What Goes With Salmon And Shrimp? 15 Tasty Side Dish Ideas

Salmon and shrimp are two of the most popular and versatile seafood ingredients. Their mild delicate flavor allows them to pair well with a variety of dishes and ingredients. However it can still be tricky figuring out what goes best with salmon and shrimp when planning a meal. The right side dishes can beautifully complement the flavors of the seafood, while also making the meal more nutritious and providing an appealing variety of textures.

In this article I will share 15 of my favorite side dish ideas for salmon and shrimp meals. There is something here for every palate – from rice and potatoes to colorful vegetables and salads. Read on for tasty inspiration on what to serve alongside these delicious and healthy seafood staples!

Rice Dishes

Rice is a classic accompaniment to seafood that works nicely with both salmon and shrimp The mild taste lets the seafood flavors shine through, while the carbohydrates make it a filling addition Here are some tasty rice side dish ideas

Cilantro Lime Rice

Fresh cilantro and lime zest lend brightness that offsets rich salmon or shrimp. Cook jasmine or basmati rice, then stir in chopped cilantro, lime zest, olive oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice has a subtle sweet flavor that complements spicy shrimp or salmon dishes. Cook the rice with coconut milk instead of water and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.

Risotto

Creamy risotto makes a luxurious base for seared or roasted salmon. For shrimp, mix in diced tomatoes or spinach. Top with parmesan cheese.

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Hearty potatoes are a comforting addition to salmon or shrimp. They can be prepared in many ways – here are some of my favorites:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, creamy garlic mashed potatoes pair nicely with blackened or cajun-spiced shrimp or salmon.

Roasted Potatoes

Salmon filets that have been baked or grilled go well with crispy roasted potato wedges. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary before roasting.

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked salmon burgers taste delicious alongside crunchy sweet potato fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, drizzle with oil, and bake until caramelized.

Fresh Vegetable Sides

Salmon and shrimp both pair wonderfully with a variety of fresh vegetables. Bright, crisp veggies add nutrition, color, and texture contrast. Some excellent options include:

Sautéed Spinach

Garlic sautéed spinach adds a pop of green to balance out rich, creamy salmon or shrimp pasta dishes.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully when roasted. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast – a perfect pairing with simple baked salmon.

Asparagus

Grilled or steamed asparagus spears make an elegant and healthy side for garlic butter shrimp or herb-crusted salmon.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad complements rich salmon or shrimp entrees. Top with avocado, tomatoes, nuts or berries for extra flavor.

Pasta and Grains

For those who prefer more carbs, pasta or grains are excellent salmon and shrimp sidekicks. These soak up delicious sauces and add satisfaction:

Quinoa

Fluffy quinoa provides a protein punch alongside blackened shrimp. Cook quinoa then stir in herbs, lemon, or diced vegetables.

Israeli Couscous

Israeli (pearl) couscous has a toothsome, chewy texture that pairs nicely with pan-seared salmon. Cook, drizzle with olive oil, and add chopped herbs.

Linguine

Garlic linguine is perfect for mopping up creamy white wine sauces from shrimp scampi or similar dishes.

More Creative Pairings

Looking to go beyond typical side dishes? Here are a couple fun, outside-the-box ideas to try:

Plantains

Caramelized plantains add natural sweetness that balances spicy jerk salmon or shrimp. Fried green plantains are especially tasty.

Polenta

Creamy soft polenta makes a nice change from rice or potatoes with grilled salmon, providing a gritty corn flavor and texture. Stir in parmesan for richness.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect sides for salmon and shrimp! I hope these suggestions provide inspiration for your next seafood meal. The key is choosing sides that add complementary flavors, nutrition, color and textures to the main course. With the right accompaniments, salmon and shrimp can be elevated into spectacular, well-rounded meals.

Some of my personal favorite recipes for cooking shrimp and salmon include:

• Cajun Salmon and Shrimp – pan fried seafood in a spicy cajun cream sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta.

• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Salmon Pasta – salmon and shrimp over pasta in a creamy garlic and spinach sauce.

• Lemon Parmesan Baked Salmon and Shrimp – the seafood baked with a lemony parmesan breadcrumb topping. Pairs well with roasted veggies.

• Coconut Curry Shrimp with Salmon – shrimp and salmon in a fragrant coconut curry broth with vegetables. Serve over rice.

• Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sesame Shrimp Skewers – delicious with stir fried veggies and rice.

Whatever recipes you choose, I hope these side dish recommendations help you pull together a mouthwatering salmon and shrimp meal. Getting creative with colorful, flavorful sides can take your seafood to the next level. Enjoy experimenting with new and classic pairings!