What To Serve With Poached Salmon? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Poached salmon is a light, delicate dish that deserves the best accompaniments. With its smooth texture and mild flavor, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

From fresh vegetables to hearty grains, the choices are plentiful. Below, you'll discover 16 delicious sides that can transform your poached salmon into an exquisite dining experience.

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The best side dishes to serve with poached salmon are green beans, brown rice with vegetables, quinoa, butternut squash, oven-roasted zucchini, bok choy, cucumber salad, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, sautéed spinach, couscous, roasted Brussels sprouts, beet salad, lemon rice, sweet potato fries, and corn on the cob.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Green Beans

Green beans, whether steamed or sautéed, are a traditional side dish for many meals, and they pair wonderfully with poached salmon. Their natural crunch provides a delightful texture contrast to the salmon's flakiness, and their subtle sweetness complements the fish's savory flavor.

A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten up the beans and tie in beautifully with the salmon. Plus, they add a vibrant color to the plate, making the meal visually appealing as well.

2. Brown Rice with Vegetables

Brown rice cooked with an array of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, and carrots serves as a hearty, nutritious accompaniment to poached salmon. The nutty, earthy flavor of the brown rice provides a perfect base for the delicate salmon, while the mixed vegetables bring a delightful crunch and array of flavors to the table.

Additionally, this side dish is quite versatile, allowing you to mix and match vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

3. Quinoa

Quinoa is a healthy, high-protein grain that serves as a fantastic side dish for poached salmon. Its fluffy texture and slightly nutty flavor offer a delicious contrast to the smooth, savory taste of the salmon. Whether it's prepared plain or mixed with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest, quinoa provides a nutritious and satisfying accompaniment to your meal.

It also absorbs sauces well, making it a perfect pairing for salmon with a sauce or vinaigrette.

4. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a delightful side dish that pairs excellently with poached salmon. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture create a beautiful contrast with the salmon's savory notes. Whether it's roasted until caramelized to bring out its inherent sugars, or pureed into a smooth, velvety soup, butternut squash adds a touch of comfort and a burst of vibrant color to your meal.

Plus, its rich, buttery flavor can be enhanced with simple seasonings like fresh herbs, cinnamon, or nutmeg to complement the salmon.

5. Roasted Zucchini

Oven-roasted zucchini is a light, flavorful side that pairs well with poached salmon. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini, while giving it a tender, yet slightly crispy texture. A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper allows the zucchini's natural flavors to shine.

6. Bok Choy

Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, can add a refreshing crunch to your poached salmon meal. Its mild flavor won't overpower the salmon, and it can be quickly sautéed with a bit of garlic and soy sauce for a flavorful and easy side dish.

7. Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad can bring a refreshing, crisp element to your meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers, a tangy vinaigrette, and some fresh herbs create a light, refreshing side dish that contrasts well with the rich, tender salmon.

8. Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes, filled with a creamy, cheesy potato mixture and baked until golden, make a rich and indulgent side dish for poached salmon. The savory flavors and creamy texture of the potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the light and flaky salmon.

9. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled or roasted asparagus is a classic side dish for poached salmon. Its distinct, earthy flavor and tender-crisp texture pair well with the delicate salmon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances its flavor and complements the salmon.

10. Sautéed Spinach

Sautéed spinach, with a touch of garlic and a splash of lemon juice, makes a quick and nutritious side dish. The bright, fresh flavor of the spinach is a nice contrast to the rich salmon, and the two dishes complement each other well.

11. Couscous

Couscous, especially when cooked in a flavorful broth and tossed with herbs, is a light and fluffy grain that pairs beautifully with poached salmon. It's quick to cook and can be easily flavored to complement the salmon.

12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy edges and tender centers, make a delicious side dish that's perfect with poached salmon. The natural sweetness that comes out when they're roasted pairs well with the savory salmon.

13. Beet Salad

A beet salad, with its vibrant color and sweet, earthy flavor, can add a refreshing and visually appealing side to your poached salmon meal. Toss the beets with some greens, goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette for a delicious salad.

14. Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a light, flavorful side dish that complements poached salmon perfectly. The fresh, zesty flavors of the lemon and the soft, fluffy rice provide a bright side dish that pairs well with the delicate salmon.

15. Sweet Potato Fries

For a slightly sweet side, sweet potato fries are a great option. Their natural sweetness and crispy edges make a delicious contrast to the savory salmon. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color to the plate.

16. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob, with its slightly smoky, sweet flavor, makes a fantastic summer side dish for poached salmon. A pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt is all it needs to highlight the natural sweetness of the corn.

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