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Wondering what to serve with a salmon dinner? I’ve rounded up 25+ of the best dietitian-designed salmon side dish recipes, including potatoes, whole grains (like rice + quinoa), pastas, vegetables, and salads. Each of these recipes have flavours that pair well with salmon and ingredients to help build a nutritionally-balanced meal!

Pinterest graphic for healthy side dishes to pair with salmon recipe roundup.

In this post you’ll find 25+ easy, healthy side dish ideas to serve with salmon. Each recipe has been carefully selected to ensure a delicious flavour pairing! Keep scrolling to browse all recipes or click on the following sections to go straight to them:

Want more salmon recipe inspiration? Check out my roundup of simple, healthy salmon recipes for more ideas and nutrition facts!

Tips For Building A Nutritionally-Balanced Meal

If you’ve come to this page, you’re likely looking for some recipe ideas to build a meal around salmon! As a dietitian, I always try to share my tips for building a meal that’s balanced in nutrition (i.e. having a source of protein, healthy fats, non-starchy veggies, and some fiber-rich or starchy carbohydrates.)

This unique combinations of fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates creates a balanced meal that provides you with sustained energy and satiety (fullness), while preventing those unwanted spikes and crashes in blood sugar (or feeling hungry not long after!)

As salmon is an excellent source of complete protein, my advice would be to pair it with a serving of carbohydrates (in the form of potatoes or whole grains) as well as a side of non-starchy veggies.

Alternatively, you may prefer to choose one of the side salads below – many of which are a mixture of veggies + some whole grains themselves! OR, I’ve also included a selection of side pastas which also are a mixture of a starch (pasta) and some veggies.

All the recipes below also include some sources of healthy fats (via olive oil, avocados, nuts, or seeds) and salmon itself is a good source of heart-healthy fats, too! I hope these tips help a bit 🙂

Potato Side Dishes

In this section you’ll find all sorts of potato dishes that go well with salmon! Everything from oven-roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, and crispy smashed potatoes. Some of these recipes are also paired with sauce – feel free to add some extra over the salmon, too.

My personal favourite and go-to potato recipes are the first roasted potatoes with chili + paprika. My partner and I pair them with salmon all the time!

1) Crispy Roasted Potatoes With Chili Powder & Paprika

overhead shot of chili and paprika roastsed potatoes in white bowl with mayo and ketchup
These crispy oven-roasted potatoes with chili and paprika are such an easy, healthy, and delicious side dish! Recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
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2) Carrot, Parsnip & Potato Mash

overhead photo of mashed carrots, parsnips, and potatoes in a white bowl with blue dish cloth
This carrot, parsnip and potato mash recipe is a healthy and vegan vegetable side dish! It's a tasty alternative to classic mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, full of flavour and spices, and uses fiber-rich white russet potatoes.
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3) Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Pesto

crispy red smashed potatoes topped with pesto on baking sheet
Meet your new favourite side dish. These smashed potatoes are crispy and smothered in a delicious hemp seed pesto! Recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
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4) Miso Mashed Sweet Potatoes

miso mashed sweet potatoes in white bowl topped with walnuts and parsley
These Miso Mashed Sweet Potatoes are easy to make, healthy, and completely vegan. This recipe is a unique and savoury take on a sweet potato side dish!
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5) Roasted Potatoes With Za’atar & Lemon

overhead shot of roasted mini potatoes with lemon, za'atar, and parsley in white bowl and gold spoon
These roasted potatoes with za'atar and lemon are an easy, 5-ingredient side dish that pairs well with everything! Recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
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6) Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Parsley Yogurt Sauce

crispy smashed potatoes with parsley yogurt dip on plate
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are paired with a refreshing yogurt sauce made with parsley, lemon, and garlic. It's an easy, vegetarian, and gluten-free side dish that is sure to be a hit with friends and family!
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Grain-Based Sides

In this section you’ll find lots of yummy whole grain sides, from creamy coconut corn rice, to 3 different quinoa recipes, and my go-to method for cooking farro.

You may also enjoy pairing the salmon with this green goddess rice or this cheesy butternut squash rice. Both of the original recipes are served with shrimp, but they would taste just as good with salmon!

7) Creamy Coconut Corn Rice

Overhead photo of cooked coconut corn rice in a large white bowl.
This creamy coconut corn rice recipe is made with just 6 super simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing with your favourite protein! The base recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
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8) Seasoned Quinoa: 3 Ways

how to cook quinoa and 3 ways to add flavour
Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly, and try 3 simple but delicious ways to add flavour!
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9) Simple Cooked Farro

overhead shot of cooked farro in a light blue bowl and a silver spoon
This is the BEST and easiest way to cook farro on the stovetop! This technique is similar to cooking pasta and takes only 30 minutes.
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Pasta Side Dishes

In this section you’ll find some veggie-filled pasta recipes that would taste delicious with salmon. A couple of these pasta recipes are originally paired with shrimp, but they taste awesome with salmon too (or seafood, in general!) Simply omit the shrimp and serve as a side to salmon instead.

10) Walnut Pesto Linguine Pasta

Overhead photo of a white bowl filled with pesto linguine pasta, arugula, and sautéed shrimp.
This basil-walnut pesto pasta recipe is made with linguine noodles, fresh arugula, and sautéed shrimp (both fresh and frozen shrimp work well). It’s a simple, healthy, 30-minute pasta dinner that’s packed with good-for-you ingredients.
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11) Simple Caprese Pasta Salad

overhead shot of white bowl with cavatappi pasta, chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bocconcini, and basil
Bursting with flavour, this caprese pasta salad recipe is easy to make, or make-ahead. It's perfect for a BBQ, picnic, or packed lunch idea. Balsamic vinaigrette and pesto dressing options included!
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12) Pasta With Veggies, Zoodles & Spinach

overhead photo of white plate topped with spaghetti pasta, zoodles, tomatoes, spinach, and garlic prawns
Proving pasta can be a healthy option, this easy pasta recipe is packed with fresh veggies, zoodles, tomatoes, spinach, herbs and garlic prawns.
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13) Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto Pasta

Overhead photo of creamy vegan zucchini pesto in a small grey bowl.
This quick 20-minute zucchini pesto sauce recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. Raw, grated zucchini and fresh basil give this healthy homemade pesto sauce such a fresh taste and a generous serving of veggies in every bite. Serve it with pasta, grain bowls, as a spread, dip, and more!
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Vegetables To Pair With Salmon

In this section you’ll find plenty of simple veggie side dishes that pack in a ton of flavour! I find that salmon goes particularly well with green veggies, like zucchini, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus.

14) Roasted Asparagus With Pecan Parmesan

Roasted asparagus with chopped pecan parmesan on a white plate with a stripped dish towel
It couldn’t be easier to make perfectly roasted and tender asparagus with this healthy 6-ingredient recipe. Nutrient-packed asparagus is seasoned with a cheesy vegan pecan parmesan made with nutritional yeast!
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15) Grilled Zucchini With Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey

light blue plate with grilled zucchini slices topped with crumbled goat cheese, basil and honey and golden serving spoons
This easy grilled zucchini recipe is made with crumbled goat cheese, basil, and honey. It's SO simple, healthy, and delicious – the perfect summer vegetable side dish!
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16) Garlic Sautéed Green Beans With Dijon Vinaigrette

garlic sauteed green beans with dijon vinaigrette, toasted almonds, lemon wedges on plate
This recipe for garlic sautéed green beans is tossed in a homemade dijon vinaigrette for an easy, healthy and incredibly flavorful vegetable side dish. Finish with toasted almonds and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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17) Roasted Broccolini & Kale With Honey

overhead photo of roasted broccolini and kale on a white serving platter with small bowl of honey and silver serving utensils
This easy oven-roasted broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) recipe with crispy kale is a delicious and super simple vegetable side dish. A drizzle of honey after roasting adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the cooked veggies. Ready in just 20 minutes! Recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.
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18) Curry-Roasted Cauliflower With Minty Yogurt Sauce

white bowl of curry-roasted cauliflower with mint, cashews, raisins, and yogurt sauce
This Curry-Roasted Cauliflower is paired with raisins, chopped cashews, and a minty yogurt sauce. The cooling sauce is the perfect contrast to the curry spices and sweetness from the raisins. A fun and delicious way to enjoy a cauliflower side dish!
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19) Zucchini Squash Casserole

overhead shot of white casserole dish with baked zucchini squash casserole with pecan parm served in small white bowls
This zucchini squash casserole is such a simple, delicious vegetable side dish! It's light and healthy, made with a vegan "pecan parm" instead of cheese.
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20) Juicy Roasted Radishes

Oven-roasted radishes in a white bowl with chopped parsley
Oven-roasted radishes are an absolute game-changer. If you don’t love raw radishes, you may be surprised at how sweet and juicy these taste! This simple recipe is the perfect veggie side dish, or a colourful addition to any grain bowl or salad. 
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21) Balsamic Roasted Broccoli

roasted broccoli with balsamic reduction and basil
This balsamic roasted broccoli features fresh basil and a homemade balsamic reduction. A simple, healthy, and vegan side dish. Plus, it's only 5 ingredients!
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22) Roasted Zucchini With Parmesan & Basil

roasted zucchini with parmesan and basil on white plate
This quick and healthy vegetable side dish is ready in 30-minutes. Full of flavour and perfect for weeknight dinners!
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Side Salads

And finally, in this section you’ll find a handful of refreshing salad recipes that would pair perfectly with salmon!

23) Zucchini Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

Overhead photo of a shaved zucchini salad on a white plate.
This easy raw zucchini salad recipe combines shaved ribboned zucchini with Italian-inspired flavours like parmesan, olives, basil, and an easy lemon vinaigrette dressing. Ready within 25 minutes, it's super refreshing, flavourful, and meant to be enjoyed as a cold vegetable side dish.
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24) Grilled Kale Salad

overhead shot white serving plate with grilled kale salad topped with avocado, pecans, parmesan, lemons
This healthy grilled kale salad is paired with avocado, lemon, garlic, pecans, and parmesan. It's one of the best ways to eat kale!
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25) Warm Mushroom Salad

overhead photo of large white serving plate topped with warm mushroom, kale, and farro salad with avocado chunks on top
This warm mushroom salad recipe is made with kale, farro, avocado, and topped with a delicious miso-sesame dressing. It's a hearty vegan salad that can been enjoyed as a side or a main!
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26) Roasted Broccoli Salad With Farro

closeup shot of white bowl with roasted broccoli, farro, dried cranberries, and feta salad
This Roasted Broccoli Salad is made with chewy farro, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and a simple red wine vinegar + oregano salad dressing. It's easy, healthy, and the perfect side to add to your meal!
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27) Spinach Goat Cheese Salad

Spinach salad with goat cheese, roasted potatoes, shaved radishes, and cucumbers in a while bowl with silver utensils
Crunchy vegetables like radish and cucumber are paired with creamy goat cheese and roasted potatoes to create this refreshing and nutritious spinach salad. Finished with a homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing, this salad is perfect for warm spring and summer nights!
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I hope this post has given you tons of inspiration for easy, healthy salmon side dishes. If you make any of these side dish ideas, be sure to let me know in the comments below!

More Recipe Roundups To Explore

If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe: 25+ Healthy Salmon Side Dishes, Including Coconut Corn Rice

This creamy coconut corn rice recipe is made with just 6 super simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing with your favourite protein. The base recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Plus more salmon side dish ideas!
Overhead photo of cooked coconut corn rice in a large white bowl.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse brown rice in a sieve then transfer to a large pot.
  • Add water, 3/4 cup coconut milk, salt, and pepper to the pot with the rice. Stir, then bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Once boiling, stir the drained corn into the rice. When the liquid returns to a boil, cover and reduce to low heat. Allow to simmer for about 40 minutes. NOTE: all rice brands are a bit different, so please check the packaging of the rice you're using to see the exact amount of liquid to rice ratio and cooking time!
  • Once the liquid has absorbed into the rice and the rice has a fluffy texture, stir in the remainder of the coconut milk. Remove from heat.
  • Garnish with chopped basil as desired (optional) and serve with your favourite protein!

Notes

*RICE: I used this long-grain brown rice for this recipe, but you are welcome to use any type of rice you’d like. Please refer to the packaging to see the exact cooking time and liquid to rice ratio. If the ratio differs to the recipe instructions, simply add 1 cup water and the remainder in coconut milk.
*SERVINGS: this recipe will make about 4-6 servings, depending on if you’re enjoying it as a small side serving or a larger bowl of rice.
*LEFTOVERS: Leftovers of this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. They can easily be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Do note that coconut milk will harden when refrigerated, so it won’t look very creamy. It will soften again once reheated!
*RECIPE PAIRINGS: Because this coconut corn rice is a source of fibre-rich starch and fats, I recommend serving it with a source of quality protein to balance out your meal. Here are some protein ideas that would pair perfectly:
Or, just keep things really simple with a basic protein – sautéed shrimp or scallops in a little olive oil, salt + pepper; some baked chicken, a steak, crispy tofu, tempeh, etc.
If you’d like to add an additional side of non-starchy vegetables, you can check out my roundup of 20+ easy vegetable side dishes for some inspiration!

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

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Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.