What to Serve with Salmon Wellington: 12 Delicious Sides to Elevate Your Meal

Salmon Wellington is an elegant entrée that deserves a special meal built around it. The combination of flaky salmon savory duxelles and crisp, golden puff pastry is already incredible on its own. However, pairing it with complementary sides can take your dinner to the next level.

The right sides should enhance the Wellington without overpowering it They can provide texture contrast, bright flavors, or richness to create a well-rounded dining experience I’ll recommend 12 delicious options for what to serve with salmon Wellington.

Classic Pairings That Complement Salmon Wellington

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy smooth mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for Salmon Wellington. The rich decadence of the potatoes balances beautifully with the flaky puff pastry. For best flavor, choose Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Boil and mash them with butter warm milk or cream, and salt and pepper. A sprinkling of chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness. Mashed potatoes are great for soaking up any sauce from the Wellington too.

###Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized and crispy on the edges taste amazing with Salmon Wellington. Their nutty flavor stands up well to the pastry and they add some veggie balance. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F, stirring occasionally, until browned. For extra flavor, add minced garlic or lemon zest.

Glazed Carrots

Sweet, glistening glazed carrots pair nicely with the richness of Salmon Wellington. Peel and slice carrots on the bias then simmer in salted water until almost tender. Drain and toss with butter, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Cook until glazed and caramelized for the perfect side dish.

Lighter Sides to Contrast the Wellington

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A crisp green salad is a refreshing change of pace after rich Salmon Wellington. Use a mix of lettuces, like arugula, spinach, and Boston lettuce, for variety. Add some sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrot for crunch. Toss with a bright vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, Dijon, and herbs.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Zest

For an elegant vegetable pairing, you can’t go wrong with steamed asparagus. The grassy spears complement the Salmon Wellington’s richness. Steam asparagus until bright green and tender-crisp. A squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkling of lemon zest adds the perfect pop of acidity and flavor.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty, chewy wild rice makes for a delicious whole grain side dish with Salmon Wellington. Cook wild rice according to package directions with vegetable or chicken broth for flavor. Once cooked, stir in chopped scallions, lemon juice, and toasted pine nuts. The pilaf offers a tasty lighter pairing.

Creative, Modern Sides to Liven Up Your Meal

Parsnip and Sweet Potato Mash

For a creative twist on mashed potatoes, try a parsnip and sweet potato mash. Boil chopped parsnips and sweet potatoes until very tender then mash them with butter, cream, and a dash of maple syrup for natural sweetness. The colorful beta carotene-rich side adds festive flair next to the Wellington.

Pearl Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Pearl couscous has a wonderful chewy bite. Cook it according to package directions then stir in roasted vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Season the vegetable couscous with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s vibrant, textured, and full of flavor.

Sauteed Kale and Garlic

For a healthy pairing, saute lacinato kale in olive oil with minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the kale is tender but still bright green. The earthy, robust kale stands up well to rich dishes like Salmon Wellington. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness at the end.

Special Diet-Friendly Sides for Salmon Wellington

Lemony Quinoa Tabouli

This fresh Lebanese salad made with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat makes for a gluten-free pairing with Salmon Wellington. Combine cooked quinoa with diced tomato, cucumber, and parsley. Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and mint. It’s light yet filling enough to complement the Wellington.

Sauteed Green Beans with Mushrooms

For a vegetarian-friendly option, saute green beans with sliced cremini mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Season them with salt, pepper, and thyme. The earthy mushrooms and crisp-tender green beans pair nicely with the Salmon Wellington’s flavors.

Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

Mashed cauliflower makes a low-carb, lighter alternative to regular mashed potatoes with Salmon Wellington. Simply boil cauliflower florets until very soft then mash them with butter, cream cheese, milk, and seasonings. The creamy cauliflower perfectly balances the flaky pastry.

Tips for Serving Salmon Wellington

• Let the Wellington rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so the pastry firms up. This prevents leakage when slicing.

• Keep sides simple with 1-2 options maximum. You don’t want to overcomplicate the meal.

• Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over the Wellington to brighten the salmon’s flavor.

• Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, watercress, or chives for color.

• Serve Wellington on warmed plates so the pastry stays crispy.

• For easy prep, choose sides you can make 1-2 days ahead. Just reheat before serving.

Sample Menu for a Salmon Wellington Dinner

• Salmon Wellington with Tarragon Cream Sauce
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Vinaigrette
• Wild Rice Pilaf
• Artisan Bread with Whipped Lemon Butter
• Mixed Berry Crumble for Dessert

This menu offers a balanced variety of flavors, colors, and textures to complement the elegant Salmon Wellington. Feel free to swap in your own favorite sides too. With the right pairings, your dinner will impress even the most discerning guests. Enjoy cooking up this special meal!