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What to Serve With Grilled Salmon: 15 Best Side Dishes

Grilled salmon is versatile, pairing beautifully with various side dishes. Try a classic Caesar salad with anchovy dressing and Parmesan croutons for a savory touch. Garlic mashed potatoes add creamy richness, while a vibrant quinoa salad provides a healthful option. Roasted asparagus offers elegance and nutrition, and a zesty mango salsa brings a burst of sweetness. Lemon rice, coleslaw, pesto pasta, and sautéed green beans also make excellent companions. These sides enhance the flavors of the salmon, creating a balanced and delightful meal. Discover these pairings and more to elevate your salmon dining experience.

Caesar Salad

julius caesar s favorite meal

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, pairs exceptionally well with the rich flavors of grilled salmon.

Anchovy dressing adds a savory depth, complementing the fish.

Parmesan croutons provide an extra layer of texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.

This combination brings balance and satisfaction to the meal, making it a delightful choice.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

delicious side dish option

Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the savory notes of grilled salmon.

The creamy texture and buttery flavor of these mashed potatoes enhance the richness of the salmon, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.

The garlic adds a mild, aromatic kick, making this side dish not only comforting but also a delightful pairing for your meal.

Quinoa Salad

healthy quinoa salad recipe

For a lighter and nutritious option alongside grilled salmon, consider a vibrant quinoa salad. Quinoa's nutty flavor perfectly complements the rich taste of grilled salmon.

Additionally, this superfood provides a significant protein boost, making the meal well-balanced and satisfying.

Incorporate fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing to enhance the flavors, creating a delightful, health-conscious side dish for your main course.

Roasted Asparagus

healthy and tasty vegetable

Elevate your grilled salmon with the addition of roasted asparagus, a simple yet elegant side dish that brings out the best in your main course.

Packed with health benefits, asparagus is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Seasoning options are endless—try olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delicious, nutritious complement to your salmon.

Enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal.

Mango Salsa

tropical fruit salsa recipe

Complementing the savory notes of grilled salmon and roasted asparagus, mango salsa offers a burst of revitalizing sweetness and vibrant color.

This side dish brims with tropical flavors, providing an invigorating contrast to the meal.

The combination of juicy mango, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro creates a harmonious balance that elevates the overall dining experience, making it a delightful addition to your plate.

Spinach Risotto

creamy dish with spinach

Spinach risotto, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, serves as a perfect accompaniment to grilled salmon.

The creamy consistency of the risotto balances the slightly crisp exterior of the salmon, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Enhanced by a parmesan garnish, this dish not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the salmon with its savory taste, making it an excellent choice.

Grilled Zucchini

healthy summer barbecue option

Continuing with versatile side dishes, grilled zucchini offers a light and flavorful companion to grilled salmon. Using simple grilling techniques, zucchini slices are seasoned with a touch of olive oil and herb seasoning.

Grill until tender with slight char marks, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a smoky flavor. This easy preparation complements the salmon, creating a harmonious and healthy meal.

Caprese Salad

fresh tomatoes and mozzarella

A Caprese salad, with its invigorating combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, offers a rejuvenating and visually appealing side dish for grilled salmon.

Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of flavor, while the creamy mozzarella cheese balances the dish perfectly.

This classic salad not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

Couscous

moroccan dish with semolina

For a hearty yet light accompaniment to grilled salmon, couscous provides a versatile and flavorful option.

Infuse it with Moroccan flavors by adding spices like cumin and coriander. Enhance the dish with various herb varieties such as parsley and mint, creating a vibrant and aromatic side.

The fluffy texture of couscous pairs beautifully with the tenderness of grilled salmon, making it a delightful combination.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy side dish option

Steamed broccoli offers a nutritious and vibrant side dish that complements the flavors of grilled salmon. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it enhances the meal's nutritional benefits.

Simple cooking techniques, like steaming, preserve its bright color and crisp texture. A dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate its taste, making it an appealing addition to your plate.

Avocado Salad

delicious and healthy option

Enhancing the creamy richness of avocado with fresh herbs and citrus, avocado salad serves as an invigorating and nutritious counterpart to grilled salmon. The creamy texture of avocado pairs wonderfully with the tender, flaky fish, offering essential nutrients like healthy fats and vitamins.

This delightful combination not only enhances your meal but also guarantees you enjoy a balanced and flavorful dining experience.

Lemon Rice

delicious lemon flavored rice dish

Lemon rice, with its zesty and aromatic flavor profile, provides a vibrant and complementary side dish to grilled salmon.

This delightful rice pilaf, infused with fresh lemon zest, offers an invigorating contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the salmon.

The bright citrus notes enhance the overall meal, making it a perfect choice for a balanced and flavorful dining experience.

Coleslaw

crispy coleslaw with cabbage

Adding an invigorating crunch, coleslaw serves as an excellent accompaniment to grilled salmon, balancing the dish with its crisp texture and tangy dressing.

Different recipes offer a range of flavors, from classic creamy versions to lighter vinaigrette-based options.

Not only does coleslaw enhance the meal's taste, but it also provides health benefits, including essential vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

Pesto Pasta

creamy basil sauce noodles

Pesto pasta offers a delectable, herbaceous complement to the rich, smoky flavors of grilled salmon. The nutty flavor from pine nuts and the vibrant basil aroma create a perfect harmony, enhancing each bite.

This side dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, with its green hues adding a touch of freshness to your plate, making the meal both satisfying and delightful.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Grilled Salmon and Grilled Chicken?

When deciding on the best side dishes for grilled chicken or grilled salmon, it’s important to consider the flavor profiles of each protein. While vegetables like asparagus or roasted potatoes can complement both dishes well, a light quinoa salad may be a more suitable option for grilled salmon.

Sautéed Green Beans

delicious green beans recipe

For a crisp and vibrant side that balances the richness of grilled salmon, sautéed green beans offer a perfect choice. Packed with green beans nutrition, they are rich in vitamins and fiber.

Bean varieties, such as French or string beans, can be quickly sautéed with garlic and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish enhances the salmon, making it a well-rounded meal.