What Sides & Accompaniments To Serve With Tacos

May 21, 2024
Tacos are the perfect Mexican dish for gatherings! Wondering what sides to serve with tacos? We’ve got a range of delicious dishes that pair perfectly.

Dive in to explore our recommended taco sides and how to make them. Whether you’re creating your tacos with chicken, pulled pork, or ground beef, there’s an accompaniment to match! We’ve even included some sides with a twist for those who want to try something different.

Easy Mexican Side Dishes For Tacos

Classic Rice and Beans

No taco feast is complete without the classic combination of rice and beans. This side is easy to make, simply boil white rice until fluffy and serve alongside seasoned beans to create a filling and satisfying side dish. The rice adds a light and neutral base, while the beans provide a hearty dose of protein and fibre. Opt for Old El Paso™ Chili Con Carne Seasoning Mix to spice up your beans and add mexican-inspired touch.

Mexican Street Corn

Add a touch of Mexican street food flair to your taco spread with elotes, otherwise known as grilled Mexican street corn. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then sprinkled with crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro. This sweet and savoury dish pairs perfectly with any type of taco for an added burst of flavour.
Traditional Guacamole

Fresh and Zesty Guacamole

Guacamole is tacos best friend – a classic pairing that’s easy to make, guacamole can add a zesty creaminess to your plate. Simply remove the skin before mashing your ripe avocados, sprinkle in some lemon or lime juice, add minced onion, chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a touch of salt to taste. Serve it with Old El Paso™ Extra Mild Super Tasty Stand 'N' Stuff™ Soft Taco Kit for a match made in culinary heaven.
pork al pastor soft tacos

Tangy and Spicy Salsa

Salsa is another classic taco pairing. Whether you prefer mild or fiery flavours, salsa can add a burst of freshness and is easily adaptable. We’d recommend Old El Paso™ Fiery Jalapeno & Tomato Fajita Kit to create a zesty and spicy salsa to delight your tastebuds. If you need to cater to a variety of tastes there are a range of salsas to choose from, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, and chipotle salsa.
pulled pork mini taco boats

Crunchy Coleslaw

For a refreshing and crunchy side, serve coleslaw with your tacos. The crisp texture of shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy dressing creates a satisfying contrast to the soft. Make it even more exciting by using Old El Paso™ Stand 'N' Stuff™ Crispy Chicken Soft Taco Kit and topping your coleslaw with crispy chicken strips for a tasty twist.

Sautéed Peppers and Onions

Sautéed peppers and onions are great for adding a sizzle of flavour to your taco night and provide a burst of colour. To make, slice your bell peppers and onions into thin strips and cook in a little oil over medium heat until they soften and develop a slightly charred appearance. Simple and delicious this side perfectly complements fajita-style tacos made with Old El Paso™ Fajita Seasoning Mix Smoky BBQ.

Hummus

Crispy Tortilla Chips and Salsa

When it comes to taco sides, you can't go wrong with a classic combination of crispy tortilla chips and salsa. Serve up a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips with a range of flavourful Mexican salsas. You can even use Old El Paso™ Street Market White Corn Tortillas to make your own homemade tortilla chips by cutting them into triangles and frying until golden brown. For added flavour you can even lightly sprinkle them with some salt or other spices from your cupboard.

Cooling Cucumber Salad

A refreshing cucumber salad is great for summer and is the perfect accompaniment for tacos with a spicy kick. To make this cooling dish, simply combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro. Dress the salad with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a tangy and cooling side. This light and refreshing salad pairs well with chicken tacos made with Old El Paso™ Stand 'N' Stuff™ Whole Wheat Tortillas.
spicy mexican rice with chicken and prawns

Flavourful Mexican Rice

Aromatic and packed with spices, Mexican rice adds a fragrant and savoury element to your taco night. Prepare your rice with sautéed onions, garlic, tomato paste, and a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano. The result is a vibrant and delicious side that perfectly complements any type of taco.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

For those who want to try something different, a grilled pineapple salsa is great for adding some tropical flavour to your taco night. To prepare this side, grill pineapple slices until they char, allow to cool, and then chop them into small pieces. Once chopped, mix the grilled pineapple with diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. You now have the perfect pineapple salsa offering sweetness, tanginess, and heat!

We hope that these easy taco side dishes have given you some inspiration for your next taco night! By serving the right sides, you can enhance your guest’s dining experience and provide something to satisfy every palate. Whether you opt for classic choices like rice and beans or venture into more unique options like grilled pineapple salsa, the key is to create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that elevate your tacos. With Old El Paso products, such as the Stand 'N' Stuff™ Soft Tortilla Kit, you can effortlessly recreate vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine at home. So, gather your loved ones, unleash your culinary creativity, and let the taco night celebrations begin!

cheese bean sweetcorn nachos

Cheese, Bean And Sweetcorn Nachos

These cheesy bean and sweetcorn nachos are the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy, a mountain of bubbling cheese, crisp sweetcorn and mixed beans, piled high on top of crunchy chips.

Recipe Name

Cheese, Bean And Sweetcorn Nachos

Total Time

20 minutes

Spice Level

Medium

Servings

Ingredients

Nachos

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
  • 1 tin (400g) mixed bean salad, drained
  • 1 tin (198g) sweetcorn, drained
  • 1 pack Old El Paso™ Nacho Kit
  • 1 jar (215g) Old El Paso™ Sliced Green Jalapeños, drained and chopped
  • 200g Cheddar cheese, grated

To Serve

  • 200g Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 200g Cheddar cheese, grated
  • Chopped fresh coriander

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 4. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the red pepper and fry for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the mixed beans, sweetcorn and 1 sachet of the nacho topping (from the kit). Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Spread a layer of the nacho chips in the baking sheet then spoon over some of the bean mixture, chopped jalapeños and grated cheese. Repeat the layers another 2 times, reserving some of the grated cheese for the top.
  4. Pour over the second sachet of nacho topping and scatter over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
  5. Serve with soured cream, guacamole and garnished with chopped coriander.

Expert Tips

  • If mixed beans are unavailable just use kidney beans or try a tin of chick peas instead.
  • For more heat, replace the green jalapeños with red ones.

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