What's best to pair with salmon? A Complete Guide

According to health and wellness experts, salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. So, what's best to pair with salmon to create a meal that is both healthy and bursting with flavor?

Quick Summary

This guide details expert recommendations for side dishes, complementary flavor profiles, and ideal wine selections that perfectly match various salmon preparations.

Key Points

• Consider the Cooking Method: The best pairing depends on how the salmon is prepared, as grilling, pan-searing, and baking all produce different flavor profiles.

• Embrace Citrus and Herbs: Lemon, dill, and other fresh herbs are classic pairings that cut through salmon's richness and brighten its flavor.

• Balance with Savory and Sweet: Sauces like honey-garlic or teriyaki add a complex balance of sweet and savory notes that complement the fish well.

• Pair Wine to the Sauce: When pairing wine, match the wine's characteristics (e.g., acidity) with the salmon's sauce or glaze, rather than just the fish itself.

• Versatile Side Dishes: From roasted vegetables like asparagus to grains like couscous and lemon herb rice, a variety of sides can create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Don't Fear Red Wine: Light-bodied, low-tannin red wines like Pinot Noir can pair beautifully with grilled or richer salmon preparations, despite common misconceptions.

The Versatility and Flavor of Salmon

Salmon is a culinary chameleon, known for its rich, oily flavor and flaky texture. However, its taste can vary subtly based on the species and cooking method. Understanding these nuances is the first step to creating the perfect pairing. King (Chinook) salmon, for instance, is fattier and richer, while Pink salmon has a milder flavor and lower fat content. Different preparations also demand different accompaniments, with grilled salmon thriving alongside smoky flavors and poached salmon complementing lighter, more delicate notes.

Matching Flavors to Cooking Method

• Grilled Salmon: The smoky, charred notes from the grill call for robust partners. Think roasted vegetables, earthy potatoes, or a bright, high-acid sauce to cut through the richness.
• Pan-Seared Salmon: A pan-seared fillet often develops a delicious, crispy skin. This method works well with rich sauces, creamy purees, or simple lemon-butter treatments that don't compete with the crispy texture.
• Baked Salmon: Baking results in tender, flaky fish with a mild flavor. Lighter sides like couscous or fresh salads and gentle sauces like a creamy dill work best here.
• Smoked Salmon: The salty, smoky profile of cold-smoked salmon is ideal for canapés or breakfast dishes. It pairs wonderfully with classic brunch items and crisp, acidic complements.

Side Dishes to Complement Salmon

The right side dish can transform a simple salmon fillet into a complete, satisfying meal. The goal is to balance the fish's richness with textures and flavors that provide contrast and harmony.

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Asparagus: A classic for a reason, roasted asparagus adds a welcome earthy flavor and tender-crisp texture that stands up to salmon.
• Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Carrots: Roasting brings out the carrots' natural sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by savory garlic and salty parmesan.
• Lemon-Garlic Green Beans: For a quick and easy side, sautéed green beans with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce offer a bright, fresh contrast.
• Smashed Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these potatoes add a comforting element that pairs well with grilled or pan-seared salmon.

Grain-Based Sides

• Lemon Herb Rice: This light and flavorful rice pilaf, enhanced with fresh herbs and lemon juice, is a perfect, simple side for baked salmon.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: With an Asian or Mexican twist, cilantro and lime rice offers a zesty, fragrant pairing.
• Couscous: A light and fluffy couscous salad with Mediterranean flavors like chickpeas, lemon, and herbs complements the fish without overpowering it.

Fresh and Crisp Salads

• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with a honey lemon vinaigrette provides peppery and acidic notes that cut through the richness.
• Cucumber Salad: Creamy cucumber salad, made with Greek yogurt and dill, offers a cool, refreshing counterpoint to a warm salmon dish.

Sauces and Glazes for Enhanced Flavor

While good salmon needs little adornment, a well-chosen sauce can elevate the dish to new heights.

• Creamy Dill Sauce: A classic pairing for a reason, a tangy and creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice perfectly complements the fish.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: This simple but flavorful glaze, featuring honey, garlic, and soy sauce, caramelizes beautifully and adds a sweet and savory complexity.
• Lemon-Butter Sauce: The classic trifecta of butter, lemon, and garlic creates a bright and rich sauce that is hard to beat.
• Teriyaki Glaze: For an Asian-inspired meal, a homemade teriyaki glaze with soy sauce, mirin, and honey offers a salty, sweet, and umami-rich partner.

The Perfect Wine Pairings

The wine you choose should match the salmon's preparation and accompanying flavors.

White Wine Pairings

• Chardonnay: A buttery, oaked Chardonnay is a classic choice for richer salmon dishes, especially with a creamy sauce.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This zesty white wine with citrus notes pairs excellently with salmon prepared with lemon or herbs.
• Riesling: A dry Riesling with high acidity and mineral notes is an excellent companion for miso or teriyaki glazed salmon, balancing the sweet and savory elements.

Red Wine Pairings

• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied, low-tannin Pinot Noir is considered a classic pairing for grilled or meaty salmon, especially with earthy undertones.
• Gamay (Beaujolais): This fruity and light red is another superb option that won't overwhelm the delicate fish.

Rosé and Sparkling Wine Pairings

• Rosé: A dry, fruity rosé is exceptionally versatile and pairs well with many salmon preparations, particularly smoked salmon.
• Sparkling Wine: The bubbles and acidity in a sparkling wine or Brut Rosé cut through the fat of richer salmon preparations, especially smoked salmon, cleansing the palate.

Flavor Pairing Comparison: Classic vs. Asian Fusion

Pairing Type	Key Flavors	Recommended Side	Wine Pairing
Classic Lemon-Dill	Fresh, creamy, zesty, herbaceous	Roasted Asparagus or Smashed Potatoes	Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Asian Teriyaki-Ginger	Sweet, savory, umami, spiced	Cilantro Lime Rice or Miso Roasted Carrots	Dry Riesling or Pinot Noir
Smoky Grilled	Rich, charred, earthy, slightly fatty	Herb Roasted Potatoes or Grilled Green Beans	Pinot Noir or a fruity Rosé
Crispy Skin with Citrus	Bright, crispy, rich, acidic	Arugula Salad with Honey Vinaigrette	Sauvignon Blanc or Sparkling Brut

For more healthy meal ideas to pair with salmon, consider exploring the recipes available on EatingWell.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best pairing for your salmon dish depends on how you prepare it and your personal taste preferences. Whether you opt for a classic lemon-dill sauce with roasted vegetables or a more adventurous teriyaki glaze with cilantro lime rice, the goal is to create a balanced meal that highlights the salmon's natural richness while providing complementary flavors and textures. By considering the fish's fat content, cooking method, and the flavors of your side dishes and sauces, you can consistently create delicious and satisfying salmon dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs go well with salmon?

Herbs that pair exceptionally well with salmon include dill, parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary. These can be used in sauces, marinades, or as a garnish.

What is a simple side salad for salmon?

A simple and effective side salad is a peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette. The peppery notes of the arugula and the acidity of the dressing provide a nice counterpoint to the rich salmon.

What wine goes best with grilled salmon?

For grilled salmon, a light-bodied, low-tannin red wine like a Pinot Noir is a classic choice. A full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak aging also pairs well with the smoky flavor.

What vegetable sides are best for salmon?

Excellent vegetable sides include roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans with garlic, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted carrots. These offer earthy flavors and varied textures that complement the fish.

Is salmon a good candidate for meal prep?

Yes, salmon is a great candidate for meal prep. You can bake or grill it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to three days, pairing it with different sides each day for variety.

What sauce is easiest to make for salmon?

One of the easiest and quickest sauces to make is a simple lemon-dill sauce. Just whisk together Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Can you pair salmon with sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a fantastic pairing for salmon. Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor complement the fish, and they can be prepared in various ways, such as roasted, mashed, or baked.

What are some good Asian-inspired pairings for salmon?

For an Asian-inspired meal, try pairing salmon with a teriyaki or miso glaze and serving it with cilantro lime rice, sautéed bok choy, or miso roasted carrots.