10 Best Vegetables to serve with Fish You’ll Enjoy

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

It can be difficult to know what vegetables to serve with fish. Fish is a delicate protein, and it doesn’t always pair well with strong flavors. Nonetheless, fish is one of my favorite things to eat, but my husband, on the other hand, tends to shy away from it. To sway his mind, I decided to visit a quaint little community restaurant that offered a variety of fish options. After all, it was date night.

The menu had so many delectable options, that it was hard to make a decision. I finally decided on the salmon with a roasted vegetable medley. To my delighted surprise, my husband enjoyed his meal just as much as I did! The vegetables complemented the fish perfectly.

Ever since that wonderful evening, I have been on the lookout for vegetables that pair well with fish. So keep reading as I explore some of the tastiest and most nutritious vegetables to serve as side dishes with fish. Here are my top picks.

Vegetables to serve with Fish

  1. Green Beans
  2. Peas
  3. Asparagus
  4. Green Beans
  5. Corn on The Cob
  6. Carrots
  7. Salads
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Zucchini
  10. Steamed Vegetables with Garlic

Green Beans

I’ll start things off with green beans and they go so well with fish because they are both light and refreshing. They are the perfect vegetable to pair with a delicate fish like flounder or tilapia.

And there are so many ways to prepare them! One of my favorites is to blanch the green beans in boiling water for just a few minutes, then shock them in ice water. This helps them to retain their bright green color. Then I sauté them in a little bit of butter and garlic.

Similarly, you could also roast the green beans in the oven with some olive oil and parmesan cheese. And of course, green beans are also a great addition to a salad or grain bowl. There are endless ways to utilize green beans as a side dish for fish. So get creative and experiment until you find a combination that you really love!

Peas

Peas, like green beans, are light and refreshing and take only a few minutes to prepare. In truth, some people may think that peas are boring. But trust me, when they’re prepared right, they can really liven up a meal.

Plus, they have a delicate flavor that pairs really well with just about any type of fish. The key is to cook them until they’re nice and soft, then add a little bit of butter and salt to taste. I like to use frozen peas because they tend to be more tender than fresh peas. But if you can’t find frozen peas, fresh peas will work just fine. Just make sure to cook them long enough so that they’re nice and soft.

With that said, to prepare simply sauté the frozen peas in a little bit of butter and garlic. You could also add some chopped bacon or pancetta for extra flavor. Once they are cooked, they can be served as is or mashed into a creamy side dish.

In addition to being served alongside fish, mashed peas can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another excellent vegetable to serve with fish. It has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with most types of fish. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins.

There are a few different ways that you can prepare asparagus. One of the most popular methods is to roast it in the oven. To do this, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cut the asparagus into pieces and drizzle with olive oil. Next, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, roast in the oven until they are tender.

Another great way to prepare asparagus is to grill them. This gives them a nice smoky flavor that pairs well with fish. To grill asparagus, simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Then, brush the asparagus with olive oil and grill for a few minutes.

No matter how you choose to prepare asparagus, it makes for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with fish.

Corn on The Cob

Next, let’s talk about corn on the cob, y’all. This is a seriously underrated side dish. It’s sweet, it’s crunchy, and it goes perfectly with fish. I mean, what’s not to love?

In addition, it’s pretty darn easy to prepare. Just shuck the corn, throw it on the grill, and slather on some butter. Yum! Now, if you’re looking for something a little more fancy-schmancy, you can always try adding some cheese or herbs to the mix. But even plain ol’ boiled corn will do the trick.

Carrots

Following corn on the cob, I also love serving carrots as a side dish with fish. Carrots go really well with fish because they’re both light and healthy. Plus, they add a touch of sweetness to the dish. And we all know that a little bit of sweetness tends to appeal to most people.

Now, to prepare this side dish, simply wash and chop your carrots into bite-sized pieces. Then, steam or saute them until they’re nice and tender. You can also add a little bit of butter or olive oil to give them some extra flavor. I like to garnish my carrots with a sprinkle of parsley or chives, but you can use whatever you like.

Moreover, this side dish is versatile enough to be used with just about any type of fish. But in my opinion, it goes best with a nice piece of salmon or trout. Either way, just be sure to give this carrot side dish a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Salads

Next up I have salads. I know, I know. Salads are pretty much the go-to side dish for just about any type of meal. But that’s because they’re so darn versatile and easy to make.

So whether it is a simple green salad or a more elaborate affair with tomatoes, onions, and cheese, salads are the perfect complement to any fish dish. Not only do they add color and flavor to the plate, but they also help to round out the meal and provide essential nutrients.

In addition, salads can be easily prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for busy cooks who want to enjoy a stress-free meal.

Beyond that, salads can be easily customized to suit any number of tastes and preferences. As a result, they offer diners a welcome opportunity to create their own unique version of the dish. While salads may not be the most exciting option on the menu, they definitely have a lot to offer when it comes to pairing with fish.

Cauliflower