The age-old question: what to serve alongside that gorgeous, juicy salmon? Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas, because we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 19 best side dishes to perfectly complement every bite.
1. Buttery Garlic Green Beans
I really think green beans shine best when you keep things minimal. This specific version uses just butter, garlic, and a hit of lemon zest to make those flavors pop.
I recommend using the freshest produce you can find to ensure the best results. It makes for a wonderful family meal when paired with some pan-fried salmon.
2. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
You can never go wrong with a bowl of seasoned rice packed with mushrooms, onions, and plenty of parmesan cheese. This side dish is incredibly indulgent and serves as the perfect partner for a piece of salmon.
While it might look intimidating, I promise it is actually a total breeze to pull off. Anyone can master this quick recipe in no time.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice can sometimes feel a little predictable, but adding cilantro and lime totally changes the game. I love how this basmati rice gets browned in olive oil before being fluffed up to absolute perfection.
It definitely gives the version at Chipotle a run for its money. It is a gorgeous way to round out a salmon dinner.
4. Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
When you toss baby carrots with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar in the oven, something truly special happens. These little bites come out sweet and crunchy and ready to be devoured.
I find they are a particularly lucky companion for any piece of salmon. The combination of flavors and textures creates a really beautiful harmony on the plate.
5. Parmesan Broccoli
Roasting your broccoli with a generous amount of parmesan is my favorite way to make veggies kid-friendly. That nutty and creamy flavor is pure happiness in every single bite.
Honestly, I find it impossible to say no to heaps of baked cheese. This side is so delicious that I might even call it borderline addictive.
6. Lemon Pasta
I like to start with simple dishes that still manage to pack a massive punch. This refreshing lemon pasta comes together in a mere 15 minutes.
The sauce is a lovely blend of cream, white wine, and lemon tossed with al dente noodles. If you add a crispy piece of pan-fried salmon right on top, you have the ultimate healthy dinner.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are wonderfully tender on the inside with a crisp exterior that I love. Roasting them really brings out their natural sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
They make an excellent side for a piece of rich salmon. Plus, the process is a total cinch since you only need the potatoes and some basic seasonings.
8. Lemon Butter Broccolini
Even though it might not be as famous as standard broccoli, I never count out the mighty broccolini. These small stalks are surprisingly flavorful and have so much to offer your plate.
All I need is a little bit of butter and lemon to turn them into the perfect side dish. It is a simple way to elevate your next salmon feast.
9. Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes
In this recipe, red potatoes get roasted to perfection with a mix of rosemary, garlic, and lemon. While the ingredients are quite basic, the final flavor profile is absolutely divine.
I love how easy this is to throw together for a quick weeknight meal. The only part that requires any real effort is slicing up the garlic.
10. Lemon Herb Couscous
Say hello to a vibrant bowl of couscous that I think is the ideal match for salmon. This salad features Israeli couscous mixed with tomatoes, cucumber, raisins, and nuts.
Everything gets tied together with a tangy lemon vinaigrette that tastes so fresh. I like to top mine with a seared salmon fillet for a healthy and unique dinner.
11. Sugar Snap Peas
These sugar snap peas deserve a moment in the spotlight because they hit that perfect balance of sweet and salty. I love that they are sauteed in butter and oil and ready to eat in less than five minutes.
While they are spectacular as is, I sometimes like to customize them with things like pine nuts or parmesan. They bring a wonderful buttery crispness to any meal.
12. Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
I don’t think it gets much better than asparagus spears roasted until they reach crisp perfection. I keep it simple by flavoring them with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper before they go into the oven.
The real magic happens when they are topped with a rich and luscious hollandaise sauce. It is the ultimate side to serve alongside a piece of baked salmon.
13. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
I love pasta as much as anyone, but sometimes I want to avoid the calorie overload. That is why I turn to zucchini noodles for a healthy alternative that still tastes amazing.
This version involves tossing those zoodles in a creamy pesto sauce for a rich and earthy result. Pair them with pan-seared salmon for a light meal that feels completely guilt-free.
14. Asian Coleslaw
I love the look of shredded purple and green cabbage mixed with carrots and red bell peppers. Everything gets coated in a rice vinegar dressing that makes for a very refreshing side dish.
It is easy to see that this colorful bowl is packed with ingredients that are good for you. Best of all, it only takes about 15 minutes to pull the whole thing together.
15. Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots are already naturally delicious, but drizzling them with honey makes them totally irresistible. These are infused with brown sugar and orange juice for a flavor profile that I find really unique.
I love pairing this side with seared salmon to get that perfect contrast of sweet and savory. The mix of tender and crunchy textures is just wonderful.
16. Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
If you are looking for an Asian-inspired twist for your next dinner, I highly recommend this Thai noodle salad. It is loaded with rice noodles and crunchy veggies like carrots, cabbage, and radishes.
The whole thing is smothered in a peanut sauce that is sweet and creamy with just a hint of zest. It is a flavor combination that is truly impressive.
17. Lemon Roasted Asparagus
I was so excited to find a recipe that is this tasty, nutritious, and easy to pull off. You only need one bowl and seven ingredients to get this on the table.
It only takes 10 minutes of roasting time, which is perfect for my busy schedule. Plus, it only has 118 calories per serving, making it a total win in my book.
18. Baby Bok Choy
I think baby bok choy is exactly what you need when you want a quick side dish for salmon. The crisp leaves are full of flavor thanks to a combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Even though it is a very basic dish, it never fails to satisfy. It really is proof that you can find plenty of joy in the simplest recipes.
19. Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes
I believe that garlic, rosemary, and parmesan cheese are the three things that make roasted potatoes feel magical. They create a savory and nutty flavor profile that I find mind-blowingly delicious.
These potatoes come out of the oven perfectly crisp on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside. Every bite is bursting with earthy flavors that are pure bliss.