We all love taco salad—it’s crunchy, fresh, and tasty. But sometimes it needs a little extra something to complete the meal. Maybe you’ve nailed the salad, but what about the sides?
Don’t just grab chips and salsa (though we won’t judge). Let’s get creative.
We’ve rounded up 12 of the best side dishes for taco salad. These aren’t just fillers; they’re game changers. From cheesy goodness to refreshing bites, we’ve got you covered.
Think hearty beans, zesty rice, or even a surprising sweet treat. There’s something for everyone on this list. Time to level up your taco spread!
Top 12 Side Dishes for Taco Salad
Here are our top picks for the best side dishes to serve with taco salad:
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime juice, garlic | Bright, zesty | Easy | 20 mins |
| Roasted Corn Salsa | Corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime | Sweet, spicy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Refried Beans | Pinto beans, onion, garlic, spices | Creamy, savory | Easy | 30 mins |
| Guacamole | Avocado, onion, tomato, lime, cilantro | Rich, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Tortilla Chips | Corn tortillas, oil | Crispy, salty | Easy | 15 mins |
| Mexican Street Corn | Corn, mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder | Creamy, spicy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Spanish Rice | Rice, tomato, onion, garlic, spices | Flavorful, aromatic | Medium | 45 mins |
| Black Beans | Black beans, onion, garlic, spices | Hearty, savory | Easy | 30 mins |
| Pico de Gallo | Tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, jalapeño | Fresh, zesty | Easy | 20 mins |
| Jalapeño Cornbread | Cornmeal, jalapeño, cheese | Spicy, moist | Medium | 45 mins |
| Avocado Salad | Avocado, tomato, onion, lime, cilantro | Creamy, bright | Easy | 20 mins |
| Queso Dip | Cheese, milk, spices | Creamy, cheesy | Easy | 20 mins |
1 – Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is bright and zingy. It’s simple yet flavorful, perfect for taco salad. The lime adds tang, while the cilantro gives a fresh touch.
It’s not just plain rice. We love how it complements the spices in the salad. The grains stay fluffy and light. A fantastic side that tastes amazing.
2 – Roasted Corn Salsa
Roasted corn salsa is vibrant and smoky. The sweet corn kernels pair perfectly with a slight char.
We love the richness the roasted corn adds. The mix of flavors just pops. Fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and juicy lime make it zesty.
Personal tip: We can’t get enough of this on tacos. It’s irresistible.
3 – Refried Beans
Refried beans are creamy and savory. They add a rich, hearty element to taco salad. Their smooth texture contrasts perfectly with crunchy lettuce.
We love how they blend with the other ingredients. They don’t overpower but complement. Add cheese or spices for extra flavor. Our personal fave side dish!
4 – Guacamole
Guacamole is smooth with a hint of tang from fresh lime.
Creamy avocado blends perfectly with cilantro and spices.
It’s refreshing along with taco salad. Adds a rich, velvety texture.
We enjoy making it with ripe avocados. Personal fave: extra spice. Perfect with crunchy tortilla chips. Balanced with a slight kick. Delicious every time.
5 – Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. They offer a crunch that complements any taco salad perfectly.
We love their simplicity and versatility. They’re perfect with salsa, guacamole, or just on their own. Personal fave: dipping them straight into guacamole for that creamy crunch. These chips never disappoint. Easy, tasty, and always a hit.
6 – Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or Elote, is tangy, sweet, and smoky. Covered in mayo, cotija cheese, and spices, it bursts with flavor.
We love the char on the corn and the creamy, spicy coating. Perfect alongside taco salad. The sweet corn pairs excellently with the zest of lime and chili. It’s a crowd-pleaser and full of personality.
7 – Spanish Rice
Spanish Rice is flavorful and fragrant. It’s a mix of tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The taste is robust with a hint of spice.
Perfect alongside taco salad, it adds depth to the meal. The slight heat complements the freshness of the salad.
We enjoy how the rice stays fluffy yet full of flavor. Personal fave: extra cilantro.
8 – Black Beans
Black beans add a deep, earthy flavor to your taco salad. They’re tender and rich. We love their creamy texture. It balances the crunch of veggies.
A hint of cumin enhances their taste. Pair with fresh cilantro for a fresh kick. Personal fave: sprinkle some cheese on top.
Black beans are hearty and satisfying.
9 – Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is fresh and zesty. It’s a mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime. This salsa is bright and vibrant.
We love its crunch and the burst of flavor. Pairs perfectly with taco salad. Adds a refreshing taste and texture. Personal fave: extra lime. Super simple yet delicious. Every bite feels fresh and lively.
10 – Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread is spicy and sweet.
The cornbread is moist with a golden crust. It’s got kick from the jalapeños.
The mix of flavors is fantastic. We love it with taco salad for added heat.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy a spicy bite. A personal fave for that crispy, soft balance.
11 – Avocado Salad
Avocado salad is creamy and fresh. The avocados add a rich texture that balances with crisp veggies. We love the tangy lime dressing. It’s light yet satisfying.
Perfect for taco salads, this side dish brings a cool, refreshing twist. Personal fave: a sprinkle of queso fresco. Simple and delightful every time.
12 – Queso Dip
Last but not least – Queso Dip
Queso dip is creamy and rich. The melted cheese blends perfectly with spices, giving it a smooth texture and bold flavor.
Perfect for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over taco salad. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds depth.
We always make extra because it’s a crowd favorite. Personal fave with jalapeños for extra kick.
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.