Sharing 10 sides to accompany your salmon dinner.
Salmon is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, making it a popular protein source in many households. Its versatility and ease of preparation mean that it can be cooked in numerous ways to adapt to different tastes and occasions.
Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear salmon, the right side dishes can enhance its rich flavors, creating a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Today, I’m sharing a roundup of 10 healthy side dishes that perfectly complement salmon and help you create a delicious dining experience.
10 healthy accompaniments for salmon
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with salmon, providing a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast to the rich flavor of the fish.
Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
2. Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Parmesan
This Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Parmesan is a fantastic side dish that complements the savory flavors of the salmon.
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
3. Quinoa Salad with Vegetables
A refreshing quinoa salad is a perfect accompaniment to a salmon dinner, providing a light and healthy touch.
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups of water
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 5: Optional: Sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A splash of maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Drizzle maple syrup on top and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
5. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
This simple, healthy side dish comes together quickly and complements the salmon wonderfully.
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
6. Roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with baked salmon.
Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Toss asparagus with olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Add the lemon juice, stir and serve.
7. Cucumber and tomato salad
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for a weeknight dinner with salmon.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 4: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
8. Green beans with cranberries and almonds
The full recipe is here!
9. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb side dish that perfectly complements a salmon dinner.
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, chopped in a food processor into rice-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Add the shredded cauliflower and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10. Kale Salad
This kale salad recipe desperately needs new photos, but it’s SO good, I promise.
By incorporating these healthy side dishes, you can create a delicious, filling meal that highlights the flavors of salmon. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these sides will ensure your salmon dishes are always a hit.
For more tips and ideas on different ways to cook salmon, check out this guide on different ways to cook salmon. Enjoy your food and happy cooking!
hugs and kisses
gina
