Salmon's versatility and rich flavor make it a dinner favorite, but even the best foods can become routine without some variety. That's where the side dishes come in and save the day.
From crispy vegetables to hearty grains and pasta, the options are just endless. Be it baked, grilled, or poached salmon, it is just that perfect side which can get the meal from ordinary to spectacular. Let's dive in and see 20 delicious sides for salmon that one must try.
This side complements salmon perfectly due to its similar cooking method. When grilled alongside salmon, asparagus develops a slight char that echoes the crispy skin of grilled salmon.
The vegetable's earthy, slightly bitter relish balances the rich, fatty nature of salmon. In addition, it is rich in glutathione which assists the body to metabolize the beneficial omega three fatty acids in salmon.
Roasted carrots bring a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements salmon's savory flavor. You'll love how these two ingredients mirror each other visually - the carrots' caramelized edges echo the golden-brown sear on a well-cooked salmon fillet.
The honey and spice dressing on the carrots is incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak it to match different salmon seasonings, making this side dish a go-to for various salmon recipes.
These sticky, honey-roasted carrots aren't just delicious - they're also a showstopper on your plate. They'll elevate your Christmas dinner or add a special touch to your Sunday lunch.
Green beans are excellent side dishes and for very good reasons. They are quick to cook and many times require little to no prep, making them perfect for the busiest of weeknights.
When cooked just right, green beans have a nice crispness that textures really well against the tenderness and flakiness of salmon.
This pays dividends when coupled with lemon-seasoned salmon - the citrus cuts through the richness both in the fish and beans perfectly. A well-rounded bite if there ever was one, this is simple yet elegant and truly elevates your salmon dinner.
Cilantro lime rice brings zesty flair to any taco or burrito night at home. Fuse lime zest, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a hint of garlic for a burst of flavor. This lively side dish pairs beautifully with salmon, offering a neutral base with bright, fresh notes.
The lime's acidity cuts through salmon's natural oils perfectly, while cilantro adds a herbaceous kick that enhances the fish without overwhelming it.
You'll find this combination especially delicious with salmon seasoned in Latin or Asian-inspired styles. Try this pairing for a refreshing twist on your usual salmon dinner - it's sure to become a new favorite!
What sides go with salmon? Light Lemon Pesto Pasta is an ideal companion for salmon. The bright, zesty lemon complements the fish's richness, while the herbal taste in the pesto enhances its flavor without overpowering.
The pasta's al dente texture contrasts nicely with the flaky salmon. This side will complement any form of grilled, baked, or even salmon flavored with herbs.
It complements the meal in nutritional value by incorporating carbs into the protein-rich fish. To make it more interesting use cherry tomatoes or pine nuts. Serve the salmon atop or beside the pasta for an appealing presentation.
Light up your air fryer and throw in a few pieces of corn on the cob. Sprinkle a generous amount of smoked paprika over the kernels, just enough to get a smoky kick. When it gets crispy outside, squeeze over some fresh lime juice.
This sweet and zesty corn can be that perfectly matched sidekick to salmon. The corn plays off the savory notes in the fish, its sweetness balancing well, while its crispy outside gives textural contrast to the tender salmon.
These two are a great team on your plate, their subtle flavors playing off each other without competing. It is a simple and delicious pairing that will surely make you ask for more.
This refreshing side goes with salmon perfectly because of the cooling effect it has on the palate. The crunch of cucumbers also pairs well with the soft, flaky texture of salmon.
Its dressing cuts well into the richness of fish, and every bite feels light and refreshing. This pairing is especially good for summer meals or with richer salmon preparations.
This risotto's earthy, umami-packed flavors are a match made in heaven for salmon. The creamy rice creates a luxurious bed that makes each bite of salmon feel extra special.
And here's the beauty of it - both the risotto and salmon have gentle flavors that play well together. Neither tries to steal the show, so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds in every forkful.
Comfort food with panache, this can be perfect to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself on a cozy night in. Try it once, and you might find your new favorite combination for dinner!
Potatoes are true culinary champions, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. For a stellar salmon pairing, crispy roasted potatoes steal the show. These gems boast a crunchy exterior that gives way to a pillowy interior - a perfect textural contrast to flaky salmon.
The beauty of potatoes lies in their neutral flavor profile. Season them to complement any salmon preparation, from herb-crusted to teriyaki-glazed. Their versatility knows no bounds. The potato's starchiness balances the protein-rich salmon beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Okra's unique texture and flavor profile make it an interesting pairing with salmon. The crispy, spiced exterior achieved through air frying contrasts nicely with the soft, rich texture of salmon.
This side works particularly well with boldly flavored salmon dishes, as it can stand up to strong seasonings without being overwhelmed.
Roasted broccoli is so easy to make, and it turns out so delectably irresistible. These florets come out of the oven beautifully colored in golden brown, with crispy edges and tender centers.
You'll love how roasting really brings out this perfect sweetness in broccoli and creates these nice crispy bits that contrast so well to salmon's tender flesh. Mild bitter notes in broccoli cut through richness so well, especially if you're serving a fattier salmon, like King or Atlantic.
To give it an extra burst of flavor, try tossing the broccoli with some lemon zest before roasting. This simple side dish will complement your salmon and add color and texture on your plate.
This classic side turns a piece of salmon dinner into a mouth-watering and satisfying meal. Mashed potatoes have a creamy consistency which fits well with the crispness of well-prepared salmon.
Garlic adds a pungent kick that stands up to the fish's taste without overpowering it. If wished some freshly chopped herbs like dill or chives may be added to correspond to other used herbs in the salmon preparations.
This cheesy dish offers a low-carb proxy to potato-based sides while still providing comfort food appeal. The mild flavor of cauliflower lets the salmon be the star, while the cheesy sauce adds richness to the meal.
A little crusty top on this casserole goes well with the soft texture of the fish. This side goes well with plain grilled salmon as it does not overpower the taste of the fish, yet provides richness to the plate.
Couscous goes well with salmon, especially when it is a little warmer outside. It is super fast and easy to cook-much faster than most grains or pasta. And the light, flaky couscous really complements the salmon well while you can adapt flavors so easily.
Keep it simple with a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, but don't let that limit you. The bright lemon notes and fragrant herbs in this dish echo flavors commonly used with salmon, making this a harmonious meal. Toss in some toasted pine nuts for an extra treat.
This side is a perfect fit for the richness of salmon with sweet honey, bitter balsamic, and Brussels sprouts. The roasting caramelizes the exterior somewhat like the browning that happens when salmon is seared.
These sprouts work particularly well with maple or honey-glazed salmon. The crispy leaves of the sprouts also offer a textural difference from the tender fish.
These crisp, sweet peas deliver a fresh, light counterpoint to salmon's richness. Their bright green color and crisp texture add visual and tactile interest to the plate.
Try quickly sautéing them with a bit of garlic and lemon zest to complement common salmon seasonings. The natural sweetness of the peas balances well with spicier salmon preparations, like blackened or Cajun-style salmon.
These Asian-inspired noodles make a perfect sidekick for salmon. They're extremely simple yet packed with flavor! Toss the pasta in a heavenly sauce that balances sweet and savory notes.
The sesame's nuttiness complements salmon's rich, fatty texture beautifully, while the noodles create a satisfying base for your meal. For extra crunch and nutrients, try mixing in some shredded carrots or bell peppers.
This versatile side pairs wonderfully with both teriyaki and miso-glazed salmon. You'll love how the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and balanced dish that's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Farro brings a delightful chewiness and nutty flavor to this fresh, versatile salad. You'll love it as a healthy lunch or an easy side dish. The grain's sturdy texture and rich taste perfectly match salmon's bold flavors. Its earthy notes stand up beautifully to zesty salmon seasonings.
Mediterranean ingredients like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta - common in farro salads - pair wonderfully with salmon.
This combination shines especially bright alongside Greek or Italian-inspired salmon dishes. Whether you're looking for a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this farro salad delivers on all fronts.
The umami flavor in mushrooms bolsters the savory taste of salmon. The smokiness from roasting complements grilled or smoked salmon nicely.
Mushrooms, especially meatier ones like portobello or shiitake, have enough meatiness to provide a pretty substantial side that could almost turn a salmon fillet into a thoroughly satisfying meal. Try finishing them with a splash of vinegar - for extra zing.
This side offers a real mix of flavor and texture: salty and crunchy from the bacon, soft and rich from the salmon, and sweet peas for freshness. Rich creamy dressing lends a richness that works well with a leaner cut of salmon.
This salad is especially good with simply grilled or baked salmon since it really adds complex flavor and texture to the plate. Combining salmon and bacon also offers a double dose of satisfying protein for a truly filling meal.
