Looking for the perfect partner for your salmon? It doesn’t matter if you’re pan-searing fillets or tossing them on the grill—salmon always shines brightest with a thoughtful side dish. Whether you love classics or crave a twist, here are 25 of the best side dishes that complement salmon’s depth and delicacy. Each is chosen for flavor, balance, and easy preparation.
1. Lemon Butter Pasta
Tender noodles tossed in a silky lemon butter sauce balance the richness of salmon. Fresh lemon zest, a splash of cream, and a little white pepper create a light, refreshing side.
Tips:
– Use spaghetti or fettuccine.
– Finish with fresh parsley and shredded parmesan.
2. Garlic Green Beans
Crisp green beans sautéed in garlic and butter add a savory crunch. This side only needs lemon zest and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Suggestions:
– Quickly blanch beans before sautéing for extra color.
– Add slivered almonds for nutty complexity.
3. Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Oven-roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and parmesan form golden, crispy edges. The interior remains fluffy, making this dish both hearty and crowd-pleasing.
Quick Idea:
Roast with garlic cloves for an aromatic boost.
4. Broccolini With Lemon
Broccolini is quickly blanched, then tossed with lemon juice and melted butter. Its bright flavor stands out against salmon’s savory tones.
Variation:
Roast in the oven for extra caramelized tips.
5. Thai Noodle Salad
Rice noodles, julienned carrots, bell pepper strips, and crunchy cabbage, all tossed in a tangy peanut dressing. The sweet and savory notes marry well with salmon.
Serving Suggestion:
Top with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro.
6. Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
Sautéed with garlic, ginger, and a dash of soy sauce, baby bok choy is light but deeply flavorful. Its crunch pairs especially well with seared salmon.
Add-In:
Toasted sesame seeds.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roast halved Brussels sprouts until crisp. The outer layers caramelize, while the center softens. Finish with a hint of balsamic glaze or grated pecorino.
Serving Tip:
Serve warm to preserve the texture.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice
Elevate plain rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. This side is fragrant, fluffy, and zesty.
Make it special:
Use basmati or jasmine rice for extra aroma.
9. Roasted Asparagus With Hollandaise
Thin asparagus spears brushed with olive oil, roasted, and finished with hollandaise sauce form a velvety, classic side.
Fast version:
Use blender hollandaise for simplicity.
10. Colorful Cabbage Slaw
Shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and peppers tossed in a vinegar dressing create a crisp bite and vibrant palate.
Flavor Boosts:
– Add apple slices for sweetness.
– Use rice vinegar for a milder dressing.
11. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Short-grain rice cooked slowly with broth, mushrooms, onions, and parmesan until creamy. The earthy umami notes work well with delicate fish.
Tip:
Stir often and add stock gradually for perfect texture.
12. Lemon Herb Couscous
Israeli couscous is fluffed with lemon juice, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and roasted nuts. It adds texture and a little tang.
Extras:
Toss in chopped cucumber or kalamata olives.
13. Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas
These peas remain crisp and sweet when sautéed in butter and finished with sea salt. Their bite brightens rich, fatty salmon.
Personalize:
Toss with chili flakes for some heat.
14. Honey Glazed Carrots
Roast sliced carrots with honey, a bit of brown sugar, and orange juice. The natural sweetness pops against salmon’s savory depth.
Serving Idea:
Garnish with chopped fresh thyme.
15. Lemon Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes
Red potatoes roasted with garlic, rosemary, and lemon slices. The aroma alone will make mouths water.
Finishing Touch:
Chopped chives or parsley.
16. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli florets, tossed in olive oil and parmesan, roasted until edges are crisp and cheese is golden.
Add-In:
Lemon zest before serving.
17. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cube and roast sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, and paprika for a side with sweet heat.
Serve:
Hot and crispy, sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
18. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Whole or sliced carrots roasted with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar caramelize beautifully. There’s a tangy sweetness that pops.
Try:
Serve warm, finished with cracked black pepper.
19. Zucchini Noodle Pesto
Swap traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini. Toss with a creamy pesto sauce—basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil.
Pro Tip:
Briefly sauté zoodles to avoid excess moisture.
20. Lemon Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of cumin, then roasted. This side is light, nutty, and quick.
Idea:
Serve sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.
21. Sesame Rice
Fluffy steamed rice flavored with a touch of toasted sesame oil. It’s understated, letting the salmon shine.
Finish:
Top with sliced scallions or roasted sesame seeds.
22. Dill Cucumber Salad
Thin cucumber slices, tossed with sour cream and plenty of fresh dill. Cool, crunchy, and bright.
Tip:
Let this salad chill so flavors meld.
23. Almond Rice Pilaf
Basmati rice cooked with golden raisins, toasted almonds, cumin, and cinnamon for a subtle fusion of sweet and savory.
Serving Suggestion:
Fresh chopped parsley for color.
24. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Sauté whole or sliced mushrooms in plenty of garlic butter. Their earthy richness flatters simple salmon preparations.
Extra:
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
25. Grilled Corn On The Cob
Charred sweet corn, brushed with a bit of butter and salt, brings summer to your plate. The juicy kernels offset flaky salmon.
Optional:
Sprinkle with fresh chili powder or squeeze lime over the cobs.
Quick Reference Table
| Side Dish | Key Ingredients | Texture/Flavors | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Butter Pasta | Pasta, lemon, cream | Bright, silky | 15 min |
| Garlic Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, butter | Crisp, savory | 10 min |
| Parmesan Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, parmesan, rosemary | Crispy, fluffy | 30 min |
| Broccolini With Lemon | Broccolini, lemon, butter | Tender, bright | 15 min |
| Thai Noodle Salad | Rice noodles, veggies, peanut sauce | Crunchy, tangy | 20 min |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy | Bok choy, soy, garlic, ginger | Juicy, aromatic | 8 min |
| Crispy Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, balsamic, cheese | Caramelized, crisp | 20 min |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime | Fluffy, zesty | 20 min |
| Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, hollandaise | Tender, rich | 14 min |
| Colorful Cabbage Slaw | Cabbage, carrots, vinegar | Crunchy, fresh | 10 min |
| Creamy Mushroom Risotto | Arborio rice, mushrooms, cheese | Creamy, earthy | 30 min |
| Lemon Herb Couscous | Couscous, lemon, herbs, nuts | Light, tangy | 15 min |
| Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas | Sugar snap peas, butter | Sweet, crisp | 6 min |
| Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, orange | Sweet, bright | 20 min |
| Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes | Red potatoes, rosemary, garlic, lemon | Hearty, aromatic | 25 min |
| Parmesan Broccoli | Broccoli, parmesan | Nutty, crisp | 15 min |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, spices | Sweet, spicy | 20 min |
| Balsamic Carrots | Carrots, balsamic, brown sugar | Tangy, sweet | 20 min |
| Zucchini Noodle Pesto | Zucchini, pesto | Light, herbal | 10 min |
| Lemon Roasted Cauliflower | Cauliflower, lemon, cumin | Nutty, bright | 15 min |
| Sesame Rice | Rice, sesame oil | Toasty, subtle | 15 min |
| Dill Cucumber Salad | Cucumber, dill, sour cream | Cool, creamy | 10 min |
| Almond Rice Pilaf | Rice, almonds, raisins, spices | Savory, sweet | 20 min |
| Garlic Mushrooms | Mushrooms, garlic, butter | Earthy, rich | 10 min |
| Grilled Corn | Corn, butter, seasoning | Juicy, sweet | 12 min |
Making It Your Own
Feel free to mix and match these sides with your favorite salmon preparations. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or poaching, you’ll find something here to round out your meal. The variety keeps things interesting, with options ranging from crisp veggies to hearty grains and refreshing salads. Try pairing rich salmon with lighter sides for balance, or go bold with robust flavors for a standout feast.
With these 25 versatile ideas, your next salmon dinner is covered from start to finish.
25 Best Side Dishes For Salmon
Wondering what to serve with salmon? There’s plenty to choose from. Try a crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad. Or pick a meaty and satisfying mushroom risotto. For something clean and quick, try this delicious pesto fettuccine recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Add water and a generous pinch of salt to a large pot. Bring that to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine for about 8 minutes. It should be tender with a slight bite.
- Drain the pasta and quickly transfer it into a large bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, gently melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium to low heat. Stir in the garlic and pesto and cook for 2-3 minutes until it's fragrant.
- Pour the garlic, pesto, and butter mixture over the cooked fettuccine and toss to coat.
- Serve with flaky, baked salmon, and enjoy!