10 Best Side Dishes for Salmon

What Can I Serve with Salmon?

Salmon is a versatile and popular fish that’s not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a fancy gathering, the side dishes you choose to accompany your salmon can elevate your meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best side dishes that pair perfectly with salmon, ensuring a harmonious and flavorful dining experience.

1. Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that complements the rich flavor of salmon. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender. This side dish adds a lovely crunch and a fresh taste that balances the richness of the fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of asparagus spears, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
5. Serve warm.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy and comforting accompaniment to salmon. Infuse your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic to add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Steps:

1. In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the minced garlic, milk, and butter to the potatoes.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

3. Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon herb rice is light and fragrant, making it an ideal side for salmon. The zestiness of the lemon and the aroma of fresh herbs like parsley and dill complement the fish’s natural flavors, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 2 cups of water
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or a mix), chopped
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
4. Fluff with a fork before serving.

4. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables bring a smoky flavor and a pop of color to your salmon meal. Choose a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Grill them to perfection for a side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the vegetables in batches, turning occasionally, until tender and charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

5. Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Quinoa salad with citrus vinaigrette offers a nutritious and light side option. The quinoa provides a lovely texture, while the citrus dressing adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavor of the salmon.

Ingredients for Salad:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients for Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of orange juice
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, orange segments, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6. Steamed Green Beans with Almonds

Steamed green beans with almonds is a classic side that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. The crunch of the almonds adds a delightful contrast to the tender green beans and the soft texture of the salmon.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast until golden.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet, toss with the almonds, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve warm.

7. Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Creamy cucumber dill salad is refreshing and light, making it a perfect side for salmon, especially during the warmer months. The creaminess of the dressing and the freshness of the cucumber and dill complement the fish beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, tossing to coat.
4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

8. Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges are a hearty and healthy alternative to traditional fries. Roasted with a touch of honey and cinnamon, they add a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
5. Serve warm.

9. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad, with its simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze, offers a light and refreshing side that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavor of salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Steps:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating and overlapping them.
2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.

10. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side dish. The garlic adds a punch of flavor to the spinach, making it an excellent complement to the salmon’s natural taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm.

Conclusion

Choosing the right side dishes can turn a simple salmon meal into an extraordinary dining experience. The key is to balance flavors and textures that complement the main dish without overpowering it. From the crispness of roasted vegetables to the creamy softness of mashed potatoes, each of these side dishes offers a unique way to enhance your salmon meal. Experiment with these options to find your perfect pairing and elevate your next salmon dish to new culinary heights.