30 Best Sides for Taco Tuesday Because Chips and Salsa Deserve Backup
Tacos may be the main event, but let’s not pretend chips and salsa can carry the whole show. A great taco night needs sides that bring just as much flavor and fun to the table. These Best Sides for Taco Tuesday do exactly that—because tacos deserve a strong supporting cast. No sad, forgotten extras here—just the kind of dishes that make you wonder if you should skip the tacos altogether. (You won’t, but it’s nice to have options.)
Pico de Gallo Recipe
Pico de Gallo is what happens when fresh ingredients throw a party. Juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and just the right hit of lime make it the perfect sidekick for tacos, grilled meats, or just straight-up chip-dipping. It’s quick, fresh, and no one ever complains when there’s extra.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo Recipe
Instant Pot Butter Potatoes
Instant Pot Butter Potatoes are the side dish that understands the assignment—tender, buttery, and practically effortless. They soak up all the good stuff from the broth and seasonings, making them a perfect, low-maintenance addition to your taco spread. Just scoop and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Potatoes
Instant Pot Pork and Beans
Instant Pot Pork and Beans are here to bring the smoky, saucy goodness your taco night needs. The beans are soft, the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the whole thing tastes like it took way longer to make. Grab a spoon or pile it onto a plate—you can’t go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork and Beans
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes are the crispy, cheesy bites your tacos didn’t know they needed. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with garlic and parmesan, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the salsa.” No deep frying required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
The Best Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Fresh Shrimp Ceviche is basically what sunshine tastes like. Bright citrus, tender shrimp, and a little heat make it a fresh, cool contrast to all those bold taco flavors. Just grab some chips and scoop up the good vibes.
Get the Recipe: The Best Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Easy Creamy Mexican Corn Dip Recipe
Creamy Mexican Corn Dip is the one that disappears first. Sweet corn, melty cheese, and just the right kick of spice make it impossible to stop at one bite. Spoon it onto tacos or just claim the whole bowl—it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Mexican Corn Dip Recipe
Cast Iron Cinnamon Apples
Cast Iron Cinnamon Apples might not be the first thing you think of for Taco Tuesday, but hear this out—sweet, caramelized apples pair ridiculously well with smoky, spicy dishes. Bonus points if you serve them warm with a little vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Cinnamon Apples
Steamed Corn on the Cob
Steamed Corn on the Cob is a no-brainer. Juicy, buttery, and ridiculously easy to make, it brings that fresh-off-the-grill flavor without any actual grilling. Slather it with butter, sprinkle on some chili powder, and call it a day.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Corn on the Cob
The Best Chipotle Refried Beans with Adobo
Chipotle Refried Beans bring the heat and the creaminess all in one. The smoky chipotle flavor takes them up a notch, making them the ultimate taco companion. Scoop, spread, or just eat them straight out of the bowl—no judgment.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chipotle Refried Beans with Adobo
Chipotle Guacamole Recipe
Chipotle Guacamole is the upgrade your tortilla chips deserve. Creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a little smoky spice make it a must-have at any taco night. You might want to double the batch—this one vanishes fast.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Guacamole Recipe
Homemade Roasted Jalapeno Salsa Recipe
Roasted Jalapeno Salsa doesn’t mess around. Roasting the peppers gives them a deep, smoky heat that makes this salsa ridiculously good. It’s bold, it’s spicy, and it’s going to make your tacos even better.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Roasted Jalapeno Salsa Recipe
Crispy Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots aka Tachos
Loaded Tater Tots are like nachos, but crunchier. Crispy tots piled high with cheese, salsa, and whatever else you can throw on top—it’s basically a party in a skillet. Skip the chips and grab a fork instead.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots aka Tachos
Charro Beans
Charro Beans bring all the flavor with none of the effort. Simmered with bacon, tomatoes, and spices, they’re smoky, hearty, and made for scooping up with tortillas. If you thought refried beans were good, these will blow your mind.
Get the Recipe: Charro Beans
Mexican Blackened Corn (with frozen corn)
Mexican Blackened Corn is proof that frozen corn can be next-level. A quick char in the skillet brings out all the flavor, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese seals the deal. Tacos might be the main event, but this one steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Blackened Corn (with frozen corn)
Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans
Bacon, chorizo, and gooey cheese take these refried beans way past basic. Think of it as a bean dip that forgot how to behave. If you’re looking for a rich, savory side to scoop up with chips or pile onto tacos, this one doesn’t mess around.
Get the Recipe: Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans
Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
Juicy, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, this fruit salad doesn’t play it safe. Crisp citrus, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of honey-lime Tajín dressing make every bite pop. It’s fresh, vibrant, and way more fun than your average side.
Get the Recipe: Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
Avocado Mango Salad
Creamy avocado meets sweet mango in this fresh, no-fuss salad. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to balance out a taco plate loaded with heat. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever ate tacos without it.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Mango Salad
Charro Lentils
Loaded with smoky bacon, spicy chorizo, and tender lentils swimming in a rich tomato broth, this dish means business. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but plays well with tacos too. Add a warm tortilla, and suddenly, it’s the best decision of the night.
Get the Recipe: Charro Lentils
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Fresh shrimp, bright citrus, and a little heat make this ceviche the MVP of Taco Tuesday. It’s cool, crisp, and loaded with flavor, perfect for when tacos need a sidekick that can hold its own. Bonus points if you serve it with extra avocado.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Sweet, smoky, and loaded with crispy bacon, these beans bring serious flavor. They’re the ultimate BBQ side, but honestly, they fit right in next to a plate of tacos too. Plus, anything with bacon automatically wins.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Fresh Corn Avocado Salad
Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a simple lime dressing keep things fresh and fuss-free. This side adds crunch, flavor, and a little coolness to balance out all those spicy taco fillings. A total no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Avocado Salad
Black Bean Mango Salad Recipe
Black beans and mango join forces in this bright, tangy salad that hits every flavor note. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy, making it the kind of side that disappears fast. Good thing it’s easy enough to double.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Mango Salad Recipe
Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder
Creamy, loaded with corn, and packed with bold flavors, this chowder knows how to steal the show. Inspired by elotes, it’s got just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Soup and tacos? Absolutely.
Get the Recipe: Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder
Mexican Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a zingy lime dressing make this slaw a must. It’s crisp, light, and a perfect contrast to rich, cheesy tacos. Plus, it’s good enough to eat straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Classic slaw gets a flavor boost with tangy lime and crunchy almonds. It’s crisp, cool, and the perfect taco topper or side dish. Whether you pile it high or eat it on the side, it’s never a bad choice.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Elote en Vaso: Mexican-Style Street Corn
This cup of creamy, cheesy corn is pure comfort food with a little kick. It’s messy in the best way possible and practically demands to be eaten with a spoon. If tacos had a best friend, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Elote en Vaso: Mexican-Style Street Corn
Creamy Elote (Corn) Dip with Poblano Peppers
Sweet corn, smoky poblanos, and melty cheese come together in a dip that disappears fast. Scoop it with chips, spread it on tacos, or just eat it straight—no judgment here. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Elote (Corn) Dip with Poblano Peppers
Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa
Charred tomatillos, smoky chipotle, and a touch of garlic make this salsa anything but basic. It’s bold, spicy, and practically begging to be drizzled over tacos. Just be ready to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa
Easy Skillet Charred Blackened Corn
Sweet corn gets a smoky, spicy makeover in this quick skillet dish. A little butter, a little seasoning, and you’ve got a side that’s anything but boring. Bonus: it’s just as good straight off the spoon as it is next to tacos.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Charred Blackened Corn
Caramelized Onion Guacamole
Creamy avocado meets rich, caramelized onions for a dip that’s next-level good. It’s smooth, savory, and totally unexpected—in the best way possible. Honestly, the chips are just a formality.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Guacamole
22 Side Dishes for Chicken That’ll Have You Reaching for the Last Bite
Chicken may be the main event, but these side dishes know how to steal the spotlight. From crispy, cheesy, to fresh and bright, there’s something for every kind of meal. Say goodbye to boring plates forever.
Get the Recipe: 22 Side Dishes for Chicken That’ll Have You Reaching for the Last Bite
25 Air Fryer Side Dishes So Good You’ll Skip the Entree And Make Again
These air fryer sides are fast, crispy, and borderline addictive. Whether it’s veggies, potatoes, or cheesy bites, every single one is worth making on repeat. Who needs an entrée when the sides are this good?
Get the Recipe: 25 Air Fryer Side Dishes So Good You’ll Skip the Entree And Make Again
