Are you familiar with walking tacos?
This genius invention is a mashup of two classic favorites – tacos and portable meals! Plus it’s an ideal option for gatherings.
All your guests have to do is grab their ingredients and build their own creation as they stroll around the party or backyard barbecue.
But, what should you serve alongside this fun food combo? It can be difficult to figure out what would work best.
That’s why we’ve put together an epic list of ten awesome ideas that will help make any walking taco situation even more delicious.
Read on to unlock these tasty ideas and find the perfect side items for your walking tacos party!
What to Serve with Walking Tacos? 10 BEST Options
1. Greens and Beans
There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of greens and beans.
The warm, earthy flavors of the greens meld together with the beans, creating a dish that is both satisfying and healthy.
And while greens and beans may not be the most exciting dish on the menu, there are ways to elevate this humble dish and make it into something special.
One way to do this is to focus on the textures of the dish.
For example, you could use a variety of different beans – cannellini, black, pinto – to add contrast and interest.
Or you could use a mix of fresh and frozen greens, adding some crunch with the fresh greens and heartiness with the frozen.
Another way to change up the texture is to cook the greens in different ways – sauteed, wilted, or even raw.
You can also play around with the flavor profile of greens and beans.
If you typically use kale or collards, try switching things up with chard or mustard greens.
And instead of just using plain old water to cook your greens, try using chicken or vegetable stock for added flavor.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices – a little bit of cumin or smoked paprika can go a long way in giving this dish some extra oomph.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
There’s nothing quite like a basket of hot, fresh fries.
But why settle for the ordinary when you can have something even better? Sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative to regular old french fries, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
Sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dipping sauces.
If you’re looking to elevate your fry game, sweet potatoes are the way to go.
Here are a few tips for making the best sweet potato fries:
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove some of the starch.
- Use a high-quality oil for frying – we recommend avocado or coconut oil.
- Season the fries generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce – ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard all work well.
3. Corn on the Cob
Who doesn’t love corn on the cob? It’s a summertime staple that can be enjoyed at cookouts, picnics, and more.
But what exactly makes corn on the cob so delicious?
For starters, it has a great taste and texture.
The sweetness of the corn is perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the butter, making it a truly crave-worthy dish.
And when it comes to texture, nothing beats that of freshly cooked corn on the cob.
The kernels are tender and juicy, and the cob itself has a slight crunch to it.
But what if you want to take your corn on the cob game up a notch? Here are some tips:
- Add some spice to it. A little bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder can really elevate the flavor.
- Give it a grilled flavor. Throw your ears of corn on the grill for a few minutes before serving.
- Get creative with your toppings. Sure, butter and salt are classics for a reason. But why not try something different like sour cream, cheese, or even bacon bits?
4. Macaroni and Cheese
There are few dishes as classic and comforting as macaroni and cheese.
This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a bit of carb-y pasta to help tie it all together.
The best part about mac and cheese is that it is so versatile- there are endless ways to Elevate this dish and make it your own.
One way to elevate the taste of your mac and cheese is to experiment with different types of cheese.
A sharp cheddar will give the dish a more distinct flavor, while a creamier cheese like brie will make the dish richer.
You can also mix in some additional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick.
As for texture, you can mix things up by adding in some chopped up vegetables or even some crispy bacon bits.
If you want to keep things veggie-friendly, try adding in some frozen peas or chopped up broccoli florets.
For a heartier dish, mix in some crumbled sausage or diced ham.
No matter what ingredients you choose, be sure to cook them before adding them into the mac and cheese so that they are fully cooked through.
Finally, one of the easiest ways to upgrade your mac and cheese is simply to use higher quality ingredients.
Use shells or other shaped pasta instead of plain old elbow noodles.
And for the cheese, go for something that is freshly grated rather than the pre-shredded kind that comes in a bag.
These small changes will make a big difference in the overall flavor and quality of your dish.
5. Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of mashed potatoes.
They’re creamy, dreamy, and oh-so comforting.
But sometimes, they can be a bit boring.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your mashed potatoes, here are some tips.
One way to add some flavor to your mashed potatoes is to add in some shredded cheese.
This will give them a nice cheesy flavor that will be sure to please everyone at the table.
You could also add in some chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley.
This will give them a nice fresh flavor that will brighten up the dish.
Another way to change up your mashed potatoes is to change the texture.
If you want something a bit more rustic, you could try using a potato ricer instead of mashing them by hand.
This will give them a lighter, fluffier texture that’s perfect for sopping up all that delicious gravy.
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try making sweet potato mash.
This is a great way to add some extra vitamins and minerals into your diet.
6. Green Salad
A green salad is a perfect side dish for walking tacos.
It’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.
Plus, it’s an easy way to add some extra nutrition to your meal.
When choosing a green salad for your walking tacos, look for a mix of greens that includes both bitter and sweet flavors.
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Arugula, endive, and radicchio will provide a nice bitterness, while spinach and romaine will give you a sweetness.
Adding some chopped fruit, like apples or pears, will also add a touch of sweetness and help balance out the flavors.
textures to your salad by adding some chopped nuts or seeds.
Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds are always a nice addition.
Or, if you’re looking for something heartier, you could add some crumbled bacon or diced avocado.
Finally, don’t forget the dressing.
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar is always a good choice.
But feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors.
Just be sure not to go overboard – a little dressing goes a long way.
7. Caesar Salad
There’s nothing quite like a classic Caesar salad.
The combination of crisp, crunchy lettuce with creamy, flavorful dressing is hard to beat.
And while it may seem like a simple dish, there are actually a lot of different ways to elevate a Caesar salad and make it even more delicious.
One of the things that makes a great Caesar salad is the balance of flavors and textures.
The key to achieving this is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The lettuce should be crisp and free of brown spots or wilted leaves.
The dressing should be creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of acidity.
And the croutons should be crispy and golden brown.
Another tip for making a great Caesar salad is to pay attention to the details.
This means taking the time to chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and using fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese.
It also means being generous with the dressing – no one wants a dry salad.
– and using good quality olive oil.
If you want to really take your Caesar salad to the next level, try adding some unique toppings.
Grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon are all great options.
Or, for a vegetarian option, try roasted vegetables or grilled fruit.
8. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a dish that can be enjoyed all year round, and there are endless ways to make it.
The key to a good fruit salad is using fresh, in-season fruits so that it tastes its best.
This dish is also all about texture, so be sure to mix up the different kinds of fruits you use.
One way to elevate your fruit salad is by adding a little bit of spice.
A pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger can go a long way in giving the dish some extra flavor.
You can also add herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing twist.
If you want something creamy, you can add a dollop of yogurt or some crumbled feta cheese.
Another tip is to use fruits that are in different stages of ripeness.
This will give the salad more depth of flavor and make it more interesting to eat.
So if you’re using berries, add some that are ripe and some that are slightly underripe.
The same goes for stone fruits like cherries or plums.
And finally, don’t forget the dressing.
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice is always a good choice, but you could also try something different like balsamic vinegar or orange juice.
Just be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a dish that is often overlooked but can be a great addition to any meal.
It is simple to make and can be a great way to add some extra vegetables to your diet.
Coleslaw is usually made with cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise.
It can be eaten as a side dish or used as a topping on sandwiches and burgers.
Coleslaw is a dish that is best known for its crunchy texture.
The cabbage and carrots provide a nice crunch, while the mayonnaise adds creaminess.
This dish can also be very flavorful, depending on the seasonings that are used.
Coleslaw is typically made with salt, pepper, and vinegar.
However, you can also add in other spices such as onion powder or celery seed.
If you are looking for a way to elevate your coleslaw, there are a few things you can do.
One option is to add in some shredded cheese.
This will add another level of creaminess and flavor to the dish.
Another option is to use a different type of cabbage such as red cabbage or napa cabbage.
This will give the coleslaw a different color and flavor.
You could also try adding in some chopped apples or raisins for sweetness.
10. Potato Salad
Potato salad is the perfect dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.
It’s easy to make, and it can be served cold or at room temperature.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you have in your pantry.
The key to a good potato salad is to choose the right type of potato.
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are a good option, as they hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy when cooked.
For a classic potato salad flavor, add some diced onion, celery, and egg.
For a twist, try adding some chopped dill pickles or diced apples.
If you’re looking for something extra- flavorful, roasted garlic is a great addition.
Finally, be sure to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious potato salad that will be the hit of any gathering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed the best side dishes to serve with walking tacos.
Walking tacos are a great dish to serve because they are easy to make and can be tailored to everyone’s taste.
We hope this blog post will help you when you are deciding what to serve with your next walking tacos.
If you have any questions or would like to share your own tips, please leave a comment below.
What to Serve with Walking Tacos? 10 BEST Options
Ingredients
- 1. Greens and Beans
- 2. Sweet Potato Fries
- 3. Corn on the Cob
- 4. Macaroni and Cheese
- 5. Mashed Potatoes
- 6. Green Salad
- 7. Caesar Salad
- 8. Fruit Salad
- 9. Coleslaw
- 10. Potato Salad
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!