food

The 30 Best Side Dishes for Salmon

The Full Helping

We don’t like to play favorites, but we’ll admit that salmon holds a special place in our heart—especially on weeknights. It’s delicious, easy to prepare and, oh, those omega-3s! Plus, our favorite fish is totally versatile, as it can be prepared to fit almost any flavor profile. Even so, it’s tough to decide what to serve with the main course. Here are 30 tasty side dishes for salmon that never get old.

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

1. Winter Citrus and Pomegranate Salad

Salmon is high in healthy fats, so a tart salad always works well to cut through its richness.

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Two Peas and Their Pod

2. Roasted Parmesan Pesto Potatoes

Contrast salmon’s silky texture with this crispy side, courtesy of Coterie member Maria Lichty.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

3. Cauliflower Rice

Keep it super healthy with a scoop or two of cauliflower rice. (It’s especially good with teriyaki or miso-glazed salmon.)

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

4. Asparagus Caesar Salad

Salmon and asparagus is a classic pairing. This easy recipe also includes lemon juice for a little extra freshness.

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Ambitious Kitchen

5. Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Honey-Orange Dressing

The leftovers make an enviable desk lunch for the next day.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

6. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprouts Salad

We’re all about roasted sprouts, but sometimes fresh and crunchy is the way to go.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. Vegan Slow-Cooker Detox Coconut Soup

This Thai-inspired soul-warmer boasts glass noodles, fresh herbs, scallions, bean sprouts and more.

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The Full Helping

8. Sweet Potato Bulgur Salad

Bulgur's nuttiness pairs beautifully with salmon, and we have Coterie member Gena Hamshaw to thank for this guy.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

9. Crispy Green Bean "Fries"

No messy frying required—your oven's got it covered.

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Gimme Some Oven

10. Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Mmm, salmon paired with an Asian-inspired glaze? Invite us over, please.

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Floating Kitchen

11. Asparagus Salad with Farro, Arugula and Edamame

Peppery arugula cuts salmon's richness while farro and edamame add texture.

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Erin McDowell

12. Chilled Cucumber Salad

On a hot night, all we crave is some poached or grilled salmon and this crisp, cool salad.

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Gimme Some Oven

13. Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce

Another winner for a soy- or ginger-glazed salmon recipe.

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Foodie Crush

14. Autumn Couscous Salad

Who doesn’t love Israeli couscous (aka the big pearled kind)? Thanks Coterie member, Heidi Larson.

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Two Peas and Their Pod

15. Kale and Wild Rice Salad

Think leafy greens, whole grains and creamy goat cheese for good measure. Thanks, Coterie member Maria Lichty.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

16. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli

This twist on a classic will change summer patio dinners forever.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

17. 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta

This quick pasta is one of our go-to weeknight meals, but it works just as well as a side.

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Wholesome Yum

18. Easy Garlic Roasted Bok Choy

This low-maintenance side roasts in the oven while you prep your main dish.

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ERIN MCDOWELL

19. Citrus, Fennel and Avocado Salad

Salmon + avocado = healthy fats dream team.

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Laura Wing and Jim Kamoosi

20. Tabbouleh Salad

Salmon pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavors. Try this fresh, herbaceous salad and toasted pita with your fish.

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Emily Morgan

21. Warm Sesame Noodle Salad

Warning: You’ll want to put the peanut butter dressing on *everything*.

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Erin McDowell

22. Coconut Creamed Spinach

This beauty is free of dairy and totally vegan, thanks to coconut milk.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

23. ‘Everything Bagel’ Cauliflower Rolls

Yup, cauliflower can officially do anything.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

24. Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad

Might we suggest pairing this picnic favorite with hemp- and walnut-crusted salmon?

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

25. Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta-Garlic Breadcrumbs

Any veggie topped with pancetta and butter is a veggie we can get behind.

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Photo: Tyler Mauk/Styling: Anne Mauk

26. Corn and Tomato Salad with Feta and Lime

Hi, summer. This refreshing side is destined for your first barbecue.

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Teri Lyn Fisher/Eat Like You Give a Fork

27. Overstuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle-Lime Yogurt

Sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado and Greek yogurt? Bring on the healthy fats.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

28. Grilled Mango Salsa

Spoon it right onto the salmon or serve it on the side with tortilla chips.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

29. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers

The trick is sticking to one veggie per skewer, so all the pieces cook at the same speed.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. Herby Shoestring Fries

When in doubt, fries are always a crowd pleaser—especially when they’re tossed in fresh rosemary.

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Taryn Pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...
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