What Goes With Tacos in 2025: 10 Tasty Mexican Staples!

Cooking tacos at home makes you feel like you’re running your own taquería in the heart of Mexico. Whether you’re sticking with classic refried beans or getting adventurous with traditional pico de gallo, the right sides can elevate your taco experience!

From tangy corn salad to hearty guacamole, there’s no shortage of ways to round out your plate. Whether you’re craving something fresh, creamy, or crunchy, these side dishes will transport your taste buds straight to a vibrant Mexican street food scene.

1. Salsa Verde With Fresh Cilantro

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse.

2. Boil tomatillos and pepper in a saucepan for 5 minutes, then drain.

3. Transfer tomatillos and pepper to a blender with onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed for desired consistency.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Overview 🔍

Salsa verde is the perfect taco companion. Its tangy tomatillos cut through rich fillings like carnitas or grilled chicken, while the heat from the pepper adds just the right amount of kick. The fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten every bite, making each taco taste fresh and balanced.

I love this recipe because it’s quick, low-calorie, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy way to add depth to tacos without overpowering them, and it comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.

2. Frijoles Refritos (Mexican-style Refried Beans)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Finely chop the onion and garlic.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Stir in cumin, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add pinto beans and mash with a potato masher or fork.

5. Gradually add bean broth or water, stirring until creamy.

6. Serve warm, topped with queso fresco or cilantro if desired.

Overview 🔍

Refried beans go with tacos like rice goes with stir fry. The creamy texture of the beans helps hold everything together, while their savory, well-seasoned flavor complements everything from carne asada to roasted vegetables. They add a hearty, satisfying element to each bite.

I love this recipe because it’s simple, packed with protein and fiber, and incredibly versatile. Whether you use them as a taco filling or a flavorful side, they come together in just 20 minutes with just a few pantry staples.

3. Classic Beef Tacos With Salsa & Chipotle Lime Crema

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Finely chop the onion, tomato, and cilantro. Cut lime into wedges.

2. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, chipotle powder, and a squeeze of lime. Set aside.

3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté half the onion until softened.

4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, tomato paste, and Southwest spice blend. Cook until browned.

5. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.

6. Assemble tacos with beef, salsa, chipotle lime crema, cheese, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Overview 🔍

Beef tacos are a classic for a reason. The rich, savory beef pairs perfectly with the freshness of the tomato salsa, while the warm tortillas bring everything together. The chipotle lime crema adds a smoky, tangy contrast that really elevates every bite.

I especially like this recipe because it’s a balanced mix of indulgent and fresh flavors. It’s packed with protein (43 g per serving!), easy to make in under 30 minutes, and perfect for a satisfying taco night.

4. Zesty & Tangy Black Bean & Corn Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Coarsely dice the red onion and tomato and finely chop the jalapeño and cilantro.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.

3. Serve with tacos!

Overview 🔍

This black bean and corn salad is a perfect taco topping or side dish. The sweetness of the corn balances the hearty black beans, while the fresh lime juice and jalapeño add a bright, zesty kick that tastes great with any taco filling. It adds freshness and crunch, making every bite more satisfying.

What I love most about this is how quick and nutritious it is. It’s packed with protein and fiber, requires no cooking, and comes together in just a few minutes. Whether you're topping tacos or serving it as a side, it's an easy way to add bold flavor to any meal.

5. Steak Tacos With Creamy Guacamole

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Thinly slice the bell pepper, onion, and tomato. Cut lime into wedges.

2. Season steaks with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and ancho chili powder.

3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until medium-rare or desired doneness. Let rest, then slice thinly.

4. In the same pan, sauté bell pepper and onion until soft. Add vegetable stock and cook until reduced.

5. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.

6. Assemble tacos with steak, sautéed veggies, guacamole, sour cream, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Add hot sauce if desired.

Overview 🔍

Steak tacos bring a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy guacamole. The sautéed peppers and onions add a slight sweetness, while the cotija cheese and lime juice bring balance. Everything comes together in a warm tortilla for a bold, satisfying bite.

I love this recipe because it’s packed with protein and layered with different textures. The tender steak, creamy guacamole, and soft tortillas make every bite delicious – and it’s all ready in just 25 minutes.

6. Sweet Potato Fries With Chili Lime Aioli

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (or set air fryer to 400°F).

2. Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

5. In a small bowl, mix mayo, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and minced garlic.

6. Serve fries hot with chili lime aioli on the side.

Overview 🔍

Sweet potato fries are a fantastic taco side. Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spicy aioli, while their crisp texture adds a satisfying crunch. The chili and lime flavors tie in perfectly with classic taco seasonings, making them a great complement to any taco spread.

Any restaurant I’ve ever eaten at always has fries or sweet potato fries as a side option for tacos. I love this combo because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and easy to make in the oven or air fryer. The fries always come out crispy, and the aioli adds an addictive, creamy kick! While not the lowest in calories, you can moderate your intake if you’re worried.

7. Frijoles Charros (Charro Beans)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Chop the bacon, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and tomato.

2. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed.

3. Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.

4. Stir in tomato, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.

5. Add pinto beans and chicken stock. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Overview 🔍

Charro beans bring a smoky, savory depth that complements rich taco fillings. The slow simmering process infuses them with bacon, spices, and broth, creating a flavorful, hearty dish that pairs well with anything from grilled meats to veggie tacos.

This recipe is great because it’s packed with protein, full of bold flavors, and incredibly easy to make in a single pot. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option too.

8. Pico de Gallo (Authentic Mexican Salsa)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped ingredients.

3. Add lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir well and let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve fresh or refrigerate for later use.

Overview 🔍

Pico de Gallo is the ultimate taco topping. The fresh tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness, the onions add a sharp bite, and the lime juice ties everything together with a bright, citrusy kick. It’s a really easy recipe to make at home, and it adds just the right amount of freshness and crunch.

I always make a big batch of this because it’s hard not to! It also happens to go well with everything – tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or even just tortilla chips. It’s light, refreshing, packed with flavor, and very low in calories, making it a great way to add substantial flavor to any type of tacos.

9. Lime-Cilantro Rice

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a medium pot, bring chicken stock to a boil. Add rice, butter (or olive oil), and a pinch of salt.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Overview 🔍

This rice is perfect with tacos because its light, citrusy notes cut through rich and savory fillings. The fresh cilantro adds an herbal brightness, while the buttery texture of the rice balances out the spicier elements in your tacos.

I love both cilantro and lime, and combining it with rice is a match made in heaven. While appearing simple on the surface, the level of depth and flavor you get out of this dish is astonishing. Simply serve it on top of your tacos or on the side, depending on your preference!

10. Everyone’s Favorite Guacamole!

Method

1. Take an avocado and cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp chef’s knife. Twist open the avocado into 2 halves.

2. Use the knife to chop “into” the avocado pit. While the knife is buried in the pit, twist the knife to remove the pit.

3. Take a soup spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh and place it into a large mixing bowl. Do the same for all avocados.

4. Finely chop the onion and juice the limes.

5. Add all of the ingredients to the mixing bowl and blend well with a masher.

Overview 🔍

Guacamole is a must-have for any taco night, bringing creamy richness and a fresh, zesty contrast to bold flavors. The lime juice pairs perfectly with the natural buttery texture of avocado, while the onions add just the right amount of crunch and sharpness.

Any taco night feels incomplete without a bowl of fresh guac. It’s quick to make, packed with health benefits, and goes beyond tacos – dip tortilla chips into it, spread it on toast, or add it to burrito bowls. Now I only wish I could consistently find fresh, ripe avocados where I live!

FAQ

What is a good side dish with tacos?

Tacos pair well with a variety of side dishes, from fresh salads and rice to hearty beans and crispy fries. A good side should complement the flavors of your tacos, balancing richness with acidity, spice with creaminess, or crunch with softness. Classic options include Mexican rice, refried beans, elote (Mexican street corn), or fresh salsas.

Frijoles Charros is a great pick, for example, because it adds a smoky, savory depth that really elevates any taco meal. The slow-simmered beans, cooked with bacon and spices, bring a rich, satisfying contrast to lighter taco fillings.

What are tacos traditionally served with?

Some common items tacos get served with include refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, and fresh salsas. These sides help round out the meal while complementing the bold, spicy, and savory elements of the tacos.

One example is the Pico de Gallo, which is a staple that adds freshness and crunch. Its mix of tomatoes, onions, lime, and cilantro brings a bright, citrusy contrast that works well with everything from carne asada to grilled fish tacos.

What do you serve at a taco dinner?

A taco dinner typically includes a spread of tortillas, protein options (like beef, chicken, or fish), toppings, and a selection of sides. Offering a variety of fillings and condiments, such as guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese, lets everyone customize their tacos. Serving a mix of hot and cold sides helps create a balanced meal.

One example is lime-cilantro rice, which is a great addition to a taco dinner. Its bright, citrusy flavor and fluffy texture complement any taco filling, whether you serve it inside the tacos or on the side.

What goes in tacos with ground beef?

Ground beef tacos typically include seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a sauce or salsa. Many people add fresh toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture. Soft or crispy tortillas both work well, depending on preference.

For instance, the Classic Beef Tacos with Salsa and Chipotle Lime Crema bring everything together with a smoky, tangy crema that enhances the beef’s bold flavors. The balance of spice, acidity, and creaminess makes for a delicious taco experience.

What is a good addition to tacos?

A good addition to tacos improves their flavor or texture without overpowering them. Popular choices include fresh herbs, crunchy fries, creamy sauces, or a squeeze of lime. Adding a balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy elements can take tacos to the next level.

One example is Everyone’s Favorite Guacamole. It’s the perfect addition to your taco night because it adds a creamy, zesty contrast that pairs well with any taco filling. It’s really simple to prepare, and the combination of avocado, lime, and onion makes it a quick yet essential topping.