What to serve with taco soup? If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your delicious taco soup, you’ve come to the right place! We all know the struggle of wanting to elevate a meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Sometimes, you just need a little extra something to make that bowl of warm, flavorful taco soup truly shine. But don’t worry; you won’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps to achieve a delightful spread.
Imagine serving a piping hot bowl of taco soup with a side that perfectly complements its spicy, savory goodness. It’s like bringing a fiesta to your dinner table! In this guide, we’ll explore what to serve with taco soup, offering a variety of options from healthy to indulgent, each designed to add a little flair to your meal. So, get ready to dive in and discover side dishes that will make your taco soup night a hit with everyone at the table!
Best Side Dishes to Complement Taco Soup
Classic Mexican Cornbread for a Hearty Addition
First, nothing pairs quite as well with taco soup as a slice of classic Mexican cornbread. It’s moist, slightly sweet, and has that perfect crumbly texture that complements the rich flavors of the soup. Imagine dipping a warm piece into your soup, soaking up all that deliciousness! Cornbread is also super easy to make, and you can even add a touch of cheese or jalapeños to spice things up a bit. Plus, it’s a filling side that everyone loves, making your meal more satisfying. In addition, cornbread is a great make-ahead option, so you can focus on your soup while it bakes. You’re going to love how this simple bread brings everything together in your meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 1 cup |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 tbsp |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
Fresh Garden Salad with a Zesty Lime Dressing
A fresh garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty taco soup. First, toss together crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Then, drizzle it all with a zesty lime dressing that brings a citrusy kick to each bite. Not only does this salad add a vibrant splash of color to your table, but it also provides a lighter, healthier side to balance the meal. In addition, the lime dressing ties in beautifully with the flavors of the taco soup, creating a harmonious dining experience. This simple yet delicious salad will have everyone reaching for seconds.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | 1 head |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
| Cucumber | 1 |
| Red Onion | 1/2 |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Unique and Creative Pairings
Roasted Vegetable Medley with Mexican Spices
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness that pairs wonderfully with taco soup. You can use a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, all tossed in olive oil and seasoned with Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. This medley not only adds a vibrant array of colors to your plate but also a variety of textures. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds! The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can roast in the oven while your soup simmers.
Cheesy Quesadillas with a Crispy Finish
Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla? First, take a tortilla, fill it with cheese, and fold it in half. Then, cook it in a hot pan until the cheese melts and the tortilla gets nice and crispy. Also, you can add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a twist. These cheesy delights are quick to make and perfect for dunking into your taco soup, creating a fun, interactive meal.
- Use flour or corn tortillas.
- Add a variety of fillings to mix things up.
- Cook until the tortilla is golden brown for that perfect crunch.
Healthy Options to Serve with Taco Soup
Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
Quinoa salad is a healthy, protein-packed side that pairs beautifully with taco soup. Start with fluffy quinoa as your base. Then, add black beans, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with a simple lime vinaigrette for a burst of flavor. This salad is not only filling but also full of nutrients. It’s like a little powerhouse on your plate! Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy nights.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Cilantro Marinade
Grilled vegetable skewers are a fun and healthy way to add more veggies to your meal. Use chunks of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then marinate them in a cilantro and lime mixture. Once grilled, these skewers are bursting with smoky flavor, perfectly complementing the warm and hearty taco soup.
- Choose colorful vegetables for a vibrant presentation.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Grill until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Kid-Friendly Sides for Taco Soup
Mini Cheese Nachos with Mild Salsa
Mini cheese nachos are a hit with kids and adults alike. First, lay out some tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese over them and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Also, serve with a side of mild salsa for dipping. These mini nachos are not only fun to eat but also quick to prepare, making them a perfect companion for your taco soup night.
Sweet Corn Fritters with a Touch of Honey
Sweet corn fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of taco soup. First, mix together corn, flour, eggs, and a bit of sugar. Then, fry small spoonfuls in hot oil until golden. Finally, drizzle with honey for a delicious twist. These fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Use fresh or canned corn for convenience.
- Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of sour cream.
Now that you’ve got some delicious sides to complement your taco soup, let’s dive into making a fresh and flavorful Zesty Quinoa Salad—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
First, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this salad truly zesty!
- Vegetable Broth – The quinoa is cooked in vegetable broth, giving it a savory flavor that makes it anything but bland. It adds a subtle richness to the base of your salad.
- Quinoa – Quinoa is not only delicious but packed with protein, making it a perfect hearty addition. It’s also naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Cucumber – Fresh and crunchy, cucumber adds a cool bite to balance out the other ingredients. It’s like a refreshing splash of hydration in every bite!
- Bell Pepper – You can use any color of bell pepper you like. The sweetness and vibrant color brighten up the salad while adding a crisp crunch.
- Grape Tomatoes – These juicy little gems pop in your mouth, bursting with flavor. They complement the salad and add a tangy freshness.
- Red Onion – A dash of red onion adds some sharpness to the mix. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference!
- Garbanzo Beans – These beans bring in fiber and protein, making your salad feel more substantial. Plus, they pair perfectly with the veggie crunch!
- Mint Leaves – Fresh mint leaves add a surprising burst of flavor that elevates the salad. They bring a fresh, fragrant note to the dish.
- Lime and Lemon Zest – Zesty lime and lemon zest give a citrusy kick. They brighten up the flavors and add a zing that ties everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you make this refreshing salad:
- Step 1 – Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a pot. Then, add the quinoa. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. This is where the quinoa soaks up all that savory flavor.
- Step 2 – While your quinoa cools, chop up the cucumber, bell pepper, grape tomatoes, and red onion. They’ll add vibrant color and fresh crunch to your salad.
- Step 3 – In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the chopped veggies and drained garbanzo beans. This is where everything starts to come together.
- Step 4 – Zest both the lime and lemon over the salad. Then, sprinkle in the fresh mint. Stir everything up and let the flavors mingle!
- Step 5 – Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and cayenne pepper for the zesty vinaigrette. Pour it over the salad and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed!
Serving
Now that your Zesty Quinoa Salad is ready, let’s get serving!
This recipe serves about 4 people. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh side salad or crispy bread to round out the meal. For a fun twist, serve it with a chilled drink like iced tea or sparkling water!
Tips and Hacks
- Tip 1 – Make it even zestier by adding some jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Tip 2 – Add some avocado to the salad for a creamy texture. It pairs perfectly with the citrusy dressing.
- Tip 3 – Want to mix it up? Try substituting the garbanzo beans with black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.
- Tip 4 – This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just make sure to stir before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 258
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fiber: 4g
Please note: These values are an estimate and can vary based on the ingredient brands and portion sizes you use.
Prep Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Please note: Prep time may vary depending on your chopping skills!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re wondering what to serve with taco soup, why not try crispy tortilla chips? They’re the perfect side! You can dip them right into the soup for that awesome crunch. Another great side is a fresh salad with lime dressing. It’s light, tangy, and complements the soup’s flavors. Trust me, these sides will make your taco soup meal even more satisfying!
When thinking about what to serve with taco soup, you can’t go wrong with cornbread! Its sweet, soft texture pairs wonderfully with the spicy soup. Also, a simple side of steamed veggies works great. They balance out the richness of the soup. You can also serve the soup with a side of rice or a light salad to make it a complete meal!
If you’re looking for what to serve with taco soup, think about pairing it with a zesty quinoa salad! It’s refreshing, colorful, and full of texture. Or, you could go for a side of Mexican street corn (Elote). The creamy, tangy flavors of the corn work perfectly with the spicy taco soup. You’re going to love these flavorful pairings!
Wondering how to thicken taco soup? Start by adding some beans! You can mash them up a little and stir them in. They’ll add thickness and richness. Another trick is to mix in a bit of cornmeal or a small amount of tomato paste. These ingredients will give the soup a nice, hearty texture. You’re going to love how it turns out!