5 Mexican Side Dishes That Will Turn Taco Night into a Fiesta!

Taco night is always a hit with the family, but why stop at just tacos? The right side dishes can transform an ordinary meal into a full-blown fiesta! From zesty flavors to crunchy textures, Mexican side dishes offer endless variety that can elevate any taco spread. Whether you’re hosting a fun family dinner or having friends over, these delicious sides will keep everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into five irresistible Mexican side dishes that are sure to add excitement to your next taco night.

Kick Off the Fiesta with Flavorful Mexican Street Corn (Elote)!

There’s no better way to start off taco night than with the explosive flavors of Mexican Street Corn, or Elote! This popular Mexican side dish is a fiesta in itself, packed with the zesty goodness of grilled corn coated in creamy, tangy, and spicy toppings. Street corn is easy to make and adds a fun, hands-on element to your meal. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—who can resist a cob of sweet corn slathered in rich, flavorful toppings?

Why It Works:
Mexican street corn brings together a medley of flavors that complement tacos perfectly. The sweetness of the grilled corn balances the heat of tacos, while the creamy mixture of mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.It’s a sensory experience that both kids and adults will love.

How to Make It:
Start by grilling fresh ears of corn until they’re charred and smoky. Once the corn is perfectly grilled, generously slather each cob with mayonnaise or sour cream, followed by a sprinkling of crumbled Cotija cheese. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dash of chili powder to bring the heat. Some people even add a little garlic powder or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it hot, and don’t forget the napkins—things are about to get messy (in the best way possible)!

Make It Your Own:
Mexican street corn can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. If your kids aren’t big fans of spice, you can tone down the chili powder or skip it altogether. For an extra layer of flavor, try mixing in some smoked paprika or using flavored mayonnaise. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving Elote in a cup (Esquites) for a fun twist!

Refried Beans: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish for Taco Night

No taco night is complete without a heaping side of refried beans. This traditional Mexican side dish is warm, hearty, and pairs beautifully with tacos. Whether you spread them inside your tacos or serve them on the side, refried beans add a creamy, savory element to your meal that makes it even more satisfying.

Why It Works:
Refried beans are the ultimate comfort food. Made from mashed pinto or black beans, they have a rich and smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy shells of tacos. Their mild flavor also makes them a great canvas for other seasonings, such as garlic, cumin, and onion. For families, refried beans are a hit because they’re filling, nutritious, and easy to pair with almost any taco recipe.

How to Make It:
To make classic refried beans, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan until fragrant. Then, add cooked pinto or black beans and mash them with a potato masher. Stir in a little bit of broth or water to get the desired consistency, and season with salt, cumin, and pepper. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it reaches a creamy texture. For a richer flavor, try adding a little bacon fat or lard to the beans as they cook.

Healthy Twist:
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead of lard, or make refried beans without any added fat. You can also opt for black beans instead of pinto beans for a higher protein content. Add a sprinkle of cheese, cilantro, or diced tomatoes on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tangy and Refreshing Mexican Quinoa Salad: A Healthy Fiesta on Your Plate

Seeking a healthier option that still packs great flavor? Mexican Quinoa Salad is the perfect side dish to balance out your tacos while adding a refreshing tang. Quinoa is a high-protein grain that absorbs flavors beautifully, making it the perfect base for a zesty Mexican side dish. Tossed with fresh vegetables and a citrusy dressing, this salad is light, nutritious, and full of flavor.

Why It Works:
This quinoa salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory elements of taco night. The bright flavors of lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes bring freshness, while the quinoa adds texture and protein. It’s the ideal option for health-conscious eaters or anyone looking to balance their meal with something light yet satisfying. Plus, kids love the colorful presentation!

How to Make It:
Begin by cooking the quinoa following the package instructions, then let it cool. In a large bowl, mix together chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and black beans.In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and garlic powder to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, then toss to mix well. For added flavor, sprinkle some crumbled feta or Cotija cheese on top, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Customize It:
Mexican Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables or add extras like corn, avocado, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. This dish is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days.

Bring the Crunch with Tostones: Mexican Fried Plantains Your Kids Will Love

Tostones, or fried plantains, are a fun and crunchy addition to taco night. These crispy, golden discs are made from green plantains and are a popular side dish throughout Latin America. Tostones have a mild flavor and a crispy texture that makes them perfect for dipping or serving alongside tacos. Best of all, they’re easy to make and a hit with kids!

Why It Works:
Tostones add a delightful crunch to your taco spread. They’re mildly sweet and savory, making them a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of taco fillings. Kids especially love the crunchy texture and the fact that they can be eaten with their hands. Serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping, and watch them disappear off the plate!

How to Make It:
Peel the green plantains and cut them into thick slices. Fry the slices in hot oil until they start to turn golden, then remove them from the pan and flatten them with the back of a spoon or a tostonera. Return the flattened plantains to the oil and fry them again until they’re crispy and golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and serve them hot.

Dipping Sauces:
Tostones are even more fun when paired with dipping sauces. Serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or even a spicy mayo for added flavor. For a sweet twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the fried plantains and serve them with a side of honey for dipping.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Refreshing Mexican Side Dish That Complements Every Taco

Cilantro Lime Rice is a Mexican side dish that adds a refreshing, zesty note to your taco night. Fluffy, aromatic rice infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro makes for the perfect accompaniment to spicy tacos. Whether you’re serving beef, chicken, or vegetarian tacos, cilantro lime rice complements the flavors and ties the whole meal together.

Why It Works:
Cilantro lime rice is light, tangy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect side dish to serve with tacos. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime juice bring a fresh contrast to the smoky, savory taco fillings. It’s also a versatile side dish that pairs well with any type of taco, from carne asada to veggie tacos.

How to Make It:
Begin by cooking long-grain white rice following the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. For extra flavor, you can add a little lime zest or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the rice hot alongside your tacos, and garnish with a few extra sprigs of cilantro.

Add Some Veggies:
To make cilantro lime rice even more nutritious, try adding in some cooked peas, corn, or diced bell peppers. This not only boosts the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your taco spread.

Conclusion

With these five exciting Mexican side dishes, your next taco night is sure to be a hit! From the zesty flavors of Mexican Street Corn to the crunch of Tostones, these sides add variety and flair to your meal. Whether you’re looking for healthy options like Mexican Quinoa Salad or comfort food classics like Refried Beans, there’s something for everyone at your taco feast. So gather your family, set the table, and get ready to turn taco night into a full-blown fiesta!

FAQs

• What is a good side dish to serve with tacos?

Mexican side dishes like Mexican Street Corn (Elote), refried beans, cilantro lime rice, and tostones (fried plantains) are fantastic choices to serve alongside tacos. These sides add variety and complement the flavors of taco fillings. Whether you want something light, like a tangy quinoa salad, or more filling, like refried beans, these dishes will elevate your taco night.

• How do I make Mexican Street Corn at home?

To make Mexican Street Corn (Elote), grill fresh corn on the cob until it’s charred, then slather it with mayonnaise or sour cream. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top, add a squeeze of lime, and dust it with chili powder for some heat. For a fun twist, you can serve Elote in a cup, known as Esquites.

• What are tostones, and how do I make them?

Tostones are crispy, twice-fried plantain slices popular in Latin American cuisine. To make them, cut green plantains into thick slices, fry them until golden, flatten them, and fry them again until crispy. Season with salt and serve with a dipping sauce like guacamole or salsa.

• Are refried beans healthy?

Refried beans can be a healthy option depending on how they’re prepared. Using olive oil instead of lard or bacon fat makes them lighter, and black beans offer a higher protein content than pinto beans. They’re a great source of fiber and protein, making them a nutritious side dish.

• Can I make cilantro lime rice in advance?

Yes, cilantro lime rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving, and if needed, freshen it up by adding a little more lime juice and cilantro. This makes meal prep easier and ensures you have one less thing to worry about on taco night.

• Can I customize Mexican Quinoa Salad?

Absolutely! Mexican Quinoa Salad is highly versatile. You can add various vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or corn, and even adjust the level of spice by including jalapeños. For a more filling version, add black beans or shredded chicken.

• How can I make taco night more exciting for my kids?

To make taco night more fun for kids, introduce exciting side dishes like tostones (fried plantains) and Mexican Street Corn. Kids love the crunchy texture and interactive nature of these foods. You can also let them customize their tacos and sides with toppings like cheese, salsa, and guacamole.

• What are some gluten-free Mexican side dishes?

Many Mexican side dishes are naturally gluten-free. Options like refried beans, Mexican Quinoa Salad, tostones, and cilantro lime rice are all safe choices. Just be mindful of added ingredients like seasoning mixes or sauces that may contain gluten.

• Can I make these side dishes spicy?

You can definitely add heat to these Mexican side dishes! Use chili powder or fresh jalapeños to spice up dishes like Mexican Street Corn, quinoa salad, or refried beans. If you’re cooking for kids or those with milder taste preferences, you can serve spicy toppings on the side.

• How do I store leftovers of these Mexican side dishes?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Most of these sides, like refried beans, quinoa salad, and cilantro lime rice, can be kept for 3-4 days. Tostones are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in an oven to restore some of their crispiness.