What Flavors Pair Well with Salmon? 10 Tasty Combinations

Salmon is one of the most popular fish worldwide thanks to its rich, fatty texture and versatile flavor. This oily fish is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.

Salmon can be prepared in endless ways – baked, grilled, smoked, poached, or raw in sashimi and tartare. Its versatility makes salmon an extremely easy ingredient to cook with.

While salmon’s distinct flavor can stand alone, pairing complementary flavors helps balance and enhance the eating experience. When choosing seasonings and accompaniments, consider salmon’s rich fattiness and pick ingredients that cut through the oiliness.

Here are 10 delicious flavor combinations that go fantastically with salmon:

1. Lemon

Bright, tart lemon is a classic pairing with salmon. A squeeze of lemon juice or zest cuts through the fish’s fatty richness. Lemon also adds freshness and highlights salmon’s natural flavors.

Some tasty ways to enjoy lemon with salmon include squeezed lemon wedges, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon herb butter, and lemon slices baked with the fish. For an easy weeknight meal, top grilled or baked salmon fillets with lemon butter.

2. Dill

The herbaceous flavor of fresh dill beautifully complements rich salmon, This lively herb has a grassy flavor with notes of anise that pair magically with fish

Make salmon and dill the stars of the show by baking salmon topped with a creamy dill sauce. For another simple yet delicious combo season salmon with lemon, garlic, and lots of chopped dill. Dill also shines in cold salmon dishes like gravlax cured with dill and mustard dill sauce.

3. Capers

Briny capers provide a salty, pungent kick that offsets salmon’s fattiness. Capers pack tons of flavor for their tiny size. Pair them with salmon in pasta, salads, appetizers like smoked salmon rolls, and more.

For an easy appetizer, top baguette slices with smoked salmon, capers, and whipped cream cheese. Or sprinkle fried capers over seared salmon for delicious texture and burst of flavor.

4. Fennel

The mild anise flavor of fennel beautifully enhances salmon’s flavor. Enjoy them together by roasting fennel wedges and salmon fillets on one sheet pan. For a quick salad, thinly slice fennel bulb and toss with orange segments, parsley, salmon, and a lemony dressing.

Fennel also shines when baked into focaccia or crackers served alongside salmon. The fronds can be used as an herb-y garnish too.

5. Citrus Fruits

Bright citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, lime, and lemon work wonders with salmon. The juicy pop of acidity cuts through the fish’s richness.

Make salmon tacos with avocado lime crema or bake salmon with slices of orange or grapefruit. A super simple marinade of olive oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, and cilantro does the trick too.

For elegant appetizers, top crostini with smoked salmon and citrus segments or salmon tartare with grapefruit Citrus vinaigrettes are also fantastic drizzled over salmon salads

6. Horseradish

Spicy, pungent horseradish is a popular traditional pairing with smoked salmon. Horseradish sauce and pickled horseradish cut through salmon’s fattiness with heat and vinegar tang.

Mix prepared horseradish into cream cheese or Greek yogurt for an easy smoked salmon dip. Or make your own quick pickled horseradish to top bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Freshly grated horseradish root is another delicious option.

7. Dairy

Rich, creamy dairy products help balance salmon’s fat content and add delicious flavor. Think tangy cream cheese, softened butter, and herbs mixed into thick Greek yogurt.

Make an easy creamy sauce for salmon by whisking lemon juice into softened butter. Or mix dill and capers into cream cheese for a tasty spread. Sour cream, crème fraîche, and mascarpone also pair beautifully.

8. Mustard

The zesty flavor of mustard complements salmon perfectly. Dijon, whole grain, or spicy mustard all work well. Mustard-based sauces add a tangy creaminess that takes salmon to the next level.

Coat salmon fillets with a quick Dijon mustard, garlic, and parsley marinade before baking. For an easy sauce, simmer white wine, shallots, lemon zest and mustard and finish with cream. You can also liven up salmon salads with a mustard vinaigrette.

9. Asian Ingredients

Salmon’s richness stands up well to big, bold Asian flavors. Ginger, garlic, sesame, soy sauce, miso and chili peppers are all fantastic with salmon.

Make a tasty marinade with reduced soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and garlic. Salmon also shines in a teriyaki glaze or curry coconut sauce. For a sheet pan meal, roast bok choy, red onion, and salmon drizzled with sesame chili oil.

10. Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, cilantro, oregano, tarragon and chives add flavor dimension to salmon. Herbaceous notes enhance the fish instead of masking its taste.

Bake salmon with a basil pesto crust or cilantro chimichurri sauce. Salmon salads sing when tossed with chopped soft herbs like dill, tarragon, parsley and chives. Herb-infused olive oils are another easy way to add flavor.

With its rich meatiness, salmon can handle assertive flavors. Lively ingredients like citrus, herbs, mustard, and horseradish cut through the fish’s oiliness, while creamy dairy products add satisfying contrast.

So next time you cook up a salmon fillet, try pairing it with one of these delicious ingredients to take the meal to the next level. With endless options, it’s easy to enjoy healthy, flavorful salmon any night of the week.