What Side Dish with Salmon? Good Guides in 2023
What Side Dish with Salmon? – This is a question that many people often ask themselves. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and it can be prepared in a number of ways. It’s important to know what kind of side dish you want with your salmon before you cook it so that the flavors will taste good together. There are several options for side dishes including rice, pasta, vegetables, and potatoes.
What is Salmon?
Salmon is a type of fish that can be cooked in several different ways. It is low in calories and high in protein which makes it an excellent part of your diet if you are trying to lose weight. Salmon has been enjoyed on the dinner tables of families for hundreds of years and it continues to be one of the most popular choices for people who like eating fish.
Whether you grill, bake, or broil salmon, there are still some side dishes that will go nicely with it. Your selection should revolve around what else you plan to serve at your meal.
For example, you may want something sweet when you serve salmon since this type of food is rich tasting making dessert appealing afterward. However, if you are serving other savory foods at your dinner, you may want to go with something more savory like a crunchy salad.
What Side Dish with Salmon? (What to Serve with Salmon?)
If you are not sure what type of side dish will compliment the fish, there are several options that can be prepared in different ways. Here is a list of some side dishes that will complement any salmon type meal:
1. Rice:
If you plan to serve salmon for dinner, grilled rice would make a good choice for the carbohydrate portion of your meal. Depending on how much other food you are serving you can have sweet or savory types of rice. Sweet creamy ones would be excellent choices when it comes time for dessert after the main course and savory foods such as garlic or curry powder will provide flavor and interest with every bite.
2. Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are another excellent choice for side dishes since they can be prepared in a variety of ways. They go nicely with fish because they have rich flavor just like the salmon and they are creamy and soft to help soothe the palette after eating something that is rich. Try different types of potatoes including sweet potatoes, Yukon gold or russet when making your mashed potatoes.
3. Rice Pilaf:
Rice pilaf has always been a popular side dish because of its versatility for everyday meals as well as special occasions. You can pair this savory dish with most any type of fish and it will complement the flavor perfectly. It’s easy to prepare rice pilaf on your stovetop using either rice machines or a rice cooker.
4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
Mashed sweet potatoes are one of those side dishes that can satisfy any type of craving for a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. The sweetness makes this an excellent choice for people who like their food sweet as well. The best part is you can make mashed sweet potatoes in no time at all.
5. Rice Salad
Rice salad is another good option when deciding what side dish to serve with salmon. This savory dish will add interest because it has crisp vegetables combined with rice and other seasonings which gives the rice a different texture than normal, but it still tastes great. All you need to do is add your favorite ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, cabbage or bell pepper and let the flavors blend.
6. Lemon Cucumbers:
Lemon cucumbers are a good choice for serving with salmon when you want something savory and tart. They go especially well with grilled fish like the type of salmon that is prepared on an outdoor grill. You can make your lemon cucumbers by cutting the ends off, slicing in half lengthwise, removing the seeds, and then dicing them into small cubes.
Marinate the diced cucumber for about 20 minutes to one hour in a small amount of water mixed with sugar and salt. After marinating them place them on skewers along with slices of bell pepper which will enhance their flavor even more while adding a nice crunchy texture to each bite.
7. Speedy Rice Casserole:
If you are looking for a side dish that requires little preparation and you are in a hurry, then this is the perfect choice. This easy to make casserole can be made in no time at all using leftover rice which makes it an excellent choice on those busy days when you need something quick and tasty.
Your Speedy Rice Casserole will consist of pan fried ground beef or shredded chicken with chopped onions mixed into the meat along with some cubed cheese for added flavor. Add your cooked rice next, add any additional seasonings if desired, top with a small amount of crunchy corn chips like Fritos, and bake at 350 degree F until hot.
8. Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are one of those dishes that go great with almost anything. That’s why they are an excellent choice when you are in a hurry because you can prepare them ahead of time, place them in the refrigerator to chill, and then reheat them with ease.
9. Rice Pudding:
Enjoy your favorite warm comforting dessert after dinner with rice pudding. The creamy texture along with vanilla extract or other flavors makes this dish taste like it came right out of mom’s kitchen when she was serving up her famous desserts for company when you were growing up.
It doesn’t take much effort to make your own either by cooking rice according to package directions, adding milk and sugar or honey depending on what flavor of rice pudding you want, heating it together over low heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently while it thickens, to serving it warm topped with a little bit of your favorite fruits.
10. Baked Beans:
Baked beans are a classic side dish for any type of grilled meat such as salmon and here’s why: they contain both sweet and savory flavors that give your taste buds something delicious to enjoy with each bite. They will go great with salmon and are easy to prepare.
11. Mixed Vegetables:
When you want a simple side dish that offers some texture to the meal, then mixed vegetables are a good choice because they can include carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, corn and other hearty vegetables for an interesting presentation that will complement your main course without overpowering it.
12. Fish With Lemon Sauce:
Salmon is excellent served with lemon sauce which makes it one of those dishes that can be prepared in almost any style or recipe and still taste great. This is possible because lemons add a lot of flavor along with nice tartness when added to many different types of cooking preparations so if you prefer something more traditional like butter sauce over the lemon option just substitute it instead.
In addition this is an excellent choice when you are looking for something that goes well with rice.
13. Sautéed Mushrooms:
If your main course involves a white fish, then sautéed mushrooms will go great along with it and more than likely compliment the taste of the dish quite nicely too because they contain many of the same savory flavors that make seafood so good to begin with. To prepare them simply cook the mushrooms in butter or oil over medium heat while stirring frequently until they become soft and tender, about five minutes or so.
14. Creamy Macaroni & Cheese:
When you are in a hurry and need something quick to serve up as part of your meal this is an excellent choice because it can be prepared ahead of time, placed in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it, brought out and baked in no time at all for a comforting dish that will be enjoyed by anyone who tries it.
15. Herbed Rice:
Herbs can make what would otherwise be ordinary dishes into something special. This is especially true when you use them to create flavorful rice or grains such as brown rice which work well with fish, chicken, and other savory dishes too.
There are many herbs that can tantalize the taste buds including thyme, rosemary, basil, sage, oregano and others so feel free to mix and match these flavors along with a few different varieties of rice for your own special blend. Your family won’t mind either because this tasty recipe makes enough for everyone!
16. Mashed Potatoes:
If you want a classic dish that is sure to please even the fussiest eaters with their comfort food cravings then this is a perfect choice. This light dish can complement your meal without overpowering it and will easily allow you to finish on time when making dinner for friends or relatives.
17. Aromatic Rice:
Most meals taste better served over rice and aromatic rice makes a great side option because it is infused with warm fragrances of your favorite herbs and spices . Many cooks add things like saffron, cinnamon, rosemary, chicken broth, bay leaves and more into their pot when cooking this type of rice which gives each grain all kinds of interesting flavors while also adding texture to the dish.
It’s easy to make too because you just cook it in chicken broth until all of the liquid is absorbed, thereby cooking the rice.
18. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes have a wonderful sweet flavor that can be enjoyed with many different kinds of main courses including fish, steak and more. Here’s how: prepare a delicious tomato sauce over low heat by combining some olive oil, crushed or minced garlic cloves, minced onion along with diced tomatoes. Cook these ingredients over medium heat so they combine well into one tasty dish.
19. Sautéed Mushrooms & Peppers:
If you are looking for something flavorful but not too heavy then sautéed mushrooms and peppers will go great with almost any main course from pork chops to sun-dried steamed salmon or blackened fish.
To make this delicious recipe you simply cook the peppers and mushrooms in butter or oil over medium heat until they become tender, about five minutes or so using minced garlic cloves and any other herbs or spices of your choice for added flavor.
20. Sautéed Spinach:
You can choose spinach alone as a side dish to go along with many types of main course entrées because it is very versatile yet packed with nutrition that will leave everyone feeling satisfied after the meal has come to an end. It also mixes well with other ingredients like onions, brown sugar, eggs and soy sauce and goes especially well with dishes like chicken noodle soup, fried rice or hamburgers.
If you are looking for a fun new way to get your daily vegetables then try adding them into your rice or pasta dishes by cooking some chopped up fresh spinach and mixing it in with the cooked grains for a delicious new twist.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilling veggies can pack all kinds of flavor into each bite because they are infused with an enhanced aroma thanks to the use of high heat while being placed over an open flame.
This means that things like onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, squash and many more will take on all sorts of interesting flavors from the char marks on their skins which gives grilled veggie recipes a unique taste that you can’t find anywhere else.
Pesto With Pasta: Most people love pesto sauce and this recipe works best with chunky spaghetti noodles but can also be used with other varieties as well.
You’ll need a cup of fresh Italian parsley, half a cup of pine nuts (or walnuts), some garlic cloves, one and a half cups of grated Parmesan cheese and sea salt & pepper. Place the soaked pine nuts into your food processor and then pulse until they are finely chopped.
Then add the rest of the ingredients including salt & pepper to taste after you’ve processed them together with the nuts for about two minutes – don’t over-process or it will become mushy! This recipe doesn’t store well so try to use it right away fresh although it does freeze well too if you want to make extra for another day!
Potatoes With Sour Cream And Chives: Potatoes can be served instead of rice or pasta because they are a very versatile food that can be mixed with just about everything including sour cream and chives.
They also have a nice creamy texture to them which makes them perfect for making potato dishes like baked potatoes, oven fries, mashed potatoes and even potato salad when paired with other ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, celery, onion and so on.
Above are some choices for you to make decision What Side Dish with Salmon? And we also provide tips and guides on What Side Dish with Salmon?, How to cook Salmon well and common question related with What Side Dish with Salmon? Let’s see!
Tips and Guides on what Side Dish with Salmon
To find out which side dishes go best with whole salmon or fillets you’ll need to consider the time needed to cook them along with how they taste when eaten together. Some people prefer one type of vegetable and others like a variety so it is important to come up with a few different options to try that will appeal to just about anyone’s tastes.
A good rule of thumb is to follow your main course recipe but then add one or two extra ingredients that can be combined for an added touch of flavor while being easy on the wallet because fresh produce isn’t always cheap.
For instance, let’s say you are serving up grilled salmon fillets today then your sides could look something like this: Sautéed Spinach (with brown sugar and soy sauce) & Potatoes With Sour Cream And Chives (mashed potatoes), Vegetable Medley (vegetarian lasagna with different kinds of veggies) & Roasted Tomato And Eggplant Sauce (baked eggplant slices or layered casserole).
With a variety of quality side dish recipes at your fingertips it is now up to you to put them into action by choosing the ones that work best for you. The more time and effort you put into testing them out then the better prepared you will be come dinnertime when the family is waiting on one delicious meal after another!
Tips on cooking salmon
1. Fresh salmon should be rinsed well to remove any traces of blood. It may also be soaked in milk for 30 minutes or longer; this has the effect of whitening and tenderizing the flesh while removing undesirable odors, particularly those from strong-tasting fish such as mackerel and herring.
Salmon that is to be eaten raw or nearly so should always be frozen rather than fresh. The texture will then be slightly softer, but it will lack none of its delicate flavor. If it is not going to be used within a few days, wrap it loosely in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), where it will keep indefinitely. Thaw only what you need for one meal at a time.
2. The only satisfactory way to cook salmon is by broiling, grilling, or sautéing in butter; add lemon juice just before serving. (A microwave oven is also effective when the fish is cooked with no more than one quarter inch of water covering it.) I do not recommend boiling because it gives an unpleasant texture and appearance to the flesh.
3. No elaborate sauce should be served with salmon; uncooked hollandaise sauce [sic] in particular looks terrible on its surface and tastes worse as it cools… However, a few well-chosen herbs – chives, parsley – may be scattered over the top just before serving if you like, but they are not necessary. A squeeze of lemon is all that is needed to enliven the taste of the fish, but no more than that.
4. If you are planning a meal of sole meuniere or coquilles St Jacques, by all means serve salmon as a first course; it will be delicious, if ordinary… However, try serving salmon for dinner in place of the usual roast beef or pork. It need not be an expensive cut – just one thick enough to provide good slices after being cooked.
Do not toss the slices with any kind of sauce. Serve them unadorned, directly from the broiler or grill, accompanied by nothing more than boiled new potatoes and a dish of summer peas sautéed in butter.
5. A large portion of salmon is hard to serve without making your guests feel uncomfortable. It has none of the anatomical advantages that make possible such easy feats as carving a leg of lamb into neat chops or pulling a bone out through the back end of a beef roast…
The best way I know to handle it is to cut it lengthwise along its backbone, starting at either tail and proceeding toward head; then turn each segment on its side and slice gently in half, if you want small portions, or crosswise, if you prefer larger ones.
6. Salmon is not a “rich” fish, like halibut and haddock. In cooking it, therefore, do not be tempted to put it on too high a heat or cover it with butter or cream sauce; doing so will result in its being overcooked and its flesh toughened. Flavorless mashed potatoes – starchy ones are best – are an excellent accompaniment.
Rice pilaf also goes well with salmon; I tend to serve the two together more often than most other fish-and-rice combinations because they complement each other beautifully… As for vegetables, new peas of any kind may be served either hot or cold – in fact, I prefer them chilled in the summer – and also served with salmon.
7. Do not use bacon or onion in cooking salmon unless you want to mask its delicate flavor; instead, flavor may be added by anointing it with a few slices of lemon during the last few minutes of cooking… If you want to give some extra body to a sauce made from cream or butter, add a tablespoon or two of milk – but no more!
8. In preparing your own homemade gravlax (cured fish), I recommend that you make it into a long cylindrical shape rather than in one thick piece; it will then make serving easier and look nicer on the platter. Leave it ungarnished so that the beautiful pink color shows to advantage; serve it with only a squeeze of lemon and garnish that with finely chopped dill.
9. One of the most delicious ways to serve salmon is by farfalle (stuffed pasta shells, in this case), with a few shellfish mixed in if you like. My favorite version to date has been one using squid and shrimp, cooked together with just enough cream sauce blended with fine herbs – tarragon, basil, chervil – to make it savory but not overpowering.
Do not use too much of any type of seafood or it could be overwhelming; start experimentally and adjust to taste.
Common question on What Side Dish with Salmon
1. How to choose good salmon?
Salmon recipes are the most popular food for dinner. However, some people still find it difficult to choose good salmon because of not knowing how to identify a fresh one from the frozen one. When buying salmon, you should look out for its bright red color and moist pink or red flesh. It also has clear glossy eyes that are sunken into their sockets with a clean nose and smooth flesh without any marks or bruises on them.
A fresh salmon will have pearly white scales on top of its body, usually located right next to the meaty part of the fillet. You can also tell if it is fresh if you wiggle your finger under this area since there should be little give underneath these scales in order for the fish to be considered fresh.
When the fish has been frozen, the scales will harden and become brittle after thawing out again with little or no give underneath them. Fresh fish should also have firm white meat that is somewhat translucent in color versus flaky or opaque flesh on a fish that has either overripe or gone bad.
2. How to store salmon?
Salmon should be stored in your refrigerator at 0°F (-18°C) or lower until you are ready to cook it. It can also be frozen for up to 9 months if it is wrapped well – make sure there is one layer of plastic wrap on top and another on the bottom before placing inside a freezer bag with just enough space left for air. Place some ice in the bag too so it keeps your fish cold! This way it will stay fresh and flavorful until you’re ready to use it again.
3. How long does Salmon last?
A whole fish can usually have an optimum storage time of up to two days while a cleaned salmon can be kept for one or two days. If you ate the fish already, just use its condition and smell as your best guide in determining if it’s still good or not.
If you see that there are white spots on the skin then that means there is spoilage underneath – avoid buying it and also remember this caveat when cooking at home too so you’ll know what parts need to be thrown away because they’re already spoiled inside!
4. What should I do with leftover Salmon?
leftover fish should be cooled first before putting them onto ice water to keep them from getting spongy – this way it will last longer in terms of freshness although the taste won’t be as good and might give off a fishy smell when reheated. You can also vacuum seal the leftovers and freeze them although it’s recommended to eat this in about a month or 2 at most for best results!
5. How do I cook Salmon?
The only cooking method you should use is steaming so that you keep all of its nutrients intact. First, make sure your salmon is skinless (if not, steam whole salmon) and cut into pieces that are ½” thick and usually about 6-8 oz. each.
If using fresh salmon, place some wet paper or cloth napkins on top of the food plates so it keeps the plate clean from all those juices – if you’re using frozen already then just place it directly onto the plate plus no need for the napkins. As an extra precaution, turn on your overhead fan so it sucks all those juices away from you while you cook.
Add about 1″ of water into a pot and bring it to boil over medium high heat, then add in some salt (about ¼ tsp) and pepper (to taste). When the water is boiling again, set up steamer baskets that are seated above the boiling water – make sure they don’t touch the water itself when cooking!
Place all your salmon fillets into each basket then cover with the lid or some cheesecloth before finally covering that with another lid OR a cutting board for about 7-10 minutes which will be done just right – you can tell if its done by pushing one end of the salmon with your finger. It will feel firm and springy when it’s done, so remember this for next time you make this at home!
You can also tell if it’s ready if your fork goes through the meat easily or you just don’t see any pink in the middle – if not, then continue to steam until its fully cooked. And that’s all there is to it! Easy right? 🙂
6. How do I store Salmon after cooking?
After cooking salmon, let them cool off first before storing them either inside a shallow container covered by plastic wrap or vacuum sealing them since they’ll keep longer without spoiling. You can even add lemon slices on top of each piece so they’ll look pretty too! This way they’ll last for about a week in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if frozen!
7. How long does Salmon last in the freezer?
You should get about 9 months of storage time when freezing raw salmon because all that you did was just freeze it instead of cooking it – this way they won’t lose their nutrients and vitamins.
You can also cook them first before wrapping them with some aluminum foil (don’t forget to remove the bones!) and putting inside a freezer bag but make sure you’re going to use them within 6-9 months after freezing since there will be some loss of quality over time.
If you end up buying use white plastic bags, then you should rewrap your food into another container made from thick plastic wrap with no holes so it doesn’t get freezer burn or any form of air or moisture getting to your food. The whole point here is to keep all the good nutritional value intact!
I think this post shows you the answer of What Side Dish with Salmon? and there are some Tips and Guides on cooking Salmon. Please the post and contact us if you have any question.
Conclusion
The side dish is a crucial part of cooking any meal. As you plan your menu for 2023, it’s worth considering what sides will accompany the salmon and other dishes that are also on the table. In this blog post we’ve offered some thoughts about how to make good decisions in terms of which vegetable or starch to serve with Salmon as well as answer the question What Side Dish with Salmon?
We hope these tips help you decide what kind of side dish best complements your next Salmon dinner! Which side dishes do you typically enjoy with Salmon?
