Salmon’s rich flavor and velvety texture demand sides that both complement and elevate the meal. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these 25 sides hit the mark—covering crisp salads, vibrant vegetables, fluffy grains, and a few inventive twists. Explore this fresh lineup and find your next favorite pairing.
Simple Pastas and Grains
1. Lemon Cream Pasta
Bright, tangy, and quick—lemon cream pasta makes a lively partner for salmon. Toss noodles in a sauce of lemon zest, cream, and a splash of white wine. Top with cracked pepper and chopped parsley. It’s light and balanced, letting the salmon shine while keeping the meal satisfying.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice
Swap plain rice for a fresh take. Use basmati or long-grain rice, stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving. The citrus and herbs add zip, balancing the richness of salmon without overpowering its delicate flavor.
3. Lemon Herb Couscous
Israeli couscous sits at the intersection of pasta and grain with its pleasing bite. Mix with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. Serve warm or chilled as a textured salad.
4. Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
Creamy risotto dotted with earthy mushrooms and finished with grated parmesan can steal the show. Stir slowly, coaxing the grains to release their starch. Pair with simple baked or pan-seared salmon for a meal you’ll come back to.
5. Rice Pilaf With Dried Fruit and Almonds
Sauté rice with onions, cumin, and cinnamon, then simmer with broth. Add dried cranberries or apricots and toasted almonds for texture. Great with grilled salmon, this side brings sweet, nutty notes that elevate every bite.
Quick and Vibrant Veggies
6. Roasted Asparagus With Hollandaise
Asparagus spears roasted until just crisp—finish with a drizzle of hollandaise or a squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer to keep it lighter. A classic spring pairing for salmon.
7. Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas
Quickly sauté sugar snap peas in olive oil or butter. Keep them bright and crisp. Add a sprinkle of sea salt, sliced almonds, or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
8. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Fresh green beans tossed with minced garlic and butter. Sauté just until tender. A hint of lemon zest brings out the best in both the beans and the salmon they accompany.
9. Baby Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Halve or quarter baby bok choy and flash stir-fry with garlic, a touch of fresh ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. The crunch and subtle bitterness accentuate salmon’s richness.
10. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Toss bite-sized broccoli florets with olive oil, grated parmesan, and black pepper. Roast until golden for a crisp-tender texture that wins over even picky eaters.
11. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Roast baby carrots in olive oil, then glaze with balsamic vinegar and a touch of brown sugar. The sweet-tart finish adds depth and contrast, enhancing every bite of salmon.
12. Brussels Sprouts Done Right
Halve Brussels sprouts and roast them with olive oil until charred and crisp around the edges. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of pecorino for extra flavor.
13. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cube sweet potatoes and toss with a hint of smoked paprika or cinnamon before roasting. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with both seasoned and simply cooked salmon.
14. Zucchini Noodles With Pesto
Spiralize zucchini, sauté lightly, and toss with homemade or store-bought basil pesto. Serve for a low-carb, flavor-packed side that’s as vibrant as it is light.
Crisp, Refreshing Salads
15. Thai Noodle Salad
Combine rice noodles, thinly sliced veggies (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers), and toss with a punchy peanut-lime dressing. The salty-sweet profile and crunch make this irresistible.
16. Classic Cabbage Slaw
Mix shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Toss in a light, tangy rice vinegar dressing. Serve chilled for a crisp, cooling contrast to warm salmon.
17. Cucumber Dill Salad
Thinly slice cucumbers and toss with sour cream, chopped dill, and a splash of lemon juice. A breeze to prepare and always refreshing next to salmon.
Potato Favorites
18. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Cut baby potatoes into quarters, toss with minced garlic, rosemary, and parmesan. Roast until the outside is crunchy and the center fluffy.
19. Lemon Rosemary Red Potatoes
Boil or roast red potatoes, then toss with lemon zest, chopped rosemary, and olive oil. The citrus and herbs wake up the subtle potato flavor.
All About Mushrooms
20. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Quarter button or cremini mushrooms, sauté in butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon. The umami undertone they deliver is a fitting match for salmon’s savory profile.
Other Quick Sides
21. Corn On The Cob
Boil or grill fresh corn, serve with butter or a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning. The sweet crunch next to flaky salmon is always a crowd-pleaser.
22. Steamed White Rice with Sesame Oil
Dress freshly steamed white rice with a few drops of toasted sesame oil for an instant flavor upgrade. A dash of chopped scallions or sesame seeds also works well.
23. Carrots With Honey and Citrus
Roast carrot sticks in olive oil, then toss with a little honey and a splash of orange juice for a glossy, tempting glaze.
Fast and Healthful Additions
24. Ten-Minute Roasted Veggie Medley
Chop a mix of your favorite vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, onions—toss with olive oil, then roast at high heat for ten minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs.
25. Cucumber Slices With Sour Cream and Dill
Lay out thin cucumber rounds, dollop with a mix of sour cream, dill, and lemon juice. Quick, cooling, and ideal next to a hot piece of salmon out of the pan.
Quick Reference Table
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Flavor Profile | Best With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Cream Pasta | 15 min | Bright, creamy | Pan-seared |
| Garlic Butter Green Beans | 10 min | Savory, zesty | Any style |
| Parmesan Roasted Broccoli | 20 min | Nutty, crisp | Oven-baked |
| Lemon Herb Couscous | 15 min | Tangy, fresh | Grilled |
| Thai Noodle Salad | 20 min | Spicy, sweet | Broiled |
| Garlic Butter Mushrooms | 10 min | Earthy, buttery | Simple-fried |
| Corn On The Cob | 12 min | Sweet, juicy | Smoked |
| Balsamic Glazed Carrots | 25 min | Sweet-tart | Oven-roasted |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | 20 min | Bright, herbaceous | Any style |
| Cucumber Dill Salad | 10 min | Cool, creamy | Warm or cold |
Pairing Salmon With The Right Sides
Choosing the right side for your salmon depends on the cooking method and your taste. Oven-roasted or baked salmon does well with crisp, roasted vegetables or creamy risotto. Grilled and smoked salmon loves fresh, bright salads and chilled sides. For weeknight meals, classic rice or potatoes come together easily.
Mix and match for balance. A fatty, rich fillet wants acidity and crunch on the plate. When cooking with bold glazes or rubs on the salmon, pick subtle, clean sides to let all flavors come through.
Bring variety to your routine by rotating these easy sides. They’re flexible, quick to make, and adaptable for all seasons—helping you make the most out of every salmon dinner.
25 Best Side Dishes For Salmon
Wondering what to serve with salmon? There’s plenty to choose from. Try a crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad. Or go for a meaty and satisfying mushroom risotto. For something clean and quick, try this delicious pesto fettuccine recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Add water and a generous pinch of salt to a large pot. Bring that to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine for about 8 minutes. It should be tender with a slight bite.
- Drain the pasta and quickly transfer it into a large bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, gently melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium to low heat. Stir in the garlic and pesto and cook for 2-3 minutes until it's fragrant.
- Pour the garlic, pesto, and butter mixture over the cooked fettuccine and toss to coat.
- Serve with flaky, baked salmon, and enjoy!