Taco bars are a popular and fun way to serve food for any occasion. The key to a successful taco bar is not only the delicious tacos but also the variety of side dishes that complement them. In this article, we will explore six of the best side dishes for a taco bar that will add flavor, nutrition, and excitement to your meal.
List of 15 Best Side Dishes for Taco Bar
1. Guacamole
This classic and popular side dish is creamy, and flavorful, and adds a fresh element to the meal. Making guacamole from scratch is easy and can be customized to your liking. All you need is some ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Simply mash the avocados and mix in the other ingredients for a delicious guacamole that will complement your tacos perfectly.
2. Corn Salad
This refreshing and nutritious side dish pairs well with tacos. It’s easy to make and can be customized to include your favorite ingredients. Corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice are some of the basic ingredients that can be combined to make a tasty corn salad. You can also add in some black beans, diced peppers, or other vegetables to give it a unique twist.
3. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a traditional and filling side dish for tacos. They are easy to make and can be customized to include different spices and flavors. You can use canned or cooked beans and then mash them up with some spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Refried beans can also be made with bacon, cheese, or other ingredients for an even more flavorful side dish.
4. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish for tacos. They add a great texture and flavor to the meal and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms are some of the best vegetables to grill for a taco bar. Simply brush them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper before grilling them to perfection.
5. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a classic side dish for Mexican-inspired meals like tacos. It’s easy to make and can be customized to include your favorite spices and vegetables. You can use white or brown rice and cook it with some diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a flavorful and colorful side dish that will complement your tacos perfectly.
6. Salsa
Salsa is a classic condiment for tacos, but it can also be served as a side dish. You can make salsa from scratch with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, or use store-bought salsa. Salsa can also be customized with different levels of heat, sweetness, and acidity.
7. Queso Dip
Queso dip is a creamy and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. You can use Velveeta or other types of cheese and melt it with milk or cream. Add some diced tomatoes, green chilies, or jalapenos for a spicy and flavorful queso dip.
8. Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh and chunky salsa that’s perfect for a taco bar. It’s made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Pico de Gallo is a healthy and refreshing side dish that’s easy to make and goes well with any type of taco.
9. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. You can use white or brown rice and cook it with some chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Cilantro lime rice is a refreshing and delicious side dish that will complement your tacos perfectly.
10. Black Bean Salad
Black bean salad is a healthy and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. It’s made with black beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers, and cilantro. You can also add some avocado, diced tomatoes, or jal apenos to give the salad some extra flavor and texture. The dressing for this salad can vary from a simple vinaigrette to a tangy lime and cumin dressing. The combination of the black beans and vegetables in this salad creates a delicious and satisfying side dish that will complement any type of taco.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy alternative to regular fries. They can be seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and salt, and baked in the oven until crispy. Sweet potato fries are a great side dish for tacos and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
12. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a spicy and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. They’re made with jalapenos, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, and can be baked or fried until golden and crispy. Jalapeno poppers are a delicious and indulgent side dish that will add some heat to your meal.
13. Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage slaw is a crunchy and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for tacos. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, and can be dressed with a variety of dressings, such as vinaigrette, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Cabbage slaw is a healthy and flavorful side dish that will complement any type of taco.
14. Chips and Dip
Chips and dip is a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. You can serve tortilla chips with a variety of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, queso, or hummus. Chips and dip are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite flavors and ingredients.
15. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a delicious and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a taco bar. It’s made with grilled or roasted corn on the cob, and can be dressed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices like chili powder and cumin. Mexican street corn is a unique and delicious side dish that will add some excitement to your taco bar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a variety of tasty and nutritious side dishes is essential for a successful taco bar. The six side dishes we explored in this article are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re hosting a party, a family gathering, or just having a casual dinner, these side dishes will add flavor and excitement to your meal. Try them out and let us know which one is your favorite!
