Have you thought about what a tasty side dish you could make to go with your salmon? Salmon is one of the easiest fish to cook, which makes it a great healthy weeknight meal. There are many tasty ways to make salmon even better with the right side dishes. Salmon is flaky, juicy, tender, and delicious on its own. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know what to eat with salmon, whether you want to serve it for lunch or dinner. Over 25 of our most popular and best salmon side dishes are shared here. These include vegetable side dishes, pasta side dishes, potato side dishes, the perfect rice, salads, and more.
Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile fish to cook. Salmon goes well with many foods and cooking methods, such as baking, pan-searing, grilling, broiling, and more, because it has a mild flavor and a rich, fatty texture.
Salmon is tasty by itself, but the right side dishes can really make your meal stand out. The best sides complement the salmon without overpowering it. They make the plate look good by adding color, crunch, creaminess, brightness, and extra flavor.
So what are the best side dishes to go with salmon? Here are some of my favorites that go really well with salmon.
Vegetable Side Dishes
1. Garlic Green Beans
Buttery garlicky green beans are a classic partner for salmon. Briefly blanching the beans preserves their vibrant color while giving them a crisp-tender bite. Sautéing them in butter and minced garlic adds richness and flavor. The bright green beans contrast beautifully with salmon’s orange hue.
2. Roasted Broccolini
Broccolini has a sweet, almost nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon Simply toss broccolini florets with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic Roast at a high temperature until charred and crisp at the edges. The charred broccolini adds smoky depth that complements the salmon.
3. Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing a sweet, nutty taste. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic before roasting. Pair these crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with flaky salmon for texture contrast.
4. Sauteed Zucchini
Saute zucchini slices in olive oil with garlic salt and pepper for a simple side. Zucchini has a mild flavor that lets the salmon shine. It also adds moisture and a pop of green color to the plate.
5. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon. Roasting asparagus concentrates its flavor while adding char. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt and garlic before roasting. The vibrant green complements the salmon perfectly.
Starchy Sides
6. Brown Butter Couscous
Buttery, nutty couscous is a fast, flavorful side for salmon. Toast couscous in brown butter before cooking it in broth. Fluff with parsley and lemon for brightness. The couscous provides a creamier contrast to the salmon’s flaky texture.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro and lime add brightness to complement salmon’s richness. Make cilantro lime rice by cooking rice with cilantro, lime zest and juice. The tart, citrusy rice complements the salmon beautifully.
8. Parmesan Risotto
Creamy parmesan risotto is a luxurious pairing for salmon. The rich risotto highlights salmon’s buttery flavor. Stir grated parmesan into the risotto towards the end for a decadent, creamy dish.
9. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are a crowd-pleasing pairing with salmon. Toss potato wedges with oil, garlic, rosemary and paprika before roasting. The potatoes provide crunch and absorb any sauce or drippings from the salmon.
10. Creamy Polenta
Creamy, smooth polenta makes a comforting base for salmon. Cook polenta with broth and parmesan before topping with a salmon fillet. The soft polenta contrasts with the flaky fish.
Bright, Colorful Sides
11. Berry Salad
A fresh berry salad adds sweetness and bright color next to salmon. Use a mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Toss them with vinaigrette and serve over greens. The sweet berries balance the salmon’s richness.
12. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasting beets concentrates their natural sweetness, which complements salmon beautifully. Toss roasted beets with greens, goat cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette. The salad adds tangy, sweet, crunchy contrasts to the plate.
13. Watermelon Feta Salad
This refreshing salad pairs sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese. Toss watermelon cubes with arugula, mint and a red wine vinaigrette. Top with crumbled feta. It’s a bright, flavorful accompaniment for rich salmon.
14. Tomato Cucumber Salad
A simple tomato and cucumber salad adds brightness and crunch. Dice tomatoes and cucumbers before tossing with red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and feta. The fresh salad balances the salmon wonderfully.
15. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw
For a colorful slaw, thinly slice Brussels sprouts and toss with shredded carrots, cabbage and a tangy dressing. The crunchy texture and acidic dressing contrasts the salmon.
Creamy Sides
16. Lemon Pasta
Lemon pasta is a zesty accompaniment for salmon. Cook pasta in a creamy sauce of butter, heavy cream, parmesan, lemon zest and juice. The rich, lemony pasta pairs beautifully with the fish.
17. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine alfredo makes a luxurious, creamy pairing for salmon. Toss hot pasta with melted butter, heavy cream and parmesan. The indulgent, velvety pasta complements the salmon’s texture.
18. Mashed Cauliflower
For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower. It has a naturally creamy texture. Mash steamed cauliflower with butter, salt, garlic and cream cheese for a smooth, creamy side.
19. Scalloped Potatoes
Make this creamy casserole by layering potatoes with cream, cheese and spices before baking. The soft, cheesy potatoes complement flaky salmon.
20. Mac and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic, comfort food side dish. Mix cooked macaroni with a cheese sauce before baking until bubbly and golden. The rich, gooey mac and cheese matches salmon’s richness.
What to Avoid Serving with Salmon
When pairing sides with salmon, there are a few things to avoid:
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Strong, intensely flavored sides like kimchi, curries or heavily spiced dishes will overpower the salmon. Stick to sides with clean, subtle flavors.
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Avoid very acidic sides like salads with a bold vinaigrette, as they can make the salmon taste metallic.
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Skip starchy carbs like bread, pasta or rice served directly under the salmon. These will get soggy and won’t complement the texture.
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Don’t serve rich cream or cheese sauces over the salmon – these heavy sauces will mask the salmon’s flavor.
Cooking Methods for Perfect Salmon
Choosing the right cooking method is also key to excellent salmon. Here are some top cooking methods to try:
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Pan-searing creates a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Use a hot skillet with just a bit of oil.
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Baking is easy and consistently delicious. Bake seasoned salmon fillets in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness.
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Grilling adds wonderful smoky char. Make sure the grates are oiled well before grilling 3-4 minutes per side.
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Broiling cooks salmon fast under direct high heat – keep a close eye to avoid burning.
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Poaching gently cooks the salmon in barely simmering liquid like wine or broth.
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Cedar planks infuse salmon with subtle woodsy flavor. Soak planks before placing salmon on top and roasting.
With an excellent cooking method and delicious sides, your salmon dinner will impress any crowd. Some of my favorite pairings include roasted asparagus, garlicky green beans and couscous or creamy fettuccine alfredo.
Use this guide to spark side dish ideas that complement salmon’s flavor, texture and appearance. With the right sides, you can make your salmon shine and have guests raving about the entire meal.
Best Salmon Side Dishes
Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are easy to make and taste great with a mix of Greek herbs, garlic, and lemon. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. A delicious twist on classic buttered noodles ready in 15 minutes.
Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. Its a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.
Buttery sautéed garlic green beans is a simple side dish that is quick, easy and delicious. Make these vibrant, crispy and tender green beans in 10 minutes.
This lemon kale salad is easy, tasty, and good for you. It only takes minutes to make with fresh ingredients. The perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Asparagus cooked in an air fryer in just 6 minutes gets crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is tossed in a small amount of olive oil with garlic and seasonings.
Mashed red potatoes are a simple and easy side dish with elegant flavor and plenty of nutrition. They are creamy, comforting, and have the best texture.
Cacio e pepe is a simple, authentic Italian pasta dish made with just four ingredients in 20 minutes. Its delicious, flavourful and easy to make.
A tasty homemade dijon vinaigrette is added to a roasted brussels sprouts salad that has creamy potatoes, crunchy string beans, and soft brussels sprouts.
Fresh, bright, and lively cilantro lime rice is a side dish that will make any meal taste better. Its a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, delicious, flavorful. Serve as an appetizer or side dish. They are salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of spice.
A quick and easy 5-minute tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad with a tasty lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad.
Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is rich, creamy, and comforting. It may look hard to make, but it’s actually quick and easy.
Buttery sautéed garlic mushrooms are silky smooth with an incredible caramelization and earthy rich flavour. A simple side dish in under 15 minutes.
Five simple ingredients are all you need to make this quick and easy pesto penne pasta dish in less than 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
Easy garlic and herb roasted carrots are sweet and tasty, and they’re the perfect side dish for any dinner, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight dinner.
A cold vegan soba noodle salad with fresh vegetables and a tasty saucy dressing is the best thing to eat on a hot day.
Quick and easy roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender inside. They are delicious, flavourful and bakes in just 30 minutes.
This creamy cucumber salad is the easy, refreshing snack and side dish your summer cookouts have been missing. Make it ahead with just 5 minutes prep. Another one of the classic Memorial Day recipes.
This carrot rice pilaf is quick and easy to make in one pot. It gets a lot of flavor from sautéed carrots, onion, garlic, herbs, and stock.
There is garlic butter in Hasselback Potatoes, and they are cut in special ways that make the outside crispy and the inside soft.
Lemon Parmesan Green Beans are the perfect side to any entree dinner meal — buttery, lemony, and cheesy. This quick side dish is easy to make in 20 minutes.
Corn on the cob baked in the oven with homemade garlic butter is buttery, juicy, crunchy, and the outside is perfectly charred, and you don’t even need a grill.
These crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish. They’re easy to make, crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and so flavorful.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these salmon side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for up to three months. Otherwise, you can prepare the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and/or cook. Check the individual recipes for full make ahead and storing instructions.
To warm up leftovers, either put them in the oven or air fryer at 300F for 10 to 15 minutes, or heat them up on the stove over medium-low heat (depending on the recipe). If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.
Sides That Will Perfectly Complement Your Salmon
FAQ
What does Gordon Ramsay serve with salmon?