Tacos are a staple of many kitchens, loved for their vibrant flavors, versatility, and convenience. While the taco itself is often the star of the show, the sides you serve alongside can elevate the meal and provide a balance of textures, nutrients, and flavor. Whether you’re looking to complement your taco feast with something fresh, crunchy, or hearty, there are plenty of healthy side dish options that can enhance the experience. Here are 15 delicious and nutritious side dishes that will pair perfectly with your tacos, offering an array of flavors from tangy and savory to sweet and refreshing.
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a classic side that pairs perfectly with any taco. This simple yet flavorful dish is made by cooking rice with lime juice and fresh cilantro, creating a light and zesty accompaniment to your tacos. You can easily prepare this dish with just a few ingredients, and it’s versatile enough to be paired with any type of taco, from beef to shrimp to vegetarian options. This dish provides a great source of carbohydrates to balance the protein in your tacos and adds a burst of fresh flavor. To make it even healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. The slight tang of lime and the fresh, fragrant cilantro enhance the flavors of your taco filling, making this rice an essential addition to your taco night. Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a delicious and slightly indulgent side dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. This traditional Mexican street food consists of grilled corn on the cob, smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayo, lime juice, and chili powder, then topped with crumbled cotija cheese. It’s a perfect complement to tacos, offering a satisfying balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. To make it a bit healthier, you can use Greek yogurt in place of the mayo for a creamy yet protein-packed alternative. The addition of chili powder adds a smoky, spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet corn. This side is not only flavorful but also offers a satisfying texture that complements the crunchiness of taco shells. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn
3. Guacamole
No taco meal is complete without a side of fresh guacamole. Made from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes, guacamole is both creamy and refreshing. The healthy fats from the avocado help to provide satiety and balance out the other flavors on your plate. You can add a little extra heat with finely chopped jalapeños or red onions, and for some added flavor, consider mixing in a bit of roasted garlic or cumin. Guacamole is the perfect dip for taco fillings like grilled chicken, carnitas, or fish, adding richness and brightness to your meal. It’s not only tasty but also nutrient-dense, providing fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. Get the recipe: Guacamole
4. Black Bean Salad
A fresh and protein-packed black bean salad is the perfect side to pair with tacos. Black beans are rich in fiber and protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. To make a simple yet flavorful salad, toss black beans with diced tomatoes, corn, red onions, and fresh cilantro, and dress with a zesty lime vinaigrette. This salad can be served chilled, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm taco fillings. You can also add avocado or bell peppers for added nutrition and crunch. This side not only complements the tacos but also provides a satisfying, hearty dish that keeps you full and energized. Get the recipe: Black Bean Salad
5. Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh and tangy salsa that makes an excellent side to any taco meal. This simple dish is made by combining diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, with a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness. The fresh, raw ingredients bring a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor that enhances the taste of your tacos. You can easily customize pico de gallo by adjusting the amount of heat to your liking or adding additional ingredients like diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness. Pico de gallo is naturally low in calories but high in flavor, making it a perfect, healthy side dish to serve with tacos. Get the recipe: Pico de Gallo
6. Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious side that pairs beautifully with tacos. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, while adding a bit of chili powder and cumin provides a smoky, spicy kick that complements taco fillings like carnitas or fish. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, making them a great addition to a well-rounded meal. You can cube the sweet potatoes and toss them in olive oil and spices, then roast them in the oven for a simple yet flavorful side. This dish can also be served in a warm corn tortilla for a hearty, vegetarian taco option. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
7. Avocado and Mango Salad
For a refreshing side that offers a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, consider an avocado and mango salad. The creamy avocado and juicy, sweet mango complement the flavors of tacos beautifully, providing a contrast to the savory and spicy taco fillings. This salad can be made by combining cubed avocado and mango, red onion, and a sprinkle of cilantro, then drizzling with a lime vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and tropical flavors make this salad both visually appealing and satisfying. Mango adds a touch of sweetness, while the avocado contributes healthy fats to keep you full longer. Get the recipe: Avocado and Mango Salad
8. Cucumber and Radish Salad
A cucumber and radish salad is a light and crunchy side that adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of tacos. The cool, crisp texture of the cucumber pairs well with the peppery bite of radishes, and a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt is all it takes to enhance these flavors. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to brighten up the salad. This low-calorie side dish provides hydration and a nice crunch, making it a perfect accompaniment to tacos, especially in the summer months when you want something light and refreshing. Get the recipe: Cucumber and Radish Salad
9. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers are a versatile and healthy side that pairs perfectly with tacos. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Toss the veggies in olive oil and your favorite spices, then grill them to perfection. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to the vegetables, making them a delicious side to tacos. Grilled veggie skewers are also a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your meal, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping your dish light and nutritious. Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Skewers
10. Corn and Avocado Salad
Corn and avocado salad is a delicious side that balances the sweetness of corn with the creamy richness of avocado. This salad can be made by combining fresh or grilled corn kernels with diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible, and the addition of corn provides a natural sweetness that complements taco fillings like spicy carnitas or grilled fish. This vibrant side is easy to prepare and adds a burst of color and flavor to your taco meal. Get the recipe: Corn and Avocado Salad
11. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta that can be served alongside tacos for a lighter side dish. You can sauté the zoodles in olive oil and garlic, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for a simple and flavorful dish. The slightly crunchy texture of zucchini noodles adds a nice contrast to the soft taco fillings, and their neutral flavor allows the spices and toppings of your tacos to shine. Zucchini is low in calories but high in fiber, making it a great addition to a balanced meal. Get the recipe: Zucchini Noodles
12. Shredded Carrot and Cabbage Slaw
A shredded carrot and cabbage slaw adds a crunchy, tangy element to your taco spread. The slaw is easy to prepare by mixing shredded carrots, cabbage, and a simple dressing made from lime juice, vinegar, and a touch of honey. The sweetness of the carrots and the crunchiness of the cabbage provide a perfect contrast to the rich and savory taco fillings. This slaw is also highly customizable, and you can add ingredients like cilantro, jalapeños, or even a little Greek yogurt for added creaminess. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. Get the recipe: Shredded Carrot and Cabbage Slaw
With these 15 delicious and healthy sides for tacos, your taco night is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing like a cucumber salad or something heartier like sweet potato fries, these sides will complement any taco filling and bring out the best flavors. Not only are these sides healthy, but they’re also easy to prepare, making your taco meal simple, flavorful, and satisfying. So, next time you make tacos, try out these sides and enjoy a well-rounded, nutritious meal that everyone will love.
