Sides for a taco bar at a party?

[ohiomom1121]

I'm going to do a taco bar for DS2's first birthday. I'm thinking corn on the cob for one side but would love mexican inspired side dish/appetizer and drink ideas. (Besides of course margaritas for the grown ups!) :D

[zoestargrove]

how about agua fresca for a drink non alchoholic.

here is a recipe for watermelon, strawberry that sounds delicious.
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/strawberry_watermelon_agua_fresca/

as for sides,

rice (maybe a cilantro lime rice like at Chipotle?)
beans
guacamole or a salad made with chopped avocado, tomato, corn, lime juice, olive oil and cilantro, salt and pepper.
sliced fresh fruit plate?

[kijip]

I would skip corn on the cob and do something like this:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-corn-tomalito/detail.aspx

You need some great homemade beans, guac and perhaps chile con queso dip.

http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2008/04/more-natural-chile-con-queso.html

All of this looks good to me too:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/menu/views/taconightmenu

[ohiomom1121]

Thanks! I've never heard of that drink...I bet the kids would love it. And I like the idea of Chipotle style rice and those beans in the link from kijip sound delicious!

[artvandalay]

My friend makes an appetizer that is similar to this:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/heathers-cilantro-black-bean-and-corn-salsa/detail.aspx

It's really good. I asked her for the recipe but can't seem to find it. For some reason, I think hers involves avocado, too.

Not sure if kids would go for it, though. My kids wouldn't touch it.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I just did chips and different dipping stuff (fresh salsa, bean dip, corn and bean salsa) and a salad. It was enough.

Beth

[ohiomom1121]

My friend makes an appetizer that is similar to this:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/heathers-cilantro-black-bean-and-corn-salsa/detail.aspx

It's really good. I asked her for the recipe but can't seem to find it. For some reason, I think hers involves avocado, too.

Not sure if kids would go for it, though. My kids wouldn't touch it.
I think that sounds really good, but I'm thinking most of the kids coming wouldn't eat it either. That's why I was thinking corn on the cob since most would go for that...and if I mix anything with beans DH won't eat it. :shake: Maybe I'll make it anyways for the not picky people. :D

[ohiomom1121]

I just did chips and different dipping stuff (fresh salsa, bean dip, corn and bean salsa) and a salad. It was enough.

Beth
How did you serve everything? Bowls? I started thinking about my serving pieces and think I need to get some new stuff!

[SnuggleBuggles]

It was closer friends and family so not much need to impress. :) The taco shells were on a serving tray and all the toppings were in either nice serving bowls or my everyday eating bowls (matching stoneware). Chips and dips, I have lots and lots of party bowls and divided dip trays!

Beth

[Jen841]

Sides we have been known to have:
Refried beans
Mexican Rice
Corn (I add 'confetti' to it on occassion)
Applesauce (a side to every meal with my kids)
Vanilla yogurt (another every night item)
Watermellon
Avocado and Tomato salad (diced up)