Want to make your birria taco night unforgettable? We know the feeling. Crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor, birria tacos are already a treat. But what if we told you they could be even better?
Pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Think about creamy guac, spicy salsa, and zesty slaw. We’ve tried it all and we’re here to share our favorite picks with you.
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the best sides to serve with your birria tacos. Grab a plate, because things are about to get delicious.
Top 11 Side Dishes for Birria Tacos
Here are our top 11 picks for the best side dishes to serve with birria tacos:
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime juice, garlic | Bright, zesty | Easy | 30 mins |
| Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) | Corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime | Creamy, spicy, tangy | Moderate | 20 mins |
| Refried Beans | Pinto beans, onion, garlic, spices | Rich, savory | Easy | 45 mins |
| Guacamole | Avocado, onion, tomato, lime, cilantro | Fresh, creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Pico de Gallo | Tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, jalapeño | Bright, acidic, spicy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Mexican Street Corn Salad | Corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime | Creamy, spicy, tangy | Easy | 25 mins |
| Queso Fresco | Queso fresco cheese | Mild, creamy | Easy | 5 mins |
| Lime Wedges | Limes | Tart, acidic | Easy | 5 mins |
| Pickled Red Onions | Red onion, vinegar, sugar, spices | Tangy, sweet, crunchy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Jalapeño Slices | Jalapeños | Spicy | Easy | 5 mins |
| Avocado Salad | Avocado, tomato, onion, lime, cilantro | Fresh, creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
1 – Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh and zesty, this side dish brings a burst of flavor. Think creamy avocados and tangy lime. Perfectly balanced with just a touch of cilantro. We love how refreshing it feels.
It’s a crowd-pleaser at any table. This rice is simple yet impressive. It pairs well with everything. Quick to make and always satisfying.
2 – Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn)
Elote (Mexican grilled corn) is a standout. The smoky char from the grill meets the creaminess of mayo, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cheese.
We can’t get enough of this flavor combo. It’s sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy. This corn is a fiesta for our taste buds. Perfect for birria tacos.
3 – Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic side. They’re creamy and savory.
We love how they complement the spice of birria tacos. Plus, they add a nice heft to the meal.
Their rich flavor and smooth texture make them irresistible. Perfect for those who want a bit more substance.
They’re simple yet satisfying. A staple on any taco night.
4 – Guacamole
Guacamole is a must-try. We dish out the perfect creamy and tangy combo. Think buttery avocados, fresh lime, and a bit of spice.
The texture is smooth with chunky bits. We love it with everything. It’s versatile and delicious. Perfect for any taco night. Always a crowd favorite. We always make extra!
5 – Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a salsa you should know. It’s fresh and crunchy. Tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños give it a kick. Zesty lime juice pulls it all together. We love its vibrant colors. It’s the perfect, light companion to rich birria tacos.
Our favorite thing: it’s healthy and low-calorie. Simple, colorful, and tasty—Pico rocks taco night!
6 – Mexican Street Corn Salad
Have you tried Mexican Street Corn Salad? We think it’s a party in a bowl. It’s got that smokiness from grilled corn, mixed with creamy mayo, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cheese.
This salad is sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy. We adore its vibrant flavors. Perfect with our birria tacos. Watch out, it’s addictive!
7 – Queso Fresco
You know what’s hard to beat? The crumbly texture of queso fresco. It’s light, slightly salty, and pairs perfectly with our tacos. Fresh cheese, just like the name says.
Melts a bit, stays crumbly. We love it because it’s versatile and adds that needed extra layer of flavor. Simple and delicious.
8 – Lime Wedges
We think lime wedges are the ultimate sidekick. They’re small, mighty, and pack a zesty punch. A squeeze of lime adds a burst of refreshing citrus. It cuts through the richness of our tacos perfectly.
They’re our go-to for an extra layer of flavor. Simple, yet transformative. Can’t beat that fresh, tangy twist!
9 – Pickled Red Onions
We love pickled red onions for their tangy crunch. They bring a pop of color and a zesty kick to the plate. Crunchy and bold, they balance out the rich flavors of birria tacos.
Pickled onions stand out for their sharp, sweet, and sour bite. They cut through the heaviness with ease. Perfect for adding that extra zing!
10 – Jalapeño Slices
Looking for a bite that wakes you up? Jalapeño slices are just the thing! They’re spicy, crisp, and add a fiery kick to our tacos. We love the contrast they bring.
Fresh jalapeños? Yes, please. They add just the right amount of heat. Perfect for anyone wanting to spice things up. They’re simple yet elevate the dish. Yummy!
11 – Avocado Salad
Have you ever met an avocado salad you didn’t like? We sure haven’t. This side dish is creamy with a touch of tang from lime and cilantro.
The avocados offer buttery goodness. Tomatoes add sweetness, and red onions bring a crunch. Both work well together. We love how fresh and light it feels. Ideal for birria tacos!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.