What To Serve With Pan Fried Salmon? 17 BEST Side Dishes

There's something incredibly satisfying about pan-fried salmon. The crispy skin, the tender, flaky meat, and the rich, savory flavor all come together to create a dish that's simply irresistible.

But, as a dedicated home cook who loves to explore new flavors and combinations, I often find myself asking, "What side dishes can I serve with this beautiful salmon to make it even more delicious?"

Well, my fellow food lovers, that's what we're going to explore today.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pan-fried salmon are quinoa, brown rice and vegetables, spaghetti squash, feta pasta, ratatouille, fried shrimp, bok choy, roasted Brussels sprouts, baked potatoes, asparagus, couscous, garlic bread, creamed spinach, and steamed broccoli.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic side to pan-fried salmon. Not only is it a nutritious whole grain, but its mild nutty flavor complements the rich, buttery taste of the salmon. You can keep it simple with a lemon and herb dressing, or add veggies for a more substantial quinoa salad.

2. Brown Rice and Vegetables

A dish of brown rice and vegetables makes for a wholesome, satisfying side. The nuttiness of the brown rice and the crunch from the vegetables balance the tender texture of the salmon. Plus, you can mix up the veggies depending on what you have on hand.

3. Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a fun and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with salmon. Once cooked, it shreds into strands similar to spaghetti (hence the name), and its slightly sweet flavor works well with the savory salmon.

4. Feta Pasta

If you're looking for a side dish that's a bit more indulgent, try feta pasta. The creamy, tangy feta sauce adds a burst of flavor that pairs well with the relatively mild salmon.

5. Ratatouille

Ratatouille, a stewed vegetable dish from France, can also make a great side for salmon. Its mix of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all cooked down into a flavorful sauce, provides a nice contrast to the salmon.

6. Fried Shrimp

For a surf-and-surf meal, try adding some fried shrimp as a side. Their crispy coating and sweet, tender meat complement the pan-fried salmon perfectly, and they add a touch of decadence to the meal.

7. Bok Choy

Bok choy, either steamed or stir-fried, is another great option. Its mild flavor won't compete with the salmon, and its crisp texture provides a nice contrast. Plus, it's a great way to add some greens to your meal.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper make for a simple yet delicious side dish. Their slight bitterness pairs well with the rich, fatty salmon, and the caramelization from roasting adds an extra layer of flavor.

9. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

One of the simplest, yet most elegant, side dishes to serve with salmon is roasted asparagus. The bright, slightly bitter flavor of asparagus pairs wonderfully with the rich, fatty salmon. Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a touch of citrusy brightness that elevates the entire dish.

10. Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower mash is a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, but it's just as creamy and comforting. The mild flavor of cauliflower allows it to soak up the flavors of any herbs or spices you add, making it a versatile side dish that complements the salmon rather than competing with it.

11. Pesto Pasta Salad

If you want a side dish that's a little heartier, a pesto pasta salad could be just the ticket. The fresh, herby flavor of the pesto is a perfect match for the salmon, while the pasta adds substance to the meal. Plus, it's easy to make in advance, which is always a bonus when you're entertaining or just want to simplify your meal prep.

12. Baked Potatoes

You can't go wrong with a classic side like baked potatoes. They're hearty, comforting, and versatile - you can load them up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, and bacon, or keep them simple to let the salmon shine.

13. Asparagus

Asparagus, whether grilled, roasted, or steamed, is a wonderful accompaniment to pan-fried salmon. Its bright, slightly grassy flavor complements the salmon, and its crisp texture adds a nice contrast.

14. Lemon and Dill Couscous

This lemon and dill couscous is a light, refreshing side dish that's perfect for serving with pan-fried salmon. The lemon adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the salmon, while the dill adds a fresh, herby note. It's also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.

15. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread offers a deliciously indulgent counterpoint to pan-fried salmon. Its rich, buttery garlic flavor makes it a hit at any meal, and it's great for sopping up any extra sauce or juices from the salmon.

16. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a simple, healthy side that goes great with salmon. Its mild flavor and crunch provide a nice balance to the rich salmon, and you can season it with a bit of lemon juice and garlic for extra flavor.

17. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a luxurious side dish that pairs wonderfully with pan-fried salmon. The creamy, slightly sweet spinach offers a beautiful contrast to the savory salmon, and it adds a touch of elegance to your meal. You can make it with fresh or frozen spinach, a little cream, and some garlic and nutmeg for a rich, flavorful side.