57 Sides for Salmon

Author Lauren Grant

Published March 24, 2023

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Salmon is a delicious and versatile fish that can make for a quick and satisfying meal, especially when paired with the right side dish. This list of the best side dishes for salmon pair perfectly with everything from glazed salmon to broiled salmon and pan-seared salmon. This list of 50+ sides for salmon include classic salads and rolls as well as creative vegetable side dishes, pilafs, fruit salads, and more.

We’ve organized the sides dishes below by category in hopes that it will help you pinpoint the exact side dish you’re looking for.

For example, not all salmon recipes need a side salad, like our Salmon Caesar Salad. Instead, pair that with our favorite Nut and Seed Bread or Kaiser Rolls.

And our Lemon Butter Salmon doesn’t need a vegetable, but it could use a fruit salad such as our Savory Citrus Salad.

Salads

shredded green cabbage salad in a large white bowl with herbs and sesame seeds

1

Cabbage Salad Recipe

A simple cabbage salad featuring a savory and dressing and loads of fresh herbs. Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a quick and fresh dinner.

2

Kale Salad with Apple and Walnuts

Enjoy the flavors of fall with this bright and fresh Apple Walnut Salad. Loaded with textures and flavors, this green salad is the perfect side dish for any weeknight meal or Sunday night dinner.

salad greens and cherry tomatoes mixed together in a large white bowl with fresh dill

3

Simple Butter Lettuce Salad Recipe

This Butter Lettuce Salad is our go-to side dish or starter for just about any meal whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion. It's full of fresh flavors, easy to customize, and most importantly simple to prepare in just 15 minutes.

caesar salad with croutons in a large white bowl with two serving spoons set in it

4

Easy Caesar Salad Recipe

This Easy Caesar Salad is the perfect side dish for any weeknight meal. It's creamy, cheesy, and salty with great crunch. This easy version comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes restaurant-quality every time (thanks to a from-scratch dressing!).

pita and vegetable salad in a shallot white bowl with a red-handled spoon set in it

5

Simple Fattoush Salad

This herb-packed vegetable salad hailing from Lebanon is the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, fish or any protein of your choice.

salad in a large white bowl

6

Garden Salad Recipe

The garden salad is a craveable and nostalgic side dish that’s a classic for a reason. Resemblant of a steakhouse side salad, this garden salad is crisp (all hail iceberg lettuce), refreshing and loaded with texture. Toss with a simple red-wine mustard vinaigrette, dip a chunk of crusty bread in olive oil, and dinner is done.

tomato and cucumber salad in a large white bowl with a wood-handled spoon set in the bowl and pieces of naan set around it

7

Simple Turkish Shepherd’s Salad with Herbs

A vibrant and fresh vegetable salad loaded with fresh herbs and chunks of feta.

thinly sliced radishes and shallot coated in a creamy herb dressing on a pink plate with two red-handled spoons

8

5-Ingredient Radish Salad with Herbs

This easy radish salad with yogurt-herb dressing is crisp, crunchy, light and creamy.

arugula, pears and crumbled blue cheese in a large white bowl with two serving spoons set in it

9

Arugula Pear Salad with Toasted Lemon Vinaigrette

A stunning arugula salad featuring a crunchy nut topping, juicy pears, blue cheese crumbles, and a delicious toasted lemon and pecan vinaigrette.

shaved fennel in a dish with lemon dest, fennel fronds and black pepper

10

Simple Fennel Salad with Lemon

Crunchy, bright and simple, this fennel salad is the perfect side dish for everything from grilled fish and meat to braised dishes and pastas.

white plate with peaches, sweet corn and cucumber on it

11

Simple Peach Salad with Sweet Corn & Cucumber

Light and refreshing with a satisfying crunch, this peach salad is the ultimate summer salad! Creamy sweet corn, crunchy cukes, and juicy ripe peaches get tossed with simple flavors that enhance the in-season produce.

A bowl of carrot raisin salad with nuts, seeds, and fresh cilantro sits on a gray table.

12

Carrot and Raisin Salad Recipe

A simple and delicious take on the classic carrot salad. This recipe swaps the heavy creamy dressing for a light and flavorful infused olive oil vinaigrette. Featuring fresh herby flavors and a crunchy nut topping, this is one side dish people will keep coming back for!

lettuce greens and vegetables in a brown bowl set on a gray table

13

Super-Green Green Goddess Salad

Our go-to green goddess salad is packed with vibrant vegetables, creamy avocado and a super savory green goddess dressing.

image of a green salad in a large white bowl topped with blueberries, almonds, cheese and sliced shallots

14

Blueberry Salad Recipe

This Blueberry Salad is an easy side dish or main course when paired with a protein for those hot summer months. With just 6 ingredients, it's easy to assemble on a weeknight or gourmet to serve to friends at a party or event.

large white bowl filled with dark lettuce greens topped with pecans, apples, Manchego cheese, bacon, chicken, cranberries and squash

15

Fall Harvest Salad

This Fall Harvest Salad is full of autumn flavors from roasted butternut squash, toasty pecans, crispy bacon, apples, dried cranberries, and a maple vinaigrette that’s so good you could drink it. Inspired by a classic cobb salad, can be served as an entree or smaller serving as a side salad.

Photograph of a kale salad with cherries and pistachios in a white bowl on a blue table

16

Kale & Cherry Salad with Brie

Cherry and Kale Salad with Brie! Both fresh and dried cherries are used in this flavorful kale salad that’s complete with fresh thyme, pistachios and a delicious white balsamic vinaigrette!

Potatoes

potato salad in a shallow blue bowl with a red-handled spoon set in it

17

Creamy Potato Salad (with Sour Cream)

This Sour Cream Potato Salad is a worthy side dish for just about any spring and summer meal. Light, flavorful and easy to make, this herbed potato salad uses less than 10 ingredients, has no mayonnaise, and is an updated take on the classic summer side.

Bowl of creamy potato and cauliflower salad with chopped chives, sliced celery and black pepper, served with a spoon on a gray surface.

18

Cauliflower and Potato Salad

A healthy potato salad made with a combination of creamy potatoes, cauliflower and a creamy Caesar dressing. Creamy, herby and healthy.

hasselback sweet potatoes topped with an herby garlic mixture in a cast-iron skillet

19

Savory Sweet Potato with Sage & Garlic

Savory hasselback sweet potatoes featuring creamy, buttery insides, crispy skins, and loads of flavor from garlic and sage. These are simple, stunning and so dang satisfying.

oval casserole dish with a serving spoon set in it with sweet potato casserole topped with croutons and sage

20

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

A creamy and savory sweet potato casserole topped with fried sage leaves and crunchy sourdough croutons.

creamy parsnip and potato mash in a silver oval dish with a pad of butter, pepper, salt and tarragon sprinkled over top

21

Creamy Celery Root & Parsnip Mash

A silky-smooth flavorful alternative to classic mashed potatoes made with celery root, parsnips, and creamy Yukon gold potatoes.

Photograph of crispy fingerling potatoes on a white oval plate set on a gray table.

22

Crispy Fingerling Potatoes with Capers & Frico

These roast fingerling potatoes are crispy on the outside and incredibly creamy on the inside. Tossed with capers and frico (cheese crisps), this simple side dish is easy to make and absolutely delicious.

potato salad in a shallow white bowl set on a counter with a striped towel

23

Miso Potato Salad

A wildly unique potato salad that's both savory and fresh all at once.

A large white bowl green bean potato salad with olives and fresh herbs.

24

Potato and Green Bean Salad

A delicious and simple potato green bean salad full of French flavors! Fresh dill, Dijon, castelvetrano olives, and loads of fresh herbs make this a fresh and flavorful take on a potato salad.

Pasta

pasta salad in a white bowl with slices of celery and chunks of pickle in it

25

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Macaroni salad with dill pickles, celery, Cheddar and a light and creamy dill dressing. The best pasta salad with dill!

26

Easy Orzo Salad Recipe

A simple herby orzo salad recipe with crisp asparagus and savory parmesan.

Saucy gochujang pasta in a shallot bowl topped with sliced green onions.

27

Saucy Gochujang Noodles (Easy Korean Noodles)

Crave-worthy gochujang noodles made with a luscious savory, spicy and salty Korean noodle sauce. This dish is easy to make, has punchy heat, and is very versatile. An interesting yet practical side dish!

orzo pasta salad with spinach, olives and cucumbers in a large white bowl

28

Green Orzo Salad

A veggie-filled orzo pasta salad that’s bursting with the fresh flavors of cucumber, parsley, and shallot. Salty feta, briny olives, and fresh oregano round out the flavors.

chunks of tomatoes and watermelon tossed with orzo pesto and basil in a large white bowl

29

Watermelon Tomato Orzo Salad Recipe

A summer orzo salad that can be served as a side or a light lunch.

overhead image a black and white bowl filled with rice noodles and scallions

30

Ginger Scallion Sauce

Ginger Scallion Sauce and rice noodles is inspired by a dish from Momofuku. This simple Asian sauce is delicious tossed with rice noodles, spooned over rice, or served with grilled salmon.

pasta, spinach, olives and sun dried tomatoes in a white bowl set on top of a napkin

31

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Savory and bold in flavor, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is made with bean or whole-wheat pasta, an oregano vinaigrette, fresh veggies and briny olives. Perfect as a side dish, lunch, or all-in-one meal!

Overhead image of whole wheat pasta with spinach and Parmesan served in white bowls with wine and parmesan off to the side

32

25-Minute Browned Butter Garlic Noodles

An easy, and flavorful, pasta side dish that comes together quickly! Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken, roasted salmon or grilled veggies.

ramen noodles coated in a red sauce in a large white bowl topped with cilantro

33

Spicy Ramen Noodles

These spicy ramen noodles are saucy and loaded with the flavors of gochujang, onion, garlic and ginger. Enjoy them on their own or top them with fried tofu, crispy chicken or a fried egg.

Vegetables

34

Chorizo Corn Maque Choux

Our Chorizo Corn Maque Choux recipe takes the classic Cajun side dish and turns it up a notch with the addition of Spanish chorizo and crisp asparagus. Every bit is creamy, savory, smoky and ever so slightly spicy. Make it a meal by serving it with pan-seared fish, seafood or chicken.

roasted delicata squash slices in a white bowl topped with pepitas, parsley and flaky sea salt.

35

Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter

This decadent Roasted Delicata Squash side dish features a browned butter sauce flavored with maple syrup, roasted garlic, and toasted pepitas. With just 9 simple ingredients and in less than an hour, you can have a restaurant-quality side dish perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests.

roasted carrots and beets in a white bowl set on a wooden table with a blue napkin and a glass of white wine

36

Roasted Beets & Carrots with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette

A flavor-packed 10-ingredient side dish! Earthy roasted beets and golden brown roasted carrots get drizzled with a toasted cumin vinaigrette and finished with toasted walnuts and parsley.

roasted brussels sprout salad on a white oval plate set on a messy wooden table

37

Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Savory roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a homemade tahini Caesar dressing and finished with crunchy whole-wheat croutons and sunflower seeds. A show-stopping side dish!

sliced celery salad with nuts and cheese on a large white oval plate

38

Celery Salad with Chives, Pecans and Gruyère

A light, fresh and super simple crunchy celery salad! Enjoy as a lunch or serve alongside something savory for a perfectly balanced meal.

Large white plate with a creamy white layer topped with thinly sliced peas and sweet peas.

39

Triple Pea Salad with Whipped Goat Cheese

A vibrant pea salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette, fresh mint and shallot. Piled atop a bed of silky smooth whipped goat cheese, this is one stunning side dish!

diced cucumbers in a black bowl with a spoon in it—set on a table with cilantro

40

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Savory, refreshing and simple. This smashed cucumber salad is flavored with ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. It’s great for warm weather or served alongside asian glazed meatballs, salmon or chicken.

white beans and herbs in a white-textured bowl with a wooden spoon

41

Herbed White Bean Salad

This easy White Bean Salad is simple to make in a couple of minutes and full of so much flavor. It's even perfect to make in advance for a busy week or to let the flavors marinate together. With just 5 ingredients, it's a hearty side dish for any protein.

thinly sliced radishes and shallot coated in a creamy herb dressing on a pink plate with two red-handled spoons

42

5-Ingredient Radish Salad with Herbs

This easy radish salad with yogurt-herb dressing is crisp, crunchy, light and creamy.

bread crumb-topped casserole in an oval baking dish

43

Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

A creamy and cozy cauliflower au gratin. Flavored with Gruyère, Parmesan, and fresh thyme, it’s simple yet spectacular.

Overhead image of orange-colored cauliflower rice with tomatoes in a black bowl set on top of a white napkin on a gray table

44

Mexican Cauliflower Rice with Canned Tomatoes

The combination of juicy tangy tomatoes, perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower shreds, slightly sweet tomato paste, and a mix of spices is absolute harmony in this super savory low-carb side dish.

Thinly sliced cucumbers and shallot coated in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with chopped herbs in a shallow white bowl.

45

Cucumber and Greek Yogurt Salad Recipe

Ready in just 15 minutes with only a handful of ingredients, this Cucumber and Greek Yogurt Salad adds a bright and creamy crunchy to any meal. Pair it with burgers, grilled meat, or cozy pasta dishes.

Rolls and Bread

Overhead image of milk rolls in a round cake pan set on a white table

46

Japanese Milk Buns (Hokkaido Milk Bread)

Japanese Milk Buns, also known as Japanese Milk Rolls, Hokkaido Milk Bread, or Shokupan are the soft yeasted buns using the Tangzhong method. With a golden brown exterior and fluffy white interior, these buns will become a crowd favorite. I break down the steps to make the process simple for a foolproof bun.

Overhead image of healthy cornbread in a cast iron skillet set on a wooden white table with a bowl of salt and honey to the top right

47

Honey Cornbread

With 10 ingredients, this moist cornbread recipe is sweetened with honey, made with olive oil, and uses whole-wheat flour. Plus, frozen corn kernels are folded into the batter to create pops of fresh sweet corn flavor throughout.

kaiser rolls stacked together on a wood board lined with parchment paper

48

How to Make Kaiser Rolls

Homemade deli-style Kaiser Rolls that are tender yet sturdy enough for sandwiches.

Overhead image of nut and seed bread set on a table with plates of bread slices topped with cream cheese and chives

49

Nut and Seed Grain-Free Bread

Hearty and full of texture, this grain-free bread is unlike anything you’ve probably had before! It makes a great breakfast or snack and can be enjoyed savory or sweet.

sweet potato dinner roll torn in half showing fluffy inside

50

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft, pillowy, and ever-so-slightly sweet, these sweet potato rolls make a great side dish or burger bun.

Homemade naan bread stacked on a blue napkin on a white plate sprinkled with parsley

51

Garlic Naan with Garlic Browned Butter

Soft and chewy, this garlic naan recipe is easy to make, delicious, and WAY better than store-bough naan. Serve as a side or use it to make sandwiches, pizzas, and flatbreads.

Fruit Salads

halved red and green grapes in a white bowl with a wooden spoon set in it

52

Easy Grape Salad Without Sour Cream

This 5-ingredient Grape Salad is bright, full of texture and perfect served as a side dish for brunch, lunch or dinner. Ready in just 15 minutes, this grape salad without sour cream is a new, fresh take on the beloved fruit salad.

diced strawberries and chiffonade basil in a white bowl with spoon set in it

53

Simple Strawberry Salad with Basil

A sweet and tangy fruit salad side dish. In-season strawberries get paired with fresh basil and a very simple and minimal balsamic vinaigrette. Think an elevated fruit salad.

citrus segments on a large white plate topped with spices, salt and peanuts

54

Savory Citrus Salad with Peanuts

A great go-to side dish for citrus season! Sweet, savory and downright simple!

Grains

overhead image of brown rice with chopped cilantro and lime wedges in a shallow bowl

55

Easy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

A quick and versatile side dish for busy weeknights! Use as the base for Mexican rice bowls, with meatballs, or in burritos.

wild rice stuffing in a white oval baking dish set on a wood board on a gray table

56

Wild Rice Mushroom Stuffing

A modern stuffing recipe that’s bound for your Thanksgiving dinner! This wild rice side dish is packed with textures and flavors from hearty fresh herbs, dried cranberries, toasted pecans and more!

57

Wild Rice Slad

A deliciously unique wild rice salad with tons of texture and flavor.

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Published On March 24, 2023

About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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