Salmon is a versatile and delicious fish that offers a delicate yet rich flavor profile. Whether you prefer it grilled, air-fried, baked, or pan-seared, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal to new heights. From refreshing salads to zesty vegetables, we have created a list of the best side dishes to add variety to your meals.
What Type of Salmon to Use in Recipes
The most common types of salmon include:
- Wild and/or Sockeye: Known for its deep red color and rich, oily flavor. It is considered one of the most flavorful types of salmon.
- Atlantic: It is farm raised and has a milder flavor than wild-caught salmon.
- Pink: It is the smallest of the Pacific salmon and has a mild, delicate flavor.
Ultimately, the best type of fresh salmon to use will depend on your personal taste preferences.
Salmon that is sourced from the Atlantic is usually farmed. Farmed means antibiotics and food coloring (to give it a pink color) are used. Wild caught salmon is known for its high nutritional value and delicious flavor. It is also generally higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, due to its natural diet and lifestyle.
How to Season it
I love to use fresh lemon juice along with my Homemade Cajun Seasoning and Rub or my Homemade Blackened Fish and Salmon Seasoning. Here are more options:
Salmon Recipes
Maple Glazed Salmon
Baked Salmon in Parchment Paper
Salmon Rice Bowl
Easy Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Salmon (15 Minute Recipe)
Baked Salmon Stuffed with Crab Meat
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Salmon Fried Rice with Vegetables
More Recipe Pairing Guides
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Side Dishes with Shrimp Tacos
Side Dishes for Cod and What to Serve
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp and Side Dishes
Side Dishes for Shrimp and What Goes with Shrimp
Shrimp Size Guide and Counts Per Pound
What Goes Well with Salmon and Best Side Dishes
Salmon is a versatile and delicious fish that offers a delicate yet rich flavor profile. Whether you prefer it grilled, air-fried, baked, or pan-seared, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal to new heights. From refreshing salads to zesty vegetables, we have created a list of the best side dishes to add variety to your meals.
Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
This Creamy Dill Sauce will elevate your salmon to the next level. This easy homemade dressing is made with lemon, fresh dill, garlic, and yogurt or sour cream. Spread this over any of your favorite baked, grilled, or smoked fish.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
This is the best copycat Steakhouse Creamed Spinach recipe. This classic dish is made using fresh or frozen spinach and parmesan. Serve this creamy cheesy dish alongside any of your favorite main dish meals.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
This dish is a copycat version of the popular rice made at Chipotle Mexican restaurant. This recipe uses long grain white or brown rice that turns out soft, fluffy, and isn’t sticky every time! You can make this recipe on the stovetop or using a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or Instant Pot.
Pineapple Mango Salsa
This Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe is similar to pico de gallo and can be made using fresh or frozen fruit. The salsa has a sweet and tangy flavor profile thanks to lime juice, cilantro, and red onion.
Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes
These Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes are seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and baked or fried to perfection. These make the perfect side dish for any spread.
Mango Salad Dressing (Fresh or Frozen Fruit)
This Mango Salad Dressing can be made using frozen or fresh fruit and is paired with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lime juice. The sauce has all of the flavors of a vinaigrette and can be paired with salads, rice bowls, and more.
Fried Potatoes and Onions
This Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe is a classic Southern and soul food staple. Pan-fried skillet potatoes are often served for breakfast alongside crunchy bacon and buttery biscuits.
Seafood Boil Sauce
This Seafood Boil Sauce is made with melted butter, fresh lemon, Old Bay Seasoning, and optional Cajun spices for a kick of flavor. Drizzle this sauce or use it for dipping crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, lobster, or any of your favorites.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
These crispy, charred oven roasted Brussels sprouts are baked on a sheet pan with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and roasted garlic. Feel free to sprinkle in bacon and parmesan for added flavor!
Easy Southern Green Beans with Bacon
These Easy Southern Style Green Beans are a staple old-fashioned side dish recipe. This homestyle dish is made with string beans and bacon for the perfect country meal. Add this to any soul food spread.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Easy Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a homemade classic dish perfect for any spread or cookout. This side dish is cheesy thanks to cheddar and is also loaded with plenty of veggies, mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is roasted to perfection and seasoned sweet with cinnamon or savory with onion and garlic. Grab fresh or frozen vegetables, either will work for this side dish!These Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes are seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and baked or fried to perfection. These make the perfect side dish for any spread.
Southern-Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy 4 cheese baked mac and cheese.
Oven Baked Corn on the Cob
This Easy Baked Corn on the Cob is drizzled in butter, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and then foil roasted in the oven. This is the best way to cook corn without husks. It’s foolproof!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
This Easy Broccoli Salad is made with real bacon bits and cheese. This classic and old fashioned dish is served cold and is definitely a crowd pleaser for the summer months. Feel free to toss in cauliflower!
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
This Easy Spaghetti Salad is served cold with cooked pasta, veggies, and drizzled in Italian dressing. This is a great side dish for a weeknight meal or when you need to serve a crowd for a cookout or BBQ.
Southern Cooked Cabbage
This Southern Cooked Cabbage Recipe is made on the stove using butter, bacon or sausage, and garlic for immense flavor. This is the best soul food dish to serve for weeknight meals, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Grilled Mango
This Grilled Mango is the perfect treat that can be seasoned with chili lime, paprika, Tajin, or brown sugar You can eat it on its own, pair it with chicken or fish, add it to a fruit salad, or use it as a topping for ice cream.
Southern Creamed Corn
This Homemade Easy Southern Creamed Corn is made from scratch using fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is served sweet or savory, or even with a combination of both!
Classic Macaroni Salad
This Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that will pair wonderfully with your BBQ or cookout spread. This is the best soul food side dish served cold with a flavorful dressing.
Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
This is the best Southern-style Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe made with buttermilk. Pair this classic, old-fashioned dish with any soul food meal drizzled in homemade gravy.
Make Ahead Slow Cooker Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes can be made ahead using your Crockpot Slow Cooker and then reheated or kept warm right in the pot! This is an easy “dump the ingredients in the pot” dish.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a quick and easy recipe that takes 10 minutes. This is a great appetizer or side dish for any meal you are looking to add vegetables to!
Smothered Potatoes and Onions
This Easy Smothered Potatoes and Onions recipe is an old-fashioned dish with green peppers and homemade gravy. This Southern, pan-fried staple can be served for breakfast or dinner.
Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is homemade from scratch and baked in the oven. From there, you drizzle the dish in a thick caramelized syrup. Your Sunday dinners and soul food holiday events just got much better!
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon chunks are paired with tangy crumbles of feta cheese, avocado, cucumbers, and basil. The salad is then drizzled with a balsamic lime dressing that adds a zesty kick and a touch of acidity, bringing all the flavors together.
Mango Fruit Salad
This Mango Fruit Salad is a delicious and refreshing recipe that combines sweet mangoes, berries, grapes, and avocado to create a sweet and tangy medley. The fruit salad is drizzled with a zesty honey lime dressing and is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits.
Potato Salad with Bacon
This Potato Salad with Bacon is mouthwatering and irresistible! Perfect for any summer BBQ or picnic, this dish takes the classic potato salad to the next level with crispy bacon bits mixed in. With a creamy dressing and a hint of smoky goodness, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Southern Coleslaw
This Easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe has the best sweet and tangy flavor. It’s served creamy and chilled. Perfect for loading onto pulled pork sandwiches or served as a side dish for any BBQ or cookout spread.