Your Salmon Dinners Will Never Be the Same Thanks to These Anything-but-Basic Sides

When it comes to these sides, seconds will be requested.

Do you make salmon for dinner a lot at home? If so, these 17 best sides for salmon will be your new go-to dishes when serving salmon to your friends, fam or other guests. Whether you prefer to bake your salmon, pan fry it, grill it, broil salmon or throw it in the air fryer, these easy salmon sides are all excellent options from veggies and rice, to pasta, potato and salad options.

Also, if you're unsure how much salmon to serve per person, we have a post that walks you through exactly how much to make for your crew. I'm always unsure about over or underbuying when it comes to seafood, so be sure to check out our handy guide before you head to the store!

What sides are good with salmon?

Salmon is such a healthy seafood to incorporate into your meal planning. In that, you can pair this fatty fish with almost any side. From potatoes and rice to a green tossed salad, there are a ton of effortless sides to choose from below.

What is the healthiest way to eat salmon?

This varies, but many people believe that baking salmon helps lock in more of the nutrients and vitamin D. Whereas frying the fish can deplete some of the nutrients.

Related: 55 Best Healthy Salmon Recipes

Is it OK to eat the skin on salmon?

Some people do eat the salmon skin and it's really a personal preference. On one hand, you make yourself susceptible to ingesting pollutants that could be in the skin, but on the other, that's where more of the minerals and nutrients are.

Related: The Best Recipes for Canned Salmon

Best Sides for Salmon

1. 3-Ingredient Salsa Rice

If you are opting for a Mexican-inspired salmon dish, this salsa rice might be the perfect pairing. What I love about this recipe is it takes only three simple ingredients to make (not including water): salsa, instant rice and Monterey Jack cheese.

Get The Recipe: 3-Ingredient Salsa Rice

2. Lemon Pepper Noodles

Lemon pepper noodles are going to go perfectly with your salmon fillets. Add a drizzle of lemon to the salmon and it will blend the flavors together even more.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pepper Noodles

3. Lemon Roasted Potatoes

I'm not sure there's a potato recipe I've come across that I haven't fallen in love with and these Lemon Roasted Potatoes are my new favorite! These easy roasted potatoes have a delicious citrus twist with lemon and herbs.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Roasted Potatoes

4. Smokey Grilled Vegetables with Cilantro and Mint

If you plan to grill your salmon, pair it with these Smokey Grilled Vegetables. The cilantro-mint flavor really brings the veggies to a whole new level of goodness and you won't have to force anyone to eat their veggies.

Get The Recipe: Smokey Grilled Vegetables with Cilantro Mint

5. Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

Bacon, green beans, onions and a hint of sweetness are what you get in this green bean recipe. A great one that you can throw together in minutes, as it uses canned green beans.

Get The Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

6. Maple Pistachio Carrots

Carrots and seafood work great together. This is a sweet and crunchy carrot side that you will enjoy and I love how elegant it looks for a dinner party.

Related: 54 Best Carrot Recipes

Get The Recipe: Maple Pistachio Carrots

7. Tortellini Pasta Salad

Here's a cheesy tortellini pasta salad that's loaded with fresh vegetables, tender pasta and a caesar-flavored sauce. A must-make salmon side dish!

Get The Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad

8. Country Macaroni Salad

This country macaroni salad is filled with tender pasta, eggs and crunchy veggies smothered in a creamy sauce. A classic side dish that will complement seafood so nicely.

Get The Recipe: Country Macaroni Salad

9. Easy Red Rice

A red rice side dish that is loaded with tons of flavor in each bite. This is a dish that will stand out compared to the rest. Whip this up with some baked salmon and ring the dinner bell.

Get The Recipe: Padma Lakshmi's Easy Red Rice Side Dish

10. Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is delicious with this easy lemon tahini sauce. It's the perfect side dish for any time of year.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Asparagus

11. Crunchy Kale Salad

A bright and citrusy Crunchy Kale Parmesan Salad with lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan cheese. This is the perfect healthy salad for a side dish and it only takes four ingredients to pull off!

Get The Recipe: Crunchy Kale Salad

12. Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

This parmesan cauliflower rice makes a light and delicious side dish that would go exceptionally well with salmon.

Get The Recipe: Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

13. The Best Coleslaw

Dive into this homemade coleslaw recipe that's studded with carrots, crisp cabbage and smothered in a creamy sauce. Whip this up and enjoy it next to your salmon.

Get The Recipe: Coleslaw Recipe

14. Pan Fried Zucchini and Mushrooms

This is an easy skillet side dish packed with delicious sliced zucchini and mushrooms. You will find it's a total crowd please and great for seafood, beef or even pork.

Related: 55 Best Mushroom Recipes

Get The Recipe: Pan Fried Zucchini and Mushrooms

15. Peas with Bacon

Peas and bacon collide in this simple side dish. You have a sweet from the peas and a nice salty and savory component from the diced bacon

Get The Recipe: Peas with Bacon

16. Asian-Baked Salmon with Veggie Fried Rice

This Asian-Baked Salmon with Veggie Fried Rice recipe is perfect for weeknights! This quick and flavorful dish is done in about 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Asian-Baked Salmon with Veggie Fried Rice

17. Southern Potato Salad

A classic potato salad that makes for a delicious and flavorful side. Give this easy potato salad a try with your salmon dinner and we promise you won't be disappointed!

Get The Recipe: Southern Potato Salad