When it comes to serving fish, you’re often left wondering what to pair with it. But fear not! This comprehensive guide has got you covered, providing the ideal side dish for any fish recipe and occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a crusted salmon, robust halibut, light tilapia, or succulent blackened filets, every type of fish deserves a well-matched accompaniment. Whether your go-to cooking method is grilling, pan-searing, or baking, I guarantee that one of the 37 delectable fish side dishes featured here will be the perfect complement to your omega-3-rich dinner.
Potato Side Dishes for Fish
While still indulgent, these potato sides offer a slightly healthier alternative to traditional chips. Their irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch make them an excellent accompaniment to fish, regardless of the type. Discover your new favorite combination today.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Indulge in a mouthwatering side dish that’s both kid-friendly and a crowd-pleaser by combining russet potatoes with olive oil and an assortment of spices. This crispy delight is a perfect accompaniment to fish sticks, tacos, or fillets alike. As a healthier alternative to greasy fries, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Smashed Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Imagine the heavenly aroma of potatoes cooked to perfection – slightly firm on the inside, golden brown on the outside, and topped with a rich, cheesy goodness that’s simply irresistible. This effortless recipe requires only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal accompaniment to any type of fish. The twice-cooked potatoes are perfectly balanced, offering a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that will leave you craving more.
Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes
Savor the harmony of flavors as you combine these delectable potato pieces with any type of protein. The perfect balance of crispy and salty textures meets just the right amount of tangy acidity, making it impossible to stop at just one bite. This mouthwatering side dish is particularly well-suited for pairing with fish, its zesty undertones complementing the delicate flavors of the seafood beautifully. Additionally, these potatoes prove an excellent accompaniment to a rack of tender ribs, their satisfying crunch and savory essence elevating the overall dining experience.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are an impressive side dish that’s sure to elevate any meal, especially when paired with fish for a match made in heaven. What sets them apart is the ease of preparation – just 10 minutes of prep time – and the relatively quick cooking process, which takes around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Not only do these potatoes taste incredible, but they’re also a healthier option thanks to air frying, which keeps calories in check. And when you add in the flavorful seasoning, you’ll be hooked on these accordion-like spuds that are sure to become your go-to.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
When it comes to accompaniments, sometimes simplicity is the best approach. A humble yet satisfying side dish that never fails to please. Take cubed russet potatoes, for instance. By drizzling them with olive oil, seasoning with a savory blend of garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and then baking until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy within, you’ve created a classic that’s sure to pair beautifully with your favorite fish.
Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes
In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd – roasted potatoes with zucchini. The combination of earthy spuds and vibrant zukes is elevated by the subtle tang of thyme and the punch of spring onions, making it an ideal accompaniment to your next big gathering. Plus, this recipe pairs surprisingly well with salmon, so be sure to serve them together for a truly satisfying meal.
Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries
When it comes to healthier alternatives to traditional French fries, I’m excited to share a family favorite that’s perfect for pairing with fish dinner. This recipe requires just four ingredients and employs a clever twice-frying technique to achieve an impressive level of crispiness. The result is a tasty and well-seasoned treat that’s hard to resist, even for those looking for a slightly more guilt-free deep-fried experience.
Roasted Garlic Potatoes
When it comes to pairing with proteins, cubed and roasted potatoes are a timeless favorite that’s hard to beat – even when seafood is on the menu! The perfect combination of crispy and fluffy textures, these garlicky spuds are surprisingly easy to prepare. With their irresistible flavor and versatile appeal, they’re a staple side dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
Pasta Side Dishes for Fish
For aficionados of Italian cuisine, a culinary delight awaits – elevating your fish-based meals with the perfect pasta accompaniments. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, this selection of delectable pasta side dishes is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Caprese Pasta Salad
The classic Caprese combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a match made in heaven – especially when paired with fish. The creamy addition of pesto sauce ensures that the pasta shells are coated to perfection, delivering an unparalleled culinary experience. While this recipe calls for bocconcini cheese, its small mozzarella balls providing a delightful texture, feel free to substitute with any variety of Mozzarella to achieve similar results.
Orzo Side Dish
Orzo, a rice-like pasta, boasts effortless cookability and versatility as a side dish. Its buttery and cheesy parmesan-Loaded nature makes it an ideal accompaniment to delicate fish dishes, providing a satisfyingly filling complement to the meal. With its silky texture and delicious flavor profile, this recipe serves as a solid foundation for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your individual taste preferences.
15-Minute Pesto Pasta
Transforming humble spinach pasta into a culinary masterpiece, this recipe combines the rich flavors of homemade pesto with basil, parsley, and pumpkin seeds. The result is a dish that not only impresses with its creamy texture but also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. When served in smaller portions, it makes for an ideal accompaniment to pan-seared fish filets. Best of all, this delightful side dish can be prepared in just 5 minutes, leaving you ample time to focus on the main event. All that’s required is a mere 10 minutes of cooking time, making this recipe an effortless addition to your culinary repertoire.
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
This vibrant tri-color pasta salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, brought together by an array of colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives, and cucumbers. The dish is elevated by a richly herbal Italian dressing that perfectly complements the freshness of the ingredients. This side dish is particularly well-suited to accompany fish, and it’s recommended to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
The harmonious union of sun-dried tomatoes and mascarpone yields a culinary masterpiece that’s nothing short of sublime. This recipe boasts a silky, smooth texture that simply melts in your mouth, making it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Not only does it serve as a satisfying side dish, but its rich flavors also make it a standalone meal option. The best part? It requires just 15 minutes of preparation time and pairs exquisitely with grilled white fish for a well-rounded and delightful culinary experience.
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
These loaded cheese tortellini are a nutritious side dish option that pairs well with both fish and chicken. The combination of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pesto sauce creates a deliciously healthy meal. If you’re short on tortellini, don’t worry – the same flavors would work beautifully with other types of pasta like shells, macaroni, penne, or even orzo.
Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan
Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of gnocchi, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil all coming together in perfect harmony on a single baking sheet. The promise of that dish’s flavor profile is tantalizing enough – just add some drizzles of rich balsamic glaze and herby pesto sauce to the mix, and you’re transported to a sunny Italian piazza, where the pasta salad equivalent of culinary nirvana awaits.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
In a delightful fusion of flavors, lemon and ricotta join forces to create a creamy pasta dish that’s both aromatic and zesty. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish – roughly the same time it takes to roast your salmon filets. The result is a richly flavored vegetarian dish that will leave you wanting more, with its complex layers of taste that are simply irresistible.
Avocado Pasta Salad
A culinary masterpiece is born when elbow macaroni meets crispy bacon, smothered in a rich and creamy avocado sauce infused with the tanginess of buttermilk, the freshness of cilantro, and the subtle zing of lime juice. The latter, though a mere tablespoon, plays a vital role in balancing the flavors, imbuing the dish with a vibrant energy that elevates it to new heights.
Asian Garlic Noodles
For a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to your fish dish, look no further than these Asian-inspired garlicky noodles. At the heart of the recipe are Soba noodles, although other types such as spaghetti or even pasta can be substituted in its place. A generous application of butter is also encouraged, as it adds a rich silkiness that beautifully complements the various sauces.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Fish
When it comes to pairing fish with vegetables, there are countless combinations to explore. To help you get started, we’ve compiled ten vegetable sides that perfectly complement your seafood dinner. By incorporating fresh herbs like dill into these recipes, you’ll create a deliciously nutritious and healthy side dish that’s sure to please.
Balsamic Asparagus
For asparagus enthusiasts who relish its pairing with fish, this balsamic-glazed asparagus is a surefire addition to your dinner repertoire. Those new to the recipe can easily find the steps to create their own balsamic glaze using just four ingredients: balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and butter. This sweet and tangy side dish is particularly well-suited to accompany crispy fried fish, making it a delightful complement to your next meal.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
The harmonious union of ingredients in this recipe extends beyond the classic pairing of asparagus and balsamic vinegar. Brussels Sprouts, too, find a perfect match, their natural bitterness expertly counterbalanced by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. The addition of crispy bacon not only provides a satisfying textural contrast but also injects a boost of protein, elevating the dish to new heights.
Light Cabbage Slaw
The cabbage-carrot salad strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and healthiness, courtesy of just two tablespoons of mayo, a drizzle of oil, and a splash of vinegar. This trifecta of flavors prevents the dish from becoming too rich, while still providing a satisfyingly creamy texture. Meanwhile, the addition of a crisp green apple brings a delightful tanginess and sweetness to the mix, beautifully complementing the other vegetables involved.
Creamed Collard Greens
Indulge in a rich and velvety cream sauce that expertly complements the bold flavors of your salmon or other meaty fish. This indulgent collard green side dish is elevated by the subtle yet distinct warmth of nutmeg, imbuing each bite with an unparalleled level of satisfaction.
Roasted Radishes
In a mere 20 minutes, you can transform the humble root veggie roast into a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Simply load up on garlic and drizzle with balsamic glaze, then let the magic happen. This effortless recipe is perfect for pairing with any protein source – including fish, where it truly shines.
Edamame Salad
In a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, crunchy edamame, cucumbers, snap peas, and spring onions are expertly combined with a sweet soy and vinegar dressing, further elevated by the satisfying crunch from toasted sesame seeds. This quick-fix side dish is not only a nutritional powerhouse, but also a treat for the taste buds, all coming together in under 15 minutes.
Garlic Bok Choy
When it comes to Asian-inspired meals, I highly recommend pairing fish with baby bok choy, expertly cooked with garlic and shallots, and infused with the savory flavors of soy sauce. This nutritious side dish not only provides a delightful contrast in texture but also offers an explosion of flavor. To take it to the next level, simply sprinkle a teaspoon or two of sesame seeds over the dish just after adding the soy sauce, allowing their subtle crunch to elevate the entire experience.
Roasted Carrots with Honey Mustard Glaze
Imagine sinking your teeth into roasted carrots smothered in a rich, velvety glaze infused with the savory flavors of olive oil, honey, garlic, rosemary, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This indulgent side dish is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight meal. With only 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy this sweet and sticky delight whenever the mood strikes.
Ginger Ale Glazed Carrots
A sweet and simple side dish that’s sure to complement your fish dinner perfectly, this recipe requires just two ingredients: carrots and ginger ale. But don’t worry if you’re out of ginger ale – a lemon-based soda like 7up will do the trick instead. The key is allowing the sugar in the soda to caramelize the carrot slices, effectively tenderizing them to a deliciously soft finish.
Roasted Zucchini
In just 25 minutes, you can have a flavorful roasted zucchini dish that’s not only healthy but also low-carb. The best part? It requires only four ingredients: zucchini, olive oil, and spices. This quick and easy recipe makes it the perfect accompaniment to your fish or as a standalone side dish in your household.
Healthy Side Dishes
For those seeking a nutritious and healthy accompaniment to their meal, finding the ideal side dish can be a challenge. Fortunately, this section provides an array of options that not only satisfy your taste buds but also deliver a significant nutritional boost. Discover the perfect complement to your main course.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
When crafting your ideal summer salad, start by combining the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of cucumbers, and the pungency of red onions. To elevate the flavors, drizzle in some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with fresh basil and oregano leaves. The key to achieving a truly exceptional taste experience lies in using garden-fresh vegetables at their peak ripeness. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, feel free to substitute with plum or Roma tomatoes, simply chopping them up to incorporate into the mix.
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini
Zucchini boats are a staple on my dinner table, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is particularly impressive, bringing together the freshness of peppers, the sweetness of tomatoes, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the crunch of breadcrumbs. The crowning glory is the tangy feta cheese, perfectly balanced by the richness of olive oil. It’s little wonder that these stuffed delights are devoured in a single sitting.
Freekeh Salad
Freekeh’s nutty, chewy, and earthy flavor profile, with hints of quinoa-like taste, makes it an ideal addition to salads. The perfect combination is achieved when paired with arugula, whose peppery and bitter notes harmonize seamlessly with the goat cheese, tomatoes, and grains.
Black Bean and Mango Salsa
When black beans meet mango, the result is a vibrant, sweet, and substantial salsa that’s sure to delight. The addition of onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos only enhances the flavor profile, making it impossible not to love. When seasoned with a mixture of olive oil and lime, this salsa finds its perfect match alongside fish, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad
Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors with this warm salad featuring grilled corn, onion, and asparagus, paired with creamy white beans. The dish is elevated by the tangy zip of Dijon vinaigrette, complemented by fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. As the name implies, it’s best savored when served at a warm temperature. For an added layer of depth, allow your grilled vegetables to develop a subtle char before assembling the salad.
Jalapeno Lime Corn Fritters
When it comes to creating a mouthwatering snack, combining jalapeno, green onions, and corn with parmesan cheese yields a truly delightful fritter experience. To take your fritters to the next level, use fresh corn kernels for their optimal flavor and texture. For an added layer of complexity and enjoyment, be sure to serve them with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
While it may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when pairing with fish, a fruit salad can indeed elevate the dining experience. The combination of mixed berries and mangoes, sweetened by honey and lime, and garnished with fresh mint, is a surprisingly harmonious match for delicate white fish. In fact, this particular fruit salad is best paired with such fish, as the subtle flavors and textures create a delightful culinary synergy.
Baked Avocado Fries
While traditional fries may be a tasty indulgence, baked avocado ‘fries’ offer a game-changing alternative that’s not only healthier but also packed with the kind of fats your body craves. By breading them with egg and breadcrumbs, then seasoning generously with paprika, you’ll be rewarded with crispy bites that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
This cauliflower dish is a true showstopper, boasting a trifecta of flavors from garlic, lime, and cilantro that combine to create a culinary masterpiece. Its light, fresh taste makes it an ideal accompaniment to well-seasoned fish, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it’s also a healthy option, packing in low carb content and requiring just 10 minutes of preparation time – making it a godsend for those spontaneous gatherings or unexpected dinner guests.
