Wondering what the best side dishes for salmon are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
These are some of my favorite sides for salmon. I’ll usually pick one based on the type of salmon dish that I’m preparing.
For example:
- Salmon Fish Tacos are amazing with Black Beans.
- Sous Vide Salmon is great with a rich, creamy side dish like Lemon Risotto.
- Grilled Salmon calls for some Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
- Salmon Burgers are great with Vinegar Slaw.
Choose one of the simple side dishes below, add one of these yummy sauces for salmon, and you’re guaranteed an amazing dinner!
Note: These side dishes also go great with trout. Learn about the differences between trout and salmon here.
Be sure to check out these 15+ Sauces for Salmon and the best Wine Pairings for Salmon too!
The BEST Salmon Side Dishes
The BEST Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Garlic Rice
Ordinary white rice is transformed into the best savory side dish in this Garlic Rice recipe! Super fluffy and loaded with garlic and butter, one taste and you’ll never settle for blah rice again.
Garlic Rice
Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Pesto Couscous
This Pesto Couscous Recipe combines fluffy and chewy Israeli couscous with basil pesto to give you an easy yet sophisticated side dish or light main course. You’ll love its addictive Italian flavors!
Pesto Couscous
Snap Pea Salad
This Snap Pea Salad is the best warm-weather side dish. Crunchy and sweet snap peas, fresh basil, and almonds are tossed in a tangy lemon and Dijon dressing, giving you a simple meal that’s incredibly refreshing and flavorful!
Sugar Snap Pea Salad
Easy Lemon Pasta
This easy Lemon Pasta is deliciously tangy and creamy, plus it comes together in under 15 minutes!
Lemon Pasta
Shirazi Salad
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
Shirazi Salad
Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone
Indulge in this luxurious Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone. Rich, creamy, and tangy – Its bright flavor makes a perfect vegetarian entrée or a delicious side dish.
Lemon Risotto
Braised Fennel
This Braised Fennel Recipe is an elegant side dish for roast chicken, fish, vegetarian meals, and more. The low and slow braising process leaves you with mouthwatering caramelized fennel infused with thyme, garlic, lemon, and honey. You’ll love this versatile veggie!
Braised Fennel
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is quick, easy & delicious! Featuring sweet strawberries & a creamy poppyseed dressing.
Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Sous Vide Asparagus
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
Sous Vide Asparagus
Spicy Edamame
This quick and easy Spicy Edamame Recipe tosses cooked edamame in a bold garlic chili sauce to give you a protein-packed snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Spicy Edamame
Asian Quinoa Salad
This vibrant Asian Quinoa Salad has a colorful blend of fresh vegetables topped on a bed of fluffy quinoa. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a delicious and naturally vegan meal you can make for meal prep or a healthy dinner.
Edamame Quinoa Salad
Pearl Couscous with Tomatoes
Tomato Couscous is an amazing side dish full of flavor. Toasted pearl couscous is tossed with a burst tomato sauce and finished with a squeeze of lime for a delightful tang. Yum!
Tomato Couscous
Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Instant Pot Rice
With these tips you’ll see it's simple to learn how to cook perfect rice using the Instant Pot rice setting. The result is fluffy & flavorful rice that’s easy to prepare with minimal measuring.
Instant Pot Rice
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
This always rich and warming Butternut Squash Risotto is the perfect meal for fall. Roasted squash, creamy and tender rice, and fresh sage come together to form dreamy and heavenly flavors in every bite.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Crispy Rice Salad
This easy Crispy Rice Salad is the best way to turn day-old rice into an exciting meal! Fresh vegetables, crispy baked rice, and nuts are tossed in a punchy tahini dressing to leave you with a refreshing and satisfying lunch, dinner, or side dish.
Crispy Rice Salad
How to Cook Canned Corn
Learn how to instantly turn an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary side dish with this easy canned corn recipe! It covers everything, from how to cook canned corn on the stovetop to how to dress it up with seasonings and flavor boosters to what to serve with it for a meal to remember.
Canned Corn
Savory Roasted Delicata Squash
Savory Delicata Squash is a winter side dish that’s really easy to prepare. There’s no peeling required and the maple flavors and warm spices taste divine!
Roasted Delicata Squash
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction & Cranberries make a simple and elegant side dish that both kids and adults love!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
Zucchini Pasta Salad
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons.
Cherry Tomato Salad
Fattoush Salad
This Lebanese-inspired fattoush salad tosses vibrant vegetables and homemade pita chips in a tangy-sweet dressing. Enjoy it as an ultra-refreshing side dish with your favorite Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals!
Fattoush Salad
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
Sauteed Spinach
Mexican Carrots
I’m serving up these Oven Roasted Mexican Carrots elote style. Similar to how you’d dress grilled street corn, these delicious tender carrots are topped with lime, crumbled cheese, jalapenos and cilantro. So crazy good!
Roasted Mexican Carrots
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Toss with roasted peanuts and red chilis for a crazy delicious spin on a classic roasted vegetable.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto
Instant Pot Risotto is hands-down the best way to make risotto! It has the signature creamy, rich goodness you expect without all the stirring and fuss of making it on the stove. Plus there are 6 add-in options to make your risotto extra flavorful.
Instant Pot Risotto
Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
Kale Caesar Salad
Glazed Stovetop Carrots
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots – Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed. These carrots make an amazing side dish that both kids and adults can’t get enough of!
Glazed Carrots
Italian Radicchio Salad
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
Italian Radicchio Salad
The BEST Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Arugula Salad
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic cook up crispy and delicious with minimal oil with the help of your air fryer! Dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. You'll love these!
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Miso Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Miso Cauliflower is a buttery, umami-filled delicious and healthy side dish. Cauliflower is tossed in a glaze of miso, soy and red pepper flakes and roasted until perfectly browned and crisp. {Vegan + Gluten Free}
Roasted Miso Cauliflower
Italian Chopped Salad
This simple Italian Chopped Salad dresses fresh veggies, salami, mozzarella & chickpeas in a delicious homemade Italian dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad
Grilled Potato Salad
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious!
Grilled Potato Salad
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious!
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you.
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
This Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It's a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Tahini Brussel Sprouts (Crispy & Smashed!)
These Crispy Smashed Brussel Sprouts are flattened so that they become extra crispy when roasted in the oven. Drizzled with the most amazing Lemon Tahini Sauce.
Smashed Brussel Sprouts
Apple Celery Root Slaw
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It's sure to be a stand out side dish!
Apple Celery Root Slaw
Grilled Broccolini with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving.
Grilled Broccolini
Instant Pot Artichokes
Instant Pot Artichokes are quick and easy to make with the help of your electric pressure cooker. Plus, this recipe gives them SO much flavor!
Instant Pot Artichokes
Roasted Broccoli with Basil Tahini Sauce
This Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Basil Tahini Sauce will seriously knock your socks off. Who knew that veggies could taste so good! Warning: You will want this sauce on everything…
Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Basil Tahini Sauce
Shaved Fennel Salad
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.
Fennel Celery Salad
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Simple Roasted Sunchokes
Sunchokes are a knobby root vegetable that can be prepared in more ways than you can imagine! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to roast them with olive oil, garlic, and thyme. It’s an easy side dish you can pair with anything.
Sunchokes
Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
These Stuffed Artichoke Hearts take all the work out of actually stuffing an artichoke. Canned artichoke hearts are arranged in a dish and topped with a “stuffing” of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
Cucumber Edamame Salad
This Edamame Cucumber Salad is a cooling, crunchy side or main dish with BOLD flavor! Edamame is tossed with cucumbers, avocado, cilantro, and a furikake-infused dressing to leave you with a light yet filling salad that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and everyday dinners.
Cucumber Edamame Salad
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these sides for salmon can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Seafood Side Dish Recipes
Did you Make Any of These Salmon Sides?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with salmon. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
50+ Sides for Salmon
Wondering what to serve with salmon? Here's 45+ of the best side dishes for salmon. Vegetable side dishes, pastas, potatoes, rice, salads, and more. One of my favorite recipes is this Lemon Pasta!
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Serves 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti (or other pasta of your choosing)
- Salt
- 3 lemons (zested and juiced)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water (1 tablespoon of salt for every 6 cups of water) until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally.
- Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Return drained spaghetti to the pot.
- Meanwhile, whisk the lemon juice, oil, heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes in a bowl to combine. Add ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water and whisk to combine.
- Add lemon sauce to spaghetti in pot; toss until pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Add remaining cooking liquid, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Garnish with lemon zest, chopped basil (if desired) and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
I like to cook my pasta about a minute less than the package directions call for. This ensures that your pasta remains al dente as it’s tossed with with the lemon cream sauce and heated through.
This creamy lemon pasta will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, or in a skillet, adding in a splash more water, chicken broth, or cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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