Trying to serve your kids an at least semi-well rounded meal? Here are the best side dishes to serve with tacos for kids!
If your kids are much like mine, when I ask them what they want to eat, they will yell back either CHICKEN NUGGETS or MAC N CHEESE.
The basics are king around here.
However, a taco is not a whole meal (usually).
I serve my 1 and 3 year old in these divided silicone plates so they get 1 "main dish" and 2 sides.
One of our sides is always cut up fruit: berries, sliced apples, sauteed apples, sliced banana, mandarin oranges, something like that.
The second side is what is up in the air. For breakfast, it's a yogurt pouch. For lunch, it's either goldfish or chex mix. For dinner, I try for more of a side dish.
But, if you are like me, when it's time to make food your brain goes completely blank as to what to cook.
If you are wondering what to eat with tacos, there are loads of possibilities!
Also: If you have kids that aren't old enough to eat tacos, you have 2 options:
- Deconstructed tacos - just serve the meat, toppings on their plate cut up into little pieces
- Microwave a quesadilla - tortilla + cheese microwaved 30 seconds - and serve cut up with toppings
Below I am rounding up my best ideas of what to serve with tacos. I will round up a general list of ideas and then keep scrolling to links to actual recipes for some great ones!
Check out my favorite taco topping ideas here!
The best side dishes to serve with tacos for kids
Here are my general favorite sides with tacos.
- Cut fruit
- Chips and salsa
- Fries - my kids actually prefer sweet potato fries
- Tots
- Chex mix, pretzels, chips
- Veggie sticks
- Cheese stick or babybel cheese
- Baked carrots
- Green peas (I make frozen ones in the microwave, and add butter)
- Potatoes any way - mashed potato, smashed, baked
- Mac n cheese
- Corn
- Applesauce
If you are wondering what goes with tacos for adults, consider:
- Black beans
- Rice
- Green salad
- Guacamole
- Avocado salad or salsa
- Taco soup or black bean soup
- Grain salad like cous cous, quinoa, etc
- Margaritas of course!
(And if your kids will eat those things, more power to you! Mine will not.)
Here are some mouth watering recipes for taco sides!
Best side dishes to serve with tacos for kids
Looking for the perfect sides to serve with tacos for your kids? Here are some great ideas!
Lime and cilantro give this rice a bright, fresh flavor. It's the perfect side dish to pair with your favorite Mexican dinner recipes!
Mexican Street Corn is so popular and when I finally got around to trying it, I totally agreed. The only thing I don't love is how messy it is to eat. So I started making it in a skillet and it totally works!
A bunch of fun and tasty salsas for your taco bar is a must. This Watermelon Pico de Gallo is the bright, fresh, & fun recipe that will surprise everyone.
These golden, crunchy, Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are addictive and incredibly easy to make with just 2 essential ingredients. They are must for snacking, picnics, cookouts, game days, Cinco de Mayo and more.
Mango pineapple salsa is packed with sweet mangoes, fresh pineapple, and juicy tomatoes. The lime and oregano balance the sweetness of the fruit to make this a crave-worthy snack, colorful appetizer, and totally delectable Mexican treat.
This vegan cowboy queso is made with natural ingredients. Perfect for topping on tacos or dipping chips.
Fruity Agua Fresca is a light and refreshing Mexican fruit drink made with simple everyday, all natural ingredients and perfect for Taco Bars, Cinco de Mayo, cookouts and more.
Inspired by the flavors of street corn, these grilled Mexican zucchini boats are filled with creamy cheesy and smoky spices!
You can make homemade refried Instant Pot Mexican Style Beans that taste just like they came from your favorite restaurant. No soaking is required and you can have these beans ready to go in about an hour.
When you think of guacamole, you think of creamy avocado, spicy jalapenos, tangy onion and garlic, herbaceous cilantro, and bright lime juice.
We deliver all of those things, but to a whole new level when we add some sun-kissed sweet peaches to the mix!
Taco Pasta Salad is a hearty and delicious dish that combines authentic Mexican flavors in every single bite. This is the ideal summer recipe made with seasoned ground beef, Dorito chips, and dressing.
This Fruit Salad is drizzled with a Honey Lime Topping and always a hit with adults and kids alike! No cooking needed and so easy to make!
See all of my favorite kids side dishes:
- The best side dishes to serve with pizza for kids
- Healthy sides for pizza
- The best side dishes to serve with mac and cheese for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with chicken nuggets for kids
- What to serve with chicken nuggets for adults
- The best side dishes to serve with cheeseburgers for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with pulled pork for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with tacos for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with hot dogs for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with fish sticks for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with chicken wings for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with chicken burgers for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with pasta for kids
- The best side dishes to serve with spaghetti for kids
- The best breakfast side dishes for kids
Free printable side dish planner!
Make sure to download our free printable side dish planner! This checklist gives you ideas for side dishes for your kids every day of the week!
What's your favorite taco side dish?
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
