Salmon is one of the most versatile and flavorful types of fish, making it a popular choice for many home-cooked meals. But what is best served with salmon to create a balanced, delicious dish? The right side dish can elevate your meal, whether you’re grilling, baking, or poaching the salmon. From fresh vegetables to hearty grains and refreshing salads, there are numerous sides to explore. Additionally, choosing complementary flavors will enhance the salmon’s taste. Let’s dive into the best options to serve with your salmon.
Vegetable Side Dishes That Pair Well With Salmon
When considering what is best served with salmon, vegetables often top the list. Vegetables provide a healthy, flavorful contrast to salmon’s richness and add color and texture to the dish. Moreover, they help create a well-balanced meal. Below are some top vegetable side dishes that work perfectly with salmon.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus perfectly complements salmon. By roasting the asparagus with olive oil and lemon zest, you can create a crispy, slightly charred texture that enhances the tenderness of the fish. The lemon zest brightens the salmon’s flavor, thus making it an easy and delicious pairing.
For those wanting to explore more vegetable options, consider checking out this article on what pairs well with salmon, which offers a deeper dive into complementary side dishes.
Simple Broccolini
When thinking about what is best served with salmon, you can’t overlook roasted broccolini. Its slightly bitter flavor, combined with garlic and a squeeze of lemon, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of salmon. In addition, broccolini’s crispy texture works especially well with garlic-butter salmon.
Buttery Garlic Green Beans
For a classic side, buttery garlic green beans make an excellent option for grilled or baked salmon. Sauté fresh green beans in butter and season them with lemon pepper to create a simple yet flavorful dish. Furthermore, the bright green beans bring a fresh element that balances the heartiness of the salmon.
If you’re looking for additional inspiration on vegetable side dishes, check out this guide on the best vegetable sides for salmon, which includes more great options.
Salads That Work with Salmon
When deciding what is best served with salmon, salads are always a good idea. A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the fish and enhances its natural flavors. Moreover, salads bring texture and brightness to the meal. Below are some of the best salads that complement salmon.
Kale, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad
One of the healthiest choices for what is best served with salmon is a kale, quinoa, and avocado salad. This nutrient-packed salad combines the bitterness of kale with creamy avocado and hearty quinoa. A lemon-Dijon vinaigrette adds a zesty touch that pairs beautifully with baked or grilled salmon, thus enhancing the freshness and balancing the fish’s richness.
Asian Cucumber Salad
If you’re looking for a salad with a bit of a kick, try an Asian cucumber salad. The crisp cucumbers, paired with chili-garlic sauce and rice vinegar, add a refreshing crunch. Therefore, the tangy dressing helps cut through the richness of the salmon, especially soy-glazed or miso salmon.
Adrienne’s Cucumber Salad
For a lighter option, Adrienne’s cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with poached or smoked salmon. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions, dress them with a simple vinaigrette, and you’ll have a crisp side that balances the richness of the fish without overwhelming its natural flavors.
To explore more salad pairings, check out this guide on salad pairings for salmon, which offers various ideas to serve alongside salmon.
Grain-Based Sides That Complement Salmon
Grains provide texture and heartiness, making them a great choice for what is best served with salmon. Additionally, grains help absorb the flavors of the salmon and any accompanying sauces, creating a complete, balanced meal. Here are some of the top grain-based sides for salmon:
Couscous Primavera
Couscous primavera offers a light and flavorful side to accompany salmon. Combine couscous with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and peas to create a vibrant dish. Moreover, couscous soaks up the flavors of any seasonings or sauces on the salmon, making it an ideal pairing with baked or sheet pan salmon.
Gourmet Mushroom Risotto
If you’re seeking a richer side dish, gourmet mushroom risotto works beautifully with salmon. The creamy, earthy flavors of the risotto contrast with the tender texture of oven-baked salmon. As a result, this indulgent option works well for more elaborate meals.
Sarah’s Rice Pilaf
For a simpler option, rice pilaf is an excellent choice when thinking about what is best served with salmon. The combination of orzo pasta, garlic, and chicken broth brings subtle, nutty flavors that enhance the richness of garlic-butter salmon. Furthermore, the rice pilaf soaks up any savory sauces, adding depth to the dish.
For more grain-based side dish inspiration, you can explore what Gordon Ramsay serves with salmon for ideas from one of the top chefs in the world.
Potato-Based Side Dishes for Salmon
Potatoes are a staple side dish when considering what is best served with salmon. Whether roasted, mashed, or fried, they complement the flavors of the fish. Below are some delicious potato options:
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Roasted baby potatoes pair perfectly with herb-crusted or baked salmon. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic before roasting them to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Additionally, the crispy texture balances the soft, flaky salmon, while the herbs add aromatic depth to the dish.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting, creamy side for pan-seared or grilled salmon. The smooth texture of the mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the flaky consistency of the salmon. Moreover, the garlic adds a savory flavor, making this an ideal side for many salmon dishes.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly healthier, yet indulgent option, sweet potato fries are an excellent choice for smoked or barbecued salmon. The natural sweetness of the fries contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of the salmon. Their crispy texture also adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Pasta Dishes That Pair with Salmon
When considering what is best served with salmon, pasta dishes often make the list. They add richness to the meal while complementing the salmon’s flavors, creating a satisfying and complete dish. Below are some pasta ideas:
Light Lemon Pesto Pasta
Light lemon pesto pasta adds fresh, citrusy flavors that pair well with salmon. The basil pesto and lemon zest provide a zesty contrast to the richness of the fish, making it ideal for herb-baked or grilled salmon. In addition, the lightness of the pasta ensures that the salmon remains the focus of the meal.
Instant Pot Linguine with Pesto and Peas
If you’re searching for a creamy pasta dish, instant pot linguine with pesto and peas is a wonderful pairing with baked or grilled salmon. The pesto sauce adds depth to the meal, while the sweet peas provide a gentle contrast to the richness of the salmon.
Creamy Garlic Butter Fettuccine
For those who enjoy indulgent pasta, creamy garlic butter fettuccine is a perfect match for salmon. The garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious layer of flavor to the fettuccine, making it an excellent side for oven-baked or pan-seared salmon. This combination delivers a satisfying meal, ideal for a special occasion.
To explore more pasta pairings, check out sauce ideas for salmon, where you can find additional inspiration for pasta dishes to serve with salmon.
Unique and International Side Dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate your salmon meal, unique and international flavors offer creative answers to what is best served with salmon. Here are some exciting options:
Cauliflower Tabbouleh
For a low-carb, grain-free option, cauliflower tabbouleh provides a refreshing side. This salad, made with cauliflower rice, parsley, mint, and lemon juice, adds a zesty touch to garlic-butter salmon. The fresh herbs and citrus flavors balance the richness of the salmon, thereby adding brightness to the dish.
Asian Coleslaw with Peanut Butter Dressing
If you’re looking for something more exotic, Asian coleslaw with peanut butter dressing provides bold, tangy flavors that pair well with teriyaki or sweet-glazed salmon. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and peanut butter dressing brings crunch and creaminess, creating an exciting flavor combination with the fish.
Citrus-Ginger Roasted Beets and Carrots
Citrus-ginger roasted beets and carrots deliver a sweet and earthy side dish with a hint of tanginess. The ginger and citrus dressing enhances the smoky flavors of cedar-planked or grilled salmon, resulting in a balanced and flavorful meal. This dish adds an exciting twist to traditional salmon meals.
FAQs
What is the best vegetable to serve with salmon?
Roasted asparagus, broccolini, and green beans are some of the best vegetables to serve with salmon. These vegetables add a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich, savory flavors of the fish.
What starch goes well with salmon?
Rice, couscous, potatoes, and pasta pair beautifully with salmon. These starches provide a hearty base for the fish and help absorb the flavors of any accompanying sauces or seasonings.
Is salad a good side for salmon?
Yes, salads such as cucumber salad, kale and quinoa salad, and Asian-inspired salads are excellent sides for salmon. They bring a refreshing, light contrast to the richness of the fish, balancing the flavors of the meal.
What flavors pair best with salmon?
Flavors like citrus, garlic, fresh herbs, and ginger pair beautifully with salmon. These ingredients enhance the fish’s natural flavors and complement its delicate texture.
Conclusion
When considering what is best served with salmon, the possibilities are endless. Whether you choose fresh vegetables, hearty grains, or indulgent pasta dishes, the right side dish will elevate your salmon and create a balanced, flavorful meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to discover what works best with your favorite salmon recipes.
For more ideas and inspiration, explore this guide on the best sides for salmon, where you’ll find even more creative side dishes to try.