Salmon is a fantastic fish to cook at home. It’s flavorful, versatile, and relatively forgiving, making it a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. While salmon itself is delicious, pairing it with the right side dishes can truly elevate your meal and create a balanced and satisfying culinary experience. But with so many options out there, deciding what to serve with salmon can feel overwhelming.
This guide is here to help you discover the best side dishes to complement your salmon, ensuring every bite is a delight. We’ll explore a variety of flavor profiles and textures, from zesty salads to comforting potatoes and vibrant greens, providing you with inspiration for creating the perfect salmon dinner.
Tangy and Bright Salads
When serving salmon, especially richer preparations, a tangy salad is an excellent way to cut through the fat and refresh the palate. Don’t shy away from bold flavors and textures in your salad pairings.
One simple yet effective option is a classic arugula and avocado salad. The peppery arugula and creamy avocado provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the salmon. However, if you’re looking to venture beyond the basics, consider incorporating some unexpected elements.
Contrary to common food pairing adages, salmon can actually pair beautifully with certain types of dairy, particularly tangy and salty cheeses. A wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon offers a robust and flavorful counterpoint to salmon. Similarly, a Caesar salad, with its salty Parmesan and bright lemon dressing, can be a surprisingly delicious accompaniment.
For a seasonal twist, especially during summer, explore salads that feature sweet and sharp flavors. A quinoa salad with vegetables, tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar, provides a healthy and vibrant side. Corn is another fantastic summer ingredient that pairs well with salmon. While simple grilled corn can be a bit too sweet alongside salmon, Mexican street corn, or elotes, offers a tangy and spicy alternative thanks to its coating of sour cream, mayonnaise, chili powder, and Cotija cheese.
Alternatively, consider slicing the corn kernels off the cob and creating a refreshing salad. Grilled corn salad with herbs, feta, and tomatoes, or a raw corn salad with radishes, cucumber, and shiso, both offer bright and contrasting flavors that complement salmon beautifully.
Panzanella and pasta salads are also excellent choices. The bread or pasta in these salads adds heartiness and absorbs the flavorful dressings, creating a satisfying and almost complete meal in a bowl. Just steer clear of mayonnaise-heavy pasta salads, opting instead for vinaigrette-based versions for a brighter pairing.
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Flavorful and Garlicky Greens
Garlicky greens are another stellar side dish category that complements salmon exceptionally well. The slight bitterness of many greens, combined with the pungent flavor of garlic, creates a wonderful balance with the richness of the fish.
Simple preparations are often the most effective. Broiled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salty cheese is a classic and effortless pairing. Braised asparagus offers a more tender texture and equally delicious flavor.
While asparagus is a common choice, don’t hesitate to explore other green vegetables. Bacon-braised green beans or Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans offer more robust and spicy options. Braised long beans with tomato and garlic provide a simpler, yet equally flavorful, alternative.
Bitter greens like broccoli rabe, Swiss chard, or collard greens are also fantastic partners for salmon. A quick sauté with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice is all they need to become a perfect side dish. The slight bitterness of these greens cuts through the richness of the salmon, while the garlic adds a savory depth.
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Crispy and Golden Potatoes
To create a satisfying meal, consider adding a side dish that offers textural contrast to the smooth, fatty salmon. Crispy potatoes are an ideal choice, providing a delightful crunch and comforting heartiness.
There are numerous ways to achieve perfectly crispy potatoes. Ultra-crispy roasted new potatoes are a classic and reliable option. Smashed potatoes, with their craggy edges, offer a different but equally appealing texture. Salt and herb-roasted new potatoes add extra flavor complexity. For a truly indulgent treat, consider duck fat-fried fingerling potatoes for unparalleled crispiness and rich flavor.
If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, crispy potatoes in a garlic and Parmesan butter are an excellent choice. The garlic and Parmesan add savory and cheesy notes that complement the salmon without overpowering it.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right side dish can transform a simple salmon dinner into a memorable meal. Whether you opt for a refreshing tangy salad, flavorful garlicky greens, or comforting crispy potatoes, the key is to select sides that offer a balance of flavors and textures to complement the richness of the salmon. Experiment with these suggestions and discover your own favorite side dish pairings to enjoy with this versatile and delicious fish.
