The 30 Best Side Dishes for Salmon (original) (raw)
The Full Helping
We don’t like to play favorites, but we’ll admit that salmon holds a special place in our heart—especially on weeknights. It’s delicious, easy to prepare and, oh, those omega-3s! Plus, our favorite fish is totally versatile, as it can be prepared to fit almost any flavor profile. Even so, it’s tough to decide what to serve with the main course. Here are 30 tasty side dishes for salmon that never get old.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
1. Winter Citrus and Pomegranate Salad
Salmon is high in healthy fats, so a tart salad always works well to cut through its richness.
Two Peas and Their Pod
2. Roasted Parmesan Pesto Potatoes
Contrast salmon’s silky texture with this crispy side, courtesy of Coterie member Maria Lichty.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
3. Cauliflower Rice
Keep it super healthy with a scoop or two of cauliflower rice. (It’s especially good with teriyaki or miso-glazed salmon.)
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
4. Asparagus Caesar Salad
Salmon and asparagus is a classic pairing. This easy recipe also includes lemon juice for a little extra freshness.
Ambitious Kitchen
5. Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Honey-Orange Dressing
The leftovers make an enviable desk lunch for the next day.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
6. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprouts Salad
We’re all about roasted sprouts, but sometimes fresh and crunchy is the way to go.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
7. Vegan Slow-Cooker Detox Coconut Soup
This Thai-inspired soul-warmer boasts glass noodles, fresh herbs, scallions, bean sprouts and more.
The Full Helping
8. Sweet Potato Bulgur Salad
Bulgur's nuttiness pairs beautifully with salmon, and we have Coterie member Gena Hamshaw to thank for this guy.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
9. Crispy Green Bean "Fries"
No messy frying required—your oven's got it covered.
Gimme Some Oven
10. Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mmm, salmon paired with an Asian-inspired glaze? Invite us over, please.
Floating Kitchen
11. Asparagus Salad with Farro, Arugula and Edamame
Peppery arugula cuts salmon's richness while farro and edamame add texture.
Erin McDowell
12. Chilled Cucumber Salad
On a hot night, all we crave is some poached or grilled salmon and this crisp, cool salad.
Gimme Some Oven
13. Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
Another winner for a soy- or ginger-glazed salmon recipe.
Foodie Crush
14. Autumn Couscous Salad
Who doesn’t love Israeli couscous (aka the big pearled kind)? Thanks Coterie member, Heidi Larson.
Two Peas and Their Pod
15. Kale and Wild Rice Salad
Think leafy greens, whole grains and creamy goat cheese for good measure. Thanks, Coterie member Maria Lichty.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
16. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli
This twist on a classic will change summer patio dinners forever.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
17. 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta
This quick pasta is one of our go-to weeknight meals, but it works just as well as a side.
Wholesome Yum
18. Easy Garlic Roasted Bok Choy
This low-maintenance side roasts in the oven while you prep your main dish.
ERIN MCDOWELL
19. Citrus, Fennel and Avocado Salad
Salmon + avocado = healthy fats dream team.
Laura Wing and Jim Kamoosi
20. Tabbouleh Salad
Salmon pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavors. Try this fresh, herbaceous salad and toasted pita with your fish.
Emily Morgan
21. Warm Sesame Noodle Salad
Warning: You’ll want to put the peanut butter dressing on *everything*.
Erin McDowell
22. Coconut Creamed Spinach
This beauty is free of dairy and totally vegan, thanks to coconut milk.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
23. ‘Everything Bagel’ Cauliflower Rolls
Yup, cauliflower can officially do anything.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta-Garlic Breadcrumbs
Any veggie topped with pancetta and butter is a veggie we can get behind.
Photo: Tyler Mauk/Styling: Anne Mauk
26. Corn and Tomato Salad with Feta and Lime
Hi, summer. This refreshing side is destined for your first barbecue.
Teri Lyn Fisher/Eat Like You Give a Fork
27. Overstuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle-Lime Yogurt
Sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado and Greek yogurt? Bring on the healthy fats.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
28. Grilled Mango Salsa
Spoon it right onto the salmon or serve it on the side with tortilla chips.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
29. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers
The trick is sticking to one veggie per skewer, so all the pieces cook at the same speed.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
30. Herby Shoestring Fries
When in doubt, fries are always a crowd pleaser—especially when they’re tossed in fresh rosemary.