20 Best Sides For Tacos

Updated April 24, 2020
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Credit: Photo courtesy of The Food Gays

Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot tastier. From our takes on classic Mexican sides (like these healthy Not-Quite-Refried Beans) to delicious appetizers that double as side dishes (Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Sour Cream Ranch, anyone?), this collection of taco sides will quickly earn a spot in your weekly rotation. 

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Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice) Recipe

This 15-minute side dish will brighten up any plate. This recipe is kicked up with Southwestern flair that’s a little smoky from the cumin and poblano chile. Instead of instant Spanish rice, try this recipe the next time your family is craving fajitas, tacos, or enchiladas.

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Restaurant Style Salsa

Credit: Time Inc. Food Studio

Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

Just like the dip at your favorite Mexican restaurant—only better! This fresh and spicy homemade salsa makes a big batch, but trust us, it won't last long. 

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Not-Quite-Refried Beans

Credit: photo by Clive Streeter via getty images

Not-Quite-Refried Beans Recipe

People think beans are boring. And they can be! But these beans are cooked down with smashed garlic and a knob of butter and a hearty splash of hot sauce. They're like refried beans, without the lard or the time commitment. They're super inexpensive, and you probably have everything that you need for them in your pantry already.

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Mexican Corn Salad

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Mexican street corn morphs into an epic salad in this dish. Beautiful to behold, this salad shines thanks to the combination of colors and textures—crisp golden corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery radishes, and creamy nuggets of cheese.

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Mexican Street Corn with Crema

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Mexican Street Corn with Crema Recipe

Mexican Street Corn is everything you’ve been waiting for. As if grilled corn on the cob isn’t delicious enough in its purest form, this flavor packed recipe balances the naturally sweet corn smoky chili powder, brightness from fresh cilantro and lime juice, and richness from cotija cheese and a drizzle of crema.

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Spanish Mac and Cheese

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Spanish Mac and Cheese Recipe

It’s surprising how much flavor you can achieve in such a short amount of time. Little bits of Spanish chorizo (the hard, cured kind) are wonderful in the breadcrumb topping.

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Spanish-Style Roasted Potatoes

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Spanish-Style Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Paprika, fresh oregano, and olives turn everyday roasted potatoes into a spectacular side. Serve with a chorizo-flecked frittata or pan-grilled steak or chicken.

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Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes Recipe

Is there any time of day when a pancake isn't welcome at the table? These sweet and savory cakes are a scrumptious choice for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack on the go. Keep warm and toasty by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

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Fiesta Chicken and Carrot Rice

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Fiesta Chicken and Carrot Rice Recipe

This quick-cooking chicken dish comes together in a single skillet, cutting back on cleanup time, and helping get dinner onto the table with a minimum of fuss. It also happens to be delicious, and a family favorite among even the pickiest of kids.  Gina Homolka is the founder of skinnytaste.com and @skinnytaste.

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Citrus-Cilantro Salsa

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Citrus-Cilantro Salsa Recipe

Salsa gets a kick thanks to the addition of red grapefruit, navel oranges, and pomegranate anrils. Cilantro doesn't always appear in salsa, but here, paired with the tart fruits, it creates an explosive flavor that's equally good as a dip and a garnish. Lime juice, red onion and chopped jalapeño bring everything together. 

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Easy Oven Rice

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Easy Oven Rice Recipe

For anyone who’s ever struggled with cooking rice on the stovetop (and no, it’s not just you…), this easy oven rice recipe is for you. Say hello to your new foolproof method for perfect, fluffy rice—every time. The only real “tricks” to nailing this baked rice recipe are avoiding over-stirring and fighting the urge to “peek” while the rice is cooking. 

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Watermelon Salsa

Credit: Alison Miksch; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Watermelon Salsa Recipe

This watermelon salsa is bright, acidic, and fruity. Thanks to a soak in cold water, the raw onion has a much milder flavor. Meanwhile, the lime juice and zest balance out the watermelon’s sweetness. We love this as a dip, but it’s also fantastic over grilled fish or in fish tacos, and it only takes 15 minutes to whip up.

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Simple Rice And Beans

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Simple Rice And Beans Recipe

With just six easy-to-find ingredients, this classic dish couldn't be simpler. Even though it packs a whole lot of flavor, this side comes together in less than 10 minutes.

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Instant Pot Black Beans

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Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe

Replace canned black beans (and the preservatives) easily with some help from your Instant Pot, no soaking required. 

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Spanish Salsa

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Spanish Salsa Recipe

This hearty condiment can stand up to just about anything, from charred flank steak to grilled halibut. If you can’t find Castelvetrano olives, pick out the mildest green olives you can find.

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Easy Smoky Black Beans

Credit: Victor Protasio

Easy Smoky Black Beans Recipe

Since everything else in this menu requires a bit more of your attention, it's good to have one dish that's simple to prepare. These gussied-up canned beans get a savory flavor boost from garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, then a finishing touch of lime juice and cilantro adds freshness.

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Black Bean and Corn Salad

Credit: Sara Gray

Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe

Our super easy Black Bean and Corn Salad utilizes pantry and freezer staples like balsamic vinegar, canned black beans, and frozen corn into a dish that works as an appetizer, dip, or side dish.

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Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Sour Cream Ranch

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Sour Cream Ranch Recipe

If you like fried pickles, you’ll love fried pickled jalapeños. These jalapeños have a light kick without being overly spicy. Plus, they’re tangy from the brine and packed with flavor thanks to taco seasoning. They’re delicious on their own, but dipping them in the sauce takes things up a notch.

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Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Credit: Photo courtesy of The Food Gays

Grilled Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant, flavor-packed summer side dish combines a bounty of favorite seasonal flavors into a single, epic pasta salad. The recipe comes from our friends The Food Gays, and they developed this colorful grilled corn dish as a fresher, brighter alternative to the typical mayo-based pasta salads that often show up a summer parties.

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