Salmon is one of the most versatile and healthy proteins to cook at home. With its rich fatty texture and mild flavor salmon pairs well with a variety of dishes and ingredients. One foolproof pairing is salmon with a fresh, colorful salad. The crunch and acidity of the vegetables beautifully balance the fattiness of the fish.
But with so many salad possibilities, what salad should you serve with salmon? Here are 12 delicious salad recipes to consider when planning your next salmon dinner.
1. Classic Green Salad
A simple green salad is one of the easiest salad options to pair with salmon The mild flavor won’t overpower the fish, and the crunchy greens provide fresh contrast Build a green salad with crisp romaine or butter lettuce, chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For extra nutrition, throw in some spinach leaves. Top it off with sliced avocado or toasted nuts.
2. Kale and Quinoa Salad
Leafy kale adds great texture and superfood nutrition to this hearty grain salad. Toss massaged kale with cooked quinoa, pine nuts, dried cranberries and a lemon vinaigrette. The quinoa acts like a whole grain pilaf, providing a substantial base for the salmon. And the tart cranberries and dressing cut through the richness of the fish beautifully.
3. Greek Salad
A Greek salad is a flavorful Mediterranean choice for serving with salmon. Combine chopped romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. Then dress it with a red wine vinaigrette and fresh oregano. The briny olives, creamy feta and herby dressing stand up well to boldly-spiced salmon dishes.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
For a light summery salad, dice watermelon into bite-size chunks. Crumble feta cheese over the top and scatter on some torn mint leaves. Drizzle everything with a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice and a touch of honey. The sweet juicy watermelon paired with briny feta makes a lovely match for simply seasoned grilled salmon.
5. Spinach Strawberry Salad
Fresh spinach topped with juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds and creamy goat cheese is a wonderful spring or summer salad to serve with salmon. Make a simple balsamic vinaigrette to drizzle over the top. The sweet berries, tart dressing and salty nuts perfectly complement rich salmon fillets.
6. Chopped Antipasto Salad
An Italian chopped antipasto salad makes a fantastic salmon side. Chop up salami, provolone, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and romaine lettuce. Toss with sliced pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley and your favorite Italian dressing. The combination of flavors and textures pairs wonderfully with simple broiled salmon.
7. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is a go-to option for serving with salmon, thanks to its rich and refreshing flavors. Chopped romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons and a creamy garlic dressing make a filling accompaniment. For a lighter salad, use just one tablespoon of dressing per serving. Salmon Caesar salad is a match made in heaven.
8. Cobb Salad
With its mix of flavors and ingredients, a Cobb salad is a satisfying accompaniment for salmon. Top chopped romaine with turkey bacon bits, hard boiled egg, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese and chicken breast. The interplay of crunchy, creamy, smoky and tangy flavors complement the richness of the fish.
9. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze makes an easy yet elegant salad for salmon dinner. You can even grill the tomato and mozzarella slices for a smoky flavor twist. The classic Italian salad pairs nicely with simple baked or grilled salmon fillets.
10. Potato Salad
A traditional potato salad is a familiar favorite alongside salmon. Make a creamy mayo-based dressing for diced potatoes, hard boiled eggs, celery, sweet pickles, parsley and scallions. The starchy potato salad helps balance the fattiness of the fish. Mix in some mustard and lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
11. Pasta Salad
Salmon served over a pasta salad makes a hearty and satisfying meal. Cook pasta like farfalle, rotini or wagon wheels according to package directions. Let cool and mix with chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and Italian dressing. Top with flaked cooked salmon and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.
12. Fruit Salad
For a sweet and refreshing salad, don’t overlook fruit! A salad of berry, melon and citrus slices drizzled with a honey lemon dressing goes beautifully with salmon. Try slicing strawberries, blackberries, watermelon chunks, grapefruit and orange segments. The sweet juicy fruits complement the fish perfectly.
With so many light and satisfying salad possibilities, there’s no wrong choice for pairing with salmon. Let the season and your taste preferences guide you. A fresh veggie-packed salad brings out the best in rich and flaky salmon fillets.
Tips for Picking Sides for Salmon
Salmon has a high fat content, so it typically has a rich and oily flavor. Pairing fresh flavors with salmon will help keep your meal balanced and allow the salmon flavor to shine without feeling overwhelming.
I love pairing salmon with seasonal and fresh vegetables or a light, fruity salad.
Because salmon has a creamy consistency, it can be nice to offset that with a side dish that has some crunch (think nuts, fresh fruit, or crisped panko).
Its easy to pull together roasted veggies or rice to serve alongside salmon, but if youre looking for more interesting recipes, youll like these tasty dinner sides
These delicious grilled Mediterranean vegetables are a perfect side dish! Theyre char-grilled to perfection and topped with herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
This French potato salad with green beans is a hearty side dish or a wonderful lunch. Its full of flavor, has velvety potatoes, a fresh punch from the green beans, and added substance from the hard-boiled eggs.
You are going to love this delicious roasted broccoli with parmesan cheese! Its a simple yet fantastic way to enjoy broccoli that the whole family will enjoy.
This is the best green salad recipe – its got crumbled pecorino, rich panko, soft butter lettuce, a bright jolt of red spring onions.
Its the perfect green salad because it’s lush, easy to make, and has a delicious, mustardy dressing.
This healthy, grilled baby bok choy is an easy recipe for a delicious side dish. It has a zesty, savory Asian sauce with a little chili kick. The best part is, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes!
This roasted red cabbage is one of the best and most gorgeous sides for salmon. Its my favorite way to eat red cabbage – roasting it really brings out the flavor but also adds some great crunchy bits.
This easy green salad is quick + delightful. Its got a mustardy dressing that tastes great tossed with any soft green.
This delicious melon prosciutto salad combines cantaloupe, honeydew, little mozzarella balls, and prosciutto for a refreshing summer salad.
This roasted beet salad with goat cheese recipe hits so many delicious flavor notes!
Its got crunchy pepitas, and creamy goat cheese, earthy beets, and peppery arugula. Its a delightful salad that I know youll enjoy.
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out all their flavor! This great, easy side dish of roasted Brussels sprouts is always a hit, whether youre serving it a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner.
Salad Shirazi is an Iranian recipe made from chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, a zesty dressing, and dried herbs. Its a classic Persian side salad thats juicy and refreshing.
This easy radish cucumber salad recipe with dill and feta is a crunchy and fresh side. Its a perfect side dish thats ready in minutes!
This shaved zucchini salad recipe combines lemon, goat cheese, microgreens, and toasted pine nuts for an exquisite and luscious side dish. It’s zesty and flavorful while showcasing some of the best summer vegetables.
This bright, easy tomato salad is truly delightful! This will be one of your favorite summer side dishes.
This delicious green salad is made with tatsoi, shaved cucumber, and sliced radishes. It’s topped with hemp hearts, furikake, and a zesty sesame soy ginger dressing.
This recipe for whole roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce is both stunning and substantial.
Youre going to love this black bean salad with bell peppers, red onion, and a kick of fajita seasoning. Its a hearty side dish that has a great crunch from the fresh peppers.
These crispy smashed Brussels sprouts are baked to perfection. Theyre a delicious side dish thats fun to make and goes great with pasta or grilled chicken.
This delicious roasted acorn squash is a great side dish! Serve it on its own or chop it up and add it to a salad. Its incredibly flavorful and hearty.
This creamy zucchini pasta recipe is a delicious side for salmon. Spiralized zucchini noodles and linguini noodles combine with a decadent sauce made from cream, butter, and lemon thats brightened up with fresh herbs.
This simple salad of mangoes, avocados, and blueberries is easy to make and full of great flavor! The juicy mango pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and the plump blueberries.
These healthy mashed sweet potatoes are surprisingly easy to make and are incredibly savory and satisfying.
Sweet potatoes are a great holiday side dish, but theyre simple enough to enjoy on a weeknight as well. Youll roast the potatoes in their skins for a full hour. It makes for the creamiest most tender sweet potatoes.
This salad is one of the best side dishes! Its bursting with special flavors – from the mellowed out flavor of the radishes to the yogurt dressing with dill and red wine vinegar, it has a delicious balance of flavors and is truly special.
If you like pasta sides, you must check out this Baked Feta Pasta. This tasty side dish is the perfect balance of creaminess from the feta cheese and roasted vegetables. This pasta is a meal in itself but it makes one of the best sides when served in smaller portions. Its creamy and delicious!
This delicious salad is topped with a zesty dressing made from orange juice and mustard – it adds a punch of flavor that pairs well with the subtle asparagus and quinoa. It pairs with salmon to make a delicious and healthy meal.
If you love potato side dishes, this ones for you. We use a sneaky trick to get these potatoes extra crispy. Theyre full of the flavor and make the perfect simple side to a delicious salmon dish.
This wonderful bright green ramp pasta recipe is a lovely springtime dish. The pesto style sauce with fresh ramps, lemon zest, basil and plenty of parmesan is a next level pairing to a delicious salmon main dish.
If you try any of these sides for salmon, let us know! Connect with us on Instagram and share your photos, or leave us a rating.
Easy Chopped Salad | Diet Recipes | Salad SIDE for Salmon | Recipes Are Simple
FAQ
What is a good side dish for salmon?
Take your pick between green beans, asparagus, carrots, broccoli, and more. These veggie sides are all easy to prepare and full of flavor. Asparagus is one of the most versatile vegetables you can cook — you can grill it, toss it in the air fryer, and even cover a bunch in cheesy sauce.
What is complementary to salmon?
What kind of salad goes well with fish?
- Crab Sunomono (Japanese Crab Cucumber Salad)
- Wakame Salad with Wafu Dressing.
- Bulgur Salad with Mushrooms.
- Kani Salad [Japanese Crab Salad]
- Little Gem Salad with Vegan Ranch Dressing.
- Classic Caprese Salad Recipe.
- Chinese Cabbage Salad with Tamarind Nam Jim.
- Broccolini Salad with Mushrooms.
Does Greek salad go with salmon?
All the ingredients of a classic Greek salad — crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and briny olives and feta — join forces with baked salmon fillets to make for a fresh dinner that’s easy to love.
What to eat with salmon?
Salmon is a delicious and nutritious fish that can be paired with a variety of salads to make a complete meal. From light and refreshing to hearty and filling, these 13 salads are the perfect accompaniment for salmon dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend feast, I have a salad for you.
What salad goes with salmon?
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Now, this is the kind of salad that I love to serve with seafood. The sweetness from the strawberries pairs perfectly with salmon, and the poppy seed dressing adds a great texture and flavor. Pro Tip: If you want to add some crunch, try adding in some chopped pecans or walnuts.
What is a good side salad for grilled salmon?
The dressing is a combination of shallots, whole grain mustard, maple syrup, golden raisins, and a little soy sauce give the vegetables a salty, tangy, not-too-sweet flavor boost. Packed with juicy tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and hearty chickpeas, this salad is the perfect side for grilled or pan-seared salmon.
What salad goes well with fish?
Summer Salsa Salmon Salad Salmon is the perfect protein for your summer salads, and this is the ideal summer salad. Corn is a sweet vegetable that goes well with fish because they are both delicate flavors, and this salad is heightened by the acidity in the tomatoes.
What fruit goes well with salmon?
Fruit and salmon pair better together than many people might think. The rich fish flavor lightens with the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit, and in particular, raspberries bring a vibrance to salmon dishes. This recipe works with spinach, or you can make it an arugula salmon salad to add a hint of pepper to the overall taste. 12.
What side dishes go with salmon?
Here are 20 of our favorite side dishes for salmon. Broccolini’s mild flavor (accented with garlic and lemon juice in this recipe) makes it the perfect side to pair with a show-stealing main, like Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating. Sprinkled with Parmesan and rosemary, crispy new potatoes would complement Baked Dijon Salmon.