What to Serve with Salmon en Croute: 10 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Salmon en croute also known as salmon Wellington is an elegant fish dish that makes a wonderful centerpiece for a special occasion meal. Encrusted in golden, flaky puff pastry, the salmon is incredibly rich and satisfying. However, figuring out what to serve alongside it can be a challenge. You’ll want side dishes that complement, rather than compete with, the flavors of the salmon en croute. After scouring food blogs and cooking sites, I’ve rounded up 10 delicious side dish ideas that pair perfectly with salmon Wellington.

Complement the Creaminess

Salmon en croute is typically made with a creamy mushroom, spinach or dill filling inside the pastry. To complement the richness, you’ll want sides that have some creaminess as well. Here are some excellent options:

1. Potatoes Dauphinoise

Also known as potato gratin this French classic is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with cream garlic and cheese, then baking until golden and creamy. The richness pairs beautifully with salmon en croute. Slice the gratin into wedges and serve it alongside the pastry-encrusted fish.

2. Creamy Polenta

Creamy, soft polenta is a wonderful alternative to potatoes or rice. Simmer polenta in broth, milk and cheese until thick and creamy, then spoon it onto plates. Top with a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil. The sweet, earthy corn flavor balances out the salmon perfectly.

3. Risotto

A rich, creamy mushroom, asparagus or lemon risotto makes an elegant pairing for salmon Wellington. The starchiness of the arborio rice soaks up the luscious sauce inside the pastry.

4. Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream and cheese are an indulgent, comforting side for salmon en croute. Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions to the scalloped potatoes for extra flavor.

Add Some Green Veggies

Salmon en croute is a special, luxurious dish. You’ll want the side vegetables to feel special too, not just a boring boiled broccoli or green beans. Here are some green veggie ideas to try:

5. Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Tender roasted asparagus spears tossed in olive oil, garlic, salt and lemon zest make an elegant side dish for salmon Wellington. The fresh, bright flavors offset the richness nicely.

6. Green Beans with Almonds

Sautéed green beans with slivered almonds add crunch and texture. Toss the beans in olive oil, salt, pepper and just a touch of butter for extra richness. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the salmon.

7. Braised Leeks

Slice leeks into rounds and braise slowly in broth, white wine, thyme and butter until meltingly tender. The sweet, almost creamy texture and flavor complements the flaky salmon beautifully.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Halved and roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize into sweet, crisp bites. Toss them with diced bacon for a smoky, salty accent. The salmon’s richness can stand up to the strong Brussels sprout flavor.

Starch and Veggie Medleys

You can also serve salmon Wellington with a medley that incorporates a starch and vegetables. These one-pot sides add color and variety to the plate.

9. Roast Vegetable Medley

A mix of cubed squash, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, red onion and garlic cloves tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized makes a hearty, savory medley. The natural sweetness balances the salmon’s richness.

10. Potato, Corn and Leek Gratin

Thinly sliced potatoes, corn kernels and leeks layered with cream and cheese makes a delicious gratin. The combination of starchy potatoes, sweet corn and mellow leeks is excellent alongside pastry-wrapped salmon.

Complementary Flavors for Salmon en Croute

When preparing side dishes for salmon Wellington, keep these flavor combinations in mind:

• Creamy, rich potatoes, polenta or risotto
• Bright, acidic roasted asparagus or green beans
• Earthy, sweet braised leeks
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts or medley of roasted veggies
• Smoky, salty bacon or toasted nuts
• Tangy, herby lemon zest

Planning the Menu

Salmon en croute shines as the star of a special occasion meal. You’ll want the appetizer and dessert to complement it as well. Some options to consider:

Appetizers

• Smoked salmon canapes on cucumber rounds
• Asparagus spears wrapped with prosciutto
• Mushroom crostini
• Spinach and artichoke dip with herby crostini

Desserts

• Lemon meringue pie or tart
• Fruit tart with vanilla whipped cream
• Chocolate mousse
• Panna cotta with berry compote

Key Things to Remember

When trying to decide what to serve with salmon en croute, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Pick sides that complement the filling rather than competing with the salmon flavors
• Creamy potatoes, risotto or polenta balances the richness
• Add brightness with roasted asparagus, green beans or leeks
• Roasted veggie medleys add color and variety
• Bacon, nuts and lemon zest provide accent flavors
• Make sure the appetizer and dessert don’t overpower the star of the show!

With this delicious fish entree, you have lots of options for creating a cohesive, flavorful menu that’s perfect for holidays, date nights, dinner parties or any special meal. Experiment with different side dish combinations to find your favorites!