What to Serve with Salmon? 14 Sides You Must Try

Are you looking to dress up your salmon dinner?

Whether it’s a special occasion or simply part of your regular meal plan, adding complementary sides can instantly elevate your meal from okay to amazing.

But with so many potential side dishes, how do you know which one is the best for pairing with salmon?

Look no further!

We’ve compiled our top 14 favorites below – guaranteed to take even the simplest plate of grilled salmon from unexciting to extraordinary.

Get ready to make an impression and delight even the pickiest eaters in no time at all.

What to Serve with Salmon? Try These 14 Side Dishes

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This roasted butternut squash salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your salmon dinner.

The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the savory salmon, and the added crunch of the pecans and crumbled goat cheese take this dish to the next level.

The butternut squash is roasted until it is tender and slightly caramelized, adding a depth of flavor to the salad.

The goat cheese adds a creamy element, while the pecans add a lovely crunch.

This salad can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any season.

To elevate this dish, try serving it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey.

You could also top it with grilled salmon for a complete meal.

2. Italian-Style Farro Salad

This Italian-style farro salad is the perfect side dish for salmon.

The nutty taste of the farro pairs perfectly with the rich, oily flavor of salmon.

The salad also has a pleasing texture, with the crunch of the vegetables offsetting the chewiness of the farro.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.

First, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to the salad.

This will bring out their natural sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.

A little bit of oregano or basil can go a long way in boosting the flavor of this dish.

Finally, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts for an extra bit of texture and richness.

3. Kale and Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Kale and Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish to any meal.

The bitterness of the arugula is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the lemon vinaigrette, and the kale gives the salad a nice crunch.

This dish is also incredibly healthy, as both kale and arugula are packed with nutrients.

The best part about this salad is that it is so easy to make.

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together.

I like to let my salad sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can really meld together, but you can also eat it right away.

If you want to elevate this dish, you could add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced almonds.

Both of these additions would add a nice bit of flavor and texture to the salad.

You could also swap out the kale for another type of green, such as spinach or romaine lettuce.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan

These roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and Parmesan are the perfect side dish to any meal.

They are packed with flavor and have a great texture.

The Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, and the bacon and Parmesan add the perfect amount of salty and savory flavors.

The Brussels sprouts are nicely crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

The bacon is perfectly cooked so that it is nice and crispy as well.

The Parmesan cheese adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dish.

This dish is simple to make but can be elevated by adding some additional toppings.

Some great ideas would be to add some chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a balsamic glaze.

5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a classic mashed potato dish.

And when you add garlic to the mix, you’ve got an irresistible side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes garlic mashed potatoes so good? The combination of creamy, dreamy potatoes with the pungent, aromatic flavor of garlic is simply heavenly.

These potatoes are also incredibly versatile – they can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and what you’re serving them with.

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery flavor and smooth texture.

• Use roasted garlic for an extra boost of flavor.

• Stir in some green onions or chives for a touch of color and sweetness.

• Top with shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

There’s no denying that sweet potatoes and marshmallows are a classic flavor combination.

The sweetness of the marshmallows perfectly offsets the earthiness of the sweet potatoes, making for a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

If you’re looking to elevate your sweet potato casserole game, there are a few things you can do.

First, try using different types of sweet potatoes.

While the traditional orange sweet potatoes will work just fine, you could also try using Japanese yams or even purple sweet potatoes.

Each type of sweet potato will give the dish its own unique flavor profile that your guests are sure to enjoy.

Another great way to elevate your sweet potato casserole is to experiment with different toppings.

In addition to the classic marshmallows, why not try adding some chopped pecans or even a dollop of whipped cream? Getting creative with your toppings will give your guests something to talk about long after the meal is over.

7. Green Beans Almondine

This classic French side dish is simple yet so elegant.

Green beans almondine is a dish of blanched green beans that are then sautéed with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds.

The result is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

The key to making this dish successful is to blanch the green beans properly.

You want to cook them until they are just tender and still have a bright green color.

Once they are blanched, quickly shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process.

This will help to keep the beans from getting overcooked and mushy when they are sautéed.

When it comes to the sautéing, be sure to use good quality butter.

This will really elevate the flavors in the dish.

And of course, don’t forget the garlic.

A few cloves of fresh garlic will really take this dish to the next level.

To finish it off, top with some toasted almonds for a little crunch.

8. Honey-Glazed Carrots

These honey-glazed carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal.

They’re sweet, savory, and full of flavor.

Plus, they’re so easy to make.

Simply coat carrots in a honey glaze and bake them in the oven.

The result is a delicious, healthy side dish that everyone will love.

The key to making these carrots great is to use quality ingredients.

Be sure to use fresh, organic carrots for the best flavor.

And don’t skimp on the honey.

Good quality honey will make all the difference in this dish.

These carrots are also versatile.

If you want to add a little more flavor, try adding some freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Or, for a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.

9. Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pecans

This Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Cranberries and Toasted pecan is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The quinoa is cooked in a vegetable broth and then mixed with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh parsley.

This dish can be served as a side or as a main course.

The quinoa is cooked in a vegetable broth which gives it a light and fluffy texture.

The dried cranberries add a sweetness to the dish, while the toasted pecans provide a crunchy contrast.

The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

To elevate this dish, you could try serving it with grilled salmon or chicken.

You could also add some crumbled feta cheese on top.

10. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs

Roasted cauliflower is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable.

The florets are first coated in olive oil, then roasted in a hot oven until they are tender and lightly browned.

To further enhance the flavor, Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs are added before serving.

The result is a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

While roasted cauliflower makes a great side dish, it can also be eaten as a main course when paired with a hearty salad or a simple pasta dish.

For an even more decadent treat, try drizzling the roasted cauliflower with truffle oil before serving.

11. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Sauteed spinach with garlic is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with salmon.

The taste of the garlic complements the flavor of the salmon, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

This dish is also relatively easy to make, which makes it ideal for busy weeknight meals.

When it comes to texture, sauteed spinach with garlic is slightly crispy and full of flavor.

The key to getting the perfect texture is to not overcook the spinach.

You want the leaves to be wilted but still retain some of their shapes.

As for the garlic, it should be cooked just long enough so that it is fragrant but not burnt.

There are a few ways you can elevate this dish and make it even more special.

One way is to use fresh spinach instead of frozen.

This will give the dish a more vibrant color and fresher flavor.

Another option is to add a bit of lemon juice at the end of cooking.

This will brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

12. Tomato Basil Salad

This Tomato Basil Salad is the perfect side dish to any meal.

It is full of flavor and has a great texture.

The tomatoes are juicy, and the basil is fresh and fragrant.

This salad is also very easy to make.

To elevate this dish, I recommend using heirloom tomatoes.

Heirloom tomatoes are a type of tomato that is grown from seeds that have been passed down for generations.

They are usually more expensive than regular tomatoes, but they are well worth it.

Heirloom tomatoes have a much richer flavor and are often more colorful than regular tomatoes.

If you can’t find heirloom tomatoes, you can use any type of tomato that you like.

Another great way to elevate this dish is to use freshly made mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is made from milk and has a soft, creamy texture.

It is often used in salads because it pairs so well with other ingredients.

If you can’t find fresh mozzarella cheese, you can use any type of cheese that you like.

13. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

A fruit salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

The key to a great fruit salad is to find the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

This honey lime dressing is the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your fruit salad.

The combination of honey and lime juice gives the dressing light and refreshing flavor that pairs well with any type of fruit.

For a more elevated dish, try adding some mint leaves or chopped nuts to the salad.

This will add a bit of texture and flavor to the dish.

14. Chocolate Cake or Brownies

Chocolate cake or brownies are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

They’re easy to make and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

And while they’re both delicious, there are some key differences between the two that you should know before you decide which one to make.

Brownies are all about that fudgy, dense texture.

They’re gooey and chocolatey, and often have nuts or chocolate chips mixed in for extra flavor.

Chocolate cake, on the other hand, is fluffy and light.

It’s moist but not as dense as a brownie.

And while it’s also chocolatey, it doesn’t have that same intense chocolate flavor that brownies do.

So which one should you make? If you’re looking for something quick and easy, go for brownies.

But if you want something a little fancier, chocolate cake is the way to go.

And if you really want to impress your guests, try making a chocolate cake with a rich chocolate ganache frosting.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – 14 of the best side dishes to serve with salmon.

As you can see, there are a lot of different options to choose from depending on your taste buds and what you have on hand.

Salmon is such a versatile fish, so it really pairs well with a wide variety of flavors.

Be sure to experiment and find what you and your family like best.

And, as always, let us know what you think in the comments below.