Taco bowls are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional tacos. They’re a fun way to enjoy the same ingredients but in a deconstructed, customizable format. However, once you’ve made your taco bowl, you may wonder, what to serve with a taco bowl?
In this article, we’ll explore the best sides, toppings, and drinks that complement taco bowls. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for ideas to round out a family meal, these suggestions will take your taco bowl to the next level.
What Is a Taco Bowl?
A taco bowl takes all the best elements of tacos and presents them in a bowl. You can choose your base—rice, quinoa, lettuce, or a combination. Then, add your favorite taco fillings: seasoned beef or chicken, beans, and vegetables. Finally, you top it with salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and more.
The beauty of a taco bowl is in its versatility. It can be customized for any diet, whether you’re looking for vegetarian options, low-carb variations, or even seafood-focused bowls. The only rule is to mix and match your favorite ingredients to create a perfect meal in a bowl.
Why Are Taco Bowls Popular?
Taco bowls have gained popularity for several reasons:
- Convenience: They are easy to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
- Healthy Customization: Whether you’re following a specific diet or just trying to eat healthier, taco bowls allow you to control what goes into your meal.
- Versatility: Taco bowls can fit any occasion. They’re great for a quick family dinner, a casual party, or even a work lunch.
- Flavor-packed: Combining spicy, savory, and fresh ingredients, taco bowls offer a burst of flavor in every bite.
If you’re new to taco bowls, consider starting with a basic version and experimenting with different combinations of ingredients as you go. Each variation can create a totally unique meal! For more about what makes taco bowls special, check out this guide on what a taco bowl is made of.
Best Toppings for a Taco Bowl Recipe
When creating your taco bowl, the toppings make all the difference. The right toppings bring out the flavors and add texture to the dish. Let’s look at some of the most popular toppings for a Mexican bowl recipe that will make your taco bowl irresistible.
Salsa
Salsa is a must for taco bowls. There are so many varieties to choose from:
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mango Salsa: A sweet, tropical option that pairs well with spicy proteins.
- Corn Salsa: Roasted corn with lime juice and chili powder adds a smoky sweetness.
Each salsa brings different flavors to the table, making your taco bowl unique every time. Experiment with different combinations to see which one you like best.
Guacamole
Creamy, rich guacamole is the perfect topping to balance spicy and savory elements in your taco bowl. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, and sometimes tomatoes or jalapeños, guacamole adds texture and depth to every bite.
It’s also a healthy choice! Avocados are full of heart-healthy fats. If you’re looking for a simple recipe, the New York Times Cooking offers an excellent guide for making traditional guacamole at home.
Shredded Cheese
Cheese is a beloved taco bowl topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cotija cheese work well. The cheese melts slightly over warm ingredients, adding creaminess and richness.
If you’re looking for a more authentic flavor, consider trying cotija cheese. This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty bite that complements other taco bowl toppings.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt is a great swap. It has the same texture as sour cream but comes with more protein and fewer calories.
Adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt helps balance the heat of spicy taco bowls. It cools things down and provides a smooth contrast to crunchy ingredients like lettuce or tortilla strips.
Fresh Herbs
Herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or green onions are often overlooked but make a world of difference in enhancing the freshness of your taco bowl. Cilantro, in particular, is a classic ingredient in many Mexican dishes. Sprinkling fresh herbs over your taco bowl not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile with a burst of freshness.
Cilantro pairs exceptionally well with lime juice, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of proteins and toppings like cheese or guacamole.
Pickled Vegetables
For some crunch and a burst of acidity, pickled vegetables are a fantastic addition to taco bowls. You can add pickled jalapeños for heat or pickled red onions for a sharp, tangy flavor. These toppings add brightness to the dish and cut through the richness of ingredients like cheese and guacamole.
If you want to try making your own pickled vegetables, check out this pickling guide from Bon Appétit.
What to Serve with a Taco Bowl? Top Sides to Complete Your Meal
While taco bowls are often a complete meal, serving them with side dishes adds variety and fun to your meal. Here are some delicious side options that pair well with a taco bowl.
1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a flavorful side dish that adds a bit of sweetness and spice to your meal. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a mix of mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. It’s smoky, tangy, and creamy all at once.
To make it easier to eat, you can also serve corn off the cob. Just cut the kernels off and mix them with the same seasoning for a simple side dish.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice is a natural pairing for taco bowls. To add extra flavor, make cilantro lime rice. This side dish is light, zesty, and the perfect foundation for your taco bowl toppings.
Cilantro lime rice is easy to prepare. Just cook your rice as usual, then mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of salt. For a recipe with perfect proportions, check out this cilantro lime rice guide from Food Network.
3. Black Bean Salad
A black bean salad is a healthy, high-protein side that complements taco bowls perfectly. Mix black beans with corn, red bell peppers, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh, tangy salad. You can also add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
This salad adds fiber and protein to your meal and makes the taco bowl more filling. It’s also a great dish to prepare in advance, as the flavors get better as it sits.
4. Chips and Guacamole
You can’t go wrong with a classic: chips and guacamole. The crunchy tortilla chips and creamy guacamole create a great contrast to the softness of a taco bowl. It’s a fun, shareable side that everyone loves.
When serving taco bowls to a group, offer chips and guac as a starter or side. The crunch of the chips adds a different texture to the meal, making every bite more interesting.
5. Jalapeno Poppers
If you want something with a little more heat, jalapeno poppers are an excellent choice. These spicy snacks are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon or baked with a crunchy topping. They provide a bold flavor that stands up to the savory and rich ingredients in a taco bowl.
Serve these poppers on the side for guests who love a bit of spice. They’re great for parties, too, as they can be made in large batches.
6. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a traditional Mexican side dish that adds a rich, savory element to your taco bowl. These mashed beans are often seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder for a deep, earthy flavor. You can serve refried beans on the side or even spoon them into the taco bowl for added texture and protein.
7. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are a perfect side for taco bowls. The smokiness from the grill adds depth to the meal while keeping it healthy. You can also use these vegetables as part of your taco bowl toppings, giving you more versatility in how you serve them.
8. Mexican Cabbage Slaw
For a crunchy, tangy side, try Mexican cabbage slaw. It’s made with shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and a bit of salt. This refreshing side dish adds a light, crisp texture that contrasts with the rich, bold flavors of a taco bowl. The acidity from the lime juice also helps to cut through the fattier elements of the dish, like cheese or sour cream.
9. Tortilla Chips with Salsa
If you’re looking for a classic, easy-to-prepare side, tortilla chips with salsa is a great option. The crispness of the chips pairs well with the softness of a taco bowl, and salsa adds a fresh, tangy flavor. You can choose from a variety of salsas like pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, or even spicy habanero salsa.
10. Quinoa Salad
For a lighter, more modern twist on traditional Mexican sides, try a quinoa salad. Quinoa is a high-protein grain that’s light and fluffy, making it a perfect pairing for heavier taco bowls. You can mix quinoa with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a light lime dressing for a healthy, flavorful side.
Drinks to Pair with a Taco Bowl
The right drink can enhance the flavors of your taco bowl. Whether you prefer something alcoholic or non-alcoholic, here are some drinks that pair well with this Mexican-inspired meal.
1. Margaritas
When you think of tacos or taco bowls, margaritas are often the first drink that comes to mind. The bright citrus flavors of a margarita perfectly complement the spices in a taco bowl. You can keep it classic with a lime margarita or try a more adventurous version, like mango or spicy jalapeno.
If you’re serving taco bowls at a party, consider setting up a margarita bar with different flavor options. It’s a fun way to let guests customize their drinks to suit their tastes.
2. Agua Fresca
For a refreshing, non-alcoholic option, try serving agua fresca. This traditional Mexican drink is made with fruit, water, and a little sugar. Common flavors include watermelon, pineapple, and cucumber. Agua fresca is light and hydrating, which is perfect for balancing the richness of a taco bowl.
Want to make your own? Serious Eats has a great recipe for homemade agua fresca in various flavors.
3. Mexican Beers
Mexican beers like Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico are popular choices for pairing with taco bowls. These light beers are refreshing and don’t overpower the flavors of the food. They’re a great option if you’re serving a larger group and want something easy and casual.
For a fun twist, try making a michelada by mixing your beer with lime juice, hot sauce, and a bit of salt. It’s like a Mexican version of a Bloody Mary but made with beer!
4. Sangria
Sangria is a wine-based drink mixed with fruit juices, sparkling water, and chopped fruit. The fruity, refreshing flavors of sangria pair well with the spiciness of a taco bowl, and it’s a great option for those who prefer wine over cocktails or beer. You can make a red or white sangria depending on your preference, and it’s easy to prepare in large batches for parties.
5. Paloma
A paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda. It’s light, citrusy, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect pairing for taco bowls. The tartness of the grapefruit soda complements the bold, spicy flavors in the food, while the tequila adds a bit of kick.
Variations of a Taco Bowl Recipe
One of the best things about taco bowls is how easy they are to customize. Here are some fun variations of the classic taco salad recipe that you can try.
Vegetarian Taco Bowl
A vegetarian taco bowl is full of flavor, thanks to ingredients like black beans, roasted vegetables, and avocado. You won’t even miss the meat! Add extra toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese to create a satisfying, filling meal.
Low-Carb Taco Bowl
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can still enjoy taco bowls by swapping out rice for cauliflower rice or lettuce. Focus on high-protein ingredients like seasoned chicken or beef, and load up on vegetables and healthy fats like avocado and cheese.
Seafood Taco Bowl
For something a little different, try making a seafood taco bowl. Grilled shrimp or fish are great protein choices, especially when paired with fresh, citrusy toppings like mango salsa. This version feels lighter but still packs a ton of flavor.
Spicy Taco Bowl
If you love spice, turn up the heat with a spicy taco bowl. Add jalapenos, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to your bowl. You can even marinate your proteins with extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.
Breakfast Taco Bowl
Who says taco bowls are only for lunch or dinner? A breakfast taco bowl is a delicious way to start your day. Swap out the traditional proteins for scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and breakfast potatoes. Add toppings like cheese, avocado, and salsa for a morning meal that’s full of flavor.
How to Host a Taco Bowl Party
Taco bowls are great for parties because they’re customizable and easy to serve. Set up a taco bowl bar where guests can assemble their own bowls. Provide different bases, proteins, and a variety of toppings so that everyone can create their perfect bowl.
For example, offer cilantro lime rice, lettuce, and quinoa as base options. Have proteins like grilled chicken, seasoned beef, or black beans. Then, set out toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and pickled vegetables. Don’t forget the drinks—offer margaritas, agua frescas, or Mexican beers to round out the meal.
To make the process even smoother, label each topping and side dish, so your guests know exactly what’s available. You can also add a few fun extras like tortilla chips, jalapeno poppers, and grilled vegetables to make the party more exciting.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what to serve with a taco bowl! With the right sides, toppings, and drinks, you can turn a simple taco bowl recipe into a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a party, these ideas will elevate your taco bowls and impress your guests.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite sides and toppings to create a meal that’s unique to you. From tangy salsas and creamy guacamole to refreshing drinks and bold, flavorful sides, there’s no limit to the delicious combinations you can create. Happy cooking!