What to Serve with Cedar Plank Salmon : 15+ Tasty Ideas

Finding the perfect side dish to serve with cedar plank salmon can be a challenge. This is because there are so many different options out there, and it can be hard to know which ones will pair well with the smoky flavor of the salmon.

I have to say that I’ve experienced the same thing. I’ve tried dozens of different side dishes over the last few months, but I haven’t been able to find one that really stands out. That is, until now.

I’m excited to share with you a list of 15 delicious side dishes that perfectly complement cedar plank salmon’s flavor. These sides range from simple and classic to more unique and innovative options. So no matter your taste preference, you’re sure to find a dish you’ll love.

Side Dishes For Cedar Plank Salmon:

1. Maple glazed sweet potatoes
2. Creamy potato salad
3. Cauliflower rice
4. Green beans & bacon
5. Mediterranean salad
6. Roasted Brussel sprouts
7. Spicy baked potato fries
8. Roasted vegetables
9. Sweet potato & chickpea salad
10. Coconut rice
11. Tricolore salad
12. Pan-fried potatoes
13. Noodle salad
14. Soy sauce
15. Baked sweet potatoes

Maple glazed sweet potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541276448982749021/

These are the perfect side dish for cedar plank salmon. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the salmon.

Plus, they’re really easy to prepare. Simply roast them in the oven with a maple syrup glaze.

If you do not want to use maple syrup or you don’t have it on hand, then you can use honey as a substitute.

Creamy potato salad

This is another great side dish for cedar plank salmon. The creamy potato salad will balance out the smoky flavor of the salmon.

It’s also really easy to prepare. I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes because they’re creamy. But you can use any type of potato that you like.

To make the potato salad, simply boil the potatoes until they’re soft. Then add some mayonnaise, sour cream, and chopped onions. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.

Cauliflower rice

This is a healthier version of standard white rice. It is lighter and has a milder flavor. Which makes it the perfect side dish for cedar plank salmon.

When paired with moist salmon, it makes for a delicious and healthy meal.

To prepare cauliflower rice, simply chop up a head of cauliflower into small pieces. Then add it to a food processor and pulse until it resembles rice grains.

Then cook it in a pan with some olive oil or butter.

Green beans and bacon

Green beans and bacon are a great side dish for cedar plank salmon.

The green beans add a pop of color and the bacon provides a savory flavor that complements the savory salmon perfectly.

Plus, both ingredients are healthy and full of nutrients. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Mediterranean salad

This makes for a great side dish because of the different textures and complementary flavors.

The salad has a variety of ingredients including tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

All of these flavors go well with the smoky taste of cedar plank salmon. The dressing for this salad is also crucial to even out the overall flavor of the dish.

I like to use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic.

Roasted Brussel sprouts

These are a great side dish because they’re healthy and full of flavor. Additionally, they also have a slight bitterness that helps to balance out the sweetness of the salmon.

The key ingredients in roasted Brussel sprouts are roasted garlic, roasted onions, and roasted lemons. These flavors go well with the taste of cedar plank salmon.

The roasted lemons add a touch of acidity to the dish, which helps to cut through the richness of the salmon and roasted vegetables.

Overall, roasted Brussel sprouts help to balance out the flavors of the dish and make it more enjoyable to eat.

Spicy baked potato fries

What’s not to love about baked potatoes? They are healthy tasty and crunchy. However, add some heat and you have a side dish that is sure to please.

Spicy baked potato fries are a great way to add some flavor to your meal. The key ingredients in this dish are chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These spices boost the flavor of the potatoes.

These spicy potatoes also enhance the taste of the salmon, which increases its depth of flavor.

Roasted vegetables

The great thing about this as a side dish is that you can make it any way you want. Just get your favorite vegetables together and bake in a preheated oven.

My favorite vegetables to roast are potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic.

The key is to roast them until they’re golden brown and slightly charred around the edges. This will give them a great flavor that pairs well with the taste of cedar plank salmon.

Sweet potato and chickpea salad

This is a great side dish because it’s healthy and filling. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the chickpeas provide a nutty flavor.

Both the sweet and nutty flavors meld perfectly with the fresh woodsy taste of cedar plank salmon.

To make this salad, simply roast the sweet potatoes and chickpeas in a preheated oven. Then, add them to a salad with your favorite greens. I like to use spinach or kale (or both!). With tipping of red onions, feta cheese, and dried cranberries.

Coconut rice

This is a great side dish because it’s light and fluffy. It also has a slight sweetness that helps to balance out the smoky flavor of the cedar plank salmon.

To make coconut rice, simply cook white rice in coconut milk instead of water. This will give the rice a subtle sweetness and a richer flavor.

For an additional oomph! include some chopped green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This will brighten up the flavors of the dish and make it more enjoyable to eat.

Tricolore salad

A Tricolore salad is a salad that contains three colors of vegetables. These colors are typically red, green, and white.

The vegetables in a Tricolore salad can be anything you want them to be. However, some of the most common vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and radishes.

This salad pairs well with the salmon because it contains a variety of flavors and textures. The different colors of the vegetables also help to brighten up the overall flavor of the dish.

When making a Tricolore salad, be sure to use high-quality olive oil and vinegar. This will help to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and make the salad more enjoyable to eat.

Pan-fried potatoes

Pan-fried potatoes are a great side dish for cedar plank salmon. The two ingredients complement each other perfectly, and the potatoes help to round out the meal.

Pan-fried potatoes are also relatively simple to prepare, so they can be ready in no time.

When choosing potatoes for this dish, look for red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. These varieties will hold their shape well when frying and will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cut the potatoes into thin slices, about ⅛-inch thick. You can also leave the skins on for extra flavor and nutrition!

Noodle salad

A noodle salad can be made with any type of noodle you want. However, I find that spiral pasta works best because it holds the dressing well.

To make a great noodle salad, simply cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Once it’s cooked, drain the water and add your favorite vegetables.

I usually add cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and onions. I also like to add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Soy sauce

Adding soy sauce to cedar plank salmon is a great way to give it an extra boost of flavor. The soy sauce will help to bring out the smoky taste of the salmon, and it will also add a bit of saltiness to the dish.

Simply brush soy sauce onto the salmon before cooking. You can also add soy sauce to the pan-fried potatoes or noodle salad.

Baked sweet potato

A baked sweet potato is a great side dish because it’s healthy and filling. The sweetness of the potato pairs well with the smoky flavor of the salmon.

To make a baked sweet potato, simply preheat your oven, then wash and dry the potato. Wrap it in foil, then bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Once it’s cooked, you can top it with anything you want. I like to add a dollop of plain yogurt and some chopped green onions. You could also add some shredded cheese or salsa.

FAQ

Is cedar plank salmon good?

Cedar plank salmon is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful dish. The cedar plank helps to infuse the salmon with a smoky flavor, and it’s also a good source of omega-three fatty acids.

How long do you soak a cedar blank for salmon?

You should soak a cedar plank for salmon for at least 30 minutes. This will help to ensure that the plank doesn’t burn when it’s placed on the grill.

How do you cook cedar plank salmon?

Preheat your grill, then place the cedar plank on the grates. Place the salmon on the plank, skin-side down. Close the lid of the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

What are some good side dishes for cedar plank salmon?

Some good side dishes for cedar plank salmon include Tricolore salad, pan-fried potatoes, noodle salad, baked sweet potato, and cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

These are 15 great side dishes for cedar plank salmon. They are all delicious and easy to prepare. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try!