What to Eat with Salmon Burgers: 15 Tasty Pairings

Salmon burgers are one of my favorite easy weeknight meals. They’re full of flavor, protein, and healthy omega-3s. Even though the salmon patties are easy to make, it can be hard to decide what to serve with them. You want a side dish that goes well with the salmon without taking over the taste.

After making salmon burgers for years I’ve narrowed down 15 of my favorite pairings that never disappoint. Keep reading for a list of delicious, fresh sides that truly elevate your salmon burger dinner!

The Best Bases for Salmon Burgers

First, let’s start with the bun or base for your salmon burger. You want a bread that sounds good, doesn’t fall apart, and doesn’t get soggy. Here are my top picks:

• Brioche buns – Soft, sweet and buttery. Brioche is my number one choice to let the salmon flavor shine.

• Pretzel buns – The tang of pretzel bread contrasts nicely with the salmon Bonus points for that satisfying crunch

• Hawaiian rolls – These pillowy, sweet rolls make any burger feel special. Their small size fits salmon patties perfectly.

• Lettuce wraps – Skip the bread altogether for a lighter, low-carb option. Romaine or butter lettuce cups work great.

• Homemade everything bagel rolls – For an easy homemade bun, my everything bagel rolls only require 4 ingredients.

Crunchy Vegetable Sides

Salmon’s soft, tender texture calls for contrasts with crisp vegetables. Here are some fresh veggie sides I love with salmon burgers:

• Greek oven fries – Crisp, olive oil-roasted potato wedges with oregano and feta. Serve with tzatziki dipping sauce.

• Sweet potato fries – Roast sweet potato fries tossed in olive oil and smoked paprika for color and flavor.

• Sauteed zucchini – Quick sauteed zucchini coins get nice and crispy around the edges. Toss in garlic and parsley.

• Roasted broccoli – Roast florets and stems drizzled with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until crisp-tender.

• Cucumber tomato salad – Dice cucumbers and tomatoes; dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning.

Fresh Green Salads

Salmon pairs so nicely with bright, herbaceous greens. Make one of these easy salads in minutes:

• Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta over crisp romaine with a red wine vinaigrette.

• Kale Caesar salad – Massaged kale with homemade Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons.

• Spring mix salad – Topped with sliced strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans.

• Arugula salad – Fresh arugula with shaved parmesan, grilled peach slices, and balsamic dressing.

• Spinach avocado salad – Baby spinach, avocado, bacon, hard boiled egg, and blue cheese crumbles.

More Creative Pairings

If you want to think outside the box, here are some more unique sides for salmon burgers:

• Couscous salad – Israeli couscous, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta, lemon, and fresh herbs.

• Quinoa tabbouleh – Quinoa instead of bulgur wheat, tossed with tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemon.

• Grilled corn on the cob – Brush corn with olive oil, grill until charred, and roll in cotija cheese.

• Sauteed summer squash – Quick saute yellow squash and zucchini coins in olive oil with fresh thyme.

• Baked beans – Old-fashioned baked beans simmered with smoky bacon.

Simple Sauces and Toppings

Don’t forget easy sauces and toppings to finish your salmon burger meal:

• Tartar sauce – The classic pairing, made with mayo, pickles, onion, and herbs.

• Yogurt dill sauce – Greek yogurt blended with fresh dill, lemon, and garlic.

• Spicy mayo – Add sriracha and lime juice to mayo.

• Guacamole – Mash avocado with tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno.

• Pesto – Whir up basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan.

Putting It All Together

With so many tasty sides for salmon burgers, you could enjoy a different delicious pairing every night of the week! Some of my favorite full meal combinations include:

• Salmon burgers on Hawaiian rolls with sweet potato fries and ranch dipping sauce.

• Salmon burgers on brioche buns with garlic sautéed zucchini and red pepper flakes.

• Salmon burgers in lettuce wraps with quinoa tabbouleh and yogurt dill sauce.

• Salmon burgers on pretzel buns with kale Caesar salad and tartar sauce.

• Salmon burgers with grilled corn on the cob and guacamole.

So don’t waste your perfectly cooked salmon patties on a sad side salad. Use this list to elevate your next salmon burger night with fresh, delicious accompaniments!