Chicken tacos are a favorite weeknight meal for good reason – they’re quick easy and endlessly customizable. While the tacos themselves may take just minutes to throw together, you’ll want to round out the meal with some tasty side dishes. The good news is, just about anything goes with chicken tacos! From classic Mexican sides to fresh salads and more, you have tons of options.
In this article I’ll share 22 of my favorite side dish ideas to serve with chicken tacos. With a variety of flavors and textures covered, you’re sure to find some new favorites to add to your regular taco night rotation!
Classic Mexican Sides for Chicken Tacos
You can’t go wrong pairing chicken tacos with traditional Mexican sides These dishes add authentic flair and really round out the flavors of the tacos
1. Spanish Rice
Fluffy, tomatoey Spanish rice is a no-brainer pairing. I love this rice recipe flavored with onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and gives you the perfect carb to go alongside chicken tacos.
2. Refried Beans
Warm, creamy refried beans go with just about any Mexican food. I like to top my tacos with a dollop of refried beans in addition to serving them on the side. Black beans also make a great side if you prefer a mix of textures.
3. Corn on the Cob
In the summer, grill up some corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. The sweet corn complements the spices in the chicken tacos beautifully.
4. Roasted Veggies
Roast up a sheet pan of cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and onions for a quick and easy veggie side. The charred flavors pair so nicely with tacos. Feel free to season the veggies with taco seasoning for an extra kick.
5. Guacamole
No taco night would be complete without fresh guacamole! Whip up a chunky guac and serve it with homemade tortilla chips for dipping. I also love to spoon guac right on my tacos.
6. Pico de Gallo
Similarly, pico de gallo makes a fantastic topping or side for chicken tacos. The fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice really complement the tacos.
Salads and Slaws
Crunchy, fresh salads and tangy slaws help balance out the heartier tacos. I like to offer a salad or two as lighter options.
7. Taco Salad
For an easy salad, top mixed greens with all your favorite taco toppings – beans, corn, tomato, avocado, cheese, etc. You can even crumble taco chips on top for an added crunch. Serve with a creamy Southwest dressing.
8. Mexican Street Corn Salad
This salad inspired by elote is bursting with sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, lime, and Mexican crema. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor.
9. Jicama Slaw
Cool and crunchy jicama makes the perfect base for this sweet and tangy slaw. Toss jicama with mango, red onion, cilantro, and a honey lime dressing.
10. Avocado Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy avocado Caesar dressing and topped with crunchy tortilla strips makes a delicious lighter side. You get your salad and croutons all in one.
More Unique Sides for Chicken Tacos
Branch out from the usual taco sides by trying one of these fun and unique ideas.
11. Loaded Nachos
Pile tortilla chips high with shredded chicken, peppers, beans, corn, tomato, avocado, and of course, plenty of cheese. Nachos make the ultimate shareable side.
12. Cowboy Caviar
This blend of black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and salsa makes a fantastic dip for tortilla chips. You can also spoon it right over your tacos.
13. Roasted Cauliflower with Taco Seasoning
For my veggie-loving friends, roasted cauliflower seasoned with a blend of paprika, chili powder, cumin, and more is always a hit. It captures all the taco flavors.
14. Caprese Salad Skewers
Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on skewers for a fun and tasty side. The freshness pairs nicely with the tacos.
15. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Swap regular fries for oven-roasted sweet potato wedges. Sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully and offer a healthier starch option.
16. Fruit Salad
Fresh watermelon, mango, pineapple, grapes, and berries tossed in a honey lime dressing balance the savory tacos with something sweet and refreshing.
17. Garlic Knots
Warm, pillowy garlic knots are perfect for sopping up any taco drippings on your plate. Serve them plain or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
18. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw adds nice crunch and tang to your taco dinner. An easy shortcut is to use bagged coleslaw mix and toss it with a store-bought dressing.
19. Chopped Greek Salad
Feta, olives, cucumber, tomato, onion, and chickpeas topped with a red wine vinaigrette offers a Mediterranean twist.
20. Watermelon Feta Salad
On a hot summer night, chilled watermelon and feta cheese drizzled with a honey lime dressing really cools things down.
21. Caprese Pasta Salad
Bite-sized mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and penne tossed in an Italian dressing makes a tasty carb-loaded salad.
22. Fruit and Cookie Salad
Finally, finish off your taco dinner with this sweet and simple salad. Toss strawberries, grapes, and crumbled shortbread cookies with whipped cream. Yum!
With so many amazing sides to choose from, you could enjoy chicken tacos every week and never get bored! Whatever you decide to serve alongside those tacos, the fresh flavors and variety of textures will make it an amazing meal. Now grab your tortillas and get ready to assemble some delicious chicken tacos and sides for your next taco night!
Other Dips to Serve with Tacos
Kale Guacamole This extra green, extra healthy guac is just as creamy and zesty as the classic kind. Finely chopped steamed kale blends seamlessly into the dip – even guac purists will love it!
Vegan Cheese You don’t need dairy to make an addictive queso dip! Simple ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cashews blend into a gooey, tangy dip that’s just as good as the real thing.
Vegan Seven Layer Dip When I was growing up, I could never get enough of my mom’s taco dip at family gatherings. This recipe is a lightened-up ode to hers, made with refried beans, seasoned quinoa, guac, fresh veggies, and a tangy cashew sour cream. It’s a great side dish for tacos, but Jack and I have also been known to eat the whole thing for dinner on its own!
Veggie Sides for Tacos
Healthy Taco Salad If you’re wondering what to serve with tacos, you can never go wrong with a simple salad. Toss your favorite greens with cilantro lime dressing, or make a heartier taco salad with avocado, crunchy veggies, black beans, and savory vegan taco “meat.”
Grilled Vegetables Drizzle them with cilantro lime dressing or chipotle sauce, and they’ll be just as tasty as the tacos themselves!
Grilled Avocados Who needs guac when you can have grilled avocados? Stuff the creamy, lightly charred halves with a tart veggie “ceviche,” or serve them simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Cucumber Gazpacho This cool, creamy soup is essentially salsa verde in gazpacho form, so naturally, it’s a great choice to serve with tacos. Top it with fresh herbs, charred corn, or even pico de gallo to take it over the top!
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FAQ
What food goes well with chicken tacos?
- 01 of 13. Taco Slaw. View Recipe. …
- 02 of 13. Mexican Rice II. View Recipe. …
- 03 of 13. Frijoles de Olla. View Recipe. …
- 04 of 13. Mexican Corn. View Recipe. …
- 05 of 13. Fresh Pineapple Salsa. View Recipe. …
- 06 of 13. Lime Cilantro Rice. View Recipe. …
- 07 of 13. Spicy Tex-Mex Salad. …
- 08 of 13. Zesty Quinoa Salad.
What is a good side dish for tacos?
A great side dish for tacos can be Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or salsa. These are classic options that complement the flavors and textures of tacos.