Pairing cedar plank salmon with the right side dishes can truly enhance your meal. Consider grilled asparagus for added smokiness and crunch, or lemon herb rice for its zesty, aromatic notes. Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy, savory touch, while quinoa salad adds vibrant color and texture. Sautéed spinach provides a nutritious, flavorful side, and roasted Brussels sprouts bring crispiness. For a invigorating contrast, try cucumber dill salad. Creamy polenta and mango avocado salsa introduce luxurious and tropical flavors, respectively. Each side dish offers unique tastes and benefits that beautifully complement cedar plank salmon. Discovering these combinations can elevate your dining experience.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus complements cedar plank salmon beautifully, adding a touch of smokiness and a satisfying crunch to the meal. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus nutrition is impressive.
For perfect grilling, toss asparagus in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill until tender-crisp. This simple side dish enhances the salmon while providing essential nutrients.
Lemon Herb Rice
Lemon herb rice offers a zesty and aromatic complement to cedar plank salmon, enhancing the meal's flavor profile with its citrusy notes and fragrant herbs.
This dish is not only delicious but also brings nutritional benefits, as it can be enriched with vitamins and minerals from fresh ingredients.
Simple cooking techniques, like simmering rice with lemon zest and finely chopped herbs, make it an easy yet impressive side.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes provide a creamy and savory side dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of cedar plank salmon. The smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the fish, creating a delightful balance.
Cream variations, such as using heavy cream or sour cream, can enhance the richness of the potatoes. This pairing offers a comforting and indulgent dining experience, satisfying both taste and texture preferences.
Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad offers a nutritious and vibrant accompaniment to cedar plank salmon, adding both color and texture to the meal.
Known for its nutritional benefits, quinoa is rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
The salad can be customized with various flavor variations, such as fresh herbs, citrus vinaigrette, and seasonal vegetables, making it a versatile and delightful side dish.
Sautéed Spinach
Sauteed spinach complements cedar plank salmon with its vibrant green color and tender texture, providing a nutritious and flavorful side dish. This leafy green offers numerous nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and C, and iron.
The simple preparation involves lightly cooking the spinach in olive oil with garlic, making it an easy yet elegant addition to your meal that balances taste and health.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent side dish for cedar plank salmon, offering a delightful combination of crispiness and caramelized flavor. Packed with health benefits, these little green gems are rich in vitamins and fiber.
Preparation tips include trimming the ends, tossing them in olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper before roasting. This creates a nutritious and tasty complement to your meal.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Another outstanding side dish to contemplate is a revitalizing cucumber dill salad, which offers a light and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of cedar plank salmon. Packed with health benefits, this salad can be easily customized with dressing variations.
From a simple lemon vinaigrette to a creamy yogurt-based dressing, each option enhances the crispness of the cucumbers and the fragrant dill.
Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta serves as a luxurious and comforting side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the robust flavors of cedar plank salmon. Its creamy textures provide a delightful contrast to the rich, smoky fish.
Polenta variations, such as adding cheese or herbs, can enhance the dish further, making it a versatile and satisfying option for any meal featuring cedar plank salmon.
Mango Avocado Salsa
Complementing the creamy polenta, mango avocado salsa introduces a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors that beautifully enhance the cedar plank salmon.
This salsa, with its tropical flavors, brings a delightful contrast to the savory salmon.
Salsa variations can include adding jalapeños for a kick or red onions for crunch, making it a versatile side dish that appeals to diverse palates.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Frequently served alongside cedar plank salmon, balsamic glazed carrots offer a sweet and tangy complement that enhances the overall dining experience.
Using different carrot varieties can add color and flavor diversity. Glaze techniques, such as reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey, create a rich, shiny coating that clings beautifully to the carrots, making them an appealing and delicious side dish.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Wild mushroom risotto, with its earthy flavors and luxurious texture, serves as an excellent side dish for cedar plank salmon. The creamy Arborio rice complements the rich salmon, while the wild mushrooms add depth.
A drizzle of truffle oil enhances the dish, making it both aromatic and indulgent. This pairing creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will impress your guests.
Citrus Arugula Salad
A invigorating citrus arugula salad provides a vibrant and tangy contrast to the richness of cedar plank salmon.
The peppery arugula paired with a zesty citrus vinaigrette creates a revitalizing palate cleanser.
Arugula benefits include high levels of vitamins K and C, which support bone health and immune function.
This delightful salad enhances the meal, making it both nutritious and flavorful.
Sweet Potato Fries
Often celebrated for their delightful balance of sweetness and crispiness, sweet potato fries make an excellent side dish for cedar plank salmon.
With various seasoning options like paprika or cinnamon, they cater to diverse tastes.
Pair them with an array of dipping sauces such as spicy aioli or honey mustard to enhance the flavors, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Pesto Pasta
Complementing the rich flavors of cedar plank salmon, pesto pasta offers a fresh and aromatic side dish that enhances the overall meal experience.
The vibrant basil and garlic in pesto pair wonderfully with salmon, creating a balanced plate.
Additionally, the nutritional benefits of pesto and pasta contribute to a wholesome meal.
A suitable wine pairing, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, elevates this delightful combination.
Can the Same Side Dishes Be Paired with Different Types of Salmon?
When it comes to choosing side dishes for cold poached salmon, versatility is key. Classic options like a refreshing cucumber salad or dill-infused potato salad can complement the delicate flavors of the salmon. However, you can also experiment with different flavor profiles, such as pairing the salmon with an Asian-inspired slaw or a citrusy quinoa salad for a unique twist.
Corn on the Cob
Shifting from the aromatic allure of pesto pasta, the sweet and smoky flavors of corn on the cob offer a delightful contrast to cedar plank salmon.
Grilled to perfection using simple grilling techniques, this side dish becomes irresistible when slathered with a generous butter spread.
The combination of charred kernels and rich butter complements the salmon beautifully, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.