Feeling adventurous with your weeknight dinner? Mango salsa chicken is our latest obsession. We know how to keep you interested with some killer sidekicks.
This flavor-packed dish becomes a star on its own, yet with the right accompaniments, it shines brighter. Think about pairing it with something unexpected! We’ve tried countless combinations and figured out what truly works.
Picture this: a table filled with everything delicious—now that’s our vision. We find joy in mixing and matching meals. Throw in some corn on the cob or maybe a tangy slaw to keep things lively.
Our personal favorite? A simple side of garlic rice to soak up all that goodness. Perfecting dinner time has never been this effortless or fun!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Mango Salsa Chicken
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve with mango salsa chicken:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime | Fresh, zesty | Easy | 20 mins |
| Grilled Pineapple Slices | Pineapple, honey, lime | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Black Bean and Corn Salad | Black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika | Sweet, smoky | Easy | 30 mins |
| Coconut Quinoa | Quinoa, coconut milk, lime | Creamy, tropical | Medium | 25 mins |
| Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread | Cornmeal, jalapeños, cheddar | Spicy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Zesty Cucumber and Avocado Salad | Cucumber, avocado, lime, red onion | Fresh, creamy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Garlic Butter Asparagus | Asparagus, garlic, butter | Garlicky, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Fried Plantains | Plantains, oil, salt | Sweet, caramelized | Easy | 20 mins |
| Mango Coleslaw | Cabbage, mango, lime, cilantro | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, lime, chili powder | Spicy, tangy | Easy | 35 mins |
| Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob | Corn, chili powder, butter, lime | Spicy, sweet | Easy | 15 mins |
| Lemon Herb Couscous | Couscous, lemon, herbs | Bright, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
This selection offers tropical and fresh flavors that complement the mango salsa chicken, with a mix of zesty, sweet, and savory side dishes.
1 – Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is our go-to side dish. Easy peasy and fits most meals. We pair it with spicy dishes for a zesty contrast. Cook rice, toss in lime juice, mix with cilantro, bam—it’s done!
We’ve tried different versions, but this one hits the sweet spot. Simple ingredients, big taste. Double the lime if you crave zest.
Fresh cilantro makes all the difference. If you like heat, add a pinch of chili. That’s our simple cilantro lime rice twist.
2 – Grilled Pineapple Slices
Grilled Pineapple Slices bring sweet magic to meals. We pair them with the bold flavors of mango salsa chicken. Caramelized sugar on the pineapple adds a hit of sweetness you won’t forget.
Prep time’s a breeze—slice and grill. The smoky char elevates the taste. Pineapples add a tropical twist. Buy fresh ones for best results. Choose ripe and juicy fruit for full flavor impact.
Different types of pineapples can switch it up. We’re all for experimenting. Keep it simple, keep it grilled.
3 – Black Bean and Corn Salad
We totally dig Black Bean and Corn Salad. Simple ingredients make this side dish a breeze. Black beans provide protein and fiber, keeping us fueled. Corn adds sweetness and crunch, creating texture contrast.
Mix in diced peppers for a bit of color; spotlight this easy step. A touch of lime zest brightens things up; it’s a game-changer. Fresh cilantro tops it all off. We find it pairs great with mango salsa chicken. It’s fresh, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.
4 – Sweet Potato Fries
We’ve always found sweet potato fries to be that crunchy friend who shows up ready to party. Our secret? Bake them for less grease, more crunch. Toss with paprika for that spicy zing.
Lending a slice of softness, they’re easy to make. A drizzle of olive oil does wonders. Sweet or savory, they’re adaptable. Try a hint of cinnamon for a sweet twist. Totally a real crowd-pleaser.
5 – Coconut Quinoa
We got Coconut Quinoa that’s got us swooning! Fluffy texture with a subtle nutty hint. Cooking it with coconut milk makes it richer. Super easy! Use canned coconut milk for convenience.
Adding toasted coconut on top? That’s pure bliss. We like a little lime for a citrus burst. Quinoa’s a protein-packed hero. Easy to make without fuss!
Mix in a dash of salt. Serve alongside spicy dishes. Stays yummy even as leftovers. Total win in our books.
6 – Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
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You like your sides with a kick? This cornbread’s got heat and cheese. Jalapeños spice things up just the right amount. Cheese adds a creamy touch that’s hard to beat.
We bake ours to crispy perfection. Butter makes everything better. Break apart and see the melted cheese pull. Perfect with savory mains. Jalapeños balance the cheesy goodness. This side dish is always reliable.
7 – Zesty Cucumber and Avocado Salad
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We present Zesty Cucumber and Avocado Salad. It’s crisp, a cool splash of juicy cucumber. Avocado brings creamy balance. Lime juice wakes up the flavors. Cilantro? That adds freshness to the mix.
This salad’s a breeze. Chop it all, mix, and you’re done. We’ve played with ingredients. Diced red onions add crunch for us. A light sprinkle of salt enhances. If you love heat, jalapeños can join the party.
This dish pairs seamlessly. Bright on summer days or with spicy mains. Pure simple joy.
8 – Garlic Butter Asparagus
We’re here with garlic butter asparagus—let’s talk crisp, tender, and buttery! Garlic heads the flavor army with each bite. Asparagus brings a fresh taste. They’re quick to make and pair with spicy food. Who’s not for more greens?
Use fresh stalks. They cook fast in a pan with butter. Sage move: don’t overcook. Asparagus needs a little crunch. Butter smooths it all out. Total flavor win in a simple way.
9 – Fried Plantains
We can’t resist the allure of fried plantains. These little slices are crispy outside, soft inside, and delightfully sweet. They bring a tropical vibe to any meal. Our trick? Slice them thin and shallow fry for maximum crispiness.
Plantains can surprise you—ripe ones offer sweetness, while green ones keep it savory. We opt for just a hint of salt to balance the flavors. Pan-frying gives them that ideal bite, making them a total favorite.
10 – Mango Coleslaw
We totally find Mango Coleslaw to be a fresh twist. Fruits and veggies are having a party here. That crisp cabbage meets juicy mango? It brings balance. Sweet elements delight and surprise with every bite.
Toss with lime juice and spice for contrast. It screams refreshingly. We shred our cabbage thin and go for ripe mango. Mix well for consistency. Adds color and flavor easily. It’s like a simple burst of tropical goodness on your plate.
11 – Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes
We’re here for the crispy action! These are potatoes with character—tangy lime, a spicy chili kiss. Potatoes get that golden crisp; you know it’s real with those flavors popping. Keep it simple: chop, toss, roast, repeat.
Seasoning sticks better with a little oil. Fresh herbs add pizzazz, cilantro never lets us down. These spuds handle heat but stay versatile. Easy grooves from spud to plate, every bite hits. It’s all about that texture game.
12 – Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob
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Get ready to chill with Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob. We smile at the sweet kernels and fiery spice mix. It hits all the right spots.
Grill to get char lines; that’s where the flavor hides. We sprinkle chili and lime zest. Keep turning for an even char.
Balance comes easy with butter. Freshly squeezed lime brightens it up. This side dish gives spicy vibes and fresh taste, a mix that’s hard to mess up.
13 – Lemon Herb Couscous
We take our couscous with ease and zest. This is couscous that earns its spot at the table. Cooks fast, filling vibes abound. Fresh lemon juice brings tang.
We sprinkle chopped herbs—parsley and mint, sometimes basil. The aroma gets us going. Olive oil slicks it all up.
Balance the seasoning, none too much. It’s a thrill when couscous fluffs nicely. Pair it with bold grilled sides or tangy dressings. It stays adaptable to flavors.
All set without fuss, keeps us full.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.