Tacos have become a staple for many households, and the perfect side dish can elevate your taco night to a whole new level. From classic chips and salsa to creative dishes like elote (Mexican street corn) and bean dip, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from. These sides not only add extra flavour but also complement the texture and overall enjoyment of your meal.
For a refreshing and crunchy option, consider Mexican coleslaw or a fresh salad. These dishes add a touch of freshness that balances out the bold flavours of the tacos. Cilantro rice and Mexican corn pudding are also excellent choices, offering a different texture and richness to your meal.
No taco night would be complete without a delicious dip. Bean dip, guacamole, and various salsas make great additions, providing both variety and a chance to customise your tacos further. By mixing and matching these sides, you can create a memorable and satisfying taco dinner for any occasion.
Essential Accompaniments
When serving tacos, a variety of accompaniments can elevate the experience. From side dishes to dips and toppings, these additions enhance the flavour, texture, and appeal of the meal.
Sides and Salads
Mexican Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw with a Mexican twist, usually made with shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapeños, and a zesty lime dressing. This side adds a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft taco shells.
Mexican Black Beans: Cooked black beans seasoned with spices and herbs like cumin, garlic, and cilantro. They provide a healthy, plant-based protein option that’s perfect for both vegan and vegetarian taco enthusiasts.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chilli powder, then topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro. This side dish offers a rich blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavours.
Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice: Fluffy and fragrant rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a classic side that complements the flavours of the tacos while adding a satisfying texture to the meal.
Cilantro Lime Slaw: A vibrant slaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed with a lime and cilantro dressing. This salad provides a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, meaty tacos.
Dips and Toppings
Guacamole: Made from mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, guacamole is a creamy dip that complements tacos perfectly. It adds a rich, buttery texture and a fresh, tangy flavour.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This topping adds vibrant flavours and a crisp texture to tacos, enhancing each bite with its refreshing taste.
Salsa: Whether it’s a traditional tomato salsa, a spicy chipotle corn salsa, or a fruity mango or pineapple salsa, this dip adds depth and variety to tacos. Each type provides a different flavour profile, from sweet to spicy.
Sour Cream: This creamy topping balances the spices in tacos, providing a cool, mild contrast. It’s a staple that enhances the overall taste and texture of the tacos.
Refried Beans: Smooth and savoury, refried beans are made from mashed black or pinto beans, cooked with garlic, onion, and spices. They can be used as a dip or a topping, adding a rich, hearty component to the meal.
Beverages and Desserts
When enjoying tacos, the right beverages and desserts can elevate the meal. Popular drinks like margaritas and horchata complement the bold flavours of tacos, while sweet treats such as churros and arroz con leche offer a perfect end to the meal.
Refreshing Drinks
A classic choice is a margarita. This cocktail, often made with tequila, lime juice, and a hint of orange liqueur, provides a refreshing contrast to spicy tacos.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, horchata is excellent. This traditional Mexican drink is made from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, offering a sweet and creamy flavour.
Another popular option is the Paloma, a tequila-based cocktail with grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The citrusy profile pairs well with Mexican cuisine.
Mexican cola or various flavours of aguas frescas like tamarind or hibiscus are also great choices. They provide a sweet, fruity counterpart to the savoury elements of tacos.
Sweet Treats
Churros are a favourite dessert to enjoy after tacos. These fried dough pastries are covered in cinnamon sugar and often served with chocolate or dulce de leche dipping sauces.
Sopapillas are another traditional dessert, consisting of deep-fried pastries drizzled with honey. They are light and slightly crispy, making them a delightful end to a hearty meal.
Arroz con leche, also known as Mexican rice pudding, is a comforting option. Made with milk, white rice, cinnamon, and sugar, it can be enhanced with raisins or coconut flakes for added texture.
For a smoother treat, Dulce de Leche Ice Cream provides a rich, caramel-infused flavour that balances the spices of a taco meal.