Salmon is one of the most beloved fish worldwide, not only for its rich, buttery flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or smoking salmon, the key to a complete meal is choosing the right side dishes and accompaniments. So, what is good to eat with salmon? In this guide, we’ll explore an array of sides that perfectly complement salmon, from vibrant vegetables to flavorful grains, sauces, and even wine pairings. By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas to create a balanced and delightful salmon meal.
Why Salmon Deserves the Right Sides
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Pairing it with the right sides not only enhances the flavor but also provides a well-rounded meal. By combining salmon with vegetables, grains, and sauces, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and highly nutritious. Let’s dive into what is good to eat with salmon to make your meal complete.
Best Vegetables to Eat with Salmon
Vegetables are the ideal accompaniment to salmon because they balance its richness with freshness and lightness. Here are some of the best vegetables to serve alongside salmon.
Roasted Asparagus with Salmon
Asparagus is one of the top vegetables that pairs well with salmon. Its earthy and slightly bitter flavor complements the richness of the fish, making it an excellent side dish. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, and when topped with a squeeze of lemon, it enhances both the asparagus and salmon.
Tip: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. Adding garlic or Parmesan can boost the flavor even more.
Green Beans with Almonds and Salmon
Green beans are another perfect pairing for salmon. Their crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the tender fish, and adding almonds offers a delightful crunch. Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds elevate the dish, making it a satisfying side that complements salmon beautifully.
Tip: Blanch the green beans before sautéing to ensure they stay crisp and vibrant.
Broccoli and Cauliflower as Salmon Sides
Broccoli and cauliflower are nutrient-dense vegetables that pair wonderfully with salmon. Roasting these vegetables brings out their sweetness and nuttiness, which contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of salmon. Additionally, they’re high in fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy choice to round out your meal.
Tip: Toss broccoli and cauliflower in olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices before roasting to enhance their flavor.
Explore more salmon pairing ideas here.
Grains and Starches That Are Good to Eat with Salmon
Grains and starches are crucial components of a balanced meal. Pairing the right grain with salmon can add texture and make the meal more filling. Here are some of the best grains to serve with salmon.
Quinoa and Salmon
Quinoa is a versatile grain that pairs excellently with salmon. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture provide a great contrast to the richness of the fish. Quinoa is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and hearty side dish for salmon.
Tip: Cook quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor, and toss it with herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil to brighten up the dish.
Brown Rice and Salmon
Brown rice is a staple that works well with salmon. Its chewy texture and slightly nutty taste complement the fish, while its high fiber content makes it a filling addition to your plate. Brown rice is a healthy and easy side that pairs well with any salmon preparation.
Tip: Enhance the flavor of your brown rice by cooking it with a bay leaf or cinnamon stick. You can also add sautéed onions and garlic for extra depth.
Sweet Potatoes and Salmon
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious option to serve with salmon. Their natural sweetness provides a contrast to the savory flavor of the fish. Whether roasted, mashed, or baked, sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with salmon.
Tip: Roast sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, and a touch of honey for a sweet and smoky flavor that complements grilled salmon.
Sauces and Dressings That Go Well with Salmon
The right sauce can transform your salmon dish, adding moisture and flavor that elevates the meal. Here are some of the best sauces to pair with salmon.
Lemon Dill Sauce for Salmon
Lemon and dill are classic flavors that perfectly complement salmon. A lemon dill sauce is light, tangy, and adds brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the fish. This sauce can be made with fresh dill, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Tip: For added flavor, you can include garlic or Dijon mustard in your lemon dill sauce.
Honey Mustard Glaze with Salmon
For a touch of sweetness, a honey mustard glaze is an excellent choice to pair with salmon. The combination of honey and mustard creates a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that enhance the fish’s natural richness.
Tip: Brush the honey mustard glaze onto the salmon during the last few minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize slightly, adding a delicious crust.
Soy Ginger Sauce with Salmon
For an Asian-inspired dish, soy ginger sauce is a great choice. The umami from the soy sauce, combined with the spice of ginger and sweetness from honey or brown sugar, creates a complex flavor that enhances the taste of salmon.
Tip: Add a bit of sesame oil and green onions for an extra layer of flavor, and garnish with sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Discover a miso-glazed salmon recipe with similar flavor profiles.
Salads That Are Good to Eat with Salmon
Salads are a fresh and light option to serve alongside salmon, adding a crisp contrast to the rich fish. Here are some salads that pair beautifully with salmon.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Salmon
Arugula’s peppery flavor contrasts well with the richness of salmon. A simple lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and acidity to both the salad and the fish, making this a refreshing pairing.
Tip: Add shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and cherry tomatoes for a more complex and flavorful salad.
Cucumber and Dill Salad with Salmon
Cucumber is cool and refreshing, making it a perfect pairing for salmon. A cucumber and dill salad with a light vinegar or yogurt-based dressing provides a crisp and tangy complement to the richness of the fish.
Tip: For added flavor, mix in red onions or radishes for a bit of sharpness.
Quinoa and Avocado Salad with Salmon
Quinoa salads are hearty yet light, making them a great option to serve with salmon. Combine quinoa with creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and a citrus vinaigrette for a balanced and nutritious side dish.
Tip: Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture and a dose of healthy fats.
Bread and Rolls to Eat with Salmon
Bread and rolls might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about what is good to eat with salmon, but they can add a satisfying element to your meal. Here are some bread options that pair well with salmon.
Garlic Bread with Salmon
Garlic bread adds a savory, buttery touch to your meal. The garlic flavor complements the richness of the salmon, while the crispy texture contrasts with the fish’s tenderness.
Tip: Use fresh garlic and parsley for a more vibrant flavor, and sprinkle Parmesan over the bread before toasting for an extra touch of umami.
Whole Wheat Rolls with Salmon
Whole wheat rolls provide a hearty, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with salmon. They offer a satisfying bite and are a healthier option than traditional white rolls.
Tip: Serve warm rolls with a pat of herb butter for added flavor.
Sourdough Bread and Salmon
Sourdough’s tangy flavor pairs well with salmon, especially when served with smoked salmon or salmon with a cream-based sauce. The slight sourness of the bread cuts through the richness of the fish, balancing the dish perfectly.
Tip: Lightly toast the sourdough and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor and texture.
Wine Pairings That Are Good to Drink with Salmon
Wine is an essential element of a great salmon meal. Pairing the right wine with salmon can enhance the flavors and elevate your dining experience. Here are some of the best wine options to enjoy with salmon.
Chardonnay and Salmon
Chardonnay is a classic pairing for salmon, especially when grilled or baked. The rich, buttery flavor of Chardonnay complements the richness of the salmon, while the wine’s acidity balances the fish’s natural oils.
Tip: Opt for a lightly oaked Chardonnay to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the salmon.
Pinot Noir and Salmon
Although white wines are typically recommended with fish, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for salmon, especially if it’s grilled or prepared with a rich sauce. The light tannins and berry flavors of Pinot Noir pair well with the texture of salmon without overwhelming it.
Tip: Choose a Pinot Noir from cooler climates, as these tend to have more acidity and a lighter body, making them a better match for salmon.
Sauvignon Blanc and Salmon
Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, zesty wine that pairs beautifully with salmon, especially when served with lemon-based sauces or fresh salads. Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, while its citrus and herbaceous notes complement the flavors of the dish.
Tip: A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is often more citrus-forward, making it a great match for salmon with bright, lemony sauces.
For more detailed wine pairing tips, visit this resource.
FAQs: What Is Good to Eat with Salmon?
What vegetables go well with salmon? Vegetables like asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower are perfect for pairing with salmon. These vegetables offer a balance of flavors and textures that complement the fish’s richness. Roasting or sautéing them with a bit of olive oil and seasoning brings out their natural sweetness and enhances your meal.
What grains are good to eat with salmon? Grains like quinoa, brown rice, and couscous are excellent choices to serve with salmon. These grains offer hearty textures and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for a salmon dish. They also provide nutritional benefits, such as being high in fiber and protein, making them healthy additions to your meal.
What are the best sauces to serve with salmon? Lemon dill sauce, honey mustard glaze, and soy ginger sauce are popular choices that complement salmon well. Lemon dill sauce offers a light and tangy option, while honey mustard glaze adds a touch of sweetness. Soy ginger sauce provides an Asian-inspired twist with bold flavors that enhance the fish.
What wine pairs well with salmon? Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent wine pairings for salmon. Chardonnay works best with grilled or baked salmon, while Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with richer preparations. Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity makes it a great match for salmon served with fresh salads or lemon-based sauces.
Conclusion: Discovering What Is Good to Eat with Salmon
When deciding what is good to eat with salmon, the key is to choose sides, sauces, and wines that balance the fish’s richness while complementing its flavor. From roasted vegetables and hearty grains to fresh salads and tangy sauces, the possibilities are endless. By selecting the right accompaniments, you can elevate your salmon dish to create a memorable and well-rounded meal.