What Vegetables Pair Well with Salmon -15 Interesting Sides

Salmon is my favorite food ever to exist in the world, but sadly I cannot say the same about vegetables. This is why when someone asked me to try vegetables as a side dish for salmon, I stared at them in disbelief.

I was always told that vegetables are best eaten with salmon. I never really knew why, but I trusted the experts. So, when I decided to make salmon for dinner, I made sure to include some broccoli and asparagus on my plate.

And to my astonishment, the flavors of the salmon and vegetables were incredible together. The broccoli was a little crunchy, the asparagus was a little soft, and the salmon was perfectly cooked. Every bite was amazing.

So now that I know of this perfect pairing, I’m making sure that you don’t feel left out from the experience. You can also try pairing your salmon with the vegetables listed below for an extraordinary experience.

List of vegetables to eat with Salmon

1. Potatoes
2. Cabbage Slaw
3. Spinach Parmesan
4. Roasted Asparagus
5. Green Beans
6. Caramelized Cabbage Wedges
7. Grilled Zucchini
8. Kale with Lemon and Garlic
9. Cheesy Grilled Broccoli
10. Cucumber Salad
11. Carrot Slaw
12. Lemon Ginger Spinach
13. Cucumber Noodles
14. Stir Fry Baby Bok Choy
15. Pea Salad

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile and delicious starch that can be used in many dishes. One of my favorite ways to use potatoes is with salmon. Salmon is a rich and fatty fish, so it pairs well with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.

I also like to roast potatoes and top them with salmon. The texture of the potatoes brings out the flavors of the salmon, and the crispy skin of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the flaky flesh of the fish.

When choosing potatoes for your meal, make sure to select ones that are fresh and firm. Avoid potatoes that are green or have sprouted, as these can be toxic. Potatoes can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes. Bon appetit!

Elevated Recipe: Truffle Oil Mashed Potatoes

• Ingredients: Potatoes, truffle oil, cream, garlic, chives
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions: Boil potatoes until tender, mash with cream and garlic, finish with truffle oil and chives.

Cabbage Slaw

Cabbage slaw is a low-calorie dish that is high in fiber and vitamin C. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Together, these two foods make a perfect meal for those looking to improve their health.

Here are some tips for making the best cabbage slaw:

• Choose fresh, crisp cabbage for your slaw. Avoid wilted or yellowed leaves.
• Slice the cabbage thinly for the best texture. A food processor can be used to save time.
• Dress the cabbage with a light vinaigrette or mayonnaise-based dressing. Add in shredded carrots, red onions, and green onions for extra flavor.
• Serve the cabbage slaw on top of cooked salmon fillets. Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Elevated Recipe: Cabbage Slaw with Apple and Pecans

• Ingredients: Cabbage, apple, pecans, mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Combine shredded cabbage, diced apple, and pecans. Toss in a mayo-vinegar-honey dressing.

Spinach Parmesan

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy salmon, spinach parmesan is a great option. It combines the rich flavor of salmon with the nutrient-rich goodness of spinach, and it’s easy to make.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels. This dish is best served fresh, so be sure to use fresh spinach. If you don’t have access to fresh spinach, you can substitute frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained.

To make this dish even healthier, you can consider using lighter cheeses, such as mozzarella or goat cheese. Finally, don’t forget the parmesan! This cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish, so be sure to use a generous quantity.

Quick Recipe: Spinach Parmesan with Pine Nuts

• Ingredients: Spinach, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions: Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil, finish with Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.

Roasted Asparagus

Salmon and asparagus are a classic pairing for a reason – they just work together. The rich, fatty flavors of salmon are offset by the delicate, slightly sweet taste of asparagus. Plus, both ingredients are packed with nutrients. So not only does this pairing taste great, but it’s also good for you.

When it comes to cooking salmon and asparagus together, you’ll want to make sure that your asparagus is properly roasted. I like to drizzle mine with olive oil and sprinkle on some garlic powder before popping it in the oven.

As for the salmon, I like to pan-sear mine for nice crispy skin. But you can also bake or grill it – really, whatever you prefer. Just make sure that your salmon is cooked through before serving.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Aioli

• Ingredients: Asparagus, olive oil, garlic, lemon, mayo
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions: Roast asparagus in olive oil and garlic at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Serve with lemon aioli.

Green Beans

Looking to spruce up your salmon dish? Why not try green beans! Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also come with a host of health benefits, as they are a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

They are also a good source of vitamins, as well as manganese and folate. Plus, they’re low in calories and have no fat or cholesterol. When it comes to cooking, green beans can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or even eaten raw.

Quick Recipe: Green Beans with Almond Brown Butter

• Ingredients: Green beans, almonds, butter, lemon zest
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Steam green beans until tender, sauté in brown butter with almonds, finish with lemon zest.

Caramelized Cabbage Wedges

One of my favorite winter dishes is caramelized cabbage wedges with salmon. I love the sweetness of the caramelized cabbage paired with the rich, fatty salmon. And it’s so easy to make!

First, you need to caramelize your cabbage wedges. In a large skillet, heat up some oil over medium-high heat. Add your cabbage wedges and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned and caramelized. Then, set them aside in a warm oven.

Next, cook your salmon. I like to pan-sear mine, but you could also bake it or grill it. Season your salmon with some salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through. Finally, assemble your dish by placing a wedge of caramelized cabbage on a plate and topping it with a piece of salmon.

Quick Recipe: Caramelized Cabbage Wedges with Bacon

• Ingredients: Cabbage, bacon, balsamic glaze, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions: Roast cabbage wedges in olive oil at 400°F for 20 minutes. Add cooked bacon and balsamic glaze.

Grilled Zucchini

When it comes to summertime cooking, there’s nothing quite like grilled salmon and zucchini. The zucchini provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, oily salmon, and the two ingredients complement each other perfectly.

Plus, they’re both quick and easy to cook on the grill. Just make sure not to overcook the salmon, or it will dry out and become tough. And if your zucchini is on the small side, you might want to cut them into thin slices so that they don’t fall through the grill grates.

But other than that, there’s no real secret to making this dish. Just throw everything on the grill and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Mint

• Ingredients: Zucchini, feta cheese, mint, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Grill zucchini slices, top with crumbled feta and fresh mint.

Kale with Lemon and Garlic

Kale is a hearty green that goes great with lemon and garlic. I like to use it as a bed for roasted salmon. The salmon comes out juicy and flavorful, and the kale gets nice and crispy in the oven. Plus, it’s a healthy meal that’s easy to make. So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to use kale, give this side dish a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Quick Recipe: Kale with Lemon, Garlic, and Chili Flakes

• Ingredients: Kale, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions: Sauté kale and garlic in olive oil, finish with lemon juice and chili flakes.

Cheesy Grilled Broccoli

If you’re looking for a way to class up your grilled salmon, look no further than cheesy grilled broccoli. This simple side dish is the perfect compliment to your main course, and it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can focus on grilling the perfect salmon.

To start, blanch some broccoli in boiling water for just a minute or two. Then, drain the broccoli and mix it with some olive oil, grated cheese, and a few spices. Once everything is mixed together, simply grill the broccoli on a foil-lined tray until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a gourmet side dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Quick Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Broccoli with Garlic Aioli

• Ingredients: Broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic, mayo, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions: Grill broccoli until tender, top with cheddar. Serve with garlic aioli.

Cucumber Salad

A lot of people ask, ‘what should I make with salmon for dinner tonight?’, to which I always reply, ‘how about some cucumber salmon salad? It’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make!’

This dish is perfect for a summer night, as the light and refreshing cucumbers pair perfectly with the flavorful and flaky salmon. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. So why not give it a try? I guarantee you’ll love it!

Quick Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Dill and Yogurt Dressing

• Ingredients: Cucumber, dill, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions: Slice cucumber, toss in a yogurt-dill-garlic dressing.

Carrot Slaw

The next time you’re in the mood for salmon, try pairing it with colorful carrot slaw. The sweetness of the carrots will complement the rich flavor of the salmon, and the crunch of the slaw will add an enjoyable texture contrast.

Plus, this dish is healthy and easy to prepare. Simply shred some carrots, mix in a dollop of yogurt or mayonnaise, and season to taste. Then, pan-fry or bake your salmon as usual. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impress your guests, this dish is sure to please.

Quick Recipe: Carrot Slaw with Raisins and Walnuts

• Ingredients: Carrots, raisins, walnuts, mayo, honey, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Combine shredded carrots, raisins, and walnuts. Toss in a mayo-honey-lemon dressing.

Lemon Ginger Spinach

While salmon is a delicious and healthy option for dinner, it can sometimes be a bit bland. One way to liven up this popular fish is to pair it with lemon ginger spinach. This simple dish combines the fresh flavors of lemon and ginger with the nutritional benefits of spinach.

The result is a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to please the whole family. Best of all, this dish can be on the table in just 30 minutes. The next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try.

Quick Recipe: Lemon Ginger Spinach with Sesame Seeds

• Ingredients: Spinach, lemon juice, ginger, sesame seeds, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions: Sauté spinach and ginger in olive oil, finish with lemon juice and sesame seeds.

Cucumber Noodles

Cucumber noodles are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta or rice. They’re perfect for a light summer meal, and they pair well with salmon. They are also low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great option for those on a weight-loss or low-carb diet.

To prepare cucumber noodles, simply rinse the cucumbers in cold water and drain them well. You can then add them to your favorite salad or stir-fry recipe. For a quick and easy meal, try pairing cucumber noodles with salmon. Simply top the noodles with some grilled or baked salmon, and you’ve got a complete and nutritious meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Quick Recipe: Cucumber Noodles with Avocado Pesto

• Ingredients: Cucumber, avocado, basil, pine nuts, garlic
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Spiralize cucumber into noodles. Blend avocado, basil, pine nuts, and garlic for pesto. Toss together.

Stir Fry Baby Bok Choy

Baby bok choy stir fry is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. The first step is to preheat your pan or wok on medium-high heat. Then, add some oil to the pan. Next, add your salmon to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Once the salmon is cooked, set it aside on a plate.

Now, it’s time to add the baby bok choy to the pan. Stir fry the bok choy for 3-5 minutes, or until it is tender. Finally, add the salmon back into the pan and stir everything together. Serve with rice and enjoy!

Not only is it delicious but it is also packed with nutrients. Therefore, this meal provides a well-rounded nutritional profile that can benefit both your body and your mind. This makes it an ideal meal for a busy weekend.

Quick Recipe: Stir Fry Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce

• Ingredients: Baby bok choy, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions: Stir fry baby bok choy and garlic in sesame oil, finish with oyster sauce.

Pea Salad

Pea salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with salmon. The sweetness of the peas complements the rich flavor of the fish, while the crisp texture provides a contrast to the tenderness of the salmon.

In addition to being a delicious combination, pea salad also offers a number of health benefits, as peas are high in fiber and protein, both of which help to promote a healthy digestive system.

To make pea salad, simply combine boiled peas with diced onion, celery, and your favorite salad dressing. For an extra boost of flavor, add crumbled bacon or shredded cheese. Pea salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Quick Recipe: Pea Salad with Pancetta and Mint

• Ingredients: Green peas, pancetta, mint, olive oil, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions: Sauté peas and pancetta in olive oil, finish with lemon juice and fresh mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook salmon?

The best way to cook salmon is by baking, broiling, or grilling it. It can also be pan-fried, but this method is not recommended because it can lead to dry fish.

For how long can I store cooked salmon in the fridge?

Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Is salmon a healthy dish?

Salmon is a very healthy dish. It is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both important nutrients. Salmon also contains many other nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.

Conclusion

After reading this articles, you must have been convinced that there are many delicious vegetables that go great with salmon. We hope we’ve inspired you to try some new combinations! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!