If you’re a salmon lover like us, you understand the delicate art of pairing the perfect side dishes with this exquisite fish. Whether you’re orchestrating a sizzling summer barbecue or just craving a comforting weeknight meal, the quest for complementary flavors is real.
So, whether you’re a kitchen virtuoso or an aspiring home cook, get ready to infuse your salmon-centric meals with a burst of creativity.
Without further ado, let’s explore our top picks for salmon side dishes that will take your everyday meals to the next level!
Let’s kick this off with a zesty twist on classic spaghetti. Rachael Ray’s lemon spaghetti is a burst of sunshine on your plate, with its tangy lemony goodness and the delicious al dente pasta.
Cooking Tip: When cooking the spaghetti, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Adding this into the sauce helps to give the sauce a silky consistency.
Crunchy, garlicky, and nutritious – these garlic green beans are the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the salmon.
They add a pop of vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.
Cooking Tip: Blanche the green beans for a minute before sauteing with garlic to maintain their vibrant color and crispness, ensuring a delightful contrast to the tender salmon.
Nothing says comfort like a generous helping of roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs. Crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside – these spuds are a delightful playground for your palate.
Cooking Tip: Parboil the potatoes briefly before roasting to achieve that irresistible contrast of a crispy outer layer and a pillowy interior, adding a burst of flavor alongside your salmon.
Travel all the way to Southeast Asia with this Thai noodle salad! Tossed in a creamy peanut sauce and adorned with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies, it’s a delectable flavorsome side dish that will transport your taste buds to a Thai beachside retreat.
Cooking Tip: Prep the peanut sauce ahead of time and toss it with the noodles just before serving for a refreshing and nutty companion to your salmon.
Let’s give a warm welcome to this delightful recipe. This side dish adds a touch of elegance to your meal with its tender-crisp texture and delicate flavors.
Cooking Tip: Opt for baby bok choy to ensure tender and delicate leaves; saute with garlic and thyme right before serving to maintain their delightful crunch.
Even if you’ve never been a brussel sprouts fan, Ina Garten’s roasted brussel sprouts might just convert you. These little cabbages transform into crispy, caramelized bites of heaven when roasted to perfection.
Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – spread out the sprouts for even roasting, transforming them into crispy bundles of joy.
Say hello to this flavorsome fiesta! Cilantro lime rice is a zingy, fragrant side dish that elevates your meal with its fresh, herbaceous notes. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavors.
Cooking Tip: Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking and gently fold in freshly chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice for a fragrant, citrusy rice.
Looking to add some crunch to your plate? The crunchy Asian slaw is here to save the day! This vibrant medley of veggies brings a delightful contrast in texture to your meal. The Asian-inspired dressing ties everything together in a harmonious, tangy embrace.
Cooking Tip: Prep the slaw’s veggies in advance, but dress it just before serving to keep the crunchy texture intact, providing a refreshing crunch alongside the salmon.
Creamy, dreamy, and delightful – Paula Deen’s mushroom thyme risotto is a side dish that cozies up your salmon like a long-lost friend. The earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme create a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Cooking Tip: Gradually add warm broth to the risotto, stirring frequently to achieve that creamy consistency.
Lemon herb couscous salad is like a Mediterranean vacation on your plate. The fluffy couscous dances with the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a melody of flavors that complements the salmon’s richness beautifully.
Cooking Tip: Infuse the couscous with a herb broth while cooking and toss it with a medley of fresh herbs and lemon zest.
Ina Garten does it again with her sauteed sugar snap peas. These emerald gems are lightly sauteed to preserve their crunch and natural sweetness. They provide a light and refreshing counterpoint to the hearty salmon.
Cooking Tip: Quickly saute the sugar snap peas in a hot pan to preserve their crispness and natural sweetness, making them a light and vibrant contrast to the hearty salmon.
Got a bit of a sweet tooth? These candied carrots are the answer! Glazed in a delectable brown sugar and butter concoction, they add a touch of sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory salmon.
Cooking Tip: Gently simmer the carrots in a buttery brown sugar glaze until tender and slightly caramelized, creating a sweet and savory combination that pairs surprisingly well with salmon.
When it comes to classic comfort, roasted red potatoes are the MVP. Simple, hearty, and utterly delicious, they’re the ultimate sidekick for your salmon. Their crispy exteriors and fluffy insides create a delightful textural dance.
Cooking Tip: After roasting, toss the potatoes with a sprinkle of coarse salt and chopped fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Broccolini takes a walk on the gourmet side with this delightful recipe. The roasting process intensifies the flavors, and a squeeze of zesty lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan creates an explosion of taste that balances effortlessly with the salmon.
Cooking Tip: Drizzle the broccolini with olive oil before roasting and finish with a squeeze of lemon and dusting of parmesan.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, zucchini noodles with pesto is here for you. These vibrant green noodles, dressed in fragrant pesto, bring a surge of freshness to your plate. They’re a guilt-free delight alongside your salmon.
Cooking Tip: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles and toss them with freshly made pesto just before serving. This offers a light and refreshing companion to your salmon dish.
Conclusion
So, there you go – a treasure trove of 15 simple yet sensational salmon side dishes that are ready to take your meal game to a whole new level!
Each of these dishes brings its own unique personality to the table, ready to harmonize with the star of the show – our delicious salmon.
Happy cooking, and here’s to many mouth-watering salmon feasts ahead!
Fish pairs well with a variety of vegetables, but some standout options include asparagus, broccoli, green beans, spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes. These veggies provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the delicate taste of fish.
What Can I Put On Salmon To Make It Taste Better?
To enhance the flavor of salmon, try brushing it with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of herbs like dill or thyme before cooking. This simple marinade adds a burst of brightness and complements the natural richness of the fish.
Why Do People Put Lemon Juice On Salmon?
People often put lemon juice on salmon because it imparts a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the natural richness of the fish. The acidity of the lemon juice not only adds a refreshing contrast, but also helps to balance out the savory and fatty elements of salmon, resulting in a more well-rounded and flavorful culinary experience.
What Herbs Go Well With Salmon?
Salmon pairs beautifully with a range of herbs that enhance its natural flavors. Some top contenders include dill, parsley, tarragon, and thyme. Dill brings a fresh and slightly tangy note, parsley adds a vibrant and earthy touch, tarragon lends a hint of anise-like sweetness, and thyme contributes a savory and aromatic depth that compliments salmon’s richness.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
