From rice side dishes to salads, salmon is a delicious, versatile, and forgiving type of fish that pairs well with many vegetables. Whether you are grilling, roasting, sautéing, searing, or steaming, getting the right flavor and texture is half the battle when preparing salmon.
Salmon pairs excellent with cooked or fresh vegetables. Not only does it add color to the dish, but it offers loads of fiber and nutrients for a healthy, well-rounded meal.
What vegetables to serve with salmon? There are many ways to serve vegetables with salmon including braised, broiled, grilled, sautéd, raw, roasted, and steamed based on your preference.
The classic vegetables to serve with salmon are broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, potatoes, snap peas, broccolini, green beans, arugula, fennel, and shallots.
The healthiest way to serve salmon is with vegetables whether it be cooked or served as a raw salad. These vegetable side dishes for salmon are simple and easy enough to deliver plenty of flavor without outshining the richness of the fish.
In this article, detailed information will be provided about the preparation of salmon, how the choice of vegetables is done, and the best selection of vegetables to go with salmon. Read through for answers to frequently asked questions about the best vegetables to serve with salmon!
What are the different ways salmon is prepared?
The most popular way of preparing salmon are grilling, broiling and panfrying. These are the fastest ways of preparing the fish.
In fact, the pan-seared method is considered one of the best for satisfying cravings for healthy fats.
Other ways of preparing salmon include:
- bake
- braise
- broil
- grill
- marinate
- poach
- roast
- sauté
- sear
- steam
- cured
- smoked
Is the vegetable choice affected by how salmon is prepared?
Yes, the choice of vegetables to serve on the side is affected by how salmon is prepared. A basic rule to implement is, if cooking a plain, dry salmon, then consider a saucy side, and if cooking a saucy salmon, then the best sides are relatively plain.
For instance, a baked salmon steak will be delicious with cauliflower cheese, braised celery in white sauce, or buttered potatoes.
On the other hand, grilled salmon with vegetables makes a balanced and colorful seafood dinner in a matter of minutes.
What vegetables are good with salmon?
Try salmon with some boiled or garlicky braised greens, and the meal will be delicious. Having charred spears of cooked asparagus with a lemon squeeze, or a salty cheese sprinkle on top is another fabulous option to consider.
When it comes to vegetable combinations that pair well with salmon, here are chef approved food pairings for you to try:
- salmon + potato + watercress
- salmon + peas + potatoes
- salmon + marjoram + peas
- salmon + basil + white beans
- salmon + cabbage + chestnuts + bacon
Best vegetable to serve with salmon
Salmon is super versatile, making it easy to pair with vegetables, pasta or whole grains.
A popular vegetable to serve with salmon is lemony green beans because they are very easy to make and perfect for any time of day. The beans come with a crisp-tender texture and are flavored with zesty lemon, garlic and chili flake.
Despite being quick in preparation, the beans look beautiful when dressed up in any meal.
Other vegetable alternatives to serve with salmon include:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- asparagus
- brussel sprouts
- green beans
- sweet potatoes
- potatoes
- squash
- zucchini
- bell peppers
- onions
- bok choy
Vegetables With Salmon: Conclusion
Salmon is a straightforward dinner or quick lunch idea to implement. Seafood lovers already know that salmon is a healthy and nutritious ingredient that is perfect for quick meals any time during the week.
It makes an excellent meal choice because it is fully packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential protein. When trying to keep things quick, sometimes it can be challenging to find a side dish that can effectively compete the salmon dish.
Salmon makes a relatively quick meal and simply serve with fresh or cooked vegetables to balance out the nutrients you need.
Depending on how you prepare the salmon, the vegetables can get creative. Generally, sautéed, roasted, or steamed vegetables including broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, potatoes, green beans, and fresh salads pairs wonderfully with a piece of cooked salmon.
Use the vegetable flavor guide to help you to prepare salmon with a variety of flavorful vegetable combinations. As a result, the meal will be delicious and nutritious all around.