59 Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon
Updated: Mar. 02, 2023
Pondering sides for salmon? We've compiled easy (and great-tasting!) veggies, grains and salads that pair perfectly with your fish dish.
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Red Roasted Potatoes
Fragrant rosemary—either fresh or dried—gives these roasted red potatoes a distinctive and subtle taste. This dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It’s one of my favorite sides for salmon. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
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Slow-Cooker Spinach & Rice
I started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It’s so convenient, I no longer reserve it for special occasions! Serve it as a side for salmon to make a full meal. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
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Balsamic Purple Potatoes
I volunteered at a local organic farm in exchange for fresh produce, and I was given purple potatoes. I wanted to cook something new and use herbs from our garden. Coming from the Midwest, adding vinegar to potato recipes has always been a hit, especially with fries! —Kristin Schultz, Manor, Texas
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Pea Risotto with Lemon
If you’re looking for something to serve with salmon, your search is over! Lemon adds a refreshing taste to this lovely pea risotto dish that’s perfect for spring. —Sue Dannahower, Fort Pierce, Florida
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Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side for salmon. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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White Beans and Spinach
This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
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Brown Rice and Vegetables
This filling rice dish, full of big chunks of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, is a standout combination of sweet and savory flavors perfect as a side for salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Roasted Asparagus With Thyme
This is good-for-you spring-time side dish is so easy to prepare, yet the simply seasoned spears look appealing enough to serve guests or take to carry-in dinner. -Sharon Leno Keansburg, New Jersey
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Herb-Buttered Baby Carrots
The herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide. We love it on baby carrots served as a side for salmon. —Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho
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Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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Confetti Quinoa
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken or as a side for salmon. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Tuscan-Style Roasted Asparagus
This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season, and it’s so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. This is how to bake asparagus. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
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Flavorful Green Rice
Now this is what to serve with salmon! Green onions and parsley give this rice its name, but the appealing flavor is what makes it memorable. —Karin Bailey, Golden, Colorado
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Fruit & Spinach Salad
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
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Kale Quinoa Salad
Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
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Zucchini Pasta
The taste of this rich and creamy pasta with zucchini will have people convinced it’s not low-fat, but it is! Garlicky and fresh-flavored, this will be a hit. It’s one of the best sides for salmon. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
These Brussels sprouts are special enough for company—I like to serve them for Thanksgiving dinner. If you can't find fresh sprouts, try using the frozen one. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
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Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese
Lemony Greek potatoes are a traditional side for salmon, grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top with feta for a little melty goodness. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
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Wilted Curly Endive
This warm curly endive salad is a deliciously different way to serve lettuce. Unlike other wilted versions, this one is not sweet. Vinegar and bacon give it old-fashioned savory goodness. —Chere Bell, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Vegetable Barley Bake
Forget the potatoes and rice, and consider this change-of-pace dinner accompaniment. Wholesome barley makes for a heart-smart dish that complements just about any main course and other sides, too. —Shirley Doyle, Mount Prospect, Illinois
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Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Mom would prepare homegrown green beans using this recipe and, boy, did they ever taste good! The bacon provides rich flavor and the brown sugar a touch of sweetness. This is one irresistible side for salmon. —Willa Govoro, St. Clair, Missouri
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Spinach Blueberry Salad
Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker's wife, and it's become one of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri
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Glazed Baby Carrots
For a zippy side for salmon, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all. —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia
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Zucchini in Dill Cream Sauce
My husband and I were dairy farmers until we retired, so I always use fresh, real dairy products in my recipes. This creamy sauce combines all our favorite foods! —Josephine Vanden Heuvel, Hart, Michigan
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Savory String Beans
I love making this dish when I can pick the beans right out of the garden and put them into the pot. The fresh taste is unbeatable. I've also made it with beans purchased at the store. Either way, you'll find this recipe a winner. There's no need for any extra seasonings at the table. —Ina Reed, Kingman, Arizona
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Vegetable and Barley Pilaf
Hearty, colorful, easy and fast were the reviews we gave this good-for-you dish. Barley has a healthy amount of soluble fiber, which aids digestion. And it can help to lower cholesterol too! You can easily substitute other fresh veggies you have on hand. —Jesse Klausmeier, Burbank, California
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Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side for salmon. Even folks who aren’t cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
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Light Strawberry-Spinach Salad
This strawberry-spinach salad makes a wonderful light summer meal or side for salmon or chicken. All of the flavors and colors complement one another very nicely. Farmers here in Washington grow a lot of strawberries, and they’re the sweetest ones I’ve ever tasted. I’m always looking for new and different ways to use them. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
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Barley Risotto
Low in fat, but high in fiber, this delicious barley risotto puts a twist on the typical dish. With its nutty undertones, barley provides the perfect backdrop for lemon and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Sauteed Zucchini
I’ve found that this flavorful sauteed zucchini complements almost any main course, from chicken to fish. If you like, use half yellow summer squash for a colorful variation on classic zucchini recipes. —Teresa Kraus, Cortez, Colorado
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Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Roasted potatoes are amazing. Add some rosemary and caramelized onions and they are over-the-top delicious! —Mary Jones, Athens, Ohio
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Oven-Baked Asparagus
I like to use recipes that call for fresh produce I've grown in my garden. Here's a simple way to make baked asparagus to bring out the flavor while maintaining that bright green color. —Robert Foust, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Sweet Carrots
Here's a flavorful way to dress up carrots without a lot of fuss. Simply steam the good-for-you veggies, then season with butter, brown sugar, vinegar and a sprinkling of chives. The carrots are not only colorful, but they're tasty, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Nutty Barley Bake
When I started bringing this distinctive dish to holiday dinners, a lot of people had never seen barley in anything but soup. They have since dubbed me "the barley lady", and now I wouldn't dare bring anything this dish. Even if I double the recipe, I come home with an empty pan. -Renate Crump, Los Angeles, California
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Pressure-Cooker Green Beans
Free up room on your stovetop when you’re cooking for company and make these easy pressure-cooked green beans. Mix and match with your favorite herbs and spices. It really does only take 1 minute to get crisp-tender green beans. The recipe easily cuts in half to serve four on weeknights. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Baked Vidalia Onions
Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served as a side for salmon, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
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Nectarine Arugula Salad
Here's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. —Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia
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Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
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Pepper Parmesan Beans
A colorful mixture of peppers and green beans gets an Italian treatment with basil and Parmesan cheese in this delightful vegetable dish. The garlic adds a savory zip. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
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Zesty Sugar Snap Peas
Lemon pepper and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and a nice side for salmon. You’ll come to rely on this six-ingredient recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Oven Parmesan Chips
My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
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Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts
I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California
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Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl
You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts
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Grilled Peppers and Zucchini
This versatile side dish is so simple and quick that I had to share it. Grilling the colorful veggies in a foil packet means one less dish to wash, but I sometimes stir-friy the mixture on the stovetop. —Karen Anderson, Fair Oaks, California
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Thyme Green Beans with Almonds
Thyme is a lovely addition to this classic vegetable side dish. The recipe is a snap to make for family, yet special enough to serve guests. —Kenna Baber, Rochester, Minnesota
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Parmesan Asparagus
Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad
With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California
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Pea Pod Carrot Medley
We grow pea pods, and I wanted to use them in something other than stir-fries. This fit the bill! I've carried it to church potlucks and received compliments on its pretty orange glaze and fresh taste. —Josie Smith, Winamac, Indiana
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Herbed Baked Spinach
Parmesan cheese and garlic liven up this spinach dish, which is a good side for salmon and casseroles. Sometimes, I use broccoli as a spinach substitute. It’s equally delicious.
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Creamed Peas
I can still taste these wonderful creamed peas in Mama’s delicious white sauce. Our food was pretty plain during the week, so I thought this white sauce made the peas “extra fancy” and fitting for a Sunday meal.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
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Rice Pilaf with Apples & Raisins
I love making bulgar pilaf with apricots. So glad I tried it with dried apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi
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Dill & Chive Peas
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Brussels Sprouts Gratin
This side for salmon will likely become your family’s favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. It’s creamy, savory and delicious. —Kevin Lieberman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
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Garlic-Herb Pattypan Squash
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. When choosing what to serve with salmon, pattypan squash is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
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Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It was fantastic! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Originally Published: February 26, 2020
