Walking tacos, also known as “tacos in a bag,” are a fun, portable, and customizable meal perfect for parties, tailgates, picnics, or casual get-togethers. The beauty of walking tacos lies in their simplicity and adaptability – everyone can create their own perfect taco. But what complements these delicious bags of savory goodness? This comprehensive guide explores a wide range of side dishes, drinks, and desserts that will elevate your walking taco experience from simple to sensational.
The Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Walking Tacos
Choosing the right side dishes can transform a walking taco meal into a complete and satisfying fiesta. We need dishes that balance the richness of the taco filling and offer a variety of flavors and textures.
Refreshing and Light Options
When serving a dish as hearty as walking tacos, lighter, refreshing sides are essential.
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): This vibrant salad is a crowd-pleaser. Sweet corn kernels are charred to perfection and tossed with creamy mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. The sweetness and tang perfectly cut through the richness of the walking taco fillings. It offers a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
Watermelon and Feta Salad: The cool, juicy sweetness of watermelon, combined with the salty tang of feta cheese and a hint of mint, creates a refreshing counterpoint to the savory tacos. This simple salad is easy to prepare and visually appealing. It’s a light and unexpected side that will surprise and delight your guests.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A classic combination that’s both hydrating and flavorful. Simply combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for extra flavor. This salad is quick to make and offers a refreshing contrast to the richer taco components.
Heartier and More Substantial Sides
For those looking to make the meal even more filling, consider these heartier options.
Mexican Rice: A staple of Mexican cuisine, Mexican rice is a flavorful and satisfying side. Cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth, it’s a simple yet delicious accompaniment to walking tacos. Its soft texture and savory flavor complement the crunchy chips and savory fillings of the tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a comforting and substantial side. Whether you make them from scratch or use canned beans, they’re a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese elevates them even further.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): This is a full ear of corn grilled or boiled and slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. While it might be a bit messier to eat alongside walking tacos, the intense flavor and satisfying texture make it worth the effort. Serve it on a stick for easier handling.
Dips and Salsas
These flavorful additions enhance the walking taco experience itself, and serve as side dishes.
Guacamole: No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without guacamole. Creamy, rich, and flavorful, it’s the perfect complement to walking tacos. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, or add a dollop directly into your taco bag.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh and vibrant salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice. It’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to walking tacos, adding a burst of freshness and a bit of heat.
Queso Dip: A warm, cheesy dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or drizzle it over your walking tacos for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Refreshing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst
The right beverages can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of your walking taco feast.
Classic Mexican Beverages
Horchata: This sweet and creamy rice milk drink is a classic Mexican beverage. Its cinnamon-infused flavor provides a refreshing and cooling contrast to the savory tacos.
Agua Frescas: These light and refreshing fruit-infused waters are perfect for quenching your thirst. Popular flavors include watermelon, hibiscus (jamaica), and cucumber-lime. They’re a healthier and less sugary alternative to sodas.
Mexican Coke: Made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke has a slightly different flavor profile than its American counterpart. Many people find it to be more refreshing and flavorful.
Other Beverage Options
Iced Tea: A classic and refreshing choice that pairs well with just about anything. Offer both sweetened and unsweetened options to cater to different preferences.
Lemonade: The tart and sweet flavor of lemonade provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory tacos. Consider adding a twist with flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
Sparkling Water: A light and bubbly option that helps cleanse the palate between bites. Add a slice of lime or lemon for extra flavor.
Sweet Treats to End Your Fiesta
Complete your walking taco meal with a delicious dessert that will leave your guests satisfied.
Traditional Mexican Desserts
Churros: These fried dough pastries are coated in cinnamon sugar and often served with a chocolate dipping sauce. Their crispy exterior and soft interior make them an irresistible treat.
Mexican Chocolate Brownies: Infuse your brownies with Mexican spices like cinnamon and chili powder for a unique and flavorful twist. The subtle heat complements the richness of the chocolate.
Tres Leches Cake: This ultra-moist cake is soaked in three kinds of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) and topped with whipped cream. It’s a decadent and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for a special occasion.
Simpler Dessert Options
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that provides a healthy and colorful end to the meal. Use a variety of seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
Ice Cream: A simple and crowd-pleasing dessert. Offer a variety of flavors to cater to different preferences. Consider serving it with toppings like chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
Cookies: A classic and easy dessert option. Choose a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes. Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter are always popular choices.
Creating the Ultimate Walking Taco Bar
To truly elevate your walking taco experience, consider setting up a walking taco bar with a wide array of toppings and fillings.
Choose Your Chips: The foundation of any great walking taco. Options include Fritos, Doritos (Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch are popular), and tortilla chips.
Protein Power: Offer a variety of protein options such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas (pulled pork), or even vegetarian options like black beans or seasoned tofu.
Topping Extravaganza: This is where you can really get creative. Offer a wide variety of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, olives, sour cream, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and more.
Sauce Station: Provide a selection of sauces to cater to different spice preferences. Options include mild salsa, hot sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, and even a drizzle of queso.
By offering a variety of options, you allow your guests to customize their walking tacos to their exact liking, creating a truly personalized and enjoyable meal.
Tips for Serving Walking Tacos
Presentation Matters: Even though walking tacos are a casual meal, presentation still matters. Arrange the toppings in attractive bowls and use colorful serving utensils.
Keep Food Warm: If you’re serving hot fillings like ground beef or chicken, keep them warm in slow cookers or chafing dishes.
Label Everything: Clearly label all of the toppings and sauces so your guests know what they’re choosing.
Provide Utensils: While walking tacos are meant to be eaten directly from the bag, it’s still a good idea to provide spoons or forks for those who prefer them.
Offer Napkins: Walking tacos can be a bit messy, so be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.
Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer gluten-free chip options, vegetarian protein sources, and dairy-free toppings.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your walking taco bar is a hit with everyone.
What kind of meat works best for walking tacos?
Ground beef is a classic and convenient choice for walking tacos. Season it well with taco seasoning for that authentic flavor. You can easily cook a large batch in advance, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
However, don’t limit yourself! Shredded chicken or pork are also fantastic options. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut or slow-cook pork shoulder for a richer, more flavorful filling. Vegetarian options like seasoned black beans or lentils are also excellent and cater to diverse dietary needs.
What are some essential toppings for walking tacos?
No walking taco is complete without a generous selection of toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), and sour cream are absolute must-haves. They provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the meat and chips.
Beyond the basics, consider adding options like pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa (mild, medium, or hot), sliced jalapenos, black olives, and chopped onions. These additions allow your guests to customize their walking tacos to their exact preferences, creating a truly personalized and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget the cilantro!
Can I prepare the walking taco components in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing the components in advance is highly recommended, especially when serving a large group. Cook the meat, chop the vegetables, shred the cheese, and have all the toppings ready in separate containers. This makes assembly quick and easy when it’s time to eat.
You can even assemble the taco fillings (meat and toppings) in individual containers or bags for a grab-and-go option. This is particularly useful for parties or events where people can serve themselves efficiently. Just remember to keep cold items like sour cream and guacamole refrigerated until serving time.
What types of chips are best suited for walking tacos?
While classic nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips are a popular choice, consider offering a variety to cater to different tastes. Plain tortilla chips provide a blank canvas for the toppings, while Doritos offer a bold and cheesy flavor. Fritos corn chips are another excellent option for their salty, crunchy texture.
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, consider gluten-free or baked chip options. Look for sturdy chips that can hold the weight of the toppings without breaking easily. Offering a mix of textures and flavors will ensure everyone finds their perfect chip for their walking taco masterpiece.
What side dishes pair well with walking tacos?
Walking tacos are a complete meal in themselves, but a few well-chosen side dishes can elevate the fiesta. Mexican street corn salad, with its creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor, is a perfect complement. A simple black bean and corn salsa adds freshness and a touch of sweetness.
Consider serving a light and refreshing side like watermelon or jicama sticks to balance the richness of the tacos. For a more substantial side, Mexican rice or refried beans are excellent choices. Don’t forget a pitcher of refreshing agua fresca or lemonade to quench everyone’s thirst!
How can I make walking tacos more visually appealing?
Presentation matters, even for casual food like walking tacos. Use clear chip bags so the colorful layers of ingredients are visible. Arrange the toppings in attractive serving bowls or containers, and consider using serving spoons or tongs for easy access.
Garnish the assembled walking tacos with fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, or a sprinkle of chili powder. These small details add a touch of elegance and make the walking tacos even more enticing. You can also create a themed setup with colorful tablecloths, napkins, and decorations to enhance the fiesta atmosphere.
What are some creative variations on the classic walking taco?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to create unique walking taco variations. Try using Korean-style bulgogi beef with kimchi and sriracha mayo, or Mediterranean-inspired lamb with feta cheese, olives, and tzatziki sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Consider offering dessert walking tacos with cinnamon-sugar chips, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, and whipped cream. You can also cater to specific dietary needs by offering vegan walking tacos with plant-based meat alternatives and dairy-free cheese. Let your creativity shine and create walking tacos that reflect your personal style and preferences.