Best Side Dishes for Salmon

Salmon for dinner is the ultimate superfood meal. Not only is Salmon packed with healthy fats and is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet but it tastes great too. There’s only one other thing that can top salmon by itself and that’s knowing the best side dishes for salmon. It can be prepared a variety of ways, which makes it easy to add into your weekly menu plan.

The best sides for salmon include roasted vegetables for their savory crunch, creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting contrast, and quinoa salad for a healthy, protein-packed complement. Other favorites include steamed broccoli, which provides a light, nutrient-dense side, and couscous, a fluffy grain that absorbs flavors well and adds a satisfying texture to the meal.

What To Serve With Salmon

There are many salmon side dishes to choose from and we’ve tried to make your job easier by selecting our favorites. Combine these together or eat them on their own with your main. There are a lot of really great side options out there to help balance out your meal.

Here are some simple ones to make that pair great with salmon.

1. Cider Glazed Carrots

Carrots are extra sweet when you add fresh apple cider and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can roast or steam your carrots ahead of time. When you are ready to serve, heat a sauté pan with some butter or oil. When the pan is hot, add the carrots to reheat. Then add small amount of apple cider and a drizzle of maple syrup. Toss to coat all of the carrots and cook for just a few minutes, or until the cider starts to evaporate and creates a glaze.

If you’re not a fan of cider glazing you can also serve honey glazed carrots.

2. Black Bean and Mango Salad

This salad is a great side for salmon during the warm months, but it is also great in the winter. You can use fresh vegetables or canned vegetables are fine, too.

Mix together black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, diced red onions, mango, fresh chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. If you want the salad to be spicy, dice up a small jalapeno and toss it in. The salad is best served if you can refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. Even a drop of lemon juice and you’ll be in love with this side.

3. Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta. Roast a whole spaghetti squash at 400F for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. Make sure that you poke it first with a fork a few times. Scrape out the seeds and then, using a fork, scrape out the squash. While the squash is still hot, toss gently in a large bowl with roasted tomatoes (canned will work fine!) and fresh basil. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if you would like.

4. Steamed Green Beans

Sometimes the best side dish for salmon is a very simple one – like these green beans. Find some fresh green beans and be sure to clean them before cooking. Steam them in a steamer or a pot of boiling water. Once they are done, simply toss with salt and pepper. For added flavor, add some fresh lemon zest.

5. Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Fresh fish pairs really well with creamy, rich mashed potatoes. Prepare mashed potatoes and then when they are done, gently stir in fresh garlic and fresh herbs. Thyme, parsley, and oregano are great herb options here. For extra creaminess, add in a few dollops of sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt.

6. Broccoli with Slivered Almonds

Steamed broccoli is another nutritious side dish for salmon. Steam fresh broccoli pieces and then drain any excess water. Heat oil or butter in a large sauté pan. Add the slivered almonds and allow them to toast until they are slightly brown and fragrant. Then add the broccoli and turn off the heat. Gently toss everything together and serve.

See Also: Sushi Salmon Bake Recipe

7. Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are great for roasting. Prior to sticking them in the oven, toss with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. Dried rosemary will also work if you cannot find fresh. Roast in the oven until they are crispy and brown. Roasted potatoes are also really great to make in an air fryer if you have one. They are really delicious!

8. Parmesan Noodles

Spaghetti doesn’t always have to have tomato sauce. This side preparation is super simple and very kid friendly. Instead of pairing with a tomato sauce, simply drizzle the noodles with melted butter and sprinkle fresh grated parmesan on top. Don’t forget the fresh cracked pepper!

9. Brussels Sprout and Apple Slaw

Brussels sprouts can also taste awesome fresh. In fact, they are really great option for salads and slaws. You just need to slice them up really thin so that they are easier to chew without being cooked. A mandolin is the best tool to thinly slice Brussels sprouts. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife will also work.

Simply cut the Brussels sprouts into shredded pieces. Do the same with some fresh apples. Granny smith work best for this recipe.

Toss the brussels sprouts with your favorite slaw dressing or you can make your own. Some other tasty mix-ins for this slaw are fresh nuts and dried berries.

10. Couscous with Summer Squash

Couscous is a great way to mix up your side options. It’s easy to find in the supermarkets and really simple to prepare. Saute some diced zucchini or summer squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once you have cooked the couscous, add in diced zucchini or summer squash. Toss with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dish can be served as a hot side or a cold salad option, whichever you prefer. It also makes great leftovers.

11. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are sweet, delicious, and make a great side option for salmon. You don’t need to add many extra ingredients to get a flavorful side dish here. Poke the sweet potatoes before baking them. Once they are fully cooked, you can cut in half and finish with some butter, salt, and pepper.

12. Green Vegetables with Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce pairs perfectly with salmon. It also is a great sauce option for most green vegetables. Asparagus is the classic option, but don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit. Some other options could be broccolini or green beans.

13. Simple Rice Pilaf

There really is not a more classic side option than rice pilaf. It’s a simple dish that will satisfy almost anyone’s taste buds. Instead of using plain water to cook your rice, use chicken or vegetable stock. Sauté some onions and garlic in the pan prior to adding the rice. Add the rice and let it toast for a few moments. Add in the stock and then cook the rice until it’s fluffy and delicious! 

14. Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Try to find fresh tomatoes for this recipe. It will make a huge difference! It’s so simple, you just need a few ingredients on hand. You can use any type of tomato, just cut them into bite-size pieces. Toss with high quality olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs and cucumber. Basil, parsley, mint, and cilantro are great herb options for this recipe.

15. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a terrific side option for salmon during the fall and winter months. The squash can be halved or quartered, depending on the size of your squash and how large you want the portions to be. Before roasting the squash halves, add this tasty stuffing mixture. The stuffing mixture is made by sauteing onions, apples, and fresh chopped herbs. Once the mixture is cooked and toss together, add it to the acorn squash halves. Roast at 400F for 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

16. Cilantro Lime Roasted Corn

Alternatively, corn is a great side option for salmon in the summertime. Fresh corn will work best for this recipe. Roast the corn cobs whole in an oven at 400F for about 25 minutes. Remove the corn from the oven and allow to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, remove the corn and put it into a large bowl. Toss with lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro. Add salt and pepper, if desired. Get fancy and add some cilantro lime rice into the mix for another perfect dish.

17. Vegetable Frittata

A frittata is a great way to add protein to any meal. It’s made with eggs and vegetables and is low carb and full of nutrition. Simply sauté your choice of fresh vegetables in a non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet.

Whisk 6-8 eggs in a small bowl and then add to the skillet. You can add cream and cheese here if you would like but it’s not necessary. Put the skillet in a preheated oven (350F) and cook until the eggs are completely set. Slice into small wedges and serve alongside your salmon.

Want to make it even better? Add some freshly grated parmesan cheese! Parmesan cheese is the perfect compliment to any side dish you choose but especially mixed with veggie frittata.

18. Steamed Artichokes

Artichokes are a fun, interactive side option that also pairs well with salmon. A great dipping sauce is key here. One simple sauce option is to mix together full fat plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. You can steam artichokes right in a regular saucepan with a little bit of water. You can add garlic, salt, and pepper to add flavor to the artichokes.

Once the artichokes are fully cooked, simply peel off each of the leaves and dip the bottom part into the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to spread some of the sauce on your salmon, too!

19. Corn on the Cob

Serving corn on the cob with our salmon is certainly one way to unlock the true flavor of your dish. Not only is it extremely healthy but it’s so tasty too. My kids love it. I do too since this is one side that’s so easy to make. Pop it into boiling water, add salt and you’re on your way to an incredible side.

This side dish to serve with salmon certainly beats using frozen peas and that’s a fact!

20. Hasselback Potatoes

Don’t even think about making salmon without adding this delicious hasselback potatoes recipe. This brings excitement back to making potatoes and is so easy to make, just follow our instructions and you can’t go wrong. It’s all in cutting the potatoes correctly.

21. Baby Carrots

I’m a big fan of cracker barrel recipes and these baby carrots are no exception. So easy to make and cook up for our family in know time. They’re really healthy so will add to any low carb recipe like this one.

22. Couscous

Couscous is a versatile grain that’s a staple in many cuisines, particularly in North Africa. It’s made from semolina wheat and is prized for its light, fluffy texture and its ability to absorb flavors well. Couscous cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. It can be easily flavored with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to complement the taste of salmon. Moreover, it’s a great source of protein and fiber, adding a nutritious boost to your meal.

23. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a vibrant, nutritious side dish that pairs excellently with salmon. This green vegetable holds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture when steamed correctly, which can provide a pleasant contrast to the rich, tender salmon. Steaming is a healthy cooking method as it preserves most of the broccoli’s nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and others. For added flavor, the steamed broccoli can be tossed with a dash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of garlic, or a drizzle of olive oil. This simple yet delightful side can elevate your salmon meal while also contributing to a balanced diet. This is also a great side for pork chops.

Conclusion

It’s pretty easy to find a simple side dish for salmon. These side options work well for any salmon preparation. Most of them also make for great leftover salmon recipes so you can enjoy the next day if you make too much.

With many of these options, you don’t need to overcomplicate the process while still coming out with a tasty side that will have all of your guests happy. Let us know down below what your favorite side dish is.