What To Serve With Salmon? (50 Side Dishes)

Everybody loves salmon and that all for notable reasons.

It is a great source of protein, loaded with omega-3, antioxidants, Vitamin B, and selenium, helps in weight control plus it is so easy to prepare and cook. But salmon dishes are made more mouthwatering by the sides that come with them and in this post, we will give a rundown of 50 best side dishes for salmon.

FAQs about various salmon dishes are also featured for future reference. 

Rice side dishes

1. Cilantro lime rice

There is a deep connection between citrus flavors and salmon. They just make each other better. As is the case, give your white, plain basmati rice a total overhaul by browning it in olive oil, moistening it with lime juice, and stirring it in with cilantro. This rice and seared salmon is just a match made in heaven. 

2. Mushroom risotto

For a light salmon dish with lots of seaside Italian vibe, go for mushroom risotto to pair with your seared salmon. With mushrooms, creamy ingredients and lots of parmesan cheese, the crunch of those seared salmon sides becomes the real highlight. 

3. Sesame rice

With just sesame oil, sesame seeds, and scallions as garnish, you can upscale plain, white rice. Serve salmon with sesame rice for a delightful and satisfying meal at any time of the day. 

4. Rice pilaf with dried fruits

We all know how good basmati rice is. But have you ever had one with dried fruits and nuts? With that crunch, sweetness, and saltiness in one bowl, this version of rice pilaf surely puts that seared salmon in another level. You get the crunch, the flavor, and the nutrients in one power meal. 

5. Spinach orzo

You do not have to be German to love orzo, because this one is a real complete meal. Just cook orzo, spinach, and a lot of parmesan cheese in one pot. This is a perfect vegan meal on its own but you would love it more with seared salmon. 

Vegetable side dishes

6. Buttered garlic beans

Add texture and grit to a simple seared salmon with buttered garlic French beans. You just have to lightly boil the beans, stir-fry in butter, lots of garlic, and lemon zest, and side with your seared salmon. 

7. Lemon Butter Broccolini

It may not be as famous as its two broccoli parents but when given flavor and spice, broccolini is a good vegetable side dish with salmon.

As the name implies, all you need is to lightly boil the small broccolini, glaze it with lemon and butter mixture, bake it in the oven and you are all done.  

8. Steamed baby bok choy

If you want an easy whip but flavorful side, steamed baby bok choy seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce is all you need to give your salmon a chewy, crunchy, and umami flavor all at once.

9. Roasted brussels sprouts

Not everyone loves brussels sprouts but when paired with salmon, it will have you thinking again. The nutty, creamy, and earthy taste of the brussels sprouts can be elevated with just olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve it with pan seared salmon in lemon zest and you are good to go. 

10. Asparagus in hollandaise sauce

When roasted to perfection, asparagus is nothing but ordinary. Add that with the smooth, creamy, and sophisticated taste of the hollandaise sauce. Dip some seared salmon on some of that sauce for a filling experience. 

Keto side dishes

11. Prosciutto wrapped cauliflower

Ever tasted pig in a blanket? This keto dish follows the same idea, but in here the cauliflower florets are wrapped in prosciutto instead of bacon. This savory side on a light and zesty salmon are a protein loaded meal to die for. 

12. Cauliflower salad

If you are craving for some potato salad or coleslaw but on a strict keto diet, cauliflower salad, keto mayo, thyme, salt and pepper will do. It is equally creamy and crunchy plus it will go very well with salmon. 

13. Melted onions

Onion side dish? Why not! Instead of frying butterfly onions, just bake them in a way like you are baking muffins. Caramelize the onions, season with salt, and pepper, and just serve it with zested salmon. 

14. Garlic butter mushroom

Nothing screams keto than mushroom. For this side, just saute mushroom in butter, garlic, and thyme. Cook until brown and then serve in a bowl with salmon. That is all you really need for this keto side. 

15. Roasted cabbage with bacon

Another easy keto dish would be the cabbage and bacon combo. Roast the cabbage for about 25mins and oven bake the bacon in olive oil until brown and crispy. The charred cabbage and the natural smokiness of bacon complement the lightness of salmon. 

Pasta side dishes

16. Creamy lemon pasta

There is nothing better than the chewy, al dente texture of linguine pasta and its lemon, white wine, and cream sauce. But add a pan-seared salmon belly on top and grated parmesan to garnish the dish make an extraordinary dinner for the ages. 

17. Herbed couscous

By now you should already know that couscous is a small pasta. So cook that Israeli couscous in your pantry and toss in nuts, raisins, cucumber, and tomatoes plus a dash of lemon zest to plate and pair with seared salmon. 

Related: Is Couscous Gluten-free?

18. Pesto zucchini noodles

The combo of pesto and salmon is a combo for the ages. To cut down the calories in pasta, make some pasta out of zucchini and cook it with pesto sauce. Top that with lots of parmesan cheese, serve with salmon and enjoy a low-carb meal. 

19. Swiss chard pasta

If you have some leftover swiss chard at home, and some pasta on the pantry, just cook the pasta al dente and cover it with the swiss chard cheese in a one pot dish. Plate it and top with some lightly seared salmon for a hearty, sophisticated meal. 

20. Garlic butter parmesan pasta

This salmon side can be done in just 20mins. It works with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. Just cook it al dente, and then whip up a sauce made of garlic, butter, olive oil, and parmesan. Top with another load of cheese and serve with salmon. 

Related: 48 Types Of Pasta and Their Uses

Salad side dishes

21. Thai noodle salad

If you want to add some twist to your lemon, serve it along with the colorful and chewy Thai noodle salad. Prepare the rice noodles, and toss in radishes, purple cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and that signature Thai peanut sauce. 

22. Cucumber and dill salad

This is not an over-the-top salad but it is a very refreshing pair for salmon. All you must do is slice some cucumbers, stir it in a generous amount of sour cream and dill, season, and it is done. Now you get a low-carb and gluten-free salmon pair. 

23. No wilt cabbage salad

If you have some leftover pecorino cheese, along with kale, purple cabbage, dates, and farro, you can mix them all up to make this no wilt cabbage salad. It is flavorful, and crunchy enough to be a good pair with salmon. 

24. Snap pea and mint salad

This is yet again another refreshing salad to pair with salmon. Just mix in snap pea, radish, lots of mint, and mozzarella to make this salad. With the citrus zest of your salmon, this is just a fusion of crunch and flavor. 

25. Grilled peach and arugula salad

Salmon and peach scream summer so if you have leftover peaches there in your fridge, might as well grill them, and then toss them in a plate of arugula and top it with feta cheese. Serve it along with your zesty seared lemon for a summer dinner that you will not forget. 

Side dishes for salmon cakes

26. Spicy mashed sweet potatoes

To add a softer texture to that salmon cake, go for the gluten-free and low-carb mashed sweet potatoes. But to make it savorier, you can spice it up with red chili flakes or incorporate drops of hot sauce. 

27. Bacon and blue cheese with dates

For a crisper contrast to salmon cakes, you can protein load and make another version of pigs in a blanket by encasing dates and blue cheese in bacon. This and salmon cakes give a flavor fusion that you would not forget. 

28. Yukon gold and sweet potato gratin

This low carb and low fat side is everything you need for your salmon cakes. It is creamy, buttery, and a delightful take on potato gratin like you have never seen gratins before. 

29. Tropical fruit salad

For a summer picnic vibe, go for a mix of kiwi, pomegranate, pineapple, and oranges. The fresh, juicy taste of this tropical fruit salad bowl offers a delectable contrast to the creamy, savory taste of salmon cakes. 

30. Mango strawberry salsa

This one is a sweet and spicy dip that you will love for your salmon cake. It is chewy, fragrant, and tasty. It is one of the best pairs for salmon cake for many good reasons. 

Potato side dishes for salmon

31. Roasted rosemary potatoes with parmesan

Potatoes and salmon on their own could be enough but they can be made more magical by rosemary, parmesan, and garlic. Slow cook the herbed and cheesy potato in the oven for 45mins kicks in a lot of flavor and savory flair to your seared salmon.

32. Roasted sweet potatoes

This is a classic potato dish, but it will go miles when paired with salmon. Just oven roast it with olive oil, some herbs, salt, and pepper. As simple as it may be, roasted sweet potatoes another layer of flavor and crisp to a simple salmon meal. 

33. French style potato salad

If you want a sophisticated take on the creamy potato salad, here is one to pair with salmon. Just replace mayo with lots of mustard and add in fresh herbs, bake until soft and you are good to go.

34. Oven parmesan potato chips

For a large cutback on oil, oven bake some thinly sliced potatoes with parmesan on top. Serve it with salmon for a simple surf and turf dish that everyone will love. 

35. Herbed fingerling potatoes

For a holiday salmon dish vibe, you can whip up some herbed fingerling potatoes to go with it. Bake the fingerling potatoes, as is with skin. When it is done, just dash it with some olive oil, fresh herbs, kosher salt, and pepper. Serve it with seared salmon for a warm holiday dinner.  

Side dishes for salmon patties

36. Classic coleslaw

It may just be salmon but you can always give it a retro diner feel by serving it with classic coleslaw. Just combine carrots, cabbage, mayo, apple cider vinegar, plus lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste and you are all set. 

37. Soft dinner rolls

Patties and bread always make sense. So for your salmon patty, know that you can never go wrong with soft dinner rolls as side. Just encase those supple salmon patties in those light, tender bread. 

38. Fried okra

Craving for a southern-style dinner? Fried okra is a classic southern dish that goes well with seared salmon. It gives a soft and crunchy contrast to that crispy salmon patty. It is also very easy to prepare. 

39. Roasted carrots

What better sides are there for fried dishes like salmon patties than roasted vegetables? All you have to do is slow roast baby carrots in a foil packet along with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Serve it with salmon for an authentic savory meal. 

40. Sauteed green beans

Again, for a nutty, buttery contrast to fried salmon patties, go for this simple sauteed fresh green beans. To enhance that nutty taste, you can top it with parmesan cheese and serve it with salmon patties. 

Side dishes for salmon fillets

41. Rosemary roasted potatoes and asparagus

You need a fresh and crunchy contrast to your salmon fillets, and this is what this side dish could offer. Roast potatoes and asparagus in olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Garnish with toasted garlic and serve with salmon fillets.  

42. Fruit and spinach salad

There is no falling short of hearty salads when it comes to salmon recipes including salmon fillets. Just mix blanched spinach, oranges, almonds, grapes, peach, and feta cheese and you are good to go. 

43. Brussel sprouts and fruit mix

Yes, you read that right. You can mix the tangy roasted brussels sprouts with oranges, pomegranate, and walnuts. Season with salt, and pepper and serve along with strips of salmon fillet. 

44. Lentil salad with feta cheese

This Mediterranean style side is filling in itself. With the addition of feta cheese, pistachios, and crunchy mixed vegetables, it is the perfect plant-based protein pair for the equally protein-loaded salmon fillet. 

45. Asian style ginger rice and miso soup

For an aromatic pair for salmon fillet, you should go for ginger rice. You make it by cooking Japanese rice along with soy sauce, lots of ginger and fried tofu. Pair it with miso soup and salmon fillets and you get one of the best Asian gastronomic experience out there. 

Side dishes for salmon dinners

46. Butternut squash fried rice

This one is something that even kids will love so it is a perfect side for salmon dinners. This is done by cooking brown fried rice and then adding small chunks of pre-boiled butternut squash. Add green onions for garnish, salt, and pepper. 

47. Spinach and blueberry salad

For a light yet filling salmon dinner, blanche spinach and garnish it with toasted garlic. Pour blueberries on the spinach mix to add sweetness and texture to your salmon dinner. 

48. Baked barley

This dish is a popular side to seafood during holidays in some parts of the world. You can have it for your salmon dinner and relish the nutty taste of baked barley with friends and family. 

49. Italian bulgur bowl

This fresh and zesty side is made of bulgur wheat and Italian ingredients such as mozzarella, basil, tomato, pesto, and tomatoes. Add some diced red onion for the aromatics and a dash of lemon juice for the zest and serve it with salmon dinner. 

50. Apple and raisin pilaf

Are you thinking of holiday salmon dinner? If yes, it should be served with apple and raisin pilaf on the side. The natural sweetness and grit of apple and raisin truly make a good complement with the aromatic long grain rice. What more if it is eaten with the light and flavorful salmon, right? 

FAQs

Now that we have covered some of the best side dishes for salmon, it is time for us to get acquainted with important FAQs that you can use as reference in the future.

These top up all the salmon dishes that we have featured in the previous sections, from the best wines, breads, and grains to pair salmon with. 

What bread goes best with salmon?

If you have salmon leftovers, especially smoked salmon, the following breads would be the best ones to serve it with: 

• Pumpernickel bread
• Bagels
• Garlic bread
• Flat bread
• Bread toasts
• Dinner rolls
• Irish soda bread
• Any dark or whole grain bread

Salmon is a very versatile dish. You can make your own salmon sandwiches by using simple whole grain bread that you can get in supermarkets and make tea sandwiches for family and friends. 

What wine is good with salmon?

Did you know that there is a recommended wine for every style of salmon dish? Here is a list of what you wine you should pair your salmon dish with: 

What herbs go with salmon?

For the best herbs that go with salmon, you should take note of the following: 

• Rosemary
• Dill
• Basil
• Fennel
• Tarragon
• Parsley
• Sage 
• Thyme
• Bay leaves 
• Coriander

What grain goes well with salmon?

If you prefer grains to go with your salmon dish, you should start packing up your pantry with the following grains: 

• Rice (white, brown)
• Quinoa
• Bulgur
• Wheat berries
• Couscous 
• Risotto

Conclusion

Aside from being ultra-healthy, to say that salmon is a versatile dish would be an understatement. It can be paired with almost anything, from meats to savory dishes, to mix of grains, pasta, and lighter meals such as salad and fruit bowls.

The world’s reverence to salmon is unceasing and knowing these 50 side dishes to salmon (and counting) is enough evidence as to why.

Continue to Content

Tasty Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Thinking of a side dish for your salmon right now? Here is a fresh take on grilled sweet potatoes.

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Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 2tbsps butter
• 1tsp ground cumin
• 2tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. The first thing to do is gather all the ingredients. Preheat the grill on high heat. Oil the grate to avoid sticking. 
2. Now, cut the sweet potatoes in cubes and arrange them in aluminum foil. Brush each with butter and sprinkle with sugar, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Lastly, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. 
3. Fold the foil packets and seal them. 
4. Grill the packets for 30mins. Flip the foil packets every 10mins or until you feel that the sweet potatoes are soft and tender. 
5. Gather the foil packets and transfer the contents in a plate. 
6. Serve with seared salmon.

Notes

To enhance the recipe, you can try a lemon/lime and cilantro dressing. Drizzle with light dressing while the grilled sweet potatoes are warm.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 274Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3.7gCholesterol 15.3mgSodium 168.6mgCarbohydrates 52.6gFiber 6.9gSugar 16.1gProtein 3.7g

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