What to Serve with Tacos Besides Rice and Beans

Hey you, taco lover!

Have you ever wondered what you could offer with tacos other than rice and beans?

There are several ways to make your tacos extra special, and we’re going to share some of our favorites with you today.

Sure, rice and beans are classic and wonderful, but every now and then you want to mix things up and try something new.

After reading this page, you’ll want to make some tacos right now so you can try them all!

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

What to Serve with Tacos Besides Rice and Beans

Taco Tuesday is the greatest day of the week, but it’s occasionally necessary to spice things up a little.

You’ve undoubtedly tried all of the traditional taco accompaniments.Rice and beans, chips and salsa, queso and guacamole are all classics, but what about some more creative options?

This list has something for everyone, from fruits to greens.

1. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a honey mustard drizzle

Here’s an unusual side dish to go with tacos that’s much better than rice and beans.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a honey mustard drizzle compliment your tacos perfectly.

They taste like your favorite taco fillings: salty, sour, sweet, and flavorful.

Heres how to make them!

Youll need:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (look for small sprouts)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. While the oven is heating up, wash the Brussels sprouts and trim the ends (the white area) and any brown leaves.
3. Cut them in half lengthwise, then combine with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet in one layer.
5. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the edges are gently browned.
6. While they roast, combine the honey and mustard until smooth.
7. Before serving, remove the sprouts from the oven and sprinkle with the honey mustard sauce!

2. Chicken Fries

Chicken fries are crunchier, meatier variants of french fries that go well with tacos.

They’re also simpler to consume than ordinary french fries since they have more substance and less oil, so you won’t make a mess when eating them.

You may create them at home or purchase them pre-made at restaurants like McDonald’s or Taco Bell if you don’t want to go to the trouble of making them yourself!

3. Nachos

Nachos are a traditional side dish that complements any dinner, but they pair particularly nicely with tacos.

For added taste, top them with guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeos.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are delightful, but they are sometimes disregarded as an ingredient, particularly in savory meals!

Strawberries are an excellent complement to tacos because they bring sweetness without dominating the other tastes, as fruit may do in other dishes.

5. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb substitute for conventional rice.

It’s also simple to create at home if you don’t want to purchase pre-made ones (though they are delicious as well!).

1. Simply grate cauliflower florets by hand or in a food processor, then steam for 10 minutes, or until soft.
2. Finally, combine them in a large mixing bowl and season to taste with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.

6. Zucchini Noodles

For those looking for a healthy alternative to regular pasta, zucchini noodles are another fantastic choice.

They’re created from zucchini and take little time to make!

7. Flax and Chia Seed Salad

If you want to offer something other than rice and beans with your tacos, Flax and Chia Seed Salad is a nutritious, tasty choice that will keep your diet on track while also providing you with some additional energy for your next round of margaritas.

8. Fruity Salsa

This fruity salsa is just what you need.

It’s fast and simple to prepare, vegan-friendly, and works well with all kinds of meaty tacos, even vegetarian ones!

Ingredients:

• 1 mango
• 1 avocado
• 1 red pepper
• 1/2 cucumber

Method:

1. Chop up all of the ingredients.
2. Mix them together.
3. Serve immediately.

How to serve it:

• This salsa goes well with tortilla chips, but it may also be served with soft tacos or burrito bowls.
• It would also work well as a salad dressing.Simply combine in some lime juice and oil!

Note: This dish is fantastic since it is done in about 15 minutes, so even if you don’t have a lot of time to prepare, you can still make something tasty to go with your dinner.

9. Kale Salad

Kale salads are fantastic since they are simple to create and nutritious. You can make it as hot as you like, so if you want spicy foods, this is an excellent alternative for you.

Heres how we like to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Toss all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and serve.

10. Shredded lettuce

If you’re not using tortillas, shredded lettuce is a terrific way to add some freshness.

It also has less carbohydrates than tortillas, so if you want to eat healthily while still enjoying Taco Tuesday, this is a terrific choice!

If you want additional flavor, add tomatoes and onions; these will give your taco a kick without being overbearing or spoiling its simplicity.

11. Baked potatoes

Another option is baked potatoes.

Simply cover them in foil with a little butter and salt and bake for approximately an hour at 400°F.

You can even split them apart and top them with your favorite taco ingredients before serving!

12. Green salad

If you want to keep things light, serve your tacos with a green salad instead of rice or beans; it will leave more room for your favorite taco toppings while still keeping things healthy!

13. Queso

Queso makes an excellent taco side dish because it is thick and creamy while also bursting with flavor from spices such as cumin and chili pepper.

It’s very simple to prepare at home–just mix everything until smooth!

14. Fruit salad

Fruit salad is another delightful method to ensure that everyone at your table receives their daily recommended dose of fruits and veggies.

You can add berries or melon or grapes

15. Sweet potato fries instead of classic fries

Try sweet potato fries instead of the traditional rice and beans to accompany your tacos.

They’re a tasty alternative to traditional fries since they’re crispy, salty, and delectable.

You can cook them in the oven, or if you have an air fryer, you can make them in there!

• Cut your sweet potato into sticks or wedges and sprinkle with oil or melted butter to cook them in the oven. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (or other seasonings), then bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cut your sweet potato into sticks or wedges and sprinkle with oil or melted butter to prepare them in an air fryer. Season with salt and pepper (or other seasonings), then put in an air fryer basket at 370°F for approximately 15 minutes.

16. Jicama chips instead of tortilla chips

Jicama is a crisp, white root vegetable that is related to turnips.

It has a moderate flavor and a somewhat sweet taste, making it palatable on its own.

This dish utilizes jicama as the foundation for an easy chip recipe that requires just four basic ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare!

To make them, all youll need are:

• 1 large jicama (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Peel your jicama and cut it into 1-inch thick slices.
2. Arrange them on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper or foil in a single layer.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving!

17. Cornbread

Try cornbread for something a bit different than normal.

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, and it’s full of that sweet-and-salty taste that goes so well with tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• cup melted butter
• cup sugar
• 1 cups milk

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Slice into squares and serve!

18. Cucumber slices

Not everyone like refried beans, and even those who do may not have time to prepare them on a weeknight.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t serve a tasty, healthful side dish with your tacos.

This dish is straightforward, refreshing, and entirely handmade. It’s ideal for potlucks or a family supper that requires a little crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.
2. Spread the slices on paper towels and season with salt. Allow them to sit for one hour.
3. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and cover with yogurt, being care to coat all of them equally.
4. Season with salt to taste. If you like a more savory taste, use garlic powder instead the salt.
5. Store in the fridge until time to serve.

19. Croutons

Make some croutons if you want to add a little bit more!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• four-inch cubes1 loaf crusty French or Italian bread, split into 3
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Drizzle olive oil in the middle of the pan, then distribute it evenly with a pastry brush or your fingertips.
4. Place the bread cubes on the pan in a single layer.
5. Season with garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.
6. Cook until golden brown, tossing once halfway through.
7. Let cool completely before serving.

Serve the croutons on top of your tacos shortly before you eat them! The crunchy texture contrasts well with the soft tortillas and juicy contents. Toasting them in olive oil enhances their taste as well!

20. Macaroni and cheese (don’t knock it till you try it!)

When everyone else is zigging, you have to zag.

If you want to offer something other than rice or beans with your tacos, try this easy and tasty macaroni and cheese recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 1/8 tsp salt (optional)

Method:

1. Cook the macaroni for 7 minutes in a small saucepan of boiling water. Set aside after draining.
2. Melt the butter in the same saucepan and mix in the flour to produce a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, then add the cheese and stir until melted. If desired, season with salt.
3. Pour the cooked macaroni onto a serving dish and top with the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with your favorite taco dish! The salty, cheesy delicacy pairs nicely with spicy Mexican tastes, but it also works great with carne asada or fish tacos. Another wonderful alternative is macncheese tacos; just mix macncheese with your favorite taco toppings and fillings inside a heated taco shell or tortilla!

If you’re serving a crowd, this dish may simply be doubled or tripled!

21. Potato salad

Why not try potato salad after you’ve eaten it with rice and beans?

It’s familiar but not monotonous–the ideal side dish for tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound new potatoes
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes until cooked but not falling apart.
2. Then let them cool down.
3. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large mixing basin.
4. Combine the celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
5. Mix everything well but gently so that the potatoes are not too mashed.
6. Refrigerate the bowl for an hour before serving, covered with plastic wrap.

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