Want to know what to serve with salmon for dinner? Here are 25 of the best salmon side dish recipes from dietitians. They include pastas, vegetables, salads, potatoes, and whole grains like quinoa and rice. All of these recipes use flavors that go well with salmon and things that are good for you to make a healthy meal!
In this post you’ll find 25+ easy, healthy side dish ideas to serve with salmon. Each recipe was carefully chosen to go well with the others. You can scroll down to see all of them, or click on the sections below to go straight to them:
Want more ideas for salmon recipes? Check out my list of easy, healthy salmon recipes for more ideas and nutrition facts.
Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish options. Rich in protein omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, salmon makes for a fantastic main course. However, finding healthy side dishes that properly complement salmon’s flavor can be tricky. You want sides that add color, contrasting textures, and nutrients to round out the meal.
This article will provide 15 dietitian-approved side dish ideas for salmon that check all the boxes. With starchy vegetables, whole grains, fresh salads, and more, these recipes make it easy to pull together a delicious, balanced salmon dinner
Why Is Salmon Healthy?
Before jumping into the sides, let’s quickly cover why salmon deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Salmon is packed with nutrition! Here are some of its top health benefits:
-
High in protein to support muscle growth and keep you feeling full. A 3-ounce serving of salmon contains about 17 grams of protein.
-
Full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. Salmon is one of the best sources of these healthy fats.
-
Provides important micronutrients like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and vitamin D.
-
Contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
-
Low in mercury and other contaminants compared to some fish. Salmon is a responsible seafood choice.
What Goes Well With Salmon?
To make the most of your salmon meal, you need sides that complement its flavor and texture. Here are some tips for sides that pair beautifully with salmon:
-
Creamy starches: Mashed or roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rices work well. The creaminess contrasts the salmon’s flakiness.
-
Tangy flavors: Bright citrus or acidic ingredients like lemon, vinegar, yogurt, and tomatoes cut through salmon’s rich fattiness.
-
Crunchy textures: Crispy roasted veggies, fresh salad greens, toasted nuts or seeds add nice contrast.
-
Earthy flavors: Ingredients like mushrooms, beets, whole grains, and spinach pair nicely.
-
Briny, savory accents: Olives, capers, pesto, and artichokes marry well with salmon’s natural umami.
-
Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint accentuate salmon’s subtle flavors.
Keep these tips in mind as you browse the 15 side dish ideas below. With a starchy base, veggies, and a pop of acidity, you can build balanced, nutritious salmon plates everyone will love.
15 Healthy Side Dishes for Salmon
1. Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, butter-infused mashed russet potatoes are a classic pairing with salmon. For extra flavor, add minced garlic and a sprinkle of chives. The pillowy potatoes contrast the hearty fish beautifully.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a lower-carb option, roasted sweet potato wedges are fantastic with salmon. Toss sweet potato chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika before roasting until caramelized and tender.
3. Coconut Cilantro Rice
Nutty brown rice or quinoa cooked in light coconut milk makes an easy salmon side. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and scallions for a Mexican-inspired kick.
4. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
Roasting cauliflower florets until deeply golden brown enhances its natural sweetness. Toss while hot with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a Middle Eastern twist.
5. Garlicky Green Beans
For a nutrition-packed side, saute green beans with olive oil and garlic. Finish with a splash of lemon and cracked pepper. Serve the vibrant green beans with flaky salmon.
6. Mixed Greens Salad
A crisp salad of baby greens, cucumber, radish, and cherry tomatoes Refreshingly lightens an omega-3-rich salmon meal. Make a simple lemon vinaigrette to drizzle over the top.
7. Farro Salad with Peas
Nutty farro mixed with snap peas, parsley, lemon, and feta cheese Makes a Mediterranean-inspired salmon pairing. The bite of the cheese and peas balances the fish.
8. Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Quickly roast or grill fresh asparagus Speared with olive oil and finished with grated lemon zest. The bright, grassy flavor complements rich salmon wonderfully.
9. Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese
Beets roasted until tender and paired with creamy, tangy goat cheese Make an elegant, colorful side for special occasion salmon. Pistachios add crunch.
10. Greek Quinoa Tabouli
For a protein-packed side, combine cooked quinoa with heaps of chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon, and feta. The fresh Mediterranean flavors pair perfectly with salmon.
11. Lentil Pilaf
Warm lentils seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and spinach Offer a hearty, iron-rich accompaniment to salmon. Protein-packed and satisfying.
12. Broccoli and Apple Slaw
Thinly sliced broccoli stems, crunchy apples, celery, raisins, sunflower seeds, and yogurt Come together for a sweet-tart salmon slaw. Packs fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
13. Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a saute of lentils, kale, and peppers Make an amazing one-pan meal with salmon. Stuff squash with your favorite grain and veggie mix.
14. Curried Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb, high-flavor base, pulse raw cauliflower florets into rice-sized pieces. Cook until tender then season with curry powder, garlic, and raisins.
15. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Spiralized or julienned zucchini sautéed briefly with pesto Is an easy, veggie-centric side for salmon. Basil and lemon in the pesto pair perfectly.
Build Balanced Salmon Meals
Now that you have plenty of healthy and delicious side dish ideas for salmon in your arsenal, it’s easy to put together balanced, nutritious dinners.
Simply pair your salmon fillet with a base of starchy vegetables or whole grains, add a serving of non-starchy produce like salad or roasted veggies, and finish with a sauce, vinaigrette, or garnish with herbs and citrus.
With the right combinations of textures, flavors, and nutrition, you can turn basic salmon into memorable, restaurant-worthy meals that please the entire family. Give these 15 side dish recipes a try tonight!
Carrot, Parsnip & Potato Mash
1 Curry-Roasted Cauliflower With Minty Yogurt Sauce
5 Health Benefits of Eating Salmon
FAQ
What is good to eat with salmon?
What is the healthiest way to eat salmon?
Is salmon a healthy dinner?
What to eat with salmon?
As salmon is an excellent source of complete protein, my advice would be to pair it with a serving of carbohydrates (in the form of potatoes or whole grains) as well as a side of non-starchy veggies. Alternatively, you may prefer to choose one of the side salads below – many of which are a mixture of veggies + some whole grains themselves!
Is salmon fattening or good for health?
No one food has the ability to be fattening by itself. It is the entirety of a person’s regular diet that can contribute to weight gain. While salmon itself is not fattening, some fatty fish like salmon are uniquely rich in both healthy omega-3 fats as well vitamin D. Both are nutrients that are essential to health. Consumed 2-3 times per week, salmon is a healthy choice. There are a variety of ways to eat salmon; cooked from fresh, canned, smoked, and raw in sushi. Wild salmon is generally the healthier choice, however, some fish farms are becoming more sustainable and provide quality products. For those looking for wild salmon only, canned red or sockeye salmon sold in supermarkets is typically more affordable than fresh. It cannot be farmed and is all wild.
Is salmon healthy to eat?
When it comes to healthy eating, salmon is one of our favorite choices. It checks off all our wellness boxes (protein, heart-healthy fat, vitamins and more) plus it tastes great. Whether you season it boldly and throw it on the grill or give it a crispy crust and bake it in the oven, it always makes for a delicious meal. Ready to plan dinner?
What is a healthy salmon dinner?
It lend plenty of flavor while keeping your healthy eating goals on track. Packed with protein and fiber, this healthy salmon dinner for two cooks all on one sheet pan. The veggies get a head start and the BBQ-rubbed fillets are added later — so that everything is done cooking at the same time.