40 Side Dishes for Tacos

Tacos are a crowd favorite, but even the best tacos can get a boost from the right side dishes. Think about it: wouldn't some crunchy slaw or a spicy bean salad take your taco night to the next level? We've rounded up 40 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with any type of taco you’re planning to serve. Whether you're keeping it casual with friends or setting up a festive family dinner, these sides are sure to add that extra kick. From traditional Mexican street corn to some unexpected surprises, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive in and give those tacos some company!

Mexican Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

This Mexican Air Fryer Corn On the Cob is juicy and cooked to tender charred perfection in just 10 mins using pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Healthy Homemade Guacamole Recipe

A bowl of guacamole topped with diced tomatoes and served with tortilla chips, surrounded by fresh chili peppers and lime slices on a marble surface. — Healthy Homemade Guacamole Recipe. Photo credit: Our Plant Based World.

You'll love this traditional Mexican Healthy Homemade Guacamole Recipe, made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Tasty and nutrient-dense guac!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Homemade Red Cabbage Slaw (perfect for Tacos and Burgers)

A bowl of carrot and red cabbage slaw on a wooden table. — Homemade Red Cabbage Slaw (perfect for Tacos and Burgers). Photo credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

Get ready to tickle your taste buds with a burst of vibrant colours and irresistible flavours in this Red Cabbage Slaw (made without mayo)!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Red Cabbage Slaw (perfect for Tacos and Burgers)

Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Tarragon Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and garnished with fresh herbs, placed on a wooden table with a cloth and garlic in the background. — Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Tarragon Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Cooking With Wine.

The combo of roasted garlic, blue cheese, and tarragon is exceptional in creamy mashed potatoes! If you love blue cheese, this one is for you!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Tarragon Mashed Potatoes

Elote In A Cup (Mexican Street Corn)

A glass of layered corn salad topped with crumbled cheese and a lime slice, served on a light surface with a spoon nearby. — Elote In A Cup (Mexican Street Corn). Photo credit: Peel With Zeal.

Delicious Mexican street corn in a cup! This easy elote en vaso recipe uses frozen corn, Mexican cream, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Elote In A Cup (Mexican Street Corn)

Roasted Poblano Sauce

A bowl of creamy green soup with a spoon on a wooden table, accompanied by colorful plate edges. — Roasted Poblano Sauce. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

This Roasted Poblano Sauce is the perfect sauce for any Tex Mex lover! Enjoy on its own with chips, or throw on top of quesadillas, burrito bowls, or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Poblano Sauce

Refried Beans

A skillet of chicken enchiladas garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, and slices of chili, served with a side of salsa and crispy tortilla strips. — Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans. Photo credit: 24 Bite.

This recipe for Frijoles Puercos is like refried beans on steroids. Bacon, chorizo and melty cheese makes the bean dip of your dreams.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Oven Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe

A bowl containing roasted red, orange, and yellow bell peppers garnished with herbs. — Oven Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe. Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

These oven roasted bell peppers are a flavorful side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. They're quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe

Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

A bowl of corn salad surrounded by pita chips on a light surface. — Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

This roasted chili corn salsa is bursting with sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Use it for burritos, tacos, chips, and much more!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

Skillet Charred Blackened Corn

A skillet of sautéed corn garnished with parsley on a wooden table, with garlic cloves and a spoonful of spices nearby. — Skillet Charred Blackened Corn. Photo credit: Happy Honey Kitchen.

Skillet charred blackened corn uses frozen or canned corn to make perfectly seasoned corn in a cast iron. A Cajun side dish ready in 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Charred Blackened Corn

Easy Fresh And Fruity Mango Salsa Recipe

A bowl of freshly made mango salsa with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro, served with a spoon on the side. — Easy Fresh And Fruity Mango Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

This 15-minute fresh mango salsa recipe pairs sweet mango with savory onion, spicy jalapeño, citrusy lime, and verdant cilantro!
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh And Fruity Mango Salsa Recipe

Jalapeño Fish Taco Slaw With Chipotle Crema (No Mayo)

A plate of seared tuna with lime wedges next to a bowl of colorful coleslaw on a green placemat. — Jalapeño Fish Taco Slaw With Chipotle Crema (No Mayo). Photo credit: Fannetastic Food.

If you love tacos like I do, you need to try this cabbage slaw for fish tacos (or any kind of taco!). This no mayo coleslaw is easy & tasty!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Fish Taco Slaw With Chipotle Crema (No Mayo)

4 Ingredient Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Cumin (5-Min Prep)

These baked, seasoned sweet potato fries are easy, healthy, and flavorful. Say hello to your new favorite weeknight side dish!
Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Cumin (5-Min Prep)

Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Pineapple Salsa Recipe is an amazing blend of sweet and savory flavors. The blend of ingredients creates a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Tofu Skewers

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers on a white plate with fresh tomatoes and lemon in the background. — Tofu Skewers. Photo credit: Emily Leary.

These gorgeously juicy and flavoursome tofu skewers feature firm tofu, cherry tomatoes, courgettes and peppers in a smoky sweet marinade made from oregano, garlic, paprika, tomato puree, lemon juice and honey.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Skewers

Air Fryer Tostones

Air Fryer Tostones are the healthiest way to serve up the classic twice-fried green plantains! Crispy and made without oil in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tostones

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

A bowl of cooked quinoa garnished with lime slices and fresh cilantro on a white surface. — Cilantro Lime Quinoa. Photo credit: Veggies Save The Day.

Give quinoa a flavor boost with this easy Cilantro Lime Quinoa recipe. It only requires 5 ingredients and can be prepared on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Mexican Street Corn

Learn how to make delicious, authentic, and healthy Mexican Street Corn. Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, BBQs, and all types of parties.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with diced vegetables, herbs, and a creamy dressing, garnished with grated cheese. — Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: She's Not Cookin'.

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad has sweet and savory flavors and a creamy, tangy dressing that will have you coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Grilled Corn Salad With Tomatoes

A bowl of corn salad with cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro in a light dressing. — Grilled Corn Salad With Tomatoes. Photo credit: Be Censational.

Fresh Grilled Corn Salad with Tomatoes, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics, featuring charred corn, cherry tomatoes, and zesty dressing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Tomatoes

Guacamole

An authentic Guacamole recipe with simple fresh ingredients. 7 Ingredients. 10 Minutes. Gluten-Free. Low-Carb. Keto. Paleo. Whole 30.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Apple Coleslaw

Apple Coleslaw - A crispy tangy sweet slaw that's dairy free and delicious. Whole food, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Whole 30.
Get the Recipe: Apple Coleslaw

Chopped Mexican Salad

A fresh salad with lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion, served in a white bowl with a fork on the side. — Chopped Mexican Salad. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

A Throw Together Mexican Chopped Salad Recipe that's quick and healthy. Perfect salad side dish for Mexican food.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Mexican Salad

The Best Homemade Fresh Salsa

A bowl of fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños, accompanied by tortilla chips and lime wedges. — The Best Homemade Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

This Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe is simple but it tastes AMAZING. It's sure to become a favorite in your home!
Get the Recipe: The Best Homemade Fresh Salsa

Creamy Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of colorful corn salsa garnished with avocado and cilantro, served with tortilla chips, on a white table with a striped cloth. — Creamy Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Chantry's Pantry.

This creamy cowboy caviar is quick, easy, and so delicious! Chop up some vegetables. Mix them with sauce and you are done! Yum!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cowboy Caviar

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

A bowl of mexican street corn salad garnished with lime slices, jalapeno, and cilantro on a wooden serving board. — Creamy Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Chantry's Pantry.

This Mexican corn salad recipe combines sweet corn, salty cotija, cilantro, lime, jalapeño & garlic with a creamy, zippy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

Carrot Patties

A plate with two golden-brown potato pancakes, a dollop of sour cream, and a side salad of red peppers and greens. — Carrot Patties. Photo credit: Emily Leary.

These carrot patties are a wonderful mixture of grated potato, grated carrot, coriander and batter, mixed up and baked to perfection. The resulting patties are crisp and creamy. In fact, they could equally be described as carrot fritters or even carrot latkes!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Patties

Pico De Gallo

Bowl of fresh tomato salsa with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime, accompanied by corn tortilla chips. — Pico De Gallo. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Chipotle copycat Pico de Gallo is a sauce made of tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos that can add a fresh, healthy flavor to almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pico De Gallo

Mango Corn Salsa (Quick & Easy)

A bowl of mango salsa with diced mango, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro, presented on a textured gray tablecloth. — Mango Corn Salsa (Quick & Easy). Photo credit: Vintage Kitchen.

Flavorful, fresh, and healthy, this Corn Mango Salsa mixes sweet flavors with a spicy kick. It's great with tacos, chips and barbecued meats.
Get the Recipe: Mango Corn Salsa (Quick & Easy)

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A plate of grilled corn salad with avocado slices, lime wedges, radish slices, and crumbled cheese, garnished with fresh herbs. — Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Mexican street corn salad is an easy Mexican corn salad made from fresh grilled corn and topped with a homemade creamy chipotle dressing.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Avocado and Shrimp Salad

A colorful salad plate with corn, cherry tomatoes, shrimp, avocado, feta cheese, and a lime wedge. — Avocado and Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Laura Fuentes.

Light, refreshing, and easy prep is what you get with this avocado shrimp salad recipe without mayo that's great as a meal or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado and Shrimp Salad

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

A bowl of green salsa with diced chili flakes garnish, accompanied by tortilla chips and lime wedges on a wooden surface. — Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is easy to make and tastes incredible. Green Salsa Verde is big on flavor and low in calories and carbs.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Ejotes a La Mexicana (Mexican-style Green Beans)

A bowl of cooked green beans mixed with diced onions and tomatoes, garnished with fresh cilantro, on a wooden surface. — Ejotes a La Mexicana (Mexican-style Green Beans). Photo credit: Mama Maggie's Kitchen.

Ejotes a la Mexicana is a guilt-free and easy side dish to dress up any meal. These Mexican green beans are packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ejotes a La Mexicana (Mexican-style Green Beans)

The Easiest Gluten Free Spanish Rice

A bowl of cooked mexican rice garnished with chopped herbs, presented on a marble surface. — The Easiest Gluten Free Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

This gluten free Spanish rice recipe brings authentic flavors to your table in only minutes. It's a hearty but flavorful side dish that can be served with any meal. Made with simple ingredients and only one pot it's an easy healthy side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Gluten Free Spanish Rice

The Best Spicy Guacamole Dip Recipe

A bowl of chunky guacamole topped with sliced jalapeños, served with a tortilla chip, on a rustic stone surface. — The Best Spicy Guacamole Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Cake Work Orange.

Spicy guacamole dip with jalapenos is a variation of the classic guacamole recipe that incorporates the heat of jalapeno peppers.
Get the Recipe: The Best Spicy Guacamole Dip Recipe

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

A bowl of fresh pineapple salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, accompanied by lime wedges and tortilla chips. — Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: The Honest Spoonful.

Pineapple Pico de Gallo is a sweet, spicy take on a traditional dish. Only a handful of ingredients and this recipe comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Avocado Pico De Gallo

A bowl of avocado salad with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, viewed from above on a white surface. — Avocado Pico De Gallo. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

Avocado pico de gallo is fresh and easy! A fun twist on a classic, the creamy avocados complement the bright tomato and lime flavors.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pico De Gallo

Vegan Ceviche With Vine Ripe Tomatoes

A bowl of fresh tomato salsa, garnished with chopped onions and cilantro, next to a spoon and a striped napkin on a marble surface. — Vegan Ceviche With Vine Ripe Tomatoes. Photo credit: Eating Works.

Vegan ceviche has the great flavor of traditional ceviche, without the seafood, Easy to make with common ingredients like vine ripe tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ceviche With Vine Ripe Tomatoes

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

A bowl of corn salad topped with crumbled cheese and chopped parsley on a wooden table, with a fresh corncob beside it. — Mexican Street Corn Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

This Mexican Street Corn Casserole has all the flavors of Mexican street corn—just off the cob! This one pan dish is sure to be a huge hit!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes)

A bowl of patatas bravas garnished with parsley, served with a side of sauce. — Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes). Photo credit: Chocolates And Chai.

Patatas bravas are a popular Spanish tapas / snack, originating from Madrid. Learn how to make authentic patatas bravas with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes)