Are you looking for a taste sensation that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters?
Look no further than taco salad! It’s a hearty, zesty dish that epitomizes Mexican cuisine.
But what should you serve with it?
Cooking up the perfect side dishes to go along with your taco salad can often be tricky and overwhelming.
Don’t worry, we’ve put together 13 delicious sides — everything from savory soups and salads to refried beans and delectable desserts — guaranteed to turn your classic taco salad into an unforgettable gastronomic experience!
What to Serve with Taco Salad? 13 Delicious Side Dishes
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a delicious and easy side dish to make.
It’s perfect for any Mexican-themed meal and can be made in advance.
This dish is also very versatile – you can add different vegetables, proteins, or spices to change it up.
Mexican rice is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something flavorful and filling.
The rice is cooked with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, which give it a great depth of flavor.
You can also add different vegetables, proteins, or spices to change it up.
Tips for making the perfect Mexican rice:
- Use long grain rice for best results.
- Cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.
- Add some chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to go with your taco salad, look no further than cilantro lime rice.
This dish is packed with flavor and only takes a few minutes to make.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have.
Cilantro lime rice is the perfect balance of fresh and zesty flavors.
The cilantro adds a bright pop of flavor, while the lime gives the dish a bit of acidity.
And if you’re looking for a little bit of heat, you can always add some red pepper flakes to the dish.
To make cilantro lime rice, simply cook your rice according to the package instructions.
Once it’s cooked, stir in some chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, and you’re done.
Looking for a little something extra? Try adding some shredded chicken or black beans to your cilantro lime rice.
Both are excellent additions that will take your dish from good to great.
3. Refried Beans
There are so many reasons to love refried beans. For one, they’re incredibly delicious and versatile.
You can use them as a side dish, the main course, or even as an ingredient in other dishes.
They’re also relatively easy to make, so you don’t have to be a master chef to enjoy them.
Refried beans are typically made with pinto beans, though you can also use black beans, navy beans, or any other type of bean that you like.
The beans are cooked until they’re soft, then mashed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Some people like to add cheese or sour cream to their refried beans, but this is completely optional.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish, then look no further than refried beans.
They’re perfect for any occasion, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with this delectable side dish.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Looking for a delicious and easy side dish to go with your taco salad? Try roasted sweet potatoes.
This dish is not only tasty, but it’s also healthy and easy to make.
Roasted sweet potatoes are a great option because they’re packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins A and C.
They’re also naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add any extra sugar or honey.
To roast sweet potatoes, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and slice the potatoes into thin wedges.
- Then, toss them with olive oil and sea salt.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly browned.
- This dish is best served warm, straight out of the oven.
- But if you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days.
- Reheat in the oven or in the microwave before serving.
5. Spicy Black Bean Soup
Looking for a delicious and hearty soup recipe to try this winter? Look no further than this spicy black bean soup.
This soup is packed with flavor and is sure to keep you warm on even the coldest of days.
Plus, it’s super easy to make – perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
What makes this soup so special is its combination of spices.
The black beans are cooked with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, giving the soup a deep and rich flavor.
If you like your soups on the spicier side, you can always add a little extra chili powder or cumin.
But if you’re not a fan of spice, simply omit these ingredients or reduce the amount called for in the recipe.
This soup is also great because it’s packed with nutrients.
Black beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
And since this soup is made with mostly pantry staples, it’s a great recipe to have on hand for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
6. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is one of those classic recipes that everyone should know how to make.
It’s simple, delicious, and can be easily tailored to your liking.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes you might have lying around.
The key to a good tomato soup is to cook the tomatoes until they are very soft.
This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and prevent the soup from being too acidic.
I also like to add a bit of sugar to balance out the flavors.
You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
For the best flavor, use fresh tomatoes that are in season.
However, you can also use canned tomatoes if necessary.
Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the soup pot.
Here are a few tips for making perfect tomato soup:
- Cook the tomatoes until they are very soft for the best flavor.
- Add a bit of sugar to balance out the flavors.
- Use fresh tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor.
7. Vegan Chili
When most people think of chili, they automatically assume that it contains meat.
However, there are plenty of delicious vegan chili recipes out there that are just as hearty and filling as their meat-based counterparts.
This particular recipe is packed with beans, vegetables, and a variety of spices that give it a unique flavor and depth of character.
It’s the perfect dish to make on a cool autumn day, and it’s sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s very versatile.
If you’re not a fan of one of the ingredients listed, feel free to swap it out for something else.
For example, if you don’t like kidney beans, you could use black beans instead.
The same goes for vegetables – if you’re not a fan of corn, you could leave it out or replace it with another type of vegetable.
The key is to experiment and find what combination of ingredients works best for you.
Another tip for making this dish even tastier is to let it simmer for a longer period of time.
This will allow the flavors to meld together and create an even more flavorful chili.
So if you have the time, be sure to let it simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Chicken Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try, chicken enchiladas are a great option.
This dish is packed with flavor and can be made in under an hour.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have.
When it comes to the filling, you can really get creative.
I like to add black beans, corn, and shredded cheese to mine. But feel free to add whatever you like.
For the sauce, I usually go with a red enchilada sauce, but you could also use green or even mole sauce.
As for the tortillas, I prefer flour tortillas over corn tortillas because they’re more durable and less likely to fall apart.
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But ultimately, it’s up to you. Here are a few tips for making the perfect chicken enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven before beginning assembly so that the enchiladas will be nice and hot when they’re ready to eat.
- If using corn tortillas, be sure to soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding the filling so that they don’t fall apart.
- When adding the filling, be sure not to overstuff the tortillas, or they’ll be difficult to roll up.
- And finally, don’t forget the toppings. I like to top mine with sour cream, cilantro, and diced avocado. But feel free to get creative and add whatever sounds good to you.
9. White Quinoa Chili
Looking for a delicious and healthy recipe to try? Look no further than white quinoa chili.
This dish is packed with protein and flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
What makes this chili so special is the white quinoa.
Quinoa is a superfood that is high in protein and fiber, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
This dish is also loaded with veggies, including tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and hearty chili that will keep you full for hours.
If you’re looking for an extra boost of flavor, try adding some cumin or chili powder to the dish.
For a bit of heat, add in some diced jalapeños.
And if you want to make the dish even healthier, top it off with some fresh cilantro and avocado slices.
10. Jalapeno Bread
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try, look no further than jalapeno bread.
This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Jalapeno bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a tasty snack.
One of the best things about jalapeno bread is that it’s relatively simple to make.
The most difficult part is probably chopping up the jalapenos, but if you have a good knife, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.
Once you’ve chopped up the jalapenos, simply mix them into the batter and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Another great thing about this dish is that it’s very versatile.
If you don’t like jalapenos, you can easily substitute another type of pepper.
Or, if you want a bit more of a kick, you can add extra jalapenos to the recipe.
Either way, you’re sure to end up with a delicious and satisfying dish.
11. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Looking for an easy and delicious recipe to try this week? Why not give cheesy beef quesadillas a try?
This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s super easy to make.
What makes this dish so delicious is the combination of cheesy goodness with tender, juicy beef.
The quesadillas are then grilled to perfection, giving them a crispy outer layer.
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect cheesy beef quesadilla:
- Use quality beef that has been cooked until it is nice and tender. Otherwise, your quesadilla will be tough and chewy.
- Be generous with the cheese. Go for a melty, gooey filling by using plenty of cheese.
- When grilling the quesadillas, make sure they are nicely browned all over. This will give them a delicious crispy outer layer.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. We recommend sour cream or salsa. Enjoy.
12. Mexican Corn Pudding
Mexican corn pudding is a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion.
This dish is made with corn, milk, eggs, and sugar, and it is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
The pudding is typically served with whipped cream or ice cream, and it can also be garnished with fruit.
This dish is a great recipe to try because it is easy to make and it is very versatile.
You can serve it as a side dish, or you can eat it as a dessert.
It is also a good dish to make ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready to serve it.
The flavor of this pudding is sweet and rich, and the cinnamon and vanilla give it a warm flavor.
Tips on making this dish include using fresh corn if possible and using whole milk for a richer flavor.
You can also experiment with different flavors by adding different spices to the pudding.
13. Spicy Guacamole
This Spicy Guacamole recipe is the perfect dish to bring to your next party.
It’s packed with flavor, and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
The best thing about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make.
All you need is some ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, diced onions, jalapeños, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until everything is combined.
If you want your guacamole to be extra spicy, feel free to add more jalapeños.
Or, if you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave them out altogether.
Either way, this dish is guaranteed to be delicious.
Here are a few tips for making the perfect batch of Spicy Guacamole:
- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- Add the lime juice after you’ve mashed the avocados so that they don’t turn brown.
- Be careful not to overmix the ingredients – you want there to be some chunks still remaining.
14. Chips and Salsa
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try, chips and salsa is a great option.
This dish is not only tasty but also very affordable to make.
One of the best things about chips and salsa is that it is a very versatile dish.
You can customize the flavors to your liking by adding different types of salsa or even adding some spice to the dish.
The possibilities are endless. Another great thing about this dish is that it is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack, chips, and salsa is always a hit.
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect chips and salsa:
- If you’re using store-bought salsa, be sure to taste it first before adding it to the dish.
- Add some spice to the dish by adding jalapeño peppers or other chili peppers to the salsa.
- Serve chips and salsa with guacamole or sour cream for an extra special treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious and nutritious side dishes that go great with taco salad.
These include refried beans, roasted sweet potatoes, tomato soup, vegan chili, and more.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in inspiring you to try new side dishes with your taco salad.
Let us know what your favorite side dish is in the comments below.
What to Serve with Taco Salad? 13 Delicious Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Mexican Rice
- 2. Cilantro Lime Rice
- 3. Refried Beans
- 4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 5. Spicy Black Bean Soup
- 6. Tomato Soup
- 7. Vegan Chili
- 8. Chicken Enchiladas
- 9. White Quinoa Chili
- 10. Jalapeno Bread
- 11. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
- 12. Mexican Corn Pudding
- 13. Spicy Guacamole
- 14. Chips and Salsa
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!