If you’re tired of serving the same old side dishes with your beloved tacos we’ve got you covered! While rice and beans are classic Mexican side dishes for tacos, they can get boring after a while. And tacos deserve more than that, right?!
Longtime readers know my love of tacos runs deep. But it’s not just me – they’re a beloved staple in many households.
And for good reason – this Mexican food favorite is easy to make, simple to customize and tastes oh-so-delicious.
Over the years I’ve made them with a variety of different taco fillings. And I’ve made other main course dishes that feature that delicious taco flavor like taco salad, taco soup, walking taco bake and walking tacos. And one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd is the taco bar party. Did I mention my love of tacos?
There’s no need to stick with traditional Mexican sides like rice and refried beans when there are so many tasty side dishes to complement your favorite tacos. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or zesty, we’ve got side dishes to please the whole family.
And if you’ve received an invitation to an event, check out what to bring to a taco party for easy ideas.
More Taco Flavored Recipes…
If you’re looking to mix things up and add variety to your Taco Tuesday nights or Cinco de Mayo menu, you’re in luck. I’m sharing a variety of tasty side dishes to serve with tacos that go beyond the traditional Mexican rice and refried beans.
Expand your taco night horizons and skip the rice and beans with these creative and delicious taco sides to round out your Mexican meal. Don’t forget to check out our best taco party ideas for more inspiration.
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Mexican Inspired Recipes
While rice and beans are delicious side dishes for tacos, there are so many other flavorful and exciting options to make a complete meal. With a bit of creativity you can take your taco meals to the next level by pairing them with unique and complementary sides.
Whether you opt for refreshing salads, zesty salsas, or cheesy quesadillas, the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re planning a taco night, don’t be afraid to switch things up and try something new!
If you make one of our recipes, please leave a star rating or comment below. And don’t forget to tag us with #areinventedmom – we love to see your creations! For more great content follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Flipboard.
Sides for Tacos Besides Rice and Beans
Appetizers and Starters
6-Ingredient Fiesta Salad
A hearty salad made with bell peppers, red onion, chopped tomato, corn, and black beans and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Serve with tortilla chips for a quick side dish.
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Easy Crudite Board (with Veggie Dip)
There's nothing easier to put together than a veggie tray and it complements any main dish meal. A homemade sour cream based dip recipe is included.
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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
Make these pretty shots ahead of time and serve to your adult guests. A non-alcoholic version is included for younger guests.
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Easy Side Dishes
Arepas con Queso
Made with 5 ingredients and filled with gooey cheese, think of it as a south of the border take on grilled cheese.
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Mexican Street Corn
This beloved Mexican dish features roasted sweet corn slathered in mayonnaise and Parmesan or Cotija cheese and sprinkled with cayenne pepper for a little heat.
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Sweet Potato Wedges
Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these scratch-made sweet potato wedges are ready in about 30 minutes.
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Homemade Cornbread Muffins
This easy recipe is made with basic ingredients and requires just 5 minutes of prep. Sometimes I add diced jalapeno peppers or green chiles for a little heat.
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Quinoa Chickpea Salad
A hearty salad made with brown rice, quinoa, garbanzo beans, fresh chopped vegetables and a scratch-made dressing.
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Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy jalapenos stuffed with a creamy filling and wrapped in crescent roll dough or bacon. Leave the eyes off for a less spooky version.
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Crispy Tater Tots
Tater tots go with everything! And making frozen tots in the air fryer means you don't have to turn on the oven.
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California Slaw
Made with simple ingredients, this refreshing slaw is a nice change from traditional mayo-based coleslaw recipes.
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Favorite Pasta Salad
Tender pasta mixed with tomatoes, onions, black olives, cheese cubes and a homemade vinaigrette.
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The BEST Simple Southern Coleslaw Recipe
This simple coleslaw recipe is made with fresh cabbage and carrots and includes a homemade creamy, tangy dressing.
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Katie’s Cornbread Casserole
An oldie but a goodie, this is a longtime family favorite side dish. It can also be made ahead of time.
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Country Style Potato Salad
This Southern classic is a great option to serve with tacos. The mayo-based dressing is the perfect counterpart to spicy dishes.
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Homemade Taco Bell Baja Sauce
This fast food favorite copycat recipe is a great way to top off your tacos. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips and corn chips.
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Sweet Sides and Desserts
Pina Colada Fluff Salad
This tropical-flavored fluff salad is a fun addition to your taco parties. Packed with pineapple and coconut flavor, it's an easy, crowd-pleasing side or dessert.
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Roasted Pineapple Rings
Serve as a side dish or add chopped pineapple to mango salsa or put it on top of your tacos.
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Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies
You'll love the combination of creamy coconut and zesty lime in this easy sugar cookie recipe.
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Banana Pudding Pops
End your taco meal with a refreshing banana flavored pudding popsicle.
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Strawberry Marshmallow Cookies
These easy semi-homemade cookies remind me of those yummy Mexican marshmallow cookies you find at the grocery store.
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Fruit Cocktail Salad
This easy fruit salad is made with a combination of fresh and canned fruits and is a tasty addition to your taco dinner.
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Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
Cool off your taste buds with this creamy fruit salad. Just 5 minutes to prep and then chill for an hour.
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Having a group of friends for book club. Everyone can choose from an array of toppings.