Whether it’s taco Tuesday or you just want to serve some tacos for dinner, you may be thinking about the side dishes to offer with them. Forget about just opening a can of refried beans. That’s way too boring. I’m here to make this simple in planning.
Depending on your cooking comfort level, these ideas span a range. From purchase it at a store and put it into your own dish to spend a little time working in your kitchen, these all pair well with tacos. Time to stop pondering what to serve with tacos. Just keep reading and discover the four great suggestions you are going to want to try.
Not just plain rice
Rice is a side dish for many a roasted chicken or braised beef dish. In fact, if you think about rice as a side, it may be with a sigh of boredom. A bowl of white rice topped with a pat of butter. Thanks, but no thanks.
Don’t worry. That’s not happening today. For your tacos, you want to pair them with something more exciting: mexican rice. With a little bit of cooking time and a handful of ingredients, you will have a delicious dish to serve with your tacos. Full of flavor from tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cumin, you’ll have the rice side dish that everyone wants seconds of.
A different sort of salad
When you hear the word salad, you probably envision a lot of lettuce topped with two cucumber slices, a wedge of tomato, and a single olive (if you’re lucky). That’s not the salad we’re making here. Not at all.
Today I want you to think about a salad differently. There’s no need for a lettuce base in this salad. This Mexican Black Bean Salad is based around two key ingredients: black beans and corn. Besides being an easy to make salad, it’s also a hearty side to help with your hungry diners. Seasoned with spices, it adds some substance and flavor to your taco dinner.
A lighter salad
Are you cooking for people who have smaller appetites? This is the side dish for you! Fruit salad is a delightful pairing for tacos, if you want tacos to be the star of the show. Combine chunks of tropical fruit, and you’re ready. Consider using cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple, and kiwi. If you can find them, papaya and mango make nice additions.
Want to make this fruit salad special? If you have time for a little more effort, consider drizzling your salad with some lime juice and zest. Want to make this fruit salad extra special for the adults only crowd? Combine two ounces lime juice with one ounce tequila, and stir in one teaspoon of sugar. Pour over salad, and toss well. It will be certain to add a little spark to the dish.
An appetizer pretending to be a side dish
Who doesn’t want a side dish that’s more like a snack? When I think of guacamole and chips, it’s usually as an appetizer that we nibble on while awaiting dinner. However, there’s no rule that says you can’t serve it on the side. Honestly, it sounds like a dream pairing- delicious tacos and addictive guacamole.
You can make your own guacamole, which will allow you to control the spiciness and add-ins. Want a lot or little (or no) cilantro? You get to decide. Does it need hot sauce in it? Again, it’s your call. If you’re in a time crunch, there are many, many great premade guacamole options at your local grocery store. Pick the flavor profile that looks best to you, and you’re ready.
Now you have four different options for taco night. The hardest part now may be deciding which side you want to serve. Of course, there is no saying that you can serve only one side! Make one side or more, and your taco dinner menu is ready to share.
With little effort there’s no need to go to Taco Tuesday at your local restaurant when you can make it at home. Not only do you get to host it from the comfort of your home, you will do so for less money and probably even more fun.
