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What to Serve With Duck Breast in Plum Sauce: 15 Best Side Dishes

Finding the right sides to pair with duck breast in plum sauce can transform your meal into a fine dining experience. Consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts for their caramelized, tender texture, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes that perfectly complement the rich duck. Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add a crisp, vibrant touch, while a hearty wild rice pilaf enhances the overall flavor. For a slight sweetness, honey-glazed carrots are delightful. Each dish balances the rich flavors of duck and plum sauce. Ready to explore more side dish options to create the perfect meal? You're in for a treat.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious vegetable side dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized exterior and tender interior, make an excellent accompaniment to duck breast, balancing its rich flavor with a touch of earthy sweetness.

Setting the oven temperature to 400°F guarantees a perfect roast.

Experiment with seasoning variations such as salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze to enhance the dish further, offering a delightful contrast to the main course.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

savory side dish favorite

Garlic mashed potatoes provide a creamy and flavorful side dish that complements the richness of duck breast perfectly. The flavor profile of garlic enhances the savory notes of the duck, creating a harmonious balance.

For preparation tips, use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture and add roasted garlic for depth. Mash until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sautéed Green Beans

delicious saut ed green beans

Sautéed green beans offer a crisp and vibrant counterpoint to the rich flavors of duck breast, making them an ideal side dish.

By using French techniques, you can achieve a perfect balance where the beans retain their crunch.

A touch of toasted almonds introduces nutty flavors, adding depth.

This simple yet elegant dish complements the duck without overpowering it.

Wild Rice Pilaf

forest inspired rice dish

Building on the harmony of flavors established by the sautéed green beans, wild rice pilaf offers a hearty and earthy complement to duck breast. Its nutty flavor, enhanced by seasonal herbs, creates a rich balance against the plum sauce.

The pilaf's robust texture and aromatic profile guarantee a delightful pairing, making each bite of the duck breast a more sumptuous experience.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

sweet and savory side

Honey-glazed carrots bring a splendid sweetness and vibrant color to the plate, perfectly complementing the rich, savory notes of duck breast.

The color contrast enhances visual appeal, while the soft yet firm carrot texture adds a delightful bite.

This simple yet elegant side dish balances flavors and textures, making it a superb choice to elevate your dining experience.

Creamy Polenta

rich and comforting dish

Creamy polenta, with its smooth texture and subtle corn flavor, makes an excellent accompaniment to duck breast. The polenta texture is rich and comforting, providing a delightful contrast to the savory duck.

Polenta variations, such as incorporating cheese or herbs, can further enhance the dish, making it both versatile and satisfying. This pairing promises a harmonious and indulgent dining experience.

Balsamic Roasted Beets

healthy and flavorful side

Balsamic roasted beets offer a vibrant and earthy complement to the rich flavors of duck breast. Packed with health benefits, these beets are high in fiber and antioxidants.

For preparation tips, roast the beets until tender, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness.

This simple yet elegant side dish brings a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your meal.

Truffle Mac and Cheese

decadent truffle infused comfort food

Elevating the traditional comfort food, truffle mac and cheese offers a luxurious and indulgent side dish that pairs excellently with duck breast.

The rich, earthy flavors of truffle, sourced meticulously, meld seamlessly with a variety of cheeses, creating a creamy, decadent experience.

Opt for high-quality cheeses like Gruyère and sharp cheddar to enhance the dish's complexity, making each bite a memorable complement to the duck.

Spinach and Mushroom Salad

healthy and delicious salad

A spinach and mushroom salad offers an invigorating and earthy contrast that enhances the flavors of duck breast.

Its nutrient profile, rich in vitamins and minerals, complements the dish beautifully.

With varied dressing options, such as a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy lemon-garlic dressing, this salad can be tailored to suit any palate, making it a versatile and delightful addition to your meal.

Sweet Potato Mash

savory thanksgiving side dish

Sweet potato mash, with its naturally sweet and creamy texture, provides a hearty and complementary side dish for duck breast. The flavor profile, rich in sweetness, balances the savory plum sauce beautifully.

Additionally, sweet potatoes offer nutritional benefits, packed with vitamins and fiber. This pairing not only enhances the meal's taste but also contributes to a well-rounded, nutritious dining experience.

Grilled Asparagus

saut ed mushrooms and onions

Grilled asparagus, with its tender-crisp texture and slightly smoky flavor, serves as an excellent accompaniment to duck breast. Rich in vitamins and minerals, asparagus nutrition enhances the overall meal.

For the best results, follow these grilling tips: brush asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender but still crisp. This side dish perfectly complements the savory duck breast.

Herbed Couscous

delicate lemon herb seasoning

Infused with fresh herbs, herbed couscous provides a light and flavorful complement to the richness of duck breast.

With Mediterranean flavors and quick preparation, this dish is both convenient and delicious.

The couscous absorbs the herbs' aromas, creating a fragrant and delightful side.

Its fluffy texture and subtle taste balance the hearty duck, making for a harmonious dining experience.

Cauliflower Gratin

cheesy cauliflower gratin recipe

Cauliflower gratin offers a creamy and indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of duck breast. Using cheese options like Gruyère or cheddar enhances its flavor, while various cooking techniques such as baking or broiling guarantee a perfect golden crust.

This dish combines tender cauliflower with a rich cheese sauce, making it an exquisite accompaniment to elevate your meal.

Quinoa and Veggies

quinoa and vegetables recipe

Complementing the creamy cauliflower gratin, a vibrant quinoa and veggies medley offers a nutritious and colorful side that harmonizes perfectly with the robust flavors of duck breast.

Quinoa patties provide a satisfying texture, while a veggie stir fry, brimming with fresh vegetables, adds a delightful crunch.

Together, these elements create a balanced and delicious accompaniment to your duck breast in plum sauce.

Apple and Fennel Slaw

crisp and refreshing slaw

The crisp vivacity of apple and fennel slaw provides a rejuvenating contrast to the rich, savory flavors of duck breast. This side dish excels in flavor contrast and texture balance, combining the sweetness of apples with the subtle licorice notes of fennel.

The slaw's crunchy texture complements the tender duck, creating a delightful harmony that enhances the overall dining experience.