Taco Salad pairs well with Fruit Salad, Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake, Ice Cream, and Cookies.
Fruit Salad -
Fruit salad is a great accompaniment to the savory flavors in taco salad.
For something lighter, swap in Cookies instead.
With the recent surge in Tex-Mex cuisine, culture, and tradition, it's no surprise that taco salads are becoming an increasingly popular dish.
But what should you serve alongside a taco salad to complete the meal?
Answering this perplexing question can be tricky - after all, not everyone has a deep well of baking knowledge or expertise to tap into.
Fortunately, with our list of the best desserts that go with taco salad, your meal will become truly tempting.
From light sorbet to classic cakes and more, we break down every delicious detail surrounding these scrumptious treats.
What Do You Bring to a Taco Party?
A taco party is an excellent opportunity to feed not only your stomach, but also the soul.
It could be a great gathering of friends and family or even just yourself.
No matter who is there, it is always important to have something special on the table.
While tacos are usually the main draw at a taco party, you should bring something to add to that experience--a bit of flavor or texture that will impress your guests and make it truly memorable.
From hand-crafted salsas and guacamoles to pre-made crunchy shells, there are plenty of ways to make your taco party extra special.
And if you want to really perk up the crowd, don't forget about drinks and desserts--maybe some spicy margaritas or churros for everyone, or a tart lemon in desserts ideas to brighten the spread.
With these thoughtful touches you'll have a successful taco party sure to leave everyone happily full and content.
10 Desserts That Complement Taco Salad
Taco salads can be an enjoyable and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful mix of ingredients.
Once you have finished your colorful array of tacos, then it's time to serve a deliciously sweet dessert - consider light desserts after a heavy meal to keep things balanced.
Here are 10 desserts that are great with taco salads:
1. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great accompaniment to the savory flavors in taco salad.
The sweetness of the fruit goes with the spicy ingredients of the main dish and provides a healthy alternative to sugary desserts.
Depending on what's in-season, you can mix and match different fruits such as apples, oranges, pineapple, mangoes, blueberries, strawberries and grapes.
Top with a yogurt or honey dressing for a delicious end to your taco salad meal - try yogurt dressing for tuna salad ideas if experimenting with tangy dressings.
2. Chocolate Cake
A slice of deliciously moist and rich chocolate cake is the perfect way to end a meal featuring taco salad.
This classic dessert goes well with the texture and flavors of this savory dish.
If you prefer more Mexican inspired flavors, you can add some cinnamon to your cake recipe for an interesting twist.
For extra indulgence and creaminess, top your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whip up some easy caramel sauce to drizzle over the top.
For a playful twist, serve a dense chocolate cake alongside a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough bars recipe for guests who want a bite-sized treat.
3. Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a sweet treat that will delight any tastebud.
Cheesecake is a decadent dessert made with cream cheese and a variety of other ingredients such as sugar and eggs.
The creamy, rich flavor of cheesecake with its tangy flavor contrasts nicely with the spiciness of taco salad.
Whether you make your own cheesecake or buy one from the store, this dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Add toppings like fresh fruit or caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
If serving cheesecake, check proper storage times to keep slices fresh - cheesecake shelf life guide explains how long it lasts.
4. Ice Cream
Ice cream is a classic and delicious dessert to enjoy alongside taco salad - just be mindful of storage and timing with ice cream storage lifespan info.
Picking just the right flavor to complement your creation may be tricky, but you could go with a basic vanilla ice cream.
Alternatively, you could try adding some intrigue by using flavors like raspberry ribbon, butterscotch swirl, or coconut-pineapple.
To top it off, don't forget to add some sprinkles or chocolate pieces for extra decoration and taste.
5. Cookies
Taco salad is a delicious dish that is a meal in itself.
Sweet desserts provide a good match for the spiciness of the dish.
Everyone loves cookies, so this is an excellent way to finish off your taco salad experience.
Your options for accompanying cookies include:
- Chocolate chip cookies - classic and easy to prepare, chocolate chip cookies are always crowd pleasers.
- Oatmeal raisin cookies - add a little sweetness with these traditional favorites.
- Snickerdoodle cookies - cinnamon adds just enough of a twist to please everyone in attendance.
- Peanut butter blossom cookies - few things are as indulgent as this chewy cookie with its gooey peanut butter center and melted chocolate topping.
- Gingerbread men - bring the flavor and scent of the holiday season to your meal any time of year with homemade gingerbread men.
6. Brownies
Brownies are a classic favorite that can easily be served with taco salad.
The chocolaty, fudgy flavor of the brownie makes for a fantastic pairing and compliment to the Mexican flavors of your taco salad.
To make it even better, choose walnuts as an ingredient to create a crunchy balance in your dish.
Brownies can easily be made from scratch, but you can find boxed mixes available in most grocery stores.
If you're hosting a party or event where there will be many different dietary preferences, store-bought vegan or gluten-free brownies are available as well.
7. Fruit Pie
Fruit pies are a great way to top off the meal, and they pair well with taco salad.
For those looking for an indulgent dessert, try and apple or cherry pie with a crumble topping.
If you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing, try a fresh berry pie topped with lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
No matter what type of fruit pie you choose, it will be a good match for the flavors in your taco salad.
For a lighter finish, serve fruit pie with chilled fruit water and learn how long it stays fresh in fruit-infused water shelf life info.
8. Chocolate Pudding
Bring a classic chocolate dessert to the table with an easy chocolate pudding - or explore more chocolate dessert ideas roundup for extra inspiration.
This quick dessert can be served in a martini glass, and it's even more delicious when topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Make the pudding from scratch or use a boxed mix.
You can also have fun experimenting with different flavors by adding peppermint or raspberry extract to the pudding mixture for an extra twist of flavor.
Chocolate pudding is an excellent complement to taco salad and will be sure to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth.
9. Vanilla Pudding
For a creamy treat that perfectly pairs with taco salad, why not serve up a bowl of chilled vanilla pudding? This pudding is easy to make and really brings out the flavors in your more savory dish.
Start by heating up half an inch of milk in a large saucepan.
Make sure to stir it regularly until small bubbles start forming around the edges of the pan, about 10 minutes or so.
Then add one teaspoon of cornstarch, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons cold milk to a blender and mix until it all combines together.
Pour this into your heated milk and whisk together until thickened for about five minutes.
Take it off the heat and whisk in two tablespoons butter until melted.
For an extra special touch you can even throw in some berries or other fruits on top.
10. Flan
Flan is a classic Mexican dessert made of sweetened and cooked egg custard and often served with a caramel sauce.
Flan is a lighter and creamy complement to taco salad-and it's so easy to make.
All you need to do is mix together the ingredients (1 can of evaporated milk, 2 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) in a blender until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an 8″ square or round baking dish or flan mold that has been sprayed with cooking spray and place inside a larger roasting pan filled with hot water which helps the flan cook evenly.
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean.
Once finished, flan can be served warm or cold - either way it's delicious.
The menu can include hearty sides as well as dessert-friendly options: rice side dishes for salmon list complements many mains. For leafy or baked pairings, try salads to serve with lasagna ideas as additional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fruit Salad Fruit salad is a great accompaniment to the savory flavors in taco salad. This classic dessert goes well with the texture and flavors of this savory dish.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Fruit Salad Fruit salad scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.