Wondering what to serve with tacos? I’ve got plenty of tasty ideas to share with you, including the #1 guacamole recipe on Google, spicy sauces, flavorful rice, and more!
Photo: Gayle McLeod
Whenever I’m hosting taco night (I do love a good Taco Tuesday!), I always try to remember that the toppings and sides are equally important as the protein that goes in them. Of course, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro are classic. But I always love putting out a full spread of different flavors and textures to make taco night feel a little more fun and interactive.
So I’ll usually pair something like Mexican rice and black beans with my shredded barbacoa tacos. And my carnitas tacos are finished off with pickled red onions and a dollop of zesty lime crema (so good!). There’s no right or wrong choice as Mexican food is all about packing in tons of flavor. So have fun picking your favorite sides!
Guacamole is always the first thing I make for taco night. This version is perfectly creamy, fresh, and comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. A true Downshifter favorite!
I love how pico de gallo adds that fresh, juicy bite every taco needs. It’s simple but makes such a difference with its bright tomato and lime flavor! And if I have time, I’ll make a batch of pickle de gallo too for an extra tangy twist that really wakes everything up.
A good red salsa brings just the right amount of heat and depth to taco night. I love spooning this over everything, especially when I want a little extra kick.
This roasted salsa verde is my go-to when I want something bright and tangy. The tomatillos give it that slightly zippy flavor that pairs perfectly with richer meats like carnitas or barbacoa. And don't forget to make extra for a delicious chilaquiles brunch (my favorite)!
This cilantro lime rice is probably one of my favorite Mexican sides. I may be biased because I love Chipotle, but the flavors are just so refreshing and perfect for pairing with any taco plate.
You'll be surprised how flavorful this black bean dip is! It's almost like my black bean soup, but in a chunky, creamy dip that everyone will love. I like adding a small dollop to tacos, or simply enjoying on the side with chips.
While you can have a classic Mexican crema on the table, I always go the extra step to make this lime version. The bright pop of citrus and the refreshing creamy base is the perfect match for savory tacos.
A must-make during peak summer season! The juicy mango with a hint of lime and cilantro is my favorite pairing with shrimp tacos, fish tacos, or salmon tacos. Basically anything with seafood!
There's never a bad time to serve this classic ceviche on the side for Mexican dinner nights. It's bright, citrusy, and great paired with heftier meats. Plus, it's really easy to make!
Pickled red onions are a must in my taco spread. They add the perfect pop of tangy crunch! I also love how this can be prepped way ahead of time and enjoyed over 2 to 3 weeks.
When it's grilling season, this elote is always on the menu! Juicy, charred corn on the cob gets slathered with a creamy mayo spread, then it’s topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. You can also shave off the corn after it's been grilled and toss it with all those toppings to make an elote salad.
This is like a cross between guacamole and salsa, and I’m obsessed. It’s creamy, a little tangy, and so delicious. I love spooning it over tacos when I want something a little smoother than chunky guac.
Now that you’ve chosen your favorite toppings and sides, I thought I’d share my favorite meat options for your next taco night. All of these recipes are really easy, foolproof, and infused with authentic Mexican flavors!
Carne Asada: The best grilled steak soaked in this carne asada marinade.
Carnitas: Flavorful, shredded pork that’s such a classic.
Barbacoa: Another fan favorite for amazing shredded beef.
Birria: These cheesy birria tacos are sooooo good!
Salsa Verde Chicken: My favorite shredded chicken slow-cooked in salsa verde.
If you make any of these taco sides for taco night, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
About the author
Lisa Bryan
Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.
