Our favorite sides for salmon showcase the fish's versatility. Choose a classic pairing like roasted asparagus or crispy potatoes, or try fresh new takes like crunchy salads and flavorful grains.
24 Essential Sides for Salmon
Updated on Jun. 30, 2025
1/24
Smashed Potatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor … and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 292 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
These roasted red potatoes yield super crispy skins and creamy insides, making them one of our favorite side dishes. To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to flatten the potatoes and drizzle them with plenty of oil before you bake them.
2/24
Seasoned Green Beans
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These green beans are a simple side dish with a lot of flavor. —Katherine Firth, Oro Ballay, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 87 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
These flavorful green beans are proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients—or time—to turn out an impressive side dish. Coating steamed green beans with butter and seasoning that you already have in your pantry results in something pretty spectacular.
3/24
Lemon Risotto with Broccoli
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a creamy and rich party-special alternative to potatoes. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 201 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Serving salmon with risotto recipes instead of your standard rice may take a good deal more effort, but the payoff is worth it. This lemony, creamy risotto is filled with broccoli—so you’re basically getting two sides in one. We recommend serving this as a special occasion side dish.
4/24
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good that you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is the only way I make my mashed potatoes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 190 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Don’t peel off those delicious skins before making these creamy garlic mashed potatoes! The skins add so much wonderful texture and color, not to mention essential nutrients. We use fat-free milk in this recipe, but feel free to up the decadence by using full-fat milk or half-and-half. You can also experiment with the flavor profile by using olive oil instead of butter.
5/24
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
Out of the many ways to cook Brussels sprouts, this might be one of our favorites. If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar over medium heat with a bit of sugar until it thickens into a glaze.
6/24
Flavorful Green Rice
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green onions and fresh parsley give this rice its name, but the appealing flavor is what makes it memorable. —Karin Bailey, Golden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 240 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
This pretty herb-packed rice goes wonderfully with citrusy salmon, and you can customize the herbs to your liking. Remember that the secret to fluffy rice is this: Don’t stir it as it simmers, as tempting as it is. Follow the recipe exactly as written.
7/24
Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Fluffy couscous is one of our all-time favorite sides for any type of salmon, and this broccoli-packed dish makes it easy to get in a serving of veggies at the same time. You could easily serve the leftovers cold the next day as a couscous salad; mix in some flaked leftover salmon (or canned) and you have yourself a well-rounded lunch.
8/24
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Elegant, simple and delicious, this asparagus dish is one of our favorite go-to sides. The pine nuts, garlic and lemon give it a Mediterranean twist. If you don’t have asparagus on hand, you could use green beans; slivered almonds can work in place of the pine nuts.
9/24
Dill & Chive Peas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
This super simple side is one of those recipes with frozen peas that you can always rely on. Crisp peas get the upgrade they deserve with fresh herbs and butter, making it just elegant enough to serve with salmon en papillote.
10/24
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
You’ll want to make extra mustard sauce to drizzle over your salmon. Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature caramelizes them slightly and can convert even the bigger Brussels sprouts hater.
11/24
Steamed Lemon Broccoli
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried this sunny side dish because it seemed to be a fresh, nutritious and easy combination. Now it's the only way my husband will eat broccoli. I love to pair it with grilled meat on hot days. —Michelle Hanson, Oacoma, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
This steamed broccoli is anything but boring with its lively garlic-lemon sauce. Using both the juice and zest of the lemon amps up that bright flavor, and a healthy pat of butter will make this broccoli appeal to even the pickiest palates.
12/24
Szechuan Sugar Snap Peas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple seasonings transform crisp, sweet sugar snap peas into an unbeatable side dish your family will love. Chopped walnuts can be used in place of the cashews. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 107 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
The sweetness of the fresh sugar snap peas melds perfectly with the boldness of the garlic, red pepper flakes and ginger. Top this dish with a healthy drizzle of chili crisp for extra heat.
13/24
Sauteed Zucchini
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Sauteed zucchini is a near-perfect side dish. It is light and fresh-tasting, goes with almost anything and, best of all, comes together in just minutes.
14/24
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used sugar in this recipe, but a local man who keeps bees on our farm shares honey with us, so I use that instead to make honey-glazed carrots. —Julie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 124 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
We love time-saving microwave tricks, so use this side dish when you’re in a hurry. Sweet, crisp-tender baby carrots do most of their cooking in the microwave and then finish in a buttery skillet.
15/24
Sauteed Green Beans
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Sauteing green beans in butter rather than steaming makes them so much richer. While we love frozen green bean recipes, we recommend letting fresh green beans be the star of the show here.
16/24
Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
These roasted sweet potatoes are healthy and absolutely delicious. What’s more, you already have all the needed seasonings in your pantry: salt, pepper, cinnamon and honey. Many of our readers like to use half honey, half maple syrup to add a caramelly flavor. Be sure to stock up on the best honey so the sweetness shines through.
17/24
Barley Risotto
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Low in fat but high in fiber, this delicious barley risotto puts a twist on the typical dish. With its nutty undertones, barley provides the perfect backdrop for lemon and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 184 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
When you’re tired of rice as a side dish, try making this barley risotto. It acts as a wonderfully creamy base for salmon. Feel free to make it seasonal and add peas in the springtime or root vegetables in the winter. Just make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the best texture.
18/24
Roasted Carrots and Onions
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My seven children and 15 grandchildren really look forward to these oven-roasted carrots. As a cook at our local school, I serve two generations of my family, plus relatives and friends from all over our area. —Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 88 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
These gorgeous oven-roasted carrots are caramelized perfection. To balance the sweetness of the carrots with a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and a dash of cayenne pepper.
19/24
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
Crispy sweet potato fries are one of our favorite air-fryer side dishes, and it’s all because of the seasoning. If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can easily use frozen—just add an extra five minutes of cook time.
20/24
Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has been making this recipe for years. Every time I make it for company, they rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 310 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Just when we think we’ve discovered every genius use for onion soup mix, we find another one. This buttery corn on the cob becomes irresistible after roasting at a high heat in the oven.
21/24
Radish Cucumber Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I put this cucumber radish salad together with vegetables I had left in my garden. My family liked it so much, I started taking it to community suppers and was often asked for the recipe. It's a refreshing accompaniment for any entree. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
This crunchy, satisfying summer salad goes wonderfully with grilled salmon and just about any other protein. If you’re radish-averse, here’s a tip: The thinner you slice the radishes, the more you’ll be able to offset some of their bitterness. You can also salt and drain your cut radishes before mixing them into the salad.
22/24
Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra-special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
We love to eat grilled salads in the summer, and this take on a classic potato salad will become a staple among all your cookout recipes. Packed with salty Cotija cheese, smoky grilled poblanos, lime and cilantro, you’re going to want to make this while you grill salmon or make salmon patties for burgers.
23/24
Cucumber Salad with Miracle Whip
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Don’t knock Miracle Whip until you’ve tried it in this salad—it makes the perfect tangy, creamy dressing for chopped cucumbers. This recipe uses dill weed and green onion, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning and herb choices.
24/24
Kale Quinoa Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Cooking quinoa in a mix of water and tomato juice takes blandness out of the grain. If you can’t get your hands on dried currants, dried cranberries and raisins work just as well, and sunflower seeds can be swapped in for the pine nuts. This dish will turn everyone in your family into a kale lover.
Sides for Salmon FAQ
What is a good side dish for salmon?
Salmon’s mild flavor pairs well with the buttery crunch of asparagus and lightly seasoned rice, so these three components make up the quintessential salmon dinner. That said, you can serve salmon with any vegetable and grain side dishes.
When you’re deciding on various sides to serve with salmon, keep the fish’s fatty character and mild flavor in mind. You don’t want to overpower it, so serve the fish with lightly seasoned grains, buttered or oiled pasta, and crunchy greens. Intensely spiced vegetables or super-cheesy pasta dishes will overwhelm the tender salmon.
What easy salmon side dishes enhance the flavor of salmon?
Lemon and other citrus flavors pair beautifully with salmon due to their light and refreshing profiles. Because of this, many citrusy sides (think of lime-drizzled rice and lemony risotto) pair well with the fish. Strongly flavored side dishes pair well with salmon seasoned with bold glazes, smoky marinades or dry rubs. To balance and enhance a honey balsamic salmon, for example, plate it with honey-roasted sweet potatoes or maple-glazed Brussels sprouts.
How do you pair vegetables with salmon?
The easiest way to pair vegetables with salmon is to make a sheet-pan dinner, like sheet-pan soy-ginger salmon with veggies or salmon with green beans. If you want to cook the veggies separately, think about pairing crispy vegetables with salmon because they contrast with salmon’s tender texture. Crispy potatoes, crisp cucumbers, crunchy radishes or spring asparagus are fantastic options.
