What Vegetables Pair Well with Salmon? 10 Tasty Options

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids high-quality protein vitamins, and minerals, salmon delivers an array of health benefits.

Pairing salmon with vegetables results in a well-rounded, nutritious meal The vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that complement the salmon beautifully

But with so many vegetables to choose from which ones go best with salmon? Here are 10 of the tastiest vegetable pairings for salmon fillets and steaks.

1. Asparagus

Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon. The crisp, green spears have a mild flavor that complements the rich salmon perfectly.

Grilled or roasted asparagus caramelizes slightly, which brings out its sweetness. This pairs deliciously with the salty, savory salmon.

Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, vitamins A, C, E and K. It also provides glutathione, a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and protects cells.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is another green vegetable that tastes fantastic with salmon. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor balances the fish’s richness.

Roasting broccoli in the oven or on the grill gives it a deeper, nuttier taste. It also retains a nice crisp texture.

Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. These include sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which support detoxification and may lower cancer risk.

3. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have a sweet, mildly bitter flavor when roasted, which pairs beautifully with salmon. Quarter the sprouts and roast in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until caramelized.

In addition to vitamins C and K, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of kaempferol. This antioxidant has protective effects on the body and may reduce inflammation.

4. Carrots

Carrots are naturally sweet, which helps counterbalance salmon’s rich flavor. They also add a pop of color to the plate.

Roast carrots in the oven or on the grill to bring out their natural sweetness. You can also shave them into ribbons and lightly sauté or steam them.

Rich in beta-carotene, carrots help promote healthy vision and provide vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and antioxidants.

5. Cauliflower

With its mild, nutty flavor, cauliflower pairs well with most proteins. It adds texture and balances out stronger flavors like salmon.

Roast cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper in the oven until lightly browned. For an extra flavor boost, add minced garlic, lemon zest or grated parmesan cheese.

Cauliflower provides an impressive array of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, folate and fiber. It’s also packed with glucosinolates, which help activate detoxification enzymes.

6. Green Beans

Green beans have a crisp, grassy flavor and crunchy texture that complements flaky salmon beautifully.

You can steam, sauté or roast green beans to serve alongside salmon. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for a simple and delicious pairing.

Green beans deliver fiber, vitamins C, K and A, plus manganese. They also contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile, hearty pairing for salmon. Their mild flavor and starchy texture complement the fish nicely.

Roasted new potatoes are an easy, crowd-pleasing option. Or try pan-seared baby potatoes, mashed potatoes or baked sweet potato fries.

Potatoes provide lots of potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Go for red or purple potatoes, which contain the antioxidant anthocyanin.

8. Squash

Winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn and delicata have a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that works well with salmon.

Cut squash into chunks and roast in the oven until tender. The browning adds a deeper, richer taste that pairs beautifully with the fish.

Squash provides fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, and beneficial plant compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin for healthy vision.

9. Tomatoes

Juicy, flavorful tomatoes add a pop of brightness and acidity to balance salmon’s rich taste.

Slow roast or pan sear grape or cherry tomatoes to concentrate their sweetness and flavor. Larger tomatoes can be grilled or added fresh to the plate.

Tomatoes are brimming with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to lower cancer and heart disease risk. They also provide vitamins C, A and K.

10. Zucchini

With its mild flavor and soft texture, zucchini rounds out a salmon meal nicely. It also adds moisture to help offset the fish’s richness.

Grill or pan-sear zucchini slices or spiralized “zoodles” to serve with salmon. Another tasty option is roasted zucchini cubes tossed in olive oil and seasonings.

Zucchini is low in calories and offers antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin along with vitamin C, manganese and fiber.

Tips for Pairing Vegetables with Salmon

• Choose vegetables that add color, texture and complementary flavors to balance the salmon. Crunchy, crispy vegetables provide a nice contrast to the fish’s tender, flaky texture.

• Roasting, grilling, sautéing and pan-searing help bring out veggies’ natural sweetness. Experiment to find your favorite cooking methods.

• Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, basil, thyme or rosemary to vegetables when cooking. Lemon juice and zest also pair well with salmon and veggies.

• For a sheet pan or foil packet meal, arrange prepped vegetables around the salmon fillet(s). Season everything with olive oil, salt, pepper and desired herbs before roasting.

• Make sure the vegetables and salmon cook in about the same amount of time so that both are done at once.

• Salmon and vegetables can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, so they work for both hot meals and lunches or light dinners.

• For well-rounded nutrition, aim for a mix of starchy, non-starchy and colorful vegetables on the plate with your salmon.

Salmon and vegetables make for a satisfying, nutritious meal full of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Experiment with different veggie pairings and cooking methods to discover your favorite tasty combinations.

Salmon pairs well with a variety of vegetables, including green beans, asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini.

Salmon pairs well with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. Common complements include citrus, dill, garlic, and herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme. Sweet fruits like berries, mango, and pineapple also complement salmon, offering a unique and delicious pairing.