Salmon is a popular and nutritious fish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Whether it’s baked, grilled, or smoked, salmon is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. In this article, we will explore some of the best sides that go well with salmon.
Green Vegetables
One of the most popular side dishes for salmon is green vegetables. These include broccoli, asparagus, green beans, brussels sprouts, and spinach. Green vegetables not only add color to your plate but also provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and C.
Baked Asparagus
One delicious way to prepare asparagus as a side dish for salmon is to bake it in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C), trim the ends off of your asparagus spears, drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper on top, and bake for 12-15 minutes until tender.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Another tasty green vegetable that goes well with salmon is roasted brussels sprouts. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and trim the ends off of your brussels sprouts. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting in the oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy on the outside.
Grains
Another great option for a side dish when serving salmon is grains like rice or quinoa. These provide carbohydrates that can help balance out the protein in the fish.
Lemon Rice Pilaf
One delicious way to serve rice with salmon is by making lemon rice pilaf. Cook your rice according to package instructions and then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, butter or olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is another great option for a side dish with salmon. Cook your quinoa and then mix in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Fruit
Fruit is another great side dish to pair with salmon. The sweetness of the fruit can help balance out the savory flavors of the fish.
Mango Salsa
One delicious fruit side dish for salmon is mango salsa. Simply dice up some ripe mango, red onion, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. Serve this on top of your salmon fillet for a burst of tropical flavor.
Grilled Pineapple
Another tasty fruit side dish for salmon is grilled pineapple. Simply slice your pineapple into rings and grill them on high heat until caramelized on both sides. Sprinkle with salt before serving.
- Green Vegetables:
- Baked Asparagus
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Grains:
- Lemon Rice Pilaf
- Quinoa Salad
- Fruit:
- Mango Salsa
- Grilled Pineapple
In conclusion, there are many sides that go well with salmon to create a delicious meal. Whether you choose green vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts, grains like rice or quinoa, or sweet fruits like mango or pineapple, you can’t go wrong pairing them with a perfectly cooked salmon fillet. So next time you’re planning to cook salmon, try one of these sides to create a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
