25 Best Sides For Salmon That You'll Regret Never Trying

There are many good sides to salmon. You can have a lot of fun preparing different side dishes to accompany your fish. However, which ones are the best sides for salmon is a common question I’m sure you’re battling with.

Luckily, just a few key ingredients are all you need to create a variety of delicious and healthy sides for salmon. These good sides for salmon will elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable.

So, without further ado, here are some good sides for salmon that you’ll love!

Good Sides For Salmon

Cilantro Lime Rice
Smashed Broccoli
Quinoa Salad
Bacon Pea Salad
Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree
Grilled Green Beans
Risotto
Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Farro Salad
Roasted Cauliflower

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is the perfect complement to any salmon dish. The zesty flavor of the cilantro and lime combination is a perfect foil for the rich, fatty flavors of the salmon. The rice also helps to absorb some of the excess oil from the salmon, making it a healthier option. Moreover, it can also be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners.

While it is easy to overcook the rice, cilantro lime rice is particularly forgiving. If you are unsure of your cooking times, simply cook the rice for a shorter amount of time and then let it sit in the pan with the lid on for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will allow the rice to continue cooking in the residual heat and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Smashed Broccoli

Smashed broccoli is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The strong flavor of the broccoli pairs well with the rich taste of salmon while its crunchy texture helps to offset the softness of the fish.

While some people find the taste of broccoli to be too overpowering, smashed broccoli has a more subtle flavor that will not overwhelm your palate. Additionally, smashed broccoli is a healthy choice that is low in calories and fat. However, it is important to avoid overcooking the broccoli, as this can cause it to become mushy.

Quinoa Salad

A lot of people shy away from quinoa because they think it’s bland, but what they’re missing out on is its versatility. Quinoa salad is the perfect side dish because it can be dressed up or down, depending on what you’re serving it with.

For example, if you’re having salmon for dinner, you can add some dill and lemon to the quinoa salad to complement the fish. Or, if you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruit.

The best thing about quinoa salad is that it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about eating it. Just be sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking it, otherwise, it will taste bitter. And for extra flavor, cook the quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Bacon Pea Salad

An oldie but goodie, bacon pea salad is the perfect side dish for your next salmon dinner. Peas, bacon, and eggs come together in this dish for a filling and satisfying side. The best part about bacon pea salad is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on cooking your main course.

When it comes to pairing salmon with a side dish, you want something that will complement the fish without overpowering it. Bacon pea salad is the perfect balance of salty and savory flavors. The peas add a nice crunch, while the bacon and eggs provide creaminess and protein.

Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree

This roasted garlic-parsnip puree is the perfect side dish for salmon. The garlic and parsnips are roasted to perfection, and the puree has a creamy, rich taste. It’s also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy option.

Salmon is a fatty fish, so the puree helps to balance out the meal. Plus, the orange color of the puree works well with the pinkish-orange color of cooked salmon. Additionally, when pairing Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree with salmon, be sure to use a milder variety of salmon so that the flavors of the puree don’t overpower the fish.

If you’re looking for a heartier dish, you can add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the puree before serving. Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree can also be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Just remember to add a little bit of water or milk before reheating to help restore the creaminess.

Grilled Green Beans

Salmon is a popular fish that is delicious and healthy, but it can be tricky to know what side dish to pair it with. A great option is grilled green beans. This is a classic side dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but grilling them gives them a unique flavor that pairs well with salmon.

When grilling green beans, be sure to season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil before cooking. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste. Plus, this can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other recipes, such as salads or pasta dishes.

While they are generally healthy, grilled green beans do have some drawbacks. They can be high in fat and calories if not cooked properly, and they may not be suitable for people on certain diets. However, when prepared correctly, grilled green beans make a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Risotto

There’s nothing like a creamy bowl of risotto paired with a juicy piece of salmon. Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made from rice that is cooked in broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. It can be flavored with any number of ingredients, from porcini mushrooms to sun-dried tomatoes.

The key to making perfect risotto is to slowly add the broth, ONE LADLE AT A TIME while stirring constantly. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s well worth the effort. Moreover, if you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked rice, which will speed up the cooking process.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that risotto is best when made with high-quality ingredients. So if you’re using pre-cooked rice, be sure to choose a brand that you trust. For an even heartier dish, try adding some chopped cooked bacon or sausage before serving. Also, don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish over the top.

Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Herb-Roasted Potatoes are a great side dish for salmon. They have a savory taste that compliments the fish well. They are also easy to make and can be roasted in the oven while the salmon is cooking. Plus, the potatoes can be cut into small pieces or left whole if they are small enough.

I prefer to use Yukon Gold potatoes, but any kind of potato will work. Simply toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. I like to use rosemary and thyme. After which, roast them in a 400-degree oven for 45-55 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Additionally, the benefits of Herb-Roasted Potatoes are that they are healthy, low calorie, and go with just about anything. But the downside is that they can be a little bland if not seasoned properly. So be sure to use plenty of salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also add garlic for extra flavor.

Farro Salad

This hearty grain salad has a chew similar to rice, with a mild flavor that has hints of hazelnuts. Toasting the grains before cooking them in chicken broth infuses them with even more flavor.

I like to add plenty of chopped vegetables to my Farro Salad for color, texture, and flavor. I usually go for tomatoes, cucumbers, and scallions, but you could also add shredded carrots or chopped radishes. For an extra boost of protein, I sometimes add chopped cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs.

As for the dressing, I prefer a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar. But you could also use your favorite store-bought dressing. This salad is delicious on its own, or you could serve it as a side dish with grilled salmon or roasted chicken.

Of course, there are still some things to remember when cooking farro:

It’s important to rinse the grains thoroughly before cooking them. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the grains.
Be sure to cook the farro according to the package instructions. Overcooking can make the grains mushy, while undercooking will result in a chewy texture

Roasted Cauliflower

Let’s talk about sides, specifically roasted cauliflower. This is a great side dish for salmon, and here’s why: it’s easy, healthy, and delicious. And, it’s so easy to make!

Here are the simple steps that you can follow to prepare your roasted cauliflower:

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Then, cut a head of cauliflower into florets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the florets on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. The result is a crispy, nutty side dish that pairs perfectly with rich and oily salmon.

And did I mention it’s healthy? Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat more nutrient-rich foods. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, so you can enjoy it without worry.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for some delicious and easy-to-prepare side dishes to serve with your salmon, look no further. These recipes are sure to please, and best of all, they’re all quick and easy to make.

So why not give them a try tonight? I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. You may even find that you like them so much, that you’ll want to make them again and again!

25 Best Sides For Salmon That You’ll Regret Never Trying