Are you looking for the best side dishes for salmon? From roasted asparagus, fresh vegetables, crisp salads, hearty potatoes, pasta, and rice. This collection of healthy side dish recipes has you covered for planning your next salmon dinner.
Looking for healthy salmon recipes too? Try my Easy Baked Salmon with Rosemary, Balsamic Glazed Salmon, or Lemon Salmon with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Salmon - Healthy & Fresh!
Curious about the best side dishes for salmon? I've put together a complete list of fresh and healthy side dish recipes that pair perfectly with your favorite salmon recipe. Whether you are looking for a bright green salad, starch (potatoes, rice, pasta), or roasted vegetables like asparagus, I've got you covered. This list also features recipes that pair with all sorts of salmon recipes including ones with more Mediterranean, Mexican or Asian flavors. There are so many options for a healthy weeknight dinner here.
These side dish recipes are all bright, colorful, and flavorful with minimal ingredients and fuss. All of these recipes are made in less than 30 minutes, and many can be ready in around 15 which is perfect for a salmon dinner because salmon is such a fast and healthy dinner idea that can also be made in less than 30 minutes.
Salmon is the perfect base for a healthy dinner because it's full of nutrition like protein, and omega-3 fatty acids rich in vitamin B12, and high in selenium. In fact, one serving of salmon is only 182 calories with 25 grams of protein. You can't beat it for a fast and healthy dinner.
If you haven't picked your salmon recipe yet, I've included a list at the bottom of my favorite salmon recipes to help with your meal planning. You can also search "salmon" on this site to pull up over a dozen salmon recipes.
What goes with salmon?
So what are the BEST side dishes for salmon? Salmon is super versatile and can be flavored in so many ways meaning many different types of side dishes can go well with it. You can serve it as a topping for leafy green salads, with a quinoa salad, or even as a topping for pasta. Salmon can also be flavored in so many ways so your side dishes can match the flavor profile of your salmon recipe. If you have a teriyaki salmon recipe my Asian Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Coconut Lime Rice would be delicious but if you have a Mediterranean Lemon Salmon with a Creamy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce, my Creamy Cucumber Salad and Mediterranean Chopped Salad would be fabulous.
My all-time favorite combination of best side dishes for salmon is my Oven Roasted Herb & Garlic Baby Red Potatoes and Garlic Parmesan Asparagus or Oven Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli. I serve it with my classic Oven Baked Rosemary Salmon. The entire meal can be made in the oven in less than 30 minutes. My family eats this for dinner every other week.
Those are some basic combinations, but there are really so many best side dishes for salmon. The possibilities are endless! This list is the perfect place to start.
25+ Best Side Dishes for Salmon Share on X
Best Side Dishes for Salmon
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
This classic Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is one of the best side dishes for salmon. You really can't go wrong with this classic pairing of asparagus and salmon! It's easy enough for a weekday dinner, but classy enough to serve at a dinner party. This version is made on a sheet pan in the oven with parmesan cheese, but I also have a grilled version, Garlic Parmesan Grilled Asparagus, that's made in easy-to-clean-up foil packets.
Roasted Garlic Baby Red Potatoes
Here are my #2 best side dishes for salmon that are healthy... Crispy Herb and Garlic Roasted Baby Red Potatoes. This is another classic side dish recipe that pairs perfectly with salmon. It's super easy to make in the oven and pairs perfectly with so many types of salmon recipes.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Need more best side dishes for salmon? If you are looking for something with a little more color to serve with your salmon, try this Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable that covers the entire rainbow. This simple roasted vegetable is seasoned with Herbs de Provence.
Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad is another on the top of the list of best side dishes for salmon. This classic but upgraded Caesar salad is healthier with kale instead of romaine and a homemade Greek Yogurt Ceasar Dressing instead of bottled. The combination of healthy salmon and Caesar salad is pure perfection!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
Need more best side dishes for salmon? My Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic is a perfectly healthy side dish and pairs lovely with so many styles of salmon recipes. You can't go wrong with this combination for a healthy dinner. Add rice or potato and you have a perfect dinner.
Lemon Garlic Kale
Lemon Garlic Kale is another on the top of the list of best side dishes for salmon. If you are looking to get more greens in your diet, this healthy side dish is the perfect place to start. They are a perfect side dish for salmon too!
Oven Roasted Green Beans
Oven Roasted Green Beans are another on the list of best side dishes for salmon. This is another crazy simple and healthy side dish my family eats regularly. It's simply spiced with garlic salt and is the perfect super easy side dish for salmon dinners. You are going to love how fast and easy it is to prepare.
Pro Tip: Line your sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup! That works for any of these easy roasted vegetable recipes.
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Looking for more on the list of best side dishes for salmon that are healthy? Start with Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli. In my opinion, broccoli is the perfect side dish for salmon and this simple recipe is another one on regular rotation at my house. You'll love the simple ingredients and easy-to-prepare steps.
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Serving a salmon recipe with greek or Mediterranean-style flavors, this Healthy Creamy Cucumber Salad is one of the best side dishes for salmon to serve with it. It's made with crisp cucumbers, creamy greek yogurt, and fresh dill. The salmon pairs perfectly with these flavors and this is a nice unexpected break from the standard roasted vegetable and potato that's included in so many salmon dinners. Add some Mediterranean Quinoa Salad on the side, and you have a perfect healthy salmon dinner.
Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts
Serving a Teriyaki Salmon? My Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side dish. This simple twist on roasted Brussels sprouts uses teriyaki sauce and sesame oil for flavor. You'll love this 3 ingredient recipe for a fast and healthy dinner. You can even serve it with soy sauce.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Salads are another best side dish for salmon and you can't go wrong with my Mediterranean Chopped Salad. This one is filled with spinach, feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives. Top this pretty salad with salmon and you have a healthy salmon dinner everyone will love.
Carribean Couscous Salad
Here's a unique find on the list of best side dishes for salmon! This Caribean Couscous Salad is filled with sweet mango, red pepper, avocado, and black beans. It's an unexpected flavor combination that works great with salmon for a healthy dinner.
Asparagus Salad
Need more best side dishes for salmon? How about serving asparagus in a different way? This Asparagus Salad is fresh, healthy, and vibrant. It's a great side dish for serving salmon in the spring or summer.
Oven Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms
Cozy Oven Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms are on the top of the best side dishes for salmon... especially if you want something low-carb or gluten-free! This hearty side dish pairs perfectly with salmon and makes the perfect healthy salmon dinner.
Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Looking for a fall twist for the best side dishes for salmon? How about this Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes? I love this cozy dish with my Balsamic Glazed Salmon with a rich fall-ish healthy salmon dinner.
Honey Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad
How about something more unique for your healthy salmon dinner? This Balsamic Honey Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad is flavorful and has veggies and starch - grains in one easy-to-prepare package.
Parmesan Ranch Cauliflower
You can't go wrong with Parmesan Ranch Cauliflower to add to your list of best side dishes for healthy salmon dinners. This rich and flavorful way is such a tasty way to enjoy cauliflower and is a healthy dish to serve with salmon. Roasting the cauliflower in olive oil and ranch seasoning is perfection!
Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect healthy side dish for salmon. Yes, you can serve sweet potatoes with salmon and this savory recipe is the perfect way to do it. These little cubes are tender, lightly spiced and so tasty! Such a great healthy side dish for anything but especially salmon.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots are another yummy and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with salmon. This savory carrot recipe is made in the oven with only 5 ingredients.
Healthier Twice-Baked Potatoes
My Healthier Twice Baked Potatoes are a fun twist on your standard baked potato (which also makes a great side dish for salmon!) This version swaps our greek yogurt for sour cream and uses low-fat cheese for a delicious elevated side dish.
Oven Baked Parmesan Garlic Potato Wedges
Need a starch on your list of best side dishes for salmon? These Parmesan Garlic Potato Wedges are simple, tasty, and healthy. They taste great with salmon!
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
If you are grilling out your salmon, how about grilling out your potatoes too? These Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges are flavorful, easy to make, and super delish making them another on the list of best side dishes for salmon.
Grilled Zucchini in Foil
Grilling out salmon and need a healthy side dish? This Parmesan Galic Zucchini Foil Packet recipe is super easy and delicious. It's great for summer cooking!
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Here's a unique option on your list of the best side dishes for salmon! How about my Zesty Italian Pasta Salad which is loaded with pasta, Zesty Italian Dressing, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper?
Greek Cous Cous Slaad
Greek Couscous Salad is the most delicious side dish for any greek or Mediterranean-style salmon. I love that it has the starch (couscous) and vegetables all in one easy-to-prepare side dish. Plus the feta pairs perfectly with the salmon.
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes are another can't-miss best side dishes for salmon. This easy potato dish slices them think, and puts them on the grill in foil or easy cooking and clean up. You can't go wrong with this healthy side dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice
If you have a Mexican-style salmon dish, try my Cilantro Lime Brown Rice. This is another fabulous side dish for salmon that everyone will love. It's easy, versatile, and delicious. If you are looking for great salmon side dishes, this is it!
Pesto Pasta
If you are looking for a heartier side dish for the best side dishes for salmon, try my Healthy Creamy Pesto Pasta. This dish is light and flavorful and the basil pesto flavors pair perfectly with salmon.
Lemon Herb Rice
And for the last best side dishes for salmon dinners that are healthy, I have a brand new super simple recipe to try. This is my favorite way to dress up regular rice - white or brown - that tastes great with salmon. Here's the recipe for Lemon Herb Rice below.
Make These Best Dishes for Salmon at Home!
I hope you'll give some of these Best Side Dishes for Salmon to try at home. They are all so tasty and unique. With this variety, you'll never have a boring dinner again!
If you make these best side dishes for salmon recipes, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Best Side Dishes for Salmon - Lemon Herb Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice, cooked
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley, oregano), chopped
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook your favorite rice according to package instructions and fluff.
- If desired, stir in a small amount of butter while the rice is warm. This is optional.
- Next add the squeezed lemon.
- Finally, add the fresh chopped herbs that compliment your dish.
- Serve with salmon for a healthy salmon dinner.
Notes
Nutrition
Best Side Dishes for Salmon FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Many of these side dishes for salmon recipes can be made ahead of time. Cook them according to the recipe and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven. Some of the salads are great make-ahead dishes.
What's the best way to serve salmon?
Salmon is best served baked, grilled, pan-seared, or steamed. It's fabulous with one or two sides that complement each other like a vegetable and starch.
Salmon Recipes to Try
And if you haven't picked a salmon recipe for your side dishes for salmon yet, here are my favorite salmon recipes!
- Easy Baked Salmon with Rosemary
- Easy Lemon Pesto Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Everything But the Bagel Salmon
- Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Salmon Foil Packets with Rainbow Vegetables
- Salmon Asparagus and Tomato in Foil
- Balsamic Glazed Salmon
- Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Peach Salsa
- Pistachio Crusted Salmon
25+ Best Side Dishes for Salmon Share on X
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Christine G says
These side dish ideas look incredibly delicious - and seem easy to make. I love the green beans, broccoli and Brussels sprouts recipes!
Tisha says
salmon is definitely one of my favs! I love these side dish ideas
Nadalie says
This is really great! I won't run out of side dishes anymore! And they are not just for salmon!
Whitney Stewart says
Forget salmon, everything sounds so good I’d make them as the main course! I’ll have to try them out eventually! Thank you so much for sharing!
Amber Myers says
I don't like salmon, but I do like many of these side dishes! I need to try them out with another main dish for sure.