What Sides To Serve With Tacos

April 28, 2025
beef tacos served on a wooden board with tomato salsa, salsa verde & halved limes
Deciding what to serve with tacos for your next meal? Whether it's fish tacos, chicken, or ground beef, the right sides can elevate your taco night from simple to spectacular. Explore our guide to discover everything from Mexican-inspired side dishes to unique, easy taco sides that complement every type of taco you're planning to serve.

What to Serve with Tacos: The Best Side Dishes for Taco Night


Taco night is all about bringing people together to share delicious flavours, laughter, and fun. But what really takes your taco feast to the next level? The perfect side dishes! Whether you're serving chicken tacos, pulled pork tacos, ground beef tacos, or fish tacos, the right accompaniments enhance flavours and add variety to your spread.
From classic staples like Mexican-inspired rice and street corn to fresh, vibrant salads and unique twists on traditional sides, this guide will help you build the ultimate taco experience. Ready to explore the best taco side dishes? Let’s dive in!

Classic Mexican Side Dishes for Tacos

Mexican-inspired sides pair beautifully with tacos, balancing bold flavours while adding texture and depth.

mexican inspried rice served in a bowl with cherry tomatoes by side

1. Mexican-inspired Rice 🌶

This fluffy, flavour-packed rice—infused with tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of cumin—complements the savoury richness of ground beef tacos and pulled pork tacos.


Pro Tip: Want a variation? Try cilantro-lime rice for a fresh, zesty twist!


👉 Best with: Ground beef tacos, pulled pork tacos

a bowl of beans salad on a rustic background

2. Refried Beans or Black Beans 🫘

Rich, creamy refried beans make every bite more indulgent, while black beans bring a smokier, heartier texture, perfect alongside fish tacos and birria tacos.


👉 Best with: Birria tacos, fish tacos, pulled pork tacos

mexican street corn (elote) topped with cheese served with lime wedges

3. Mexican-inspired Street Corn (Elote) 🌽

Grilled corn slathered with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy topping creates a sweet and smoky contrast—especially tasty with chicken tacos.


👉 Best with: Chicken tacos, birria tacos

Fresh & Crunchy Taco Side Dishes

Craving something crisp and refreshing? These light sides add a fresh dimension to your taco table.

assorted mexican salsas including guacamole salsa, tomato salsa served on a rustic background with garlic, red chili, halved avocado around

4. Guacamole & Salsa Trio 🥑

A mix of classic tomato salsa, mango salsa, and creamy guacamole delivers a variety of textures and flavours. Want to shake things up? Pineapple salsa adds a perfect tropical note to fish tacos!


👉 Best with: Fish tacos, pulled pork tacos, chicken tacos

mexican slaw served in a bowl with a spoon aside

5. Mexican-inspired Slaw 🥬

A tangy, crunchy slaw—loaded with cabbage, carrots, fresh coriander, and a lime dressing—balances the juiciness of chicken tacos.


👉 Best with: Chicken tacos, ground beef tacos

tortilla chips dipped in a queso sauce served in a bowl with red chilies around

6. Homemade Tortilla Chips & Queso 🧀

Warm, melty queso dip with crispy tortilla chips is an irresistible pairing for taco night—great as both an appetiser and a side. Try the Old El Paso™ Tortilla Chips Original for the Ultimate Chip for any dip!


👉 Best with: All tacos!

Hearty & Comforting Taco Side Dishes

If you’re after more filling sides, these warm, satisfying dishes will round out your meal perfectly.

roasted sweet potatoes served in a white plate

7. Chilli-Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes 🍠

Roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned with lime and chilli powder, provide a smoky-sweet contrast that shines alongside flavourful pulled pork tacos.


👉 Best with: Pulled pork tacos, birria tacos

a plate full of mexican fries topped with tomato salsa & sour cream

8. Mexican-inspired Street Fries 🍟

Take regular fries to the next level by loading them with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce. A festive and delicious side for any taco night!


👉 Best with: Ground beef tacos, chicken tacos

Cheesy Chicken and Bean Quesadillas

9. Quesadillas 🫓

Crispy, cheese-packed quesadillas are the perfect hearty add-on to a taco feast. Stuff them with cheese alone or add extra fillings like mushrooms or beans!


👉 Best with: Ground beef tacos, birria tacos

Sides with a Twist: Modern Takes on Taco

Get creative with these unique additions that bring surprising flavours to taco night.

jalapeno cornbread in a pan

10. Jalapeño Cornbread 🌶️

Sweet, fluffy cornbread with a little jalapeño kick makes a delicious companion to the bold, savoury flavours of birria tacos.


👉 Best with: Birria tacos, ground beef tacos

a plate full of avocado bean salad garnished with corn & cherry tomatoes

11. Avocado & Black Bean Salad 🥗

This light and flavour-packed salad features avocado, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a citrusy lime vinaigrette—a brilliant option for those looking for plant-based alternatives.


👉 Best with: Fish tacos, chicken tacos

grilled pineapple slices on a wooden board

12. Charred Pineapple Slices 🍍

Grill fresh pineapple slices for a caramelized, smoky-sweet side that beautifully complements fish tacos or pulled pork tacos.


👉 Best with: Fish tacos, pulled pork tacos

How to Build the Perfect Taco Night Spread

Pairing sides with the right tacos can elevate your meal. Here’s a quick guide:


Taco Type - Best Side Pairings


  • Fish Tacos - Pineapple salsa, avocado & black bean salad, charred pineapple
  • Chicken Tacos - Mexican-inspired slaw, elote, guacamole, Mexican-inspired street fries
  • Ground Beef Tacos - Mexican-inspired rice, quesadillas, tortilla chips & queso
  • Pulled Pork Tacos - Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, mango salsa
  • Birria Tacos - Jalapeño cornbread, refried beans, queso dip

Make Taco Night Easy with Old El Paso

Ready to create a flavourful and fun taco night? Old El Paso™ has everything you need—from soft and crispy taco shells to bold seasoning mixes—so you can bring those delicious tacos to life!

🛒 Get the essentials here:

🍽️ Try These Tasty Taco Recipes: