What's great? Grilled salmon (a fatty, pink-fleshed fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids).
It's like the celebrity at the dinner table, looking all fancy and healthy. But what do we serve with it?
The classic sides don't always cut it, right?
We all have that moment of staring blankly at our fridge, wondering what to whip up that won't overshadow our star dish.
We're here to help you spice things up! Think beyond rice or steamed veggies.
Don't get us wrong, those are nice, but let's get creative and make our salmon sing!
Get ready to discover some side dishes that'll make your palate do a happy dance. Because who says sides should be boring?
Top 13 Side Dishes for Grilled Salmon
Here are our picks for the top 13 side dishes to serve with grilled salmon:
1 - Lemon Herb Couscous
Couscous is like the cool kid on the side dish block. It cooks up quick (about 5 minutes) and has a fab texture.
We can toss in herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavour. It's versatile.
Try it with lemon for a zingy kick! For dessert pairings, try sides that pair with lemon desserts.
Mix in roasted veggies for more colour and crunch. Once we had it with salmon, and it just clicked!
This dish is reliable. It can be the perfect partner for grilled meats or a light lunch.
Don't sleep on couscous!
2 - Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
Grilled asparagus is like a crunchy sidekick we all need. It's quick to prep and tastes amazing.
Just toss some asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle salt, and throw them on the grill (trim thicker ends and grill 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat).
The char adds an irresistible smokiness. We love it with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top - it melts beautifully and makes everything feel fancy.
It's fresh, bright, and pairs well with salmon, and makes an excellent match when paired with best sides for asparagus dishes.
3 - Mango Avocado Salsa
Mango avocado salsa is the refreshing side we didn't know we needed! It brings sweetness and creaminess together like besties.
Chop some ripe mangoes and creamy avocados (about a 1:1 mango to avocado ratio). Add lime juice and chopped red onion for that zing.
It's great on tacos, grilled fish, or even as a dip for chips, and pairs nicely with tangy options for mango-salsa chicken.
We love it as a summer side dish. It's quick and a total crowd-pleaser.
4 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a total win for our plates, and fit right into broader roasted vegetable side ideas for mains.
We toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast till they're golden (roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes). The balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that's hard to beat.
They work well as a side, or we can pile them on a salad. We find they're perfect for dinner parties or just a chill night in.
Easy prep and even easier to gobble up!
5 - Quinoa and Arugula Salad
Quinoa and arugula salad is a crunchy, earthy combo. We love how simple it is!
Quinoa brings texture (a nutty, gluten-free seed).
Arugula adds peppery flair, and there are great side dishes for arugula salads to round out a meal.
Throw in your choice of nuts for crunch. Toss with a lemony dressing for zing.
It's a great base for any meal.
We've paired it with grilled chicken, and it worked wonders. This salad holds its own while complementing other dishes.
Perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It's familiar and refreshing!
6 - Dill Potatoes
Dill potatoes are our secret weapon for quick side dishes. They're simple and pack a ton of flavor.
Boil some baby potatoes until tender, then toss them in a blend of fresh dill and butter (fresh dill, Anethum graveolens).
We love how the dill brings a bright zing! Perfect for so many mains.
It's that side dish we keep coming back to.
The creamy texture makes it a hit, even for potato skeptics.
We've made these at barbecues, and they disappear every time!
7 - Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Sautéed spinach with garlic is like the cool green friend in our meals. It's quick to whip up and always hits the spot.
Toss fresh spinach in a pan with minced garlic and a splash of olive oil (use baby spinach; it wilts in 1-2 minutes).
Keep an eye on it because it wilts down fast! We love adding a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
It's versatile and works well with almost any dish.
We often pair it with grilled proteins for a balanced plate. Simple and satisfying, it never disappoints.
8 - Citrus Farro Salad
Citrus farro salad is a fresh, zesty side we really dig. The combination of farro and citrus gives it a bright flair.
We love how filling farro is (an ancient hulled wheat with a chewy bite). It's got this chewy texture that works well in salads.
Chop up some orange or grapefruit for that juiciness. Add in herbs like parsley for extra punch.
We sometimes toss in avocado for creaminess. It's great for BBQs or potlucks.
Simple prep means more time chilling with friends. This salad never fails to impress.
9 - Grilled Zucchini with Lemon
Grilled zucchini with lemon is our go-to for a quick side!
It brings that fresh summer vibe. We slice zucchini, drizzle it with olive oil, and toss on a bit of salt.
The grill marks are a must! A squeeze of lemon right before serving adds brightness (use fresh lemon juice).
We also love throwing on herbs like thyme or basil.
If you have leftovers, they're great cold in a salad.
This dish is good for any gathering, and it's super easy to make!
10 - Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Creamy cucumber dill salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. We love how cool and crisp it is.
Start with chilled cucumbers and mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Dill gives it a fresh kick! (Anethum graveolens)
Add some garlic powder for zing or toss in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Perfect for BBQs or picnics! It's simple yet satisfying.
We go for this one when we want something light and tasty. It's a classic that never gets old.
11 - Herbs Roasted Carrots
Herbs roasted carrots are fun and loaded with flavour. These guys get sweet and tender when roasted right.
We toss them with olive oil, salt, and our favourite herbs. Rosemary or thyme makes a great choice (rosemary brings piney notes while thyme adds a subtle lemony tone).
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. They're a fab side for many dishes.
Easy to prep and always a hit at gatherings. A little crispy on the outside is the way to go.
Perfect for adding colour and crunch to our plates!
12 - Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a fun side that sneaks in those veggies (made from grated cauliflower, a cruciferous vegetable). It's super easy to make and cooks quickly.
We can sauté it or toss it in the microwave. Flavor it up with garlic or herbs.
It soaks up whatever we serve alongside it.
It works great with stir-fries or tacos. It's a perfect swap for regular rice if we're looking for something lighter.
Also, leftover cauliflower rice is solid in salads or bowls. It's our go-to for a fresh kick.
13 - Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a side dish we can't stop raving about. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
This stuff cooks up quick and is way more interesting than plain rice (wild rice is a nutty aquatic grass, not a true rice). Mix in some herbs, nuts, or dried fruits for a fun twist.
We love it with roasted veggies or grilled meats. It's super filling, too.
Leftovers make a solid base for salads. Just toss in a few greens, and bam.
This dish never gets old.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
