Choosing sides for salmon is all about balancing light vegetables with starchy carbs. Here, youll find everything from crunchy salads to flavorful grains. Mix and match your favorites for next-level salmon dishes.
Whether you’re poaching it, roasting it or throwing it on the grill, you can’t go wrong with salmon. Seafood is a great main dish for both weeknight meals and dinner parties. These tasty sides for salmon go perfectly with the main dish.
With side salad recipes and different kinds of rice, you can mix up what you serve with salmon every time. Once you’ve chosen your favorite salmon recipes, complete your menu with these side dishes.
Step up your broccoli game by opting for broccolini instead. It’s an easy way to elevate a side dish. Don’t forget to put the broccolini in ice water as soon as you take the pot off the heat so it doesn’t get too done.
People who are very picky eaters will love this vegetable that has lemon pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice on it. If you prefer, use broccoli instead. ” —Recipe contributor Kim Champion, Phoenix, Arizona.
Red potatoes are one of our favorite side dishes because the skin gets really crispy and the inside stays creamy when they’re roasted. To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the red potatoes are completely dry before you bake them.
“These simple but tasty potatoes are on the menu at my SideTrack Cafe in Metamora, Indiana. I’ve collected recipes for years, and this is a favorite. ” —Recipe contributor Nancy Johnson, Connersville, Indiana.
These tasty green beans show that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to make a great side dish. When you mix butter and seasonings you already have in your pantry with steamed green beans, you get a pretty amazing dish.
“I like to add a little extra flavor to my green beans. And this mouthwatering recipe is one of the quickest and most delicious I have. ” —Recipe contributor Katherine Firth, Oro Ballay, Arizona.
It might take a lot more work to serve salmon with risotto recipes instead of regular rice, but the result is worth it. This lemony, creamy risotto is filled with broccoli—so you’re basically getting two sides in one. We recommend serving this as a special occasion side dish.
“This dish is a creamy and rich party-special alternative to potatoes.” —Recipe contributor Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin
This steamed broccoli is anything but boring with its lively garlic-lemon sauce. Adding both the juice and zest of the lemon makes the flavor even stronger, and adding a healthy pat of butter will make this broccoli taste good to even the pickiest eaters.
“I first tried this sunny side dish because it seemed to be a fresh, nutritious and easy combination. Now it’s the only way my husband will eat broccoli. I love to pair it with grilled meat on hot days. ” —Recipe contributor Michelle Hanson, Oacoma, South Dakota.
Before making these creamy garlic mashed potatoes, don’t peel those tasty skins! They add so much flavor and texture, as well as important nutrients. In this recipe, we use fat-free milk, but you can use full-fat milk or half-and-half to make it more decadent. You can also experiment with the flavor profile by using olive oil instead of butter.
“These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is one of our favorite red potato recipes. ” —Recipe contributor Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas.
There are a few ways to cook Brussels sprouts, but this might be one of our favorites. If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can make your own by adding a little sugar to balsamic vinegar and cooking it over medium-low heat until it gels into a glaze.
“This recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon can be changed in many ways to suit your tastes, but it all starts with sprouts that are cooked just right.” Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. ” —Recipe contributor Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona.
This pretty, herb-packed rice goes wonderfully with citrusy salmon, and you can customize the herbs to your liking. Remember that the key to fluffy rice is to not stir it while it’s cooking, even if you want to. Follow the recipe exactly as written.
“This green rice is named for the green onions and parsley that are in it, but the tasty taste is what makes it stand out.” ” —Recipe contributor Karin Bailey, Golden Colorado.
One of our all-time favorite sides for any kind of salmon is fluffy couscous. This dish is full of broccoli, so it’s easy to get your veggies in too. You could serve the leftovers cold the next day as a couscous salad. Add some flaked leftover salmon (or salmon from a can) for a complete lunch.
“I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. ” —Recipe contributor Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado.
Elegant, simple and delicious, this asparagus dish is one of our favorite go-to sides. The pine nuts, garlic and lemon give it a Mediterranean twist. You could use green beans instead of asparagus if you don’t have any on hand. Sliced almonds can be used instead of the pine nuts.
“This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It’s so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. ” —Recipe contributor Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts.
This super simple side is one of those recipes with frozen peas you can always rely on. With fresh herbs and butter, crisp peas get the makeover they deserve, making them fancy enough to serve with salmon in a papillote.
“Grilling my own herbs and vegetables helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but this side is so easy to make with frozen peas.” ” —Recipe contributor Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
You’ll want to make extra mustard sauce to drizzle over your salmon. When you roast Brussels sprouts at a high temperature, they get a little caramelized, which can make even the biggest Brussels sprouts hater like them again.
“Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. ” —Recipe contributor Becky Walch, Orland, California.
Fresh sugar snap peas are sweet, and the garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger give them just the right amount of heat. Top this dish with a healthy drizzle of chili crisp for extra heat.
“Simple seasonings transform crisp, sweet sugar snap peas into an unbeatable side dish your family will love. Chopped walnuts can be used in place of the cashews. ” —Recipe contributor Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Use up your homegrown or farmers market harvest of zucchini as a salmon side. If you don’t have dried oregano on hand, you can use different herbs like basil, marjoram, or thyme instead.
“I’ve found that this flavorful sauteed zucchini complements almost any main course, from chicken to fish. If you like, use half yellow summer squash for a colorful variation on classic zucchini recipes. ” —Recipe contributor Teresa Kraus, Cortez, Colorado.
We love time-saving microwave tricks, so use this side dish when you’re in a hurry. You cook baby carrots in the microwave for most of the time and then finish them off in a buttery skillet.
While my mom used sugar in this recipe, I use honey instead because a man in our area who keeps bees on our farm shares it with us. ” —Recipe contributor Julie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming.
Sauteeing green beans in butter rather than steaming makes them so much richer. We love recipes with frozen green beans, but here, we think fresh green beans should take the lead.
“This quick and easy side dish of sautéed green beans with garlic and a mix of herbs and spices is one you’ll want to make again and again.” ” —Recipe contributor Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan.
These roasted sweet potatoes are healthy and absolutely delicious. Plus, you have salt, pepper, cinnamon, and honey in your pantry, which is all you need to make it. Many of our readers like to use half honey, half maple syrup to add a caramelly flavor. Be sure to stock up on the best honey so the sweetness shines through.
“Cinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. ” —Recipe contributor Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan.
When you’re tired of rice as a side dish, risotto acts as a wonderfully creamy base for salmon. Keep things seasonal with peas, and use freshly grated Parmesan instead of preshredded for the best texture.
“Lemon adds a refreshing taste to this lovely pea risotto dish that’s perfect for spring. ” —Recipe contributor Sue Dannahower, Fort Pierce, Florida.
These gorgeous oven-roasted carrots are caramelized perfection. Add a little heat to the carrots by adding 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and a dash of cayenne pepper.
“My seven children and 15 grandchildren really look forward to these oven-roasted carrots. As a school cook, I take care of two generations of my family as well as friends and family from all over the area. ” —Recipe contributor Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas.
Our favorite side dish to make in the air fryer is crispy sweet potato fries. The seasoning is what makes them so good. Don’t have any sweet potatoes on hand? You can use frozen ones instead; just cook them for five minutes longer.
“These air-fryer sweet potato fries are my favorite! My grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, but I still love to cut up fresh sweet potatoes from my garden!” —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Just when we think we’ve discovered every genius use for onion soup mix, we find another one. This buttery corn on the cob becomes irresistible after roasting at a high heat in the oven. (Not confident peeling the husks? Here’s our guide to shucking corn. ).
“My mother has been making this recipe for years. People who have seen me make it for them always rave about how easy it is!” —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Chilled radish recipes in the warmer months really hit the spot. This crunchy, satisfying summer salad goes wonderfully with grilled salmon and just about any other protein. This is a tip for people who don’t like radishes: the thinner you slice them, the less bitter they will be. You can also salt and drain your cut radishes before mixing them into the salad.
“I put this cucumber radish salad together with vegetables I had left in my garden. So many people at community suppers asked me for the recipe because my family loved it so much. It’s a refreshing accompaniment for any entree. ” —Recipe contributor Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas.
In the summer, we love grilled salads, and this twist on potato salad will become one of your go-to recipes for any cookout. This dish is full of flavor from the smoky poblanos, lime, and cilantro. You should make it while you grill salmon or make salmon burgers.
“Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra special. ” —Recipe contributor Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky.
If you don’t believe Miracle Whip can make chopped cucumbers taste great, wait until you try it in this salad. Green onion and dill weed are used in this recipe, but feel free to be creative with the herbs and spices you use.
“Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. This cool dish is said to last a long time in the fridge, but our family eats it so quickly that I’ve never tried it for myself. ” —Recipe contributor Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas.
Cooking quinoa in a mix of water and tomato juice takes so much blandness out of the grain. You can use dried cranberries and raisins instead of dried currants if you can’t find them. Sunflower seeds can be used instead of pine nuts. This dish will turn everyone in your family into a kale lover.
“Here’s a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. This kale quinoa salad tastes great!” —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
Stuffed salmon makes for an elegant and satisfying meal. But it can be hard to find the right side dishes to go with the rich and creamy stuffed salmon. You want sides that will bring out the flavors of the main dish without taking over.
With 19 of my favorite side dish ideas for stuffed salmon, I’ll share with you today. These options provide a nice balance of textures, colors, and flavors. Vegetables, grains, starches, and greens are all mixed together in this dish. It goes well with stuffed salmon fillets or rolls.
Choosing Sides for Stuffed Salmon
When selecting side dishes for stuffed salmon, you’ll want to consider the fillings and preparation method Most stuffed salmon recipes include a creamy mixture of ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, vegetables, or seafood. The salmon is often roasted or baked, resulting in a tender, flaky interior encasing the savory filling
You’ll want sides that complement, rather than compete with the flavors of the stuffed salmon. Here are some tips for choosing delicious pairings:
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Pick bright, fresh sides – The richness of the stuffed salmon filling calls for bright acid and herbal flavors to provide contrast Sides with lemon, herbs, greens, and vegetables are ideal
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Add a starch or whole grain – Pairing the creamy salmon with some fibre from whole grains or starchy vegetables can help balance the meal. Options like rice, pasta, potatoes, and quinoa work nicely.
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Roast vegetables—Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus are all great vegetables to roast with stuffed salmon. The char adds great flavor.
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Keep it light – Heavy, creamy sides like mac and cheese or gratins may be overkill. Lighter pasta tosses, veggie sides, and salads are likely better pairings for this rich dish.
Now let’s look at some of my personal favorite stuffed salmon side dish ideas!
19 Delicious Stuffed Salmon Side Dishes
1. Brown Rice Pilaf
A simple brown rice pilaf flavored with garlic, herbs, and a bit of lemon makes the perfect pairing for stuffed salmon fillets. The nutty whole grain provides a pleasant contrast to the rich stuffed salmon. Boost the flavor by using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice.
2. Pasta Tossed with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs
For a fast and easy stuffed salmon side, toss hot pasta with a bit of olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. I like to use short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne. The classic flavors complement stuffed salmon beautifully.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Broccolini
Roasting broccoli or broccolini caramelizes it slightly and adds great depth of flavor. Toss the florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until browned and tender. The charred veggies pair wonderfully with creamy stuffed salmon.
4. Couscous with Lemon and Parsley
Fluffy couscous is one of my favorite pairings for stuffed salmon. Prepare it simply with vegetable broth and then toss with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, parsley, and pepper. The bright, citrusy flavors balance the richness of the salmon.
5. Quinoa Salad
Take your side up a notch by serving stuffed salmon over a protein-packed quinoa salad. Cooked quinoa tossed with chopped cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and feta makes a fantastic pairing.
6. Steamed Green Beans
For a classic and easy veggie pairing, you can’t go wrong with steamed green beans. Blanch fresh green beans briefly in boiling water, then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. The fresh flavor complements stuffed salmon beautifully.
7. Grilled Vegetables
If you’re firing up the grill for the salmon, throw some vegetables on as well! Zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, asparagus, and eggplant all taste amazing grilled. Toss the hot veggies with olive oil, balsamic glaze, basil, and feta.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes provide the perfect starchy base for stuffed salmon fillets. For lighter mashed potatoes, use a combo of cauliflower and potatoes. Roast them first to deepen the flavor before mashing with butter, milk, and garlic.
9.Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a flavorful fall or winter side, roast sweet potato wedges tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary. The natural sweetness balances the rich stuffed salmon beautifully. Add a sqeeze of lemon over the salmon and potatoes to really make the flavors pop.
10. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice makes a delicious, fuller-flavored alternative to brown rice. Cook it pilaf-style with chicken broth, garlic, and herbs. For extra flavor, stir in toasted pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, and a squeeze of lemon.
11. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads make easy, beginner-friendly sides for stuffed salmon. Toss cooked pasta with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olives, Italian dressing, and a bit of crumbled feta. Chill before serving alongside hot stuffed salmon.
12. Fresh Green Salad
You can keep your side ultra-simple with a fresh green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, quartered grape tomatoes, and sliced cucumber make a light pairing for rich stuffed salmon. Add avocado or bacon for more substance.
13. Sauteed Spinach
For a quick and easy veggie side, saute baby spinach in olive oil with garlic and lemon. Season with salt and pepper. The tender spinach and bright lemon flavors complement stuffed salmon wonderfully.
14. Sauteed Zucchini
Saute zucchini coins or halves in olive oil over medium-high heat until caramelized. Season with garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. The fresh vegetable side balances the rich salmon filling nicely.
15. Veggie Kebabs
Make quick vegetable kebabs to grill alongside the stuffed salmon. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini rounds, yellow squash, bell pepper chunks, and red onion wedges work well. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling until charred.
16. Israeli Couscous Salad
This hearty salad turns couscous into a satisfying meal accompaniment. Cook Israeli couscous according to package directions. Toss with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, parsley, feta, and salt.
17. Roasted Cauliflower
For a low-carb veggie pairing, roast cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil at 400°F until browned. Sprinkle with garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan before serving. The charred cauliflower caramelizes beautifully and pairs well with stuffed salmon.
18. Steamed Asparagus
For an easy springtime side, steam asparagus until bright green and tender-crisp. Toss the spears with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. I like to shave Parmesan over the asparagus too.
19. Farro Salad
Nutty farro makes a delicious, wheat berry-style salad base. Cook farro according to package directions, then toss with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, and feta. The Mediterranean flavors pair wonderfully with the salmon.
Complement Your Stuffed Salmon Meal
With so many delicious options, from grains and pastas to roasted veggies and fresh salads, you can always find a scrumptious side to complement your stuffed salmon entree. Experiment with different flavor and texture pairings to keep your meal interesting.
Stuffed salmon sealed and roasted or baked until flaky on the outside and pillowy within, paired with a bright, crisp salad or herby whole grains, makes for a fabulous dinner. With the right sides, it can also be impressive enough for special occasions and guests. However you choose to complement it, stuffed salmon is a real treat.
Here is a summary of the frequency of entities mentioned in the provided content:
Stuffed salmon – 19
Side dishes – 18
Salmon – 11
Rice – 5
Pasta – 4
Potatoes – 3
Couscous – 3
Broccoli – 3
Lemon – 7
Herbs – 4
Olive oil – 8
Garlic – 4
Vegetables – 7
Cheese – 3
What is salmon usually served with?
The quintessential salmon dinner probably includes asparagus and rice when you picture it. That’s because salmon’s mild flavor pairs well with the buttery crunch of asparagus and lightly seasoned rice. Keep the mild fattiness of the fish in mind as you choose which sides to serve with salmon. You don’t want to make it too strong, so go for lightly seasoned grains, pastas with butter or oil, and crunchy greens. Intensely spiced vegetables or super cheesy pasta dishes will overwhelm the tender salmon.
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What is salmon usually served with?
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