Elevating Your Salmon Chowder Experience: 20 Delicious Sides to Serve

Salmon chowder is the ultimate comfort food With its rich, creamy broth and chunks of tender salmon, every spoonful satisfies. But what really takes this classic dish to the next level is pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the flavors and provide delicious contrast

After enjoying many salmon chowder meals, I’ve discovered the best accompaniments that make this dish shine. In this article, I’ll share my top 20 side dish recommendations for elevating your salmon chowder experience. From crisp salads to warm, hearty breads, these pairings promise to make your meal memorable.

Refreshing Salad Options

A fresh salad is one of my favorite ways to balance the rich creaminess of salmon chowder. The crunch of greens and burst of acidity from vinaigrettes cut through the decadence perfectly. Here are some excellent salad choices:

Tangy Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce coated in a delicious Caesar dressing provides a bold, savory contrast that makes the chowder taste even richer I like to add croutons for extra crunch

Zesty Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula and a bright lemon vinaigrette give a lively kick to balance the chowder’s heaviness Toasted pine nuts add great texture

Greek Salad

This Mediterranean-style salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives offers a briny, refreshing complement to the soup. It never disappoints!

Spinach Salad

Tender spinach leaves, tossed with crunchy nuts and sweet dried cranberries, make a nutritious and slightly sweet pairing for the hearty chowder.

Satisfying Starchy Sides

Hearty starches pair wonderfully with creamy salmon chowder, soaking up the rich broth and providing comfort. These are some of my favorites:

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They beautifully balance the chowder’s richness. I like to drizzle them with garlic butter.

Parmesan Risotto

The creamy texture of risotto echoes the chowder’s own luxurious mouthfeel, while the sharp Parmesan adds a delicious flavor contrast.

Garlicky Mashed Cauliflower

For a lower-carb option, mashed cauliflower makes a fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes. Infuse it with garlic and cream for pure comfort.

Quinoa Pilaf

Nutty quinoa tossed with sauteed veggies makes a hearty, gluten-free accompaniment. It provides great texture alongside the smooth chowder.

Satisfying Breads

Bread and chowder just go hand in hand. The crunch of a crusty loaf helps soak up every last spoonful of creamy broth. Here are my top bread pairings:

Crusty Sourdough

A slice of crusty, artisanal sourdough is perfect for dipping into the chowder. The tanginess pairs so well with the rich soup.

Cornbread

Crumble a piece of moist cornbread right into your bowl of chowder for added heartiness. Bonus points if you add corn kernels to the bread!

Parmesan Croutons

Buttery, garlicky croutons sprinkled with grated Parmesan offer little bites of salty crunch in each spoonful. They take the chowder up a notch!

Dinner Rolls

Warm, soft dinner rolls are ideal for tearing off pieces to soak up every last drop of chowder. Pure comfort!

Crisp Vegetable Additions

For texture and freshness, adding veggies to a salmon chowder meal is a smart move. Here are some excellent choices:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy and caramelized make a delicious, nutrient-packed accompaniment. Their slight bitterness balances the chowder.

Sauteed Green Beans

Quickly sautéed green beans retain their crunch and vibrant color. Toss them with slivered almonds for extra flavor.

Grilled Asparagus

Charred asparagus spears offer a smoky contrast to the soup. I like to drizzle them with balsamic glaze.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple steamed broccoli florets provide a lighter complement packed with vitamin C. Lemon and garlic seasoning gives them a brightness.

Satisfying Proteins

While salmon chowder already contains fish, extra proteins can round out the meal. These options pair wonderfully:

Garlic Shrimp

Sauteed shrimp infused with tons of garlic make a delightful surf and turf pairing. They provide a sweet, briny contrast.

Chicken Apple Sausage

Mild chicken apple sausage links on the side add comforting savoriness and a hint of sweetness to balance the dish.

Bacon

Crispy bacon crumbles on top lend smoky salty notes that draw out the soup’s flavor even more. They always disappear fast!

Clam Fritters

Tender clam fritters, with their crisp exterior and sweet clam interiors, make sense alongside the salmon chowder. Double up on the seafood!

Delectable Breads

End your salmon chowder meal on a sweet note with a luscious dessert. Here are two of my favorites:

Lemon Sorbet

Tart, refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses your palate after the rich soup. It’s the perfect light, fruity finish.

Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream

A bowl of mixed berries drizzled with honey and dolloped with freshly whipped cream makes a beautiful, simple dessert.

With so many delicious options, from bright salads to warm, hearty starches and breads, you can create an incredible salmon chowder experience. Try out some of these sensational sides, and your meal will go from great to spectacular! Just don’t forget to save room for a little something sweet at the end.