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    Home » Recipes » What to Serve with Tacos (18+ Recipes)

    What to Serve with Tacos (18+ Recipes)

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted July 2, 2022 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Two tacos de bistec served on a plate and surrounded by the toppings.

    If you are wondering what to serve with tacos, I’ve got you covered! There are SO many tasty recipes to serve as compliments or side dishes. 

    Two tacos de bistec served on a plate and surrounded by the toppings.

    We eat tacos a few times a week at my house. Chicken, beef, shrimp, even just plain beans. They are affordable, tasty, and make a great homemade meal. 

    Today, I’m sharing with you 18+ side dishes and compliments to serve with tacos. These are all popular recipes that have been tried and tested. 

    Next time you’re having a Mexican fiesta, try one of these recipes and tell me about it. They are sure to create an unforgettable meal. 

    Arroz Mexicano (or Mexican Rice) served in a decorative blue plate and topped with a cilantro leaf.

    Mexican rice (Arroz Mexicano) is a staple Mexican side dish. It comes out fluffy and tasty. Ready in under 30 minutes. Serve next to any of your favorite Mexican recipe and dig in!

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    Ladle full of cooked pinto beans.

    Pinto beans, or Frijoles de la Olla, are incredibly easy to make. It is the yummiest side dish to any Mexican recipe.

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    Chiles Toreados piled high on a silver platter.

    Chiles Toreados are found at taco stands everywhere. They are Mexican blistered chile peppers usually serrano or jalapenos. This seasoned condiment adds tons of flavor to carne asada tacos and other grilled meats.

    Get Recipe
    A picture of a Cactus Salad in a serving dish with a spoon.

    Ensalada de Nopales (or Cactus Salad) is a vegan-friendly, refreshing, and versatile side dish. It’s a staple in Mexico that pairs well with just about anything!

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    Taqueria-Style Salsa Serrano served in a glass container with a spoon and surrounded by cilantro and lime.

    This Taqueria-Style Salsa Serrano is the absolute best topping for tacos or serve with chips for a spicy and creamy appetizer. Ready in minutes!

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    Ensalada de Coditos Mexicana in a clay dish with forks and other decorative plates in the background.

    Ensalada de Coditos is a Mexican Elbow Pasta Salad that is found at every party – quinceañera, baptism, birthday, you name it! Make it days ahead of time. It tastes better the day after.

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    Cebollitas Asadas served on a clay plate next to grilled cactus and carne asada.

    Cebollitas Asadas are a MUST at any Mexican backyard grilling event. These Grilled Mexican Onions are made with cambray onions. Slightly sweet, very tasty, and so flavorful. They are seasoned with just a few ingredients and bring a lot to the table.

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    A hand holding a chip with frijoles puercos over a blue bowl.

    Frijoles Puercos is an easy and cheesy side dish or appetizer that’s ready in minutes. Made with chorizo and creamy pinto beans. I must warn you. These beans are slightly addicting.

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    Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.

    Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn) is bursting with flavor. Smothered with mayo, sprinkled with cheese and chile, and lastly, drizzled with lime. It’s a mouthwatering recipe that will make you beg for seconds.

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    A hand holding a bowl of salsa de aguacate.

    Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa, is not to be confused with guacamole. This creamy and totally dreamy salsa is made with avocados AND tomatillos. It’s sure to take your tacos up a few notches.

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    Pickled red onions in a jar next to a jalapeno peppers and tortillas.

    Mexican Pickled Onions (Cebolla en Escabeche) are incredibly easy to make and last a long time in the fridge. They add another layer of flavor to tacos.

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    Carne asada, grilled cactus and spring onions on a decorative clay plate.

    When you’re wondering what to serve with tacos, put this one high up on the list. Nopales Asados (or Grilled Cactus) make a healthy side dish to tacos and carne asada. Smokey in flavor, easy to make, and vegan too.

    Get Recipe
    Hand holding a chip with salsa over the salsa bowl.

    This Tomato Habanero Salsa is hot, zesty, and spicy. Fish tacos, chicken tacos, any taco, this salsa goes great with just about any taco.

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    Arroz Blanco (or Mexican White Rice) on a decorative blue plate surrounded and garnished with cilantro leaves.

    Arroz Blanco, or Mexican White Rice, is a versatile and tasty Mexican side dish that is often overshadowed by its cousin, Mexican Red Rice. It’s easy-to-make and equally delicious.

    Get Recipe
    Refried beans topped with slice of jalapeno and crumbled queso fresco.

    Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos) – creamy, tasty, and a staple in the Mexican cuisine. Serve next to enchiladas, tacos, and just about any Mexican recipe. They are hard not to love.

    Get Recipe
    Pickled Jalapenos Chiles en Vinagre surrounded by jar and cilantro.

    Pickled Jalapenos, chiles en Vinagre, jalapenos en escabeche… there many names for one of Mexico’s most iconic compliments. Tangy. Delicious. Spicy. Add a slice or two to your taco. You won’t be disappointed.

    Get Recipe
    Folk holding melted cheese and papas con rajas, or potato and chile.

    Papas con Rajas is a tasty Mexican side dish made with potatoes and roasted poblano peppers. Top with cheese, sour cream, and dig in!

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    Bowl of Chile de Arbol Salsa surrounded by chips and topped with a single dried chile

    Chile de Arbol Salsa is a great addition to tacos, tamales, and many more. There’s a kick to this salsa, but so worth it in flavor.

    Get Recipe

    Mexican Taco Recipes

    Instant Pot Birria Tacos

    Tacos de Bistec

    Tacos Gobernador

    Potato Tacos Dorados

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    Did you make any of these recipes? Let me know in the comments below!

    Filed Under: Learn, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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