Salmon is a culinary delight that has earned its place in the hearts of many. Its rich flavor and versatility make it an excellent choice for various meals. When it comes to selecting side dishes to accompany this protein-packed fish, the options are truly endless. From classic comfort foods to nutritious and flavorful vegetables, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most straightforward ways to serve salmon is with simple yet delicious sides that allow its natural flavor to shine through. Grilled, pan-fried, or baked, salmon pairs well with an array of accompaniments.
Lemon Pasta
When seeking a satisfying side dish to accompany salmon, lemon pasta is an excellent choice. The noodles beautifully complement the fish flakes, making it a well-rounded meal that’s also packed with nutrients. This comforting combination is ideal for replenishing after a long day, as its filling nature can curb even the most intense hunger pangs. To elevate the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of capers or freshly ground pepper for added flavor.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Harvest season brings an abundance of green beans, making them the perfect accompaniment to baked salmon. This affordable and delectable pairing offers a winning combination that’s sure to please. When preparing this dish, using fresh green beans is ideal. Simply trim them and they’re ready to be incorporated into your recipe. While frozen and canned options are available, there’s something special about serving warm, buttery green beans – it’s a true delight.
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Discovering the art of roasting vegetables can become a habitual delight, as you find yourself reverting to that trusty sheet pan with astonishing frequency. For me, the crowning jewel of this culinary skill is the transformative effect it has on Brussels sprouts – a vegetable often relegated to the sidelines. Roasted to perfection, these little green gems unfold a symphony of sweet and nutty flavors, deftly balancing their natural earthiness with the rich depth of balsamic notes. The result is an unparalleled gastronomic experience that will leave you craving more – and justifying the frequent use of that sheet pan.
Baby Bok Choy
The delectable flavor of Bok Choy, often likened to a harmonious blend of spinach and cabbage, takes center stage in this recipe. To amplify the Asian-inspired flavors, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic are used in perfect harmony. Choose from olive oil, sesame oil, or chili oil as your preferred cooking medium. One of the best things about Bok Choy is its versatility – when you’re not using it in a dish, it’s a great addition to salads when eaten raw. This quick and easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Stovetop Asparagus with Hollandaise
With this simple recipe for steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, you’ll enjoy a quick and easy preparation that leaves no mess behind. Instead of whisking the sauce ingredients together, use your blender to achieve a rich and creamy texture in no time. For optimal results, be sure to use fresh asparagus spears – if not available, frozen will do just fine. What’s more impressive is that this dish requires only six key ingredients, including salt and pepper, making it an unexpected yet delightful addition to any meal. You might even find yourself struggling to resist the urge to savor every last drop of the delectable sauce.
Asian Coleslaw
Infuse your outdoor gatherings with a pop of color and texture by serving an Asian coleslaw that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of crunchy cabbage, vibrant hues, and crispy sesame seeds makes for a refreshing side dish perfect for a picnic. What sets this slaw apart is the use of sesame dressing, which replaces traditional mayonnaise with healthy fats. A sprinkle of dried wakame seaweed adds an extra layer of complexity, balancing sweet, salty, and crunchy notes. The best part? This coleslaw is just as delicious when made ahead of time, with the flavors melding together to create a delightful harmony.
Sundried Tomato Couscous
A Mediterranean-inspired feast awaits with a piece of salmon served alongside fluffy lemon herb couscous. This semolina-based dish stands out as a lighter alternative to traditional pasta or rice dishes, requiring only 5 minutes of cooking time. The couscous’s subtle texture is further elevated by the addition of chopped parsley, transforming it into a tabouli-inspired delight. Meanwhile, sundried tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese blend together in perfect harmony, adding depth to this already impressive dish.
Fast Mushroom Risotto
While traditional risotto recipes require precision and patience, this quick adaptation condenses the cooking process to get you enjoying a delicious meal in no time. The result is a flavorful dish with a satisfying texture that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses, such as salmon. In particular, earthy mushrooms complement the fish beautifully, adding an unexpected yet familiar twist to the classic combination.
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
When it comes to sides that complement salmon perfectly, grilled or roasted corn on the cob stands out. The versatility of corn allows for numerous preparation methods, but this herby and buttery topping is a game-changer – you’ll likely want to go back for seconds. Since corn is in season during summer, it’s often available at reasonable prices, whether fresh or frozen.
10 Minute Sugar Snap Peas with Lemon
Indulging in sugar snap peas is a delight, whether consumed raw or as part of a refreshing salad. However, cooking them can make the pods more palatable and easier to chew. This straightforward recipe yields a nutritious and effortless side dish that’s sure to please. Elevate it by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top – you might be astonished at how quickly they disappear! Sliced almonds are another delightful topping option.
Honey Glazed Carrots
When it comes to pairing a side dish with salmon, honey glazed carrots are a game-changer. The sweetness of the glaze perfectly complements the savory flavor of the fish, making for a match made in heaven. In this recipe, shredded carrots take center stage and soak up the sweet flavors beautifully, especially when served alongside a fresh green salad. For added convenience, feel free to substitute frozen carrots, which will still yield impressive results with minimal prep time required. And the best part? This delectable dish can be prepared in just three easy steps: create the glaze, cook the carrots, and drizzle – then sit back and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your guests!
Stovetop Garlic and Parmesan Broccoli
While many may view broccoli as a nutritious staple, its unique tree-like appearance only adds to its appeal. To unlock the full potential of this superfood, try incorporating it into a delectable garlic and parmesan sauce that will have even the most finicky eaters coming back for seconds.
Marinated Beet and Red Onion Salad
When it comes to make-ahead chilled beet salads, serving them alongside salmon is a match made in heaven. Allow the fundamental mixture to chill for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Additionally, create a quick and tangy pickle to elevate the dish even further. The best part? This salad will keep for weeks, boasting heart-healthy beets and an abundance of flavor. Feel free to spoon it over a bed of fresh greens or pair it with grilled salmon for a well-rounded meal.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are an incredibly adaptable ingredient that can be elevated with minimal effort and only a few essential components. With as little as two or three key ingredients, you can coax out a depth of flavor that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you prefer your roasted carrots sweet and comforting, spicy and bold, or savory and earthy, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to add some other vegetables to the pan for a colorful medley, or enjoy them as the star of the show.
Sweet Potato Medallions
Satisfy both kids and adults with a unique twist on a classic meal by pairing baked or broiled fish with Sweet Potato Medallions that are sure to delight. These coin-shaped sweet potato slices are expertly seasoned, then roasted to perfection, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft interior that’s simply irresistible.
Not only do these medallions make a great standalone snack, but they also pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces – from ketchup to mayo to sour cream. A match made in heaven, if you will.
Pesto Zoodles
With the right kitchen tools, such as a spiralizer, creating pesto zoodles is a breeze. If you don’t have one handy, you can also find precut zoodles or simply slice your zucchini into long and thin strips. For those who prefer a shortcut, store-bought pesto can be just as effective when time is of the essence. When it comes to nutritionally balanced side dishes, zoodles are an excellent option. Not only do they offer a low-carb and low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, but each bite also packs a nutritious punch, making them a great choice for those looking for a healthier take on classic salmon pairings.
Sesame Rice
Sesame rice is an excellent accompaniment to salmon due to its delicate nutty flavors. This recipe has the potential to elevate a casual dinner into a memorable Japanese-inspired evening, paired with miso soup and succulent salmon. The addition of sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes essential trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese. Whether serving with or without chopsticks, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Consider topping it with dried seaweed or sliced green onions to add an extra layer of depth and visual appeal.
Baked Lemon Asparagus with Parmesan
The roasted asparagus dish boasts a stunning presentation, featuring vibrant green spears topped with a pop of citrusy lemon slices. The key to achieving this perfect balance of crunch and tenderness lies in roasting the asparagus itself, allowing it to absorb the bright flavors of baked-in lemon and melted cheese. Not only is this recipe an aesthetically pleasing one, but it also boasts a host of benefits: not only is it surprisingly low in calories, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for a quick and nutritious meal.
Rice Pilaf with Raisins
In Europe, a classic dinner combination is rice pilaf paired with fish. While it may seem unusual to pair fruit with dinner, the apples and raisins in this dish add a surprising sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the fish. This particular recipe has been adapted for the holidays, incorporating warm spices like cinnamon and allspice to create a cozy atmosphere. For a more savory take, try substituting Italian or Mediterranean seasonings for a unique twist on this beloved dish.
Cucumber and Dill Salad (Gerkensalat)
While this classic German side dish may not be a typical salad by modern standards, its unique charm will still win you over. The versatility of the flavor combinations allows for endless experimentation: swap in fennel for dill or substitute rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar, and you’ll discover that each variation is equally delicious.
Summary
Indulge in these scrumptious recipes with your loved ones and relish the experience. Share your thoughts with us, we’d love to hear them! These mouthwatering dishes are perfect for a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends. With a total preparation time of 20 minutes, you can easily whip up a delicious side dish that’s sure to impress.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.