Blackened salmon is a popular dish that features salmon fillets coated in a spicy flavorful Cajun seasoning blend. The salmon is then seared in a hot cast iron skillet which gives it a delicious charred exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky.
While blackened salmon boasts big, bold flavors on its own, it’s best served alongside side dishes that can balance out the heat and spices. The right sides will take your salmon dinner to the next level!
In this article I’ll recommend 10 tasty side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with blackened salmon. With the perfect accompaniments you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why Choose Complementary Sides for Blackened Salmon
Blackened salmon gets its intense flavor from spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper. While incredibly tasty, this robust Cajun-inspired seasoning can be a bit overpowering on its own.
That’s why it’s important to intentionally choose side dishes that offer contrasting flavors, textures, creaminess, and brightness to balance the salmon. Well-matched sides will allow the best qualities of the fish to shine through.
10 Winning Side Dishes to Serve with Blackened Salmon
Here are my top 10 side dish recommendations for serving with blackened salmon fillets:
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with blackened salmon. To make it, combine cooked rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. The bright citrus and herbs cut through the salmon’s richness.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Slice sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and garlic, and roast until caramelized. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture balances the spice-crusted salmon.
3. Sautéed Garlic Spinach
Fresh spinach sautéed with olive oil and garlic offers texture and bursts of flavor. Its earthiness and subtle bitterness also offset the seasonings on the fish.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoky char-grilled corn on the cob naturally complements the charred salmon. Brush on a compound butter with lime zest when grilling for extra flavor.
5. Coleslaw
A crisp, creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing made with mayo, vinegar, mustard, and lemon is a classic pairing for blackened seafood. It cools heat and adds crunch.
6. Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Roasted asparagus tossed in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes balances the salmon with its bright, grassy flavor.
7. Tomato Cucumber Salad
A simple salad with juicy tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil dressed with a vinaigrette will add a cooling, refreshing element.
8. Cheesy Grits
Creamy, cheesy grits are a popular Southern side for blackened fish. The corn flavor pairs well, and the creaminess offsets the spices.
9. Herb Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice or brown rice pilaf with sauteed shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs offers texture, depth of flavor, and brightness.
10. Skillet Cornbread
Warm cornbread right out of the cast iron skillet acts as a perfect sponge for the juices and spices of the salmon. Add honey butter for even more richness.
Tips for Serving Blackened Salmon and Sides
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Allow the salmon to rest before serving so the juices are reabsorbed.
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Add sauces like garlic aioli, creme fraiche, or tzatziki to tame the heat.
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Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or green onion slices.
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Chill beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or white wine pair well.
Satisfying, Balanced Meals
While blackened salmon boasts very bold seasoning, sides with contrasting flavors, textures, and brightness balance the dish. Lighter sides allow the salmon to take center stage while also complementing it.
The 10 side dish suggestions recommended here, from cool salads to warm roasted veggies to fresh rice or cornbread, will perfectly match the blackened salmon’s flavor intensity. With the right pairings, you can create amazing restaurant-quality salmon dinners at home.
When Frozen is Better Than Fresh
Being landlocked here in Colorado, I buy frozen wild-caught salmon rather than looking in the “fresh” case. Unless you are shopping close to the source, fresh is simply “thawed” and you can never be certain how long it has been out.
When buying frozen salmon or any fish, look for fillets frozen in individually vacuum-sealed pouches. These individually frozen pieces will be better protected from freezer burn and can easily be separated to defrost just the right amount.
Salmon fillets or steaks both work for this recipe, however, if buying salmon steaks you will want to pay closer attention to any bones, especially small pin bones. Pin bones might be soft and edible, but they’re not pleasant and can still be a choking risk.
TIP: It is not recommended to re-freeze fully thawed raw fish products. Read more about storing and thawing salmon.
Side Dishes for Blackened Salmon
Easy Blackened Salmon Recipe » With Homemade Blackened Seasoning
FAQ
What’s a good side for blackened salmon?
- Simple Butter Lettuce Salad.
- Lemon Rice.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice.
- The Kale Salad.
What is a good side dish for blackened fish?
What are good side dishes for salmon?
Salmon is a versatile fish, and several side dishes pair well with it. Popular choices include roasted vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts), rice (like white rice, rice pilaf, or cilantro-lime rice), and potatoes (baked, mashed, or roasted).
Is blackened salmon healthy to eat?
Salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fat, both of which your body needs. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which can help with lowering blood pressure and inflammation in the body. Salmon is also high in B vitamins and potassium. So, yes, blackened salmon IS good for you!