So, you’ve got a beautiful piece of salmon ready to cook — but now you’re stuck wondering, “What are some of the best sides for Salmon?” Don’t worry, the problem is solved. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or anything in between, the perfect side dish can make your salmon even better.
From fresh veggies and grains to creamy pastas and salads, these 27 sides for salmon will have your taste buds dancing. Scroll down to check out the best sides that go with salmon!
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- 1. Crispy Potatoes
- 2. Steamed Asparagus
- 3. Glazed Carrots
- 4. Microwave Baby Bok Choy with Miso Sauce
- 5. Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions
- 6. Grilled Mushroom Skewers
- 7. Roasted Broccoli
- 8. Roasted Mushrooms
- 9. Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers
- 10. Roasted Cauliflower
- 11. Classic Risotto
- 12. Grilled Green Beans
- 13. Miso Roasted Carrots
- 14. Fried Rice with Peas
- 15. Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
- 16. Sauteed Zucchini
- 17. Creamed Spinach
- Salad To Pair With Salmon
- 18. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- 19. Farro Salad
- 20. Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
- 21. Kale Quinoa Salad
- 22. Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing
- 23. Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
- 24. Caesar Salad
- Pasta Sides for Salmon
- 25. One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta
- 26. Baked Feta Pasta
- 27. Light Lemon Pesto Pasta
- 27 Best Sides for Salmon
1. Crispy Potatoes
You know what makes salmon even better? Crispy smashed potatoes. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s like something you'd get at a seaside cafe in Italy. A little lemon squeeze over both? Perfect. It’s one of those simple things that just hits right. Honestly, I could eat this on repeat and never get bored.
2. Steamed Asparagus
You can serve your freshly cooked salmon with this steamed asparagus. It’s bright green and tender. Just add a little olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon, then it’s good to go. It’s simple and quick. Plus, it’s a nice way to balance out a buttery salmon. Sometimes, simple is just better!
3. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots and salmon? Yeah, that just works. Sweet, buttery, and with a little bit of a caramelized edge, these carrots bring the perfect balance to the salmon. Just add honey and a sprinkle of salt. It’s the kind of side that feels fancy but is actually super simple.
4. Microwave Baby Bok Choy with Miso Sauce
Steamed baby bok choy with a miso sauce? That’s an easy win with salmon. The miso adds a savory taste while a quick steam keeps the bok choy tender. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top—simple, clean, and irresistibly good.
5. Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions
These smashed potatoes with peas and lemon will perfectly match your fresh salmon. The crispy edges and creamy insides balance perfectly with the bright citrus pop. Sweet peas and tender pearl onions add a little extra flavor.
6. Grilled Mushroom Skewers
Nothing beats grilled mushrooms next to a piece of salmon. Achieve smoky and slightly crispy edged mushrooms through this recipe. A quick toss on the grill, a squeeze of lemon, and it’s done. Oh, Don’t forget to add a little garlic and olive oil!
7. Roasted Broccoli
This recipe of roasted broccoli is the way to go when salmon’s on the menu. It’s like bringing a little rustic Italian touch to the table. Lemon adds a pop that keeps it fresh. This is a must-try!
8. Roasted Mushrooms
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I love pairing roasted mushrooms with salmon — the smoky flavor from the paprika and that little punch of garlic make it a solid match. The mushrooms get all crispy on the edges and soak up the olive oil.
9. Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers
This reminds me of those delicious sides you'd get at a street market. The cucumbers are super crisp, soaking up the garlic and sesame dressing. Plus, it’s easy to make, just smash, mix, and you’re good. Perfect when you want a side dish that will add a little spice to your salmon.
10. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is one of my go-to with salmon. It’s crispy, a little garlicky, and I also squeeze lemon on it. Its taste is just perfectly matched with the salmon.You can just toss it in the oven while the salmon cooks!
11. Classic Risotto
Risotto is my favorite side with salmon. It’s creamy, a little buttery, and soaks up whatever ingredients you add. Stirring feels kinda tiring but it’s totally worth it when you are already eating it with your salmon. (P.S Don’t overcook it!)
12. Grilled Green Beans
What I love about these Grilled Green Beans is they’re simple. You just have to toss it with olive oil, lemon, and salt. It adds crunch that balances the tenderness of the salmon. Plus, they cook up fast, so it’s an easy win for a meal.
13. Miso Roasted Carrots
When I eat salmon, miso roasted carrots are usually on the side. The glaze is sweet and salty, and the carrots are perfectly browned. It’s one of those sides that’s easy to make but feels like you tried harder than you did.
14. Fried Rice with Peas
Of course, you can have rice as a side for your salmon. Try this fried rice recipe, it has veggies and goes great with any sauce from the fish. Bonus — it’s a great way to use up leftover rice!
15. Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
Salmon and lemon couscous with broccoli are also a great match. The couscous soaks up all the flavor from the other ingredients. Plus, the broccoli adds a pop of green and a nice crunch that makes the whole plate look and taste good.
16. Sauteed Zucchini
You can never go wrong with this Stir-fried zucchini as a side for salmon. It’s simple and super easy to make. All you need are fresh zucchini, garlic, olive oil and soy sauce. Perfect when you want a quick, tasty side.
17. Creamed Spinach
This Creamed spinach recipe is easy to make and adds a nice contrast to the salmon. It’s creamy, and the garlic adds a little spice while the spinach keeps it fresh. It’s a perfect combo!
Salad To Pair With Salmon
18. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Partner this Mediterranean chickpea salad with your salmon and see how the taste of both adds something new. You’ll love the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and the lemon dressing. Also, the chickpeas are perfect but it does not overpower the main dish.
19. Farro Salad
Farro salad has that nice nutty bite and lemony dressing which makes it perfect with Salmon. Add lemon, herbs and feta for a little taste of sour and salty. This recipe deserves to be added on your side's menu!
20. Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
If you're grilling salmon, this grilled potato and corn salad is a great choice for a side. It has the smoky flavor from the grill and you can mix it with creamy dressing and fresh herbs. I love the mix of crispy and tender, and it goes perfectly with the juicy salmon.
21. Kale Quinoa Salad
You can also consider this Kale and quinoa salad to serve with your salmon. The leafy veggies, quinoa, and lemon dressing bring a perfect contrast. And don’t forget the quinoa, it will add just the right amount of texture with salmon.
22. Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing
I made this Greek pasta salad the other night to partner with our salmon, and as expected, my family loved it! The creamy feta dressing is a little salty that brings out the flavor of the fish even more. Plus, the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and salty olives add such a good bite. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
23. Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
If you’re having salmon this creamy cucumber radish salad makes a great side. The cucumbers and peppery radishes mix perfectly with the creamy dressing, it’s just wow! This is exactly what you need to balance the taste of salmon.
24. Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad is classic for a reason. It can be added to almost every main dish including the Salmon. It’s crispy because of the croutons and you can really taste the garlic dressing that makes a perfect contrast. I garnish it with parmesan because it gives it something extra.
Pasta Sides for Salmon
25. One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta
Whenever I make salmon, my family is always asking for this broccoli cheese pasta as a side. They really love the creamy sauce and tender broccoli, and I can’t blame them. The cheesy goodness goes great with the moist fish. I’m sure you’ll love it too!
26. Baked Feta Pasta
You know that baked feta pasta that’s been all over the internet? I tried it with the salmon, and honestly, I immediately added it to my cookbook. The creamy feta melts into the roasted tomatoes, making it saucy. But what do I love the most? It’s so easy to make, try it for yourself!
27. Light Lemon Pesto Pasta
We had leftover lemon pesto pasta the other night and the next day we had salmon, and we tried to eat it together for the first time. Ever heard of “Love at first bite”? We had that. The basil and lemon gives it a fresh taste, and the Parmesan brings a nice bit of saltiness. Every bite with the salmon is so good.
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27 Best Sides for Salmon
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- 1. Crispy Potatoes
- 2. Steamed Asparagus
- 3. Glazed Carrots
- 4. Microwave Baby Bok Choy with Miso Sauce
- 5. Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions
- 6. Grilled Mushroom Skewers
- 7. Roasted Broccoli
- 8. Roasted Mushrooms
- 9. Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers
- 10. Roasted Cauliflower
- 11. Classic Risotto
- 12. Grilled Green Beans
- 13. Miso Roasted Carrots
- 14. Fried Rice with Peas
- 15. Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
- 16. Sauteed Zucchini
- 17. Creamed Spinach
- 18. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- 19. Farro Salad
- 20. Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
- 21. Kale Quinoa Salad
- 22. Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing
- 23. Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
- 24. Caesar Salad
- 25. One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta
- 26. Baked Feta Pasta
- 27. Light Lemon Pesto Pasta
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