served as a side dish or as a delicious topping for tacos, this slaw is sure to impress!
Make delicious and authentic Nopales salad, a classic Mexican recipe made with succulent cactus paddles. Enjoy it as a perfect summer side dish alongside your preferred meat, or add some to your tacos and burritos as a flavorful filling.
Elevate your taco game with homemade blue corn tortillas! With their unique slightly sweet taste and vibrant color, they're sure to elevate your meals above the ordinary white corn or flour tortilla. Perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.
These refried pinto beans are restaurant-quality with a luxurious creamy texture and a mouth-watering flavor thanks to all the aromatics and spices. Say goodbye to canned refried beans - this dish is in a league of its own!
Filled with nutritious plant protein and fiber, these delicious Mexican black beans can be made with just four simple ingredients and a few hours of hands-off cooking. While the stovetop method is quite easy, you take it up a notch by using an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time.
With rich avocados, ripe tomatoes, and juicy lime, this avocado pico de gallo is guaranteed to bring out all the delicious flavors of your taco dinner. I promise you, once you whip up this hearty Mexican dish, it's sure to become a staple on your summer menu.
Get ready to savor this flavorful garden salsa recipe all summer. Pair it with some crispy tortilla chips for serving it as a mouthwatering appetizer at your upcoming outdoor grill party.
Indulge in air fried Mexican street corn this summer! A must-have mexican side dish made with fresh corn on the cob, creamy mayonnaise, flavorful seasonings, and gooey cheese. This recipe is a breeze to whip up when hosting a taco bar, and guests can't resist the burst of flavors in each ear of corn.
Prepare to be amazed by the delicious taste of this roasted jalapeno salsa to serve alongside your favorite taco recipe. The roasted jalapenos bring a smoky and savory kick that will elevate this recipe to new heights. Trust me, you'll want to make a double batch because it will disappear in no time!
Mexican Bean Salad is a great side dish for taco night! Packed with three varieties of beans and a mix of crisp veggies, all tossed in a zingy cilantro-lime dressing.
This flavorful roasted tomatillo salsa is perfect for a bowl of chips and salsa or as a mild addition to your taco! Roasting really enhances the sweetness of the tomatillos, while the jalapeño pepper gives it that perfect kick of heat. You can easily customize the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your spice level.
Guacamole lovers will love this Avocado Lime Crema! It's smooth, tangy, and super easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Made with luscious avocado, cooling sour cream, warm cumin and chili powder, and a squeeze of tart lime juice, this irresistible condiment is my favorite taco topping and chip dip with its fresh flavors. You'll want to drizzle it on everything!
Make homemade creamy jalapeno sauce to top your tacos, inspired by the iconic Taco Bell quesadilla sauce. This flavorful blend of ranch, jalapenos, and spices creates a tangy dip that will taco your taco experience to new heights.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home with Mexican Fruit Cups, topped tangy with lime juice and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning.
You simply can't go wrong with Cowboy Caviar with Avocado - it's a tried and true side dish for tacos that never fails to impress. This appetizer, packed with red onions, avocado, tomatoes, black beans, and spicy jalapeno, tossed with a flavorful dressing of red wine vinegar and zesty lime juice. It always receives glowing reviews!
These amazing Charro Beans are simmered in a deliciously flavorful broth with bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and other tasty ingredients. These pinto beans are a must-have addition to any Mexican feast! Whether you choose to cook these mouthwatering Mexican Charro Beans on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, you're in for a treat.
This savory and spicy orange salsa recipe is identical to the one served at any traditional Mexican taqueria! Packed with tomatoes, vibrant spices, and just the right amount of heat from chilis, it livens up your tacos perfectly!
These Cowboy Beans aer packed with spices, dark lager beer, bacon, and jalapeño. This dish is one of the best side dishes to serve alongside tacos!
Learn how to make chipotle’s cilantro lime rice rice right in your rice cooker and make your own burrito bowl at home! It's the perfect side dish to any of your tacos or grilled meats, with plenty fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Bonus: Best Drinks to Serve with Tacos!
Okay, I couldn't leave you hanging with just the food. We gotta have some refreshments as well, right?
If you make any of these recipes, leave a rating and comment on their post to show them some love! And let me know which ones you liked the most!
See y'all in the next post!
Craving more cozy recipes? Sign up for the Sweet Tea & Thyme newsletter, save this recipe with the Pin button. If you whip it up, tag me (@sweet_tea_thyme on IG/@sweetteaandthyme on TikTok) and don’t forget to leave a star rating and note below, it helps more than you know, friend.





















Leave a Reply