52 Healthy Sides for Tacos 🌮 Best Side Dishes for Taco Tuesday

We know that when it comes to those irresistible taco nights, the spotlight tends to be on the main event – those flavor-packed, savory delights.

This lineup of healthy taco sides will steal the show while treating your taste buds and your body right.

These aren't your average sides – they're the perfect partners in crime, ready to add freshness and nutrition to your fiesta. So let's explore sides where crunch, color, and wholesome goodness reign supreme on your taco table!

Jump to:

• 🥑 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tacos
• 1.  Black Bean Salad
• 2.  Pineapple and Mango Salsa
• 3. Refried Beans
• 4. Mexican Street Corn Dip
• 5. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
• 6. Fresh Corn Salad
• 7. Cilantro and Lime Chicken Pasta
• 8. Pico de Gallo
• 9. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
• 10. Spicy Guacamole
• 11. Sour Cream Potato Salad
• 12. Turmeric Cauliflower Rice
• 13. Roasted Red Onions
• 🌮 More Mexican Sides for Tacos
• 14. Pinto Beans
• 15. Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
• 16. Tex-Mex Salad
• 17. Spanish Rice and Beans
• 18. Avocado Soup
• 19. Mexican Chopped Salad
• 20. Corn Chowder
• 21. Eggplant and Ground Beef
• 22. Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
• 23. Chia Seed Pudding
• 24. Sweet Potato Wedges
• 25. Pineapple Cucumber Salad
• 26. Zucchini Fritters
• 27. Creamy Garlic Hummus
• 28. Pickled Jalapenos
• 29. Green Chile Cornbread
• 🥗 Best Taco Tuesday Healthy Sides
• 30. Mango Chickpea Salad
• 31. Air Fryer Kale Chips
• 32. Vegan Cashew Queso
• 33. Roasted Eggplant Dip
• 34. Apple Walnut Quinoa
• 35. Guacamole Deviled Eggs
• 36. Green Olive Tapenade
• 37. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
• 38. Curried Cauliflower Salad
• 39. Brussels Sprouts Chips
• 40. Lemon Garlic Broccolini
• 41. Herbed Tofu
• 42. Fried Green Tomatoes
• 43. Lemon Pepper Asparagus
•  44. Celeriac Fries
• 45. Watermelon Mint Salad
• 46. Cinnamon Apples
• 47. Mango Slaw
• 48. Grilled Halloumi Cheese
• 49. Delicata Squash Rings
• 50. Edamame Salad
• 51. Artichoke White Bean Salad
• 52.  Honey Roasted Apricots
• 🍱 More Recipes To Explore
• Cocktails
• 📖 Recipe
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
• Comments

🥑 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tacos

From crisp and colorful salads to inventive veggie medleys, these accompaniments are designed to tantalize your taste buds while keeping your wellness goals in mind. Whether you're aiming to add a refreshing touch or a satisfying crunch, these taco side dish ideas will ensure your next fiesta is a truly well-rounded Taco Tuesday.

1.  Black Bean Salad

Explore the flavors of an effortless Mexican-inspired dish with the easy Mexican black bean salad. It's made with flavorful Mexican black beans, mixed with a variety of colorful veggies, and tossed in a zesty dressing. This salad effortlessly captures the essence of Mexican cuisine and offers convenience and nourishment.

2.  Pineapple and Mango Salsa

This salsa is easy to whip up, with diced pineapples, juicy mangoes, red onion, and vibrant cilantro. It's one of the excellent side dishes for tacos, either as a topping or on the side.

3. Refried Beans

On Taco Tuesday, don't miss out on this refried bean recipe. These are not actually fried again, but rather creamy beans made by cooking and mashing baked beans. They're perfect for adding a flavorful and comforting touch to your tacos or as a tasty side. 

4. Mexican Street Corn Dip

This dish embodies the essence of classic Mexican cuisine, evoking the flavors of beloved street corn in a creamy, delectable dip. It's perfect to serve with tacos for an authentic and satisfying experience.

5. Stuffed Poblano Peppers

With ingredients like cheese, rice, and ground meat, these peppers are brimming with a flavorful mixture. They are a perfect addition as a taco side dish if you want to make your meal unique.

6. Fresh Corn Salad

During your taco night fiesta, treat yourself to the enticing flavors of the fresh corn salad. This exquisite dish combines the crunch of corn kernels, the vividness of bell peppers, and the juiciness of tomatoes.

7. Cilantro and Lime Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta come together in a creamy cilantro lime sauce in this dish. The chicken is cooked and mixed with the pasta, while the sauce, made with chicken and lime juice, adds a zesty and flavorful touch.

8. Pico de Gallo

That dish you're looking at is a roasted corn salsa. It's a Mexican side dish that's bursting with flavors. It's a perfect taco topping too, with sweet charred corn mixed with zesty lime, red onion, and cilantro.

9. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

This Mexican side complements meals like tacos and Mexican rice. The easy-to-make coleslaw blends the vibrant flavors of cilantro and zesty lime, adding a delicious flair to your plate.

10. Spicy Guacamole

This creamy and flavorful dip is created using ripe avocados, lime juice, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. You can dip tortilla chips in it or use it as a topping for fish tacos.

11. Sour Cream Potato Salad

Imagine biting into tender potatoes coated in a creamy mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise in this delicious salad. It's a simple dish that you can prepare ahead of time, perfect for gatherings or picnics. 

12. Turmeric Cauliflower Rice

This dish takes cauliflower and turns it into rice-like grains using a food processor. With the addition of the aromatic turmeric spice, the result is a vibrant and hearty alternative to traditional rice that's simply perfect for a wholesome meal.

13. Roasted Red Onions

Tender red onions are gently cooked until they turn soft and caramelized in this recipe. It will be your favorite side for tacos because the onions' natural sweetness deepens as they grill slowly.

🌮 More Mexican Sides for Tacos

Equally important are the supporting players that bring balance, nutrition, and a burst of flavor to your taco night. Here are a variety of healthy sides for tacos that are as delightful as they are nourishing.

14. Pinto Beans

You're looking at a straightforward way to whip up a delightful Mexican side using pinto beans. All it takes is cooking those beans until they turn tender while letting the flavors of cumin and garlic seep in.

15. Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Imagine your favorite tacos paired with a flavorful twist. This cilantro lime rice side features brown rice infused with invigorating flavors.

16. Tex-Mex Salad

Tex-Mex salad is a delicious side, packed with vibrant veggies, black beans, and corn, all topped with a lime dressing. It's perfect for chicken tacos or any meal you're craving.

17. Spanish Rice and Beans

Enjoy a perfect side dish that combines fluffy rice, savory beans, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together in a single pot. The rice soaks up the rich flavors of tomatoes, spices, and garlic, while the beans add a hearty and satisfying touch.

18. Avocado Soup

In the chilled avocado soup, ripe avocados blend smoothly with tangy yogurt and refreshing cucumber. A hint of lime adds zing while cilantro provides a fresh undertone. Topped with crunchy pepitas, it will complete your best taco meal.

19. Mexican Chopped Salad

This Mexican chopped salad is a refreshing and colorful dish made with fresh ingredients. This salad could be the best side to complement various meals, adding a burst of Mexican-inspired taste to your plate.

20. Corn Chowder

A serving of this creamy summer corn chowder will bring you comfort during sunny days. And guess what? When you serve this chowder with your tacos, you'll realize it's one of the best side dishes for tacos you'll create.

21. Eggplant and Ground Beef

This eggplant recipe is perfect with your favorite taco. Sliced eggplants are layered with seasoned ground beef and tangy tomato sauce. Everything's baked together until the flavors meld into a comforting delight.

22. Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

For your upcoming taco night, consider these Mediterranean roasted vegetables. It features a delightful blend of bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, all expertly grilled with Mediterranean spices and olive oil.

23. Chia Seed Pudding

This chia seed pudding is a quick and easy recipe you can make at home. You can enjoy it as a tasty dessert or a healthy breakfast. Try it alongside your tacos for an interesting contrast.

24. Sweet Potato Wedges

These wedges involve slicing sweet potatoes into attractive pieces, coating them with a blend of wholesome olive oil and flavorful spices, and baking until they achieve a nice crispy outside and a tender inside. It's a straightforward approach to relishing a healthy side dish.

25. Pineapple Cucumber Salad

The medley of flavors from this salad is not only a great side but also a refreshing one, as the sweetness of pineapple and the crispness of cucumbers come together. With its vibrant appearance and tangy dressing, it's an excellent way to infuse tropical goodness into your meal.

26. Zucchini Fritters

You can't go wrong with these delicious fritters. Shredded zucchinis are mixed with flour, eggs, and seasoning, then fried until golden and crunchy. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!

27. Creamy Garlic Hummus

Aside from being velvety, this garlic hummus is also full of flavor. It's a perfect choice to serve tacos and other tasty side dishes. The hummus is made with simple ingredients and has a wonderful garlic twist that adds a delicious kick to your meal.

28. Pickled Jalapenos

These are spicy green peppers that have been soaked in a tangy mixture of vinegar, water, and seasonings. They're easy and ready to serve anytime you want a kick to your favorite dishes.

29. Green Chile Cornbread

It's easy to prepare this green chile cornbread. It combines the warmth of cornbread with the mild kick of green chiles, giving you a flavorful and comforting treat.

🥗 Best Taco Tuesday Healthy Sides

30. Mango Chickpea Salad

Ripe mango chunks and hearty chickpeas come together for this colorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad bursts with tropical flavors and is great to serve alongside your favorite taco dishes.

31. Air Fryer Kale Chips

The kale leaves are seasoned with olive oil and simple seasonings and then air-fried until they become crispy. This kale chip recipe goes with tacos because their crunchiness adds texture to the soft tacos, while the flavorful seasoning rounds out the taste of the meal.

32. Vegan Cashew Queso

Made in just 5 minutes, this vegan cashew queso is a creamy and flavorful dip perfect for a taco bar. Its cheesy taste and smooth texture make this delicious plant-based side an option to drizzle over your tacos.

33. Roasted Eggplant Dip

Another super easy dip recipe is this eggplant dip. It involves grilling eggplants and combining them with tasty ingredients. The outcome is a creamy and delightful dip, which is ideal for enjoying with your preferred snacks.

34. Apple Walnut Quinoa

This nutritious dish is versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or a side. The apples provide a comforting sweetness, the orange zest adds depth of flavor, the cinnamon gives a festive background, and the walnuts add a toasty crunch topping.

35. Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Guacamole deviled eggs are easy Mexican-inspired deviled eggs that are perfect for snacking or appetizing. They work well with tacos because they add a burst of flavor and texture to the crunchy tortillas and savory fillings.

36. Green Olive Tapenade

This recipe shows you how to whip up a green olive tapenade, a smooth blend of olives, capers, and fresh herbs. It has a zesty and salty flavor that makes it a great dip for crackers or a complement to your favorite rice. 

37. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

The mushrooms in this side dish are juicy and have a savory, slightly tangy flavor from the marinade. When paired with tacos, the earthy richness of the mushrooms complements the taco fillings by adding depth and a satisfying umami taste that balances well with other ingredients.

38. Curried Cauliflower Salad

The cauliflower gets charred until tender with a flavorful curry spice blend to create this warm and slightly spicy salad. Combining it with the fresh and crisp elements of a taco, like lettuce and tomatoes, the curried cauliflower adds an aromatic twist to it. 

39. Brussels Sprouts Chips

Brussels sprouts chips are a healthy and crunchy snack made from the outer leaves of Brussels sprouts. You season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and bake in the oven until crisp and golden. They are a great way to use up the leftover leaves from trimming Brussels sprouts.

40. Lemon Garlic Broccolini

This broccolini recipe is a tender and flavorful side dish that goes well with any meal, especially tacos. Why tacos? Because the lemon and garlic add a nice touch to the savoriness and spiciness of the taco filling. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time while your tacos are cooking.

41. Herbed Tofu

This tasty side for tacos complements them well because the herbed tofu's savory and zesty taste makes this Mexican classic richer.

42. Fried Green Tomatoes

You make these fried green tomatoes recipe by coating slices of unripe tomatoes in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and frying until crispy and golden. These tomatoes make a great side for tacos because of their crunchiness and tanginess.

43. Lemon Pepper Asparagus

The lemon pepper asparagus is a perfect side dish for any meal, especially in spring when asparagus is in season. You simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic, and then roast them in the oven.

 44. Celeriac Fries

Celeriac, a root vegetable, is cut into fry-like shapes and seasoned with garlic and herbs. Baked until crispy, these fries offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional potato fries.

45. Watermelon Mint Salad

It's made by combining juicy watermelon chunks with fresh mint leaves, feta cheese, and a lime dressing. The sweet and savory flavors along with the cooling mint make it a simple yet delightful summer treat.

46. Cinnamon Apples

The apples are tender, infused with a comforting blend of flavors, and make for a delightful treat on their own or as a topping for various desserts. These apples surprisingly complement tacos exceptionally well due to their sweet and comforting profile.

47. Mango Slaw

This mango slaw lets you enjoy crisp cabbage and carrots with the tropical sweetness of ripe mango. The dressing adds a kick that makes it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes, such as tacos or grilled meats.

48. Grilled Halloumi Cheese

The cheese is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs to create a burst of citrus and herby flavors. When grilled, the halloumi cheese becomes slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

49. Delicata Squash Rings

This nutritious delicata squash dish serves as a perfect wholesome side for tacos. The squash rings are coated in a satisfyingly crunchy layer. So it's a healthy yet satiating alternative to traditional taco sides. 

50. Edamame Salad

It's a refreshing and vibrant mix of edamame, colorful bell peppers, and sweet corn, all tossed together with a zesty vinaigrette dressing. The flavors come together and result in a light and tasty salad you'll love.

51. Artichoke White Bean Salad

You get a tasty salad combining tender artichoke hearts and creamy white beans. The flavors come together for a satisfying mix of textures. Its earthy and tangy elements make the dish stand out.

52.  Honey Roasted Apricots

You cook the apricots in this recipe with a touch of honey until they turn soft and caramelized. They'd be a great addition to your next taco night because it gives your meal a sweet and fruity twist.

🍱 More Recipes To Explore

📖 Recipe