20 Side Dishes for Tacos

This Mexican street corn dip recipe is inspired by the irresistible flavors of elote: sweet corn: zingy lime, spicy chili, and savory crumbled cheese. No one can resist it!

These refried beans are one of the simplest recipes you'll find. They're perfect as a taco side because they add a protein-rich element that makes the meal more filling. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you'll have authentic-tasting refried beans that beat anything from a can.

Variations: Try Refried Black Beans. See also: Instant Pot Pinto Beans.

This colorful Mexican salad brings fresh flavors with vegetables,, cilantro lime salad dressing, and crispy tortilla strips. The combination creates a super-flavorful dish that perfectly complements tacos while adding a nutritious element to your meal. It's quick to prepare and always a winner at our table.

Transform ordinary rice into something extraordinary with cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. This versatile side works beautifully with tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and more. The bright, fresh flavors make any Mexican-inspired meal better.

This black bean and corn salad comes together in no time, no chopping required! It’s a quick way to get fresh food on the table and is a prime side dish to go with tacos.

This mayo-free Mexican coleslaw offers a fresh, crisp contrast to rich taco fillings. The tangy vinaigrette dressing complements crunchy cabbage, red onion, and cilantro, with cumin providing authentic Mexican flavor. Bonus: it works double-duty as both a side dish and a taco topping.

This zesty black beans and rice combines black beans with rice, green bell pepper, and seasonings like cumin, lime, and cilantro. It's a filling side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, and leftovers make excellent lunches throughout the week.

Our homemade guacamole recipe balances simple ingredients for a smooth, flavorful result. Just chop the vegetables and mash everything together in a bowl (or traditional molcajete if you have one). Serve with tortilla chips for a classic taco night appetizer.

This quick Spanish rice (which is actually Mexican-style red rice!) uses salsa for bold flavor and adobo sauce for smoky undertones. It comes together quickly and makes a perfect accompaniment to any taco feast. For a hands-off version, try our Instant Pot Spanish Rice.

When corn is in season, Mexican street corn (elote) is a must-try side. This traditional street food features sweet corn charred on the grill, then slathered with creamy sauce, seasoned with chili powder, and topped with crumbled cheese. The sweet corn and creamy sauce create an irresistible combination.

This delicious black bean dip is creamy, smoky, and full of flavor! Perfect as a snack or appetizer recipe, it’s so easy to whip up and pairs well with tortilla chips, veggies, or pita bread. It’s become a family favorite!

It’s simple to make this corn salsa recipe! Fresh and zesty, it’s perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, and more.

Fresh, ripe tomatoes transform ordinary salsa into something extraordinary. Our salsa fresca recipe highlights tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime for the perfect chip dipping experience. Pair with store-bought chips or try making homemade tortilla chips for an authentic touch.

Seasonal tip: During winter months, try our Roasted Tomato Salsa recipe designed for canned tomatoes instead.

This cilantro lime slaw is fresh and zingy, with just the right pop from the citrus! It’s great as a side dish or taco filling.

Each bite of this pineapple salsa recipe is an explosion of sweet, savory, salty and spicy! It's the ideal side for tacos with tortilla chips.

This healthier version of bean dip makes a fantastic taco night starter. Make it with homemade refried beans (or Instant Pot refried beans) or even canned refried beans in a pinch. Unlike traditional versions loaded with cheese, this plant-based option delivers big flavor without the extra calories.

This cucumber tomato avocado salad is all about fresh simplicity: ripe and juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and creamy avocado. They’re mixed with lime juice and cilantro for a tangy pop that perfectly accentuates their flavors. This one is great as a side dish for tacos or any Mexican-style meal.

Here's a tasty and healthy side to go with tacos: Mexican quinoa! It's a mix of colorful vegetables and quinoa, and pretty simple to put together. Featuring black beans, tomatoes, corn, and zucchini, it's spiced up with fajita seasoning. Bonus: leftovers save well and make a great lunch!

Here's a great side that can be a main dish in itself, or a side to go with tacos when entertaining! Start with a baked sweet potato. Then add black bean salsa, corn, and drizzle with creamy cilantro sauce! You can use up leftover cilantro sauce on the tacos, too,

Last but not least in our sides to go with tacos: this Mexican cheese dip! It's a play on white chili, using white beans, mild green chiles, corn, and a gooey mess of Mexican cheeses (sans the typical chicken so it’s vegetarian!). It's a rich side for dipping with chips while noshing on tacos.