15 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Hot Smoked Salmon

Hot smoked salmon is a luxurious and flavorful treat that deserves an equally delightful accompaniment. With its rich, smoky taste and tender meaty texture, hot smoked salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that enhance and complement its distinct flavor profile.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best side dishes to serve with hot smoked salmon. These options range from light and refreshing salads to hearty roasted vegetables and grains. With any of these tasty sides, you can create a mouthwatering meal that truly lets the salmon shine.

Why Pair Hot Smoked Salmon with Side Dishes?

While hot smoked salmon is heavenly on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes elevates the dining experience. Here are some key benefits of serving sides with your salmon:

• Provides contrasting flavors textures, colors and nutrients to create a more complete meal

• Helps balance out the richness of the salmon’s smoky, savory flavor

• Allows you to highlight seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness

• Gives you an opportunity to add signature sides that reflect your cooking style or cuisine

• Creates a stunning presentation when plating the composed dish

• Lets you turn the salmon into a full dinner spread for entertaining

So don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings! Using fresh high-quality ingredients will ensure your sides are just as memorable as the star salmon.

15 Must-Try Side Dishes for Hot Smoked Salmon

1. Tangy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing choice, with thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a lemon or lime vinaigrette. The cool crispness contrasts the rich salmon perfectly.

2. Colorful Quinoa Pilaf

Nutty, fluffy quinoa pilaf provides a healthy and protein-packed base. Toss in fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or snap peas to add a pop of color.

3. Garlicky Roasted Green Beans

Blanched green beans roasted with olive oil and garlic offer texture and brightness. Sprinkle with lemon zest and crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cube and roast sweet potato wedges until caramelized and tender. The natural sweetness balances the salmon’s smoky, salty flavor.

5. Lemony Orzo Salad

Tender orzo pasta tossed in a lemon vinaigrette with cherry tomatoes, spinach and feta makes a lively Mediterranean-inspired side.

6. Fresh Fruit Salad

A fruit salad with berries, mango, grapefruit and melon adds bright acidity and sweetness to contrast the salmon.

7. Israeli Couscous

Nutty Israeli couscous tossed with fresh herbs like dill or parsley and lemon zest makes a more interesting swap for rice or grains.

8. Dilled Potato Salad

Old-fashioned potato salad is kicked up a notch with plenty of fresh dill and a tangy dressing containing mustard or mayo.

9. Roasted Cauliflower

Roasting cauliflower until caramelized brings out its natural sweetness. Toss with cumin, coriander and lemon for Moroccan flair.

10. Garlicky Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooking spinach sauteed with olive oil and garlic offers a dose of greens. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds.

11. Brown Rice & Lentil Pilaf

Beluga or green lentils retain their shape once cooked and add protein, fiber and earthiness to the nutty brown rice.

12. Brussels Sprouts & Kale Slaw

Shredded raw Brussels sprouts and kale in a creamy, tangy dressing provide vitamin-packed crunch without heavy mayo.

13. Roasted Vegetables

Roast a medley of carrots, parsnips, bell peppers and red onion for a sweet counterpoint to the salmon.

14. Greek Salad

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, red onion, olives and feta liven up a crisp romaine lettuce salad with Mediterranean flavors.

15. Cauliflower Tabouli

Pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor for a grain-free twist on the traditional parsley and bulgur wheat tabouli salad.

Cooking and Serving Tips

• Roast, grill or pan-sear the salmon just until opaque and flaky for the best texture.

• Allow salmon portions to rest 5 minutes before serving so juices can redistribute.

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like seasonal produce for your sides to maximize flavors.

• Fold tender herbs into sides like salads just before serving so they don’t wilt.

• For buffets, serve the salmon and each side in separate dishes for guests to compose their plates.

• For plated dinners, elegantly fan salmon on one side of the plate and spoon sides on the other side.

• Accompany the meal with crusty bread, lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

With a beautifully cooked salmon fillet and one or more of these tasty side dishes, you have all the makings of an exquisite meal. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sides to find flavor and texture combinations that please your palate. From light starters to hearty sides, these options let you turn basic salmon into a showstopping entree.