Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile fish. It is loved not only for its rich flavor but also for its numerous health benefits, including being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. Whether baked, grilled, or smoked, salmon frequently appears on dinner tables. However, one key to elevating any salmon dish is pairing it with the right side dishes.
Choosing the perfect side dish for salmon can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Should you opt for something light and refreshing to contrast the rich flavors? Or would a creamy, hearty side suit your meal better? Ultimately, the answer often depends on how you plan to cook the salmon and which flavors you want to highlight.
A great side dish not only complements the salmon but also enhances the meal without overpowering its natural flavors. Moreover, you can make your meal more balanced and satisfying by adding nutrient-dense sides like roasted vegetables or whole grains. Let’s explore the best side dishes for salmon, ranging from simple vegetable dishes to gourmet sides, helping you create the perfect meal.
Explore this guide for 20 of the best side dishes that elevate your salmon dishes to a new level. These side dishes offer both nutrition and flavor, ensuring a harmonious pairing with the star of your meal: salmon.
Best Vegetable-Based Side Dish Ideas for Salmon
Vegetables are one of the most popular side dish ideas for salmon because they provide a fresh contrast to the fish’s rich, fatty nature. Depending on how you cook the salmon, you can choose sides that are crunchy, roasted, or steamed. Here are some of the best vegetable-based sides to pair with salmon.
Roasted Vegetables: A Perfect Accompaniment for Salmon
Roasted vegetables are a classic pairing with grilled or baked salmon. When roasted, vegetables develop a natural sweetness, adding a slight caramelized flavor. This pairs well with the smokiness or richness of the fish. Here are some top roasted vegetables to consider:
- Asparagus: Asparagus is a popular side dish for salmon fillets. It has a slightly bitter yet earthy flavor that pairs nicely with salmon’s richness. Additionally, roasting asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon enhances its natural flavors while keeping it crisp and tender.
- Broccolini: If you prefer a green vegetable that’s a bit more robust than broccoli, try broccolini. It’s sweeter and less dense than broccoli, making it an excellent pairing for salmon. Furthermore, roasted broccolini with olive oil, garlic, and lemon balances the fatty, rich texture of baked salmon perfectly.
- Carrots and Beets: Roasted root vegetables like carrots and beets add color and a touch of natural sweetness to your plate. These vegetables, when roasted with herbs like rosemary and thyme, complement the savory nature of salmon. Moreover, beets have an earthy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slightly oily fish.
For a step-by-step guide to roasting vegetables perfectly with your salmon dish, check out this roasted vegetable guide.
Fresh Salads for a Light Contrast with Salmon
Fresh salads offer a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of salmon. In addition, salads bring crisp texture and bright flavors, making them a healthy and light option. This is especially important if you’re aiming for a balanced meal.
- Kale, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad: This superfood salad is perfect for grilled or baked salmon. The kale adds texture, quinoa brings protein and a nutty flavor, and avocado provides a rich bite. Meanwhile, the dressing, typically a lemon Dijon vinaigrette, adds just enough tanginess to cut through the fish’s richness.
- Cucumber and Peanut Salad: For something light and crunchy, cucumber salad is a fantastic side dish idea for salmon. This salad combines refreshing cucumber slices with peanuts for a bit of crunch and protein. Moreover, a tangy lime or ginger dressing makes it an excellent companion for smoked salmon or an Asian-style salmon dish.
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh: This Mediterranean-inspired salad uses cauliflower rice as a healthy, low-carb alternative to bulgur wheat. With fresh herbs like parsley and mint, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil, it brings a burst of flavor. In fact, it pairs well with garlic-butter salmon or citrus-glazed salmon.
Salads are versatile and can be enhanced with various vinaigrettes or citrusy dressings. For more fresh salad ideas that pair well with your salmon dish, visit this resource.
Steamed or Sautéed Greens: What to Serve with Salmon
Steamed or sautéed greens are quick to prepare and nutritious. Additionally, they offer a clean, fresh taste that balances the richness of salmon. These greens add brightness and a healthy boost to your meal without overwhelming the fish.
- Garlic Green Beans: Green beans sautéed in butter with minced garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon bring a fresh flavor to the plate. This side works wonderfully with roasted or grilled salmon.
- Bok Choy: This Asian green is a great side for pairing with more adventurous salmon preparations. It works well with grilled salmon that has been marinated in soy sauce, ginger, or teriyaki.
By adding greens to your meal, you enhance the flavor profile while offering essential nutrients. Steamed or sautéed greens complement, rather than compete with, the flavor of the fish. This makes them a perfect side dish.
Grains and Carbohydrate Side Dishes for Salmon Fillets
Grain-based sides are hearty and filling. They provide a great balance to the lighter textures of salmon. From quinoa to pasta, these sides add substance and absorb the delicious sauces and drippings from the fish. Here are some of the top grain and carbohydrate sides to pair with salmon.
Quinoa and Couscous: Best Side Dishes for Salmon
Whole grains like quinoa and couscous are excellent companions to salmon. Not only do they offer a light, protein-packed alternative to heavier starches, but their neutral flavors also make them a great base for more flavorful fish preparations.
- Quinoa: Quinoa, a superfood grain packed with protein, has a slightly nutty flavor and a light, fluffy texture. It works especially well with baked salmon. For instance, a quinoa salad mixed with chopped veggies, fresh herbs, and a citrus vinaigrette creates a side that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
- Couscous Primavera: Couscous is a light, fluffy grain with a subtle flavor that pairs well with salmon’s bold flavors. Couscous primavera, which combines couscous with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, adds a vibrant contrast. It works beautifully with lemon butter salmon or pan-seared salmon.
Rice and Pilaf: Side Dishes for Salmon
Rice is a versatile side that can be prepared in different ways to match your salmon recipe. Whether you’re using classic white rice or opting for something more flavorful like rice pilaf, it rounds out a salmon meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A classic rice pilaf, made with long-grain rice, garlic, onions, and herbs, is an easy and flavorful side. It pairs exceptionally well with salmon. The lightness of the rice, combined with its subtle flavor, works especially well with robust salmon recipes like teriyaki or blackened salmon.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a healthy alternative. It adds crunch and texture to the meal. This vegetable-based “rice” absorbs sauces and complements flavors like garlic and lemon. It’s ideal for pairing with garlic butter salmon or herb-crusted salmon.
Pasta Dishes: Perfect Accompaniments for Salmon
Pasta is another great option, especially when dressed in light sauces that complement salmon’s rich flavors. Whether served hot or cold, pasta provides a hearty, comforting texture.
- Lemon Pesto Pasta: Pesto pasta is a refreshing, herb-forward dish that works well with salmon. The fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, mixed with lemon, create a lively contrast to the fish’s richness.
- Linguine with Pesto and Peas: A creamy pasta with a light, pesto sauce balances the savory, earthy flavors of herb-crusted salmon. The peas add a touch of sweetness, and the pesto brings a herbal freshness to the plate.
Pasta dishes provide a substantial base that can either stand out or stay in the background, depending on preparation. The key is choosing sauces and seasonings that enhance, rather than overwhelm, the salmon.
Gourmet and Specialty Side Dishes for Salmon
If you’re preparing salmon for a special occasion or want to elevate your meal, gourmet sides can add elegance. These sides are indulgent and rich, making them perfect for a fancy dinner or date night.
Mushroom Risotto: What to Serve with Salmon
Mushroom risotto is an indulgent, creamy side dish that adds a touch of luxury to your salmon meal. Because of its creamy texture and earthy flavors, risotto pairs well with mild-flavored salmon. It allows the fish to shine while complementing it with richness.
- Tip: When preparing mushroom risotto for salmon, use earthy mushrooms like cremini or shiitake. Finish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Finally, serve alongside seared or baked salmon for a gourmet experience.
Gourmet Potatoes: Best Sides for Salmon
Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that can easily be dressed up for elegance. Here are two ways to elevate potatoes for your salmon dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are simple yet luxurious. For an extra-special touch, mix in roasted garlic, herbs, and a drizzle of truffle oil. They complement both grilled and baked salmon beautifully.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, are a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. Toss them in olive oil and herbs like rosemary and thyme, and roast them to perfection. These potatoes are perfect with herb-crusted salmon or lemon-butter salmon.
For more gourmet potato recipes that pair beautifully with salmon, check out this collection of gourmet sides.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sides for Salmon Fillets
What vegetables go best with salmon?
Some of the best vegetables to serve with salmon include broccolini, asparagus, carrots, and kale. These vegetables offer a variety of textures and flavors that balance salmon’s richness. Additionally, roasted root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes bring out the fish’s natural sweetness. They make excellent choices.
Can I serve grains with salmon?
Absolutely! Grains like quinoa, couscous, rice, and barley make great companions for salmon. They are filling and nutritious, absorbing sauces and flavors from the fish. For instance, rice pilaf or a quinoa salad with herbs and citrus can create a fresh, vibrant side for salmon.
Are pasta side dishes good with salmon?
Yes, light pasta dishes are an excellent side dish idea for salmon. Pasta, when served with herbaceous or citrus-based sauces like pesto or lemon cream, complements the richness of the fish. Choose lighter, creamier pasta sauces to avoid overwhelming salmon’s delicate flavors.
How do you choose a side dish for different types of salmon (grilled, baked, smoked)?
When serving grilled salmon, heartier sides like roasted potatoes or mushroom risotto work well. They match the bold, smoky flavors of the fish. For baked salmon, lighter sides like fresh salads or couscous keep the meal fresh. Smoked salmon pairs beautifully with tangy sides like cucumber salads or steamed greens.
What’s the best light side for salmon?
For a light, refreshing side, consider salads or steamed greens. A kale and quinoa salad or steamed bok choy with a squeeze of lemon balances the rich, oily texture of the fish. They provide a fresh, light complement.
Conclusion: The Perfect Accompaniments for Salmon
Pairing salmon with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. The beauty of salmon lies in its versatility. You can go light with a simple salad, hearty with a creamy risotto, or balanced with nutrient-dense grains like quinoa or rice pilaf. When choosing a side dish for salmon, it’s essential to consider both the flavors and textures. This ensures the sides complement, rather than overpower, the main dish.
Whether you’re preparing salmon for a casual weeknight dinner or a special event, there are numerous ways to create a memorable meal. By experimenting with vegetables, grains, and gourmet sides, you’ll discover new pairings that highlight the best of this delicious fish.
For more ideas on pairing salmon dishes, check out this guide to healthy sides. No matter what style of salmon you’re preparing, there’s always a side dish that will bring out the best in your meal.