12 Delicious Side Dishes That Pair Well with Salmon

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be served with a wide range of side dishes to suit any taste. From refreshing salads to flavorful grains, there are endless options to pair with this delicious fish. These sides can balance the richness of the salmon and provide a satisfying meal. Adding the perfect accompaniment is the key to a well-rounded dinner.

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Lemon Risotto with Broccoli

Lemon Risotto with Broccoli is a creamy and fresh dish that pairs well with salmon. The brightness of the lemon complements the richness of the risotto, while the broccoli adds a fresh, earthy crunch. This dish is perfect for any meal when you want a balance of rich and fresh flavors. The creamy texture of the risotto combined with the lightness of the lemon and broccoli creates an unforgettable side.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 cup Arborio rice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 lemon (zest and juice), 3 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. To make the dish, heat olive oil in a large pan, and sauté the broccoli for 5 minutes until tender. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1 minute until lightly toasted. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the rice absorbs the liquid. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Green Beans

Green beans are a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with nearly any main course. Their crisp texture provides a perfect contrast to richer dishes like salmon, making them an ideal accompaniment. You can cook them in various ways, from steaming to sautéing, making them incredibly versatile. This dish is light, healthy, and easy to prepare in just a few minutes.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed), 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes. Drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté the green beans for 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before serving.

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes are creamy and flavorful, making them a classic and comforting side dish. The smooth texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky flavor. Red potatoes are naturally buttery, making them ideal for mashed potatoes. This dish is a comforting option that complements a variety of main courses, especially fish.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 lb red potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks), 3 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Boil the red potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with garlic, butter, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes offer a balance of natural sweetness and savory flavors, making them a delightful side dish. The honey enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes, while roasting gives them a tender inside and crispy outside. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. It offers a nice balance of sweetness and heartiness.

For the ingredients, you will need 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, salt and pepper to taste, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and golden brown.

Sauteed Zucchini

Sauteed Zucchini is a quick, light side dish with a fresh flavor that pairs well with many main courses. The zucchini is lightly cooked in olive oil, keeping its freshness while adding a soft texture. It is a great side to serve with fish, offering a light and refreshing contrast. This dish can be seasoned simply or with additional herbs for extra flavor.

For the ingredients, you will need 2 medium zucchinis (sliced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately as a light and healthy side.

Pea Risotto with Lemon

Pea Risotto with Lemon is a fresh and creamy dish that pairs perfectly with seafood. The peas add a touch of sweetness, while the lemon provides a refreshing citrus note. The creamy risotto base complements the bright flavors of the peas and lemon. It is a comforting yet light dish that can be made in about 30 minutes.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 cup Arborio rice, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 lemon (zest and juice), 3 cups vegetable broth, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Heat a pan over medium heat, then add the rice and toast for 1 minute. Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly until absorbed. Stir in the peas, lemon zest, and juice, then cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, offering a crispy texture with less oil. The air fryer creates a perfect crunch, while the sweet potatoes retain their natural sweetness. This easy dish is great for serving alongside fish, adding a savory-sweet element to your meal. They are quick to prepare and require minimal cleanup.

For the ingredients, you will need 2 medium sweet potatoes (cut into fries), 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon paprika, and salt to taste. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, and salt. Place the fries in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-Glazed Carrots are a simple and delicious side dish that adds sweetness to your meal. The honey glaze enhances the natural flavor of the carrots, giving them a rich and savory-sweet taste. This dish is perfect for complementing savory meats and fish. The carrots remain tender yet slightly crisp, making them a favorite side for many.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 lb carrots (peeled and cut into rounds), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon butter, salt and pepper to taste, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional). In a pan, melt the butter and add the carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes. Add honey, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed.

Radish Cucumber Salad

Radish Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that offers a crisp texture and tangy flavor. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and peppery radishes makes for a perfect side to seafood or grilled meats. This salad is a great way to add a burst of freshness to any meal. It is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a quick, healthy side.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 cup radishes (thinly sliced), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped). In a bowl, combine the radishes and cucumbers. Toss with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

Steamed Lemon Broccoli

Steamed Lemon Broccoli is a fresh and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with almost any main course. The lemon adds a refreshing citrus note to the earthy broccoli, making it a flavorful and light choice. This dish is quick to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients. It is an excellent side for anyone looking for a light, nutritious addition to their meal.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 lb broccoli florets, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.

Kale Quinoa Salad

Kale Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and hearty side dish full of flavor. The kale provides a leafy base, while the quinoa adds a protein-packed element to the salad. This dish is perfect for pairing with fish or grilled chicken, offering a fresh and satisfying addition to your meal. It is simple to make and can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups kale (chopped), ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Massage the kale with olive oil and lemon juice until tender. Combine the quinoa and kale, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

Seasoned Red Potatoes

Seasoned Red Potatoes are a flavorful and crispy side dish that complements many main courses. The potatoes are roasted to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. They are simple to make and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, making them versatile for any meal. This dish is great for adding a hearty element to your dinner.

For the ingredients, you will need 1 lb red potatoes (cut into wedges), 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

From vibrant vegetables to hearty grains, these side dishes offer the perfect balance to your main meal. They bring fresh flavors and different textures that can complement any protein, making your meal more satisfying. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare for any occasion.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.