Salmon is rich, flaky and full of flavor, so the best side dishes for salmon are bright and fresh enough to balance it. The classics are a green vegetable such as asparagus, broccoli or green beans, something starchy like roasted potatoes, rice pilaf or orzo, and a crisp salad, often with lemon, garlic or fresh herbs. Below are 20 easy side dishes for salmon, grouped by type, plus quick pairing ideas for grilled, baked, pan-seared and glazed salmon.

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Vegetable Sides for Salmon

1. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus and salmon are a classic spring pairing, and they can even roast on the same sheet pan. Toss the spears with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, roast at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, then finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. The bright, slightly grassy flavor is perfect next to rich salmon.

2. Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Roasting turns broccoli nutty and crispy at the edges. Roast the florets with olive oil and garlic until browned, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and lemon juice. It’s quick, kid-friendly and goes with salmon cooked any way.

More: Roasted Broccolini Recipe

3. Garlic Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic and butter are one of the easiest weeknight sides. Blanch them for 2–3 minutes, then toss in a hot pan with garlic, a pinch of salt and toasted almonds or shallots for extra crunch.

More: Recipe For Green Beans and Shallots

4. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Halved Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy and drizzled with a little balsamic glaze bring a sweet-tangy contrast that works especially well with maple- or honey-glazed salmon. Add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive version.

Potato Sides for Salmon

5. Lemon and Black Pepper Roasted Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, lemon-pepper roasted potatoes echo the citrus flavors that taste so good with fish. Cut the potatoes into chunks, toss with olive oil, lemon zest and plenty of black pepper, and roast until golden.

More: Stupid-Easy Recipe for Lemon and Black Pepper Roasted Potatoes (#1 Top-Rated)

6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting side for baked or pan-seared salmon, especially when the salmon comes with a creamy sauce. Stir in roasted garlic, chives or a little lemon zest so the potatoes complement the fish.

7. Smashed Baby Potatoes with Dill

Boil baby potatoes until tender, smash them flat, then roast with olive oil until the edges are super crispy. Finish with fresh dill and flaky salt. Dill is a natural partner for salmon, so this side ties the whole plate together.

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, roasted in cubes or cut into fries, add color and natural sweetness that balances smoky grilled or spice-rubbed salmon. Season them with smoked paprika or cumin, or drizzle with a little honey and chili flakes.

More: Stupid-Easy Recipe for Best Spicy Sweet Potato Fries (#1 Top-Rated)

Rice and Grain Sides for Salmon

9. Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is rice toasted in butter with onion and then simmered in broth until fluffy. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley or dill at the end. Its mild, savory flavor soaks up lemon-butter and dill sauces beautifully.

10. Coconut Rice

Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk is lightly sweet and fragrant. It’s the perfect side for teriyaki, sweet chili or Thai-style salmon, and it’s delicious with a spoonful of mango salsa on top.

11. Wild Rice with Mushrooms

Nutty wild rice cooked with sautéed mushrooms, onion and thyme makes a hearty, earthy side that turns salmon into a special-occasion dinner. It’s a great choice for holiday menus too.

12. Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Feta

A Mediterranean-style quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta and a lemon vinaigrette is light, protein-packed and can be made ahead. Serve it warm or cold with grilled salmon for an easy healthy dinner.

13. Lemon Orzo with Spinach

Orzo cooked in broth and stirred with lemon juice, Parmesan and a few handfuls of baby spinach is creamy without any cream. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and works with salmon cooked any way.

14. Herbed Couscous

Couscous is the fastest grain side there is: pour hot broth over it, cover for five minutes and fluff with a fork. Toss with olive oil, lemon, parsley and toasted pine nuts for a simple side for baked salmon.

Salads and Fresh Sides for Salmon

15. Cucumber Dill Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with fresh dill, red onion and a creamy yogurt or sour cream dressing make a cool, refreshing side. It’s a classic Scandinavian partner for salmon, especially in summer.

16. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, Parmesan and a garlicky dressing make Caesar salad a satisfying side, and leftover salmon is delicious flaked right on top the next day.

17. Avocado Tomato Salad

Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, red onion and a squeeze of lime come together in minutes. This light salad is especially good with blackened or chili-rubbed salmon.

More: Avocado Tomato Salad (Light Salad Recipe)

18. Mango Salsa

Fresh mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime make a sweet-spicy salsa that you can spoon right over grilled salmon. It brightens the plate and pairs perfectly with coconut rice.

Low-Carb Sides for Salmon

19. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice sautéed with garlic and herbs is a light, low-carb swap for regular rice. Add lemon zest and parsley, or cheese for a creamier version.

More: Stupid-Easy Recipe for Cauliflower Rice Salad with Dukkah and Yogurt (#1 Top-Rated)

20. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

A big pile of spinach wilts down in just a couple of minutes in a hot pan with olive oil and garlic. Finish with lemon juice and a pinch of chili flakes for a quick, nutrient-packed side for any salmon dinner.

What to Serve with Different Kinds of Salmon

Grilled salmon

Keep it fresh and summery: lemon garlic asparagus, quinoa salad, cucumber dill salad or mango salsa.

Baked salmon

Make it a sheet-pan dinner with asparagus or broccoli roasted alongside, plus lemon roasted potatoes or rice pilaf.

Pan-seared salmon

Serve crispy-skinned salmon with mashed potatoes or lemon orzo and garlic green beans.

Teriyaki or honey-glazed salmon

Sweet glazes love coconut rice, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky spinach.

Salmon for a holiday dinner

For a festive menu, try wild rice with mushrooms, smashed dill potatoes and balsamic Brussels sprouts.

Whether you’re grilling, baking or pan-searing it, pick one vegetable, one starch and something fresh, and your salmon dinner is complete. Looking for a salmon recipe to start with? Try our grilled salmon, pan-seared salmon with lemon or paleo glazed salmon. What’s your favorite side to serve with salmon? Share it with us in the comments!

More Side Dish Ideas