What to Serve with Cajun Salmon: 19 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Cajun salmon is a flavorful, spicy fish dish that is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. While the salmon is bursting with flavor, you’ll want to round out the meal with some tasty side dishes. The good news is that cajun salmon pairs well with a variety of sides ranging from fresh salads to starchy potatoes.

In this article, I’ll share 19 delicious side dish ideas to complement cajun salmon. I’ll provide tips on how to balance flavors and textures to create a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, date night meal or dinner party menu, you’ll find plenty of options for what to serve with cajun salmon.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

When choosing side dishes for cajun salmon, you’ll want to balance the spicy and robust flavors of the fish. Cajun seasoning typically contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme and black pepper. This bold seasoning blend can stand up to equally strong flavors or provide contrast to lighter sides.

You’ll also want to balance the soft flaky texture of the salmon. Crispy, crunchy or creamy side dishes provide an appealing textural contrast Sides that soak up flavors like roasted potatoes or rice also complement the salmon nicely

Consider how your sides work together in terms of taste, temperature and textures. A cool creamy potato salad pairs nicely with a warm hearty green like kale or spinach. Or serve the salmon with room temperature sides like fresh salads and warm crusty bread. Having a variety makes the meal more interesting.

19 Side Dish Ideas for Cajun Salmon

Here are 19 delicious options for what to serve with cajun salmon

1. Rice Pilaf

Fluffy rice pilaf soaks up flavors beautifully. Try rice pilafs with citrus, herbs, or cajun seasoning to match the salmon. Brown, white or wild rice all pair well.

2. Cheesy Grits

Rich creamy grits are a classic southern side dish. Top with shredded cheddar or parmesan for even more flavor.

3. Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob makes the perfect summer side. Slather with a compound butter or sprinkle with cajun seasoning.

4. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, hearty side. Toss potatoes in cajun seasoning before roasting for a complementary flavor.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes balance the salmon wonderfully. Jazz them up with cajun spices, garlic, etc.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes round out the meal nicely. Top with cajun-spiced butter for a flavor match.

7. Creamed Spinach

Sautéed spinach in a creamy cajun-spiced sauce makes a stellar side.

8. Collard Greens

Slow cooked collard greens match the southern vibe. Add smoked turkey or ham for flavor.

9. Roasted Broccoli

Charred roasted broccoli florets provide crunch and healthy nutrients.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts caramelized in the oven offer a sweet, smoky flavor.

11. Coleslaw

A vinegary coleslaw provides cooling crunch alongside the spicy salmon.

12. Potato Salad

Cool, creamy potato salad complements the warmth of the fish.

13. Pasta Salad

Chilled pasta salad with veggies, cheese, etc is easy to make ahead of time.

14. Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a Louisiana classic to serve with Cajun dishes.

15. Succotash

A southern veggie medley of corn, lima beans, peppers and onion.

16. Mac and Cheese

Nothing beats a cheesy, gooey mac and cheese as a comfort food side.

17. Hush Puppies

These southern cornbread fritters pair perfectly with cajun salmon.

18. Cornbread

Warm homemade cornbread makes a great accompaniment.

19. Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread mops up any sauce left behind.

Tips for Serving Cajun Salmon and Sides

Here are some final tips for serving cajun salmon with complementary sides:

• The salmon can be served warm, room temperature or cold, so mix and match hot and cold sides.

• Balance the spicy heat of the cajun seasoning with cooling sides like salads or slaws. Creamy sides also help tame the heat.

• Starchier sides like rice, pasta and potatoes complement the salmon well. They soak up the bold cajun flavors.

• Crunchy roasted or raw veggies add nice texture contrast to the tender salmon flesh.

• If serving the salmon cold, chilled sides work best like pasta salads, potato salad or coleslaw.

• For dinner parties, make a variety of side dishes and let guests build their own plates.

• Add cajun seasoning or other spices to side dishes to tie the flavors together.

• Lemon wedges, hot sauce and crusty bread make great accompaniments to cajun salmon and sides.

So try out some of these tasty side dish ideas next time you make cajun salmon for dinner. By pairing the salmon with complementary flavors, textures and temperatures, you’ll have a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions.

A classic and delicious side dish to pair with salmon is roasted asparagus. Other great options include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad like cucumber salad or a kale salad.