The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fish: A Complete Guide

Fish is a lean flavorful protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From salmon to cod halibut to trout, the options are seemingly infinite when cooking fish. While the fish itself is often the star of the meal, what you serve alongside it can make or break the dining experience. Choosing the right side dishes to accompany fish is key to creating a well-balanced and delicious plate.

In this complete guide, we will explore the best side dish options to complement different types of fish. Whether you enjoy fish baked broiled grilled or fried, we’ve got you covered with vegetable, starch, salad and grain recommendations. Read on to discover mouthwatering recipe ideas that will perfectly accentuate your fish fillets and take your meal to the next level.

What Makes a Good Fish Side Dish?

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s overview some general guidelines for what makes an ideal side dish for fish:

• Complimentary flavors – You want a side that enhances rather than overpowers the flavor of the fish. Lemon juice, herbs, olive oil and butter are great seasonings that pair well with lighter fish.

• Color contrast – Visually, fish and side should offer color variation for a more dynamic plate

• Texture – The texture of the side dish should balance the delicate flakiness of fish. Crunchy, crisp vegetables or smooth mashed potatoes can provide nice contrast.

• Nutritional balance – Fish contains heart-healthy fats so you want a starch, veggie or grain to incorporate complex carbs and fiber.

• Easy preparation – Sides for fish should be relatively quick and simple to make to avoid overcooking the fish. Roasting or grilling veggies ahead of time works well.

Keeping these elements in mind, let’s explore some excellent options for what to serve with your fish recipes.

Grilled or Steamed Vegetables

Flakier fish like fluke, tilapia and flounder cook best on the grill or in the oven when they are wrapped in foil. Serving these mild white fish with grilled veggies like zucchini, squash, bell peppers, onions and asparagus adds bold flavor contrast and nutrition. Brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil and add fresh herbs, salt, pepper and lemon juice before placing them on the grill.

For a lighter approach, you can steam green beans, broccoli or cauliflower and top with lemon-butter sauce. These crisp-tender vegetables pair perfectly with fish that is baked or broiled.

Grilled or steamed veggies add cancer-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and fiber to balance the fish. They also provide a pleasing crunch and pop of color. Lemon juice, garlic, parsley or dill enhance the dish without overpowering the mild fish flavor.

Potatoes

Potatoes always make a great side dish no matter how you prepare them—roasted, fried, or mashed. With fish, we recommend roasting halved small potatoes or fingerling potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic and rosemary.

Crispy roasted potatoes offer a pleasantly starchy, soft interior and golden brown crunchy exterior. They provide the perfect carb alongside salmon, tuna or any fish that is baked or broiled.

Mashed potatoes are another excellent choice, especially with fried fish like cod or haddock. Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes flavored with garlic or cheese are a comforting contrast to the crunchy, fried batter or breading on the fish.

No matter which cooking method you use, potatoes absorb surrounding flavors and offer a wholesome base for the fish. Potatoes contain potassium, iron and several vitamins making them a nutritious and filling side option.

Pasta

Pasta may not be the first side dish that comes to mind with fish, but it can be an excellent pairing. We recommend short pastas such as farfalle or penne with chunkier, more robust fish like tuna, salmon or swordfish.

Make it a pasta salad by dressing the cooked pasta with olive oil, red wine vinegar, diced tomatoes, spinach or arugula and shaved parmesan. The acidity of the vinegar and creaminess of the cheese balances the strong fish flavors.

For a heartier approach, make an olive oil-based pasta like linguine with clams or farfalle with pesto sauce. The bright herbal flavors of the pasta complement salmon or halibut without overwhelming the dish.

No matter which style you choose, the starchiness of al dente pasta provides an enjoyable textural contrast to the fish. Plus, pasta offers an easy, no-fuss side dish that can be prepared quickly while the fish cooks.

Salad

A fresh garden salad is a foolproof side with almost any type of fish. We recommend utilizing greens like spinach, arugula or mixed baby greens which have a subtle bitterness that offsets rich fish like salmon and trout.

For a protein boost, add chickpeas, kidney beans or mixed nuts to turn the salad into a hearty main dish. Cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and cucumbers also make great crunchy salad topers.

In terms of dressing, a simple lemon or lime juice-based vinaigrette is best for enhancing without overpowering the fish. Olive oil, a bit of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and herbs like dill or parsley round out the dressing nicely.

Salads provide hydration from the veggies plus antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K and phytonutrients. The combo of greens and lean protein from fish make a balanced, nutritious plate.

Quinoa

Quinoa is an underrated side dish with fish that deserves more recognition. This grain is high in protein, packs a nutritional punch and has a pleasantly chewy texture.

Quinoa tossed in olive oil with garlic, parsley and lemon pairs beautifully with white fish like halibut that can get lost among bolder flavors.

For heartier fish like tuna or mahi mahi, try quinoa cooked in broth with sautéed onions, peppers and spinach for a boost of color and nutrients. Stir in feta or goat cheese for a protein and flavor pop.

You can also make quinoa salad by combining the cooked grain with chopped veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and fresh herbs. The lightness of the salad prevents the quinoa from weighing down the fish.

Quinoa offers filling protein, fiber and essential amino acids to complement and add sustenance to any fish meal. It brings nutty flavor and fluffy texture without overshadowing the main attraction.

More Satisfying Side Dishes for Fish:

• Brown or white rice – Fluffy and filling, rice is a versatile base for fish in any style. Toss it with lime juice and cilantro or simmer it in broth for added dimension.

• Polenta – The grits-like creaminess of polenta is delicious with fried or broiled fish. Top it with parmesan for a savory accent.

• Couscous – This tiny pasta shapes work perfectly tossed with olive oil, tomatoes and herbs.

• Beans and lentils – Black beans, chickpeas or lentils add plant-based protein and mix nicely with rice or greens.

• Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled corn is a classic complement to simply seasoned grilled or baked fish.

Putting it All Together

The key is choosing a side dish that adds flavor and texture without masking the taste of the fish itself. Stick with bright, fresh ingredients that don’t require complex preparation. Vegetables, potatoes, pasta, grains and salads are all excellent options that satisfy without weighing down the meal.

Match more assertive sides like roasted potatoes or pasta salad with strongly flavored fish like tuna or salmon. For delicate white fish, keep it light with steamed veggies or quinoa.

With this guide outlining versatile sides for fish fillets, you can create balanced, nutritious plates for any taste. Use the simple recipes here to inspire your next great seafood and sides meal.