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Are you planning a taco feast but stuck on what to serve? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with delicious and easy-to-make side dishes for taco party that will up your taco game.
From traditional favorites to unique twists, these taco party ideas are sure to be a hit among your guests. So let’s dig in (pun intended) and discover the perfect accompaniments for your taco spread.
What to Serve with Tacos for a Party
Tacos may be the star of the show, but side dishes play a crucial supporting role in any party menu. While there is an endless variety of Mexican side dishes, it’s best to stick with dishes that complement and enhance the flavors of the tacos you are serving.
Some classic choices include fresh corn on the cob, easy Mexican rice, and refried beans. These traditional dishes add texture and heartiness to your meal while staying true to the Mexican flavor profile.
But why not try something new and exciting? How about a pineapple salsa for a refreshing burst of sweetness? Or roasted sweet potato wedges for a healthier alternative?
No matter which tasty sides you choose, make sure they balance out the spiciness of your tacos and add variety to your spread. Be sure to check out hosting a taco bar party for more helpful tips.
Where to Buy Ingredients
Most ingredients for these side dishes can be found at your local grocery store. For more specialized items like Mexican spices or specialty fresh ingredients, check out your nearest Latino market for authentic flavors.
Prepare Ahead: Time-Saving Side Dishes for Tacos
The beauty of these sides is that many of them can be prepared in advance, leaving you with more time to focus on the main event – tacos! From simple stovetop recipes to grilled options and no-cook salads, there are endless possibilities for tasty side dishes. And don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.
For example, a cool cucumber salad with a tangy lime dressing provides a refreshing contrast to spicy tacos. Or try grilling corn on the cob and topping it off with crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder for a flavorful twist on a classic side.
What Sides Go With Tacos
The perfect side dish for tacos is subjective, as it depends on personal preferences and the types of tacos being served. However, a general rule of thumb is to choose sides that complement or contrast the flavors of your tacos.
If you’re serving spicy carne asada tacos, opt for cooling sides like creamy avocado or pico de gallo. For milder chicken or fish tacos, go for bolder side dishes such as loaded nachos or elote (Mexican-style street corn). And you can never go wrong with a big basket of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa.
FAQs
Where can I find authentic Mexican ingredients?
Look in the ethnic food section of your local grocery store or at specialty Latino markets. You can also order online if your local store doesn’t carry them.
How can I save time when preparing side dishes for a taco party?
Choose taco sides that can be made ahead of time, like salads or salsas, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s also helpful to choose recipes with simple ingredients or ones that share ingredients with your main dishes to cut down on prep time.
What’s the best side dish for spicy tacos?
For spicy tacos, opt for cooling sides like creamy guacamole or pico de gallo. These will help balance out the spiciness and add a refreshing element to your meal.
What other unique sides can I serve with tacos?
Get creative with fun twists on traditional sides, such as grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a burst of sweetness, or roasted sweet potato wedges for a healthier alternative. And these arepas con queso are a family and guest favorite.
What’s the key to a successful taco party?
Balance and variety are the key to a successful taco-themed gathering. Choose side dishes that complement or contrast the flavors of your tacos, and don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors.
Final Thoughts on Taco Party Sides
Side dishes are an essential element in any taco spread and should offer a mix of flavors. Stick with traditional favorites or get creative with unique twists, and don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors.
By following these tips, you’re sure to have a flavorful and fun taco bar that your guests will remember! So go ahead, spice up your spread with the best side dishes for your next taco extravaganza.
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Must-Try Side Dishes for Taco Parties
Looking to add some creativity to your taco party menu? These easy side dishes are perfect for taco lovers and will add a delicious twist to your party.
Pineapple Mango Salsa
Pineapple and mango are perfect partners for a unique spin on salsa. This is so delicious and fruity that you won’t be able to stop eating a whole bowl of this on your own! Pair with chips or add it on to the top of tacos.
Grab some garden fresh tomatoes and make this chunky pico de gallo as a side dish option for a party. It pairs wonderfully with salty chips, but can also be added to tacos, nachos, burritos and more.
What are you serving alongside tacos? This easy salad needs only six simple ingredients like corn, black beans and tomatoes, but adds the best medley of flavors. You can make this in ten minutes for a flavorful and delicious addition to your taco party.
This is such a tasty bean dip recipe to offer on taco night. You can serve it with tortilla chips, or a stack of mini tortilla rounds so people can enjoy it however they like. This recipe also happens to be easy, and has a creamy texture with a hint of spice for the perfect balance.
With so many options for tacos and toppings, sometimes all you need is a simple side dish like salsa and chips. This recipe uses mango and habanero peppers for a sweet and spicy combination that will entice your taste buds to go back for a second scoop.
Adding roasted peaches and tomatillos to salsa is such a delicious idea. Roasted onions, peaches and tomatillos come together to make a fresh and flavorful combination. If you serve it with tacos, the sweetness of the fruit is complimentary to the spiciness of the meat. If you serve it with chips, the saltiness of the chips makes the flavors pop even more.
Make a simple side for taco night like this easy cilantro lime rice recipe. It cooks in the instant pot for fuss free food that is ready fast. The results taste so much like Chipotle that you might agree this is a perfect copycat recipe.
Pasta salad is a classic party food option so why not spice it up for a taco party? This recipe has tomatoes, corn, black beans, tender noodles and the best creamy southwestern dressing. This is a great option as it can feed a crowd with great flavor, but it is very easy to prepare.
Cornbread muffins make a yummy option for a taco party. Offer a basket of them and let guests grab them to balance out the heat with something sort of sweet. Offer jalapeno honey butter on the side. You can make these in your air fryer to save oven space for other dishes.
These tasty little cups make a great side dish. With hummus, guacamole, olives, and cheese inside of a crunchy shell, these are sure to be a hit at your taco party, but keep the recipe for future appetizer needs.
Mix a big bowl of elote salad for a party. With juicy kernels of corn, mild cheese and a creamy dressing, every bite offers a medley of Mexican street corn textures and flavors.
Let your air fryer do the work of making a yummy side for taco night. This taco stuffed avocado recipe has it all; cheese, meat and avocado! Add some salsa for a fresh take on nachos. These are sure to be a big hit at your gathering.
Creamed corn makes a great taco party side dish when it is spiced up with jalapeno peppers. This recipe is creamy, spicy and pairs well with burritos, tacos nachos and more.
Pickled carrots make a great option for a side dish for tacos. They are tasty, colorful and unique and perfect on the side of spicy chicken or beef tacos.
These wonton cups make a great side or appetizer. They pack a whole lot of tasty taco flavors into a crispy little shell. Serve them at a taco party for a bite-sized side that delivers layers of great flavors.
Baked potatoes might not seem like a natural partner for tacos, but this recipe stuffs taters full of salsa, peppers and cheese sauce for a side dish that delivers bold taco flavor in every fluffy bite.
You only need six ingredients to make these cheesy breads. They are the definition of Columbian comfort food, but work so well as a side to a variety of dishes, including tacos! In fact, you might want to top your arepas con queso fry bread with taco meat and toppings for a tasty twist on tacos.
Black bean taquitos make a really tasty addition to a taco party menu. They are so flavorful and filling that vegetarians can make a meal of them, but they are so yummy everyone will want to try them. After you try this easy homemade version you'll want to ditch the frozen variety.
Can you make guacamole without avocado? Yes you can! This recipe uses peas and pomegranates for a colorful and delicious mix of flavors that adds color to taco dishes and is so unique no one can resist grabbing a spoonful.
This unique recipe makes a fun side to a variety of tacos. Juicy pineapple rings are seasoned with butter and spices to make a caramelized fruit that you can snack on, serve as dessert or enjoy as a side dish.
A simple side like fruit cocktail is a great option for tacos. The sweet fruit offers a lovely contrast to spicy taco meat and peppers. The simplicity of this recipe makes it the perfect side to make when time is limited and you want to add extra color to your meal.
