16 Perfect Side Dishes for Salmon
When salmon is on the menu and you’re not sure what to serve with it, check out my hand-selected list of 16 sides for salmon. We’ll go over the best flavors to go with this favorite protein. Whether it’s creamy risotto, snappy asparagus, or sheet pan veggies that call to you, we’ve got it all!
Our goal at Healthy Seasonal Recipes is to help you get a healthy dinner on the table, even on busy weeknights! Salmon is a favorite protein around here because it is healthy and fast! Start planning your menu for this week by checking out our salmon recipes and choosing your favorite (this is arguably our best salmon recipe, but the choice is yours!) and then cruise our lineup below of 16 side dishes for salmon.
Chef’s Picks: What Tastes Good With Salmon?
- In culinary school, we learned that pairing richer fish with rich-tasting sauces and side dishes is an easy win. Salmon loves dairy! Try it with our healthier versions of classic buttery and creamy sauces like hollandaise, garlic yogurt aioli, or our dill cream sauce for salmon.
- Salmon is a higher fat fish with a moderate amount of fresh fish flavor. So it pairs wonderfully with strong tastes like citrusy lemon and salty capers.
- Healthy pairings that go with salmon include fresh herbs, smoky spices, and naturally earthy flavors.
- Soy sauce and umami Asian-inspired sides are super delicious with salmon.
- Lentils are particularly delightful with this fatty fish! Our Lentils with Bacon is our top pick if you don’t have time to explore the below list.
Healthy Tip: Not only is salmon delicious—it’s also known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol because omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart!
Seasonal Note: Salmon is great year-round! We love Fresh Alaskan King Salmon during the summer months, perfect for grilling! Try our Cedar Plank Salmon on the grill. You can find sustainably sourced salmon by checking out the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which publishes up-to-date recommendations for sustainable seafood in your area.
Side Dishes For Salmon
Lentils with Bacon
This mouthwatering lentil dish is made with French green lentils and a simple vinaigrette tossed with succulent bacon. The sour dressing and smoky bacon taste incredible alongside a fatty salmon fillet!
Easy Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon
This steamed broccoli is one of the easiest ways to jazz up a simple vegetable side dish! Garlic and lemon flavors make the broccoli truly pop! This naturally gluten-free and low-carb side dish is beloved by adults and children alike.
Nicoise Potato Salad
This fresh take on Nicoise salad omits tomatoes and tuna to let the potatoes shine! Enjoy this easy-to-make potato salad that’s nourishing and bursting with flavor.
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Thyme
These green beans are steamed and quickly stir-fried in an umami mixture of garlic, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, and almonds. The flavorful combination elevates any salmon dish!
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