When fish takes center stage on your menu, deciding what to serve alongside it can be a challenge. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with a diverse range of side dish options that will complement any fish recipe and occasion.
Whether you’re grilling salmon, pan-searing halibut, baking tilapia, or blackening filets, every type of fish deserves a well-paired accompaniment. Our collection of 37 mouth-watering fish side dishes is sure to satisfy your cravings and provide the perfect finishing touch for your omega-3-rich dinner.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
To create a mouth-watering accompaniment for your fish, simply combine russet potatoes with a hint of olive oil and a medley of spices. This crispy and flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of fish-based options – from classic fish sticks to more sophisticated fish tacos or fillets. What’s more, this recipe is not only easy to make but also kid-friendly and an absolute crowd-pleaser. As an added bonus, it offers a healthier alternative to traditional greasy fries.
Smashed Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Transforming humble spuds into a mouthwatering masterpiece is no easy feat, but when boiled, then crisped to perfection and finished with a golden cheesy glaze, it’s an unbeatable combination! What’s more, this tantalizing treat can be yours in just 40 minutes from start to finish – simply pair it with your favorite fish for a match made in culinary heaven.
Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes
Savor the harmonious union of vinegary potato pieces with any type of protein, as they effortlessly satisfy even the most discerning palates. The crispy texture and satisfying saltiness are expertly balanced by just the right amount of acidity, rendering them impossible to put down. Whether paired with fish or ribs, these potatoes prove to be a match made in culinary heaven.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
When it comes to special occasions, Hasselback potatoes are the ultimate showstopper. Their natural pairing with fish only adds to their appeal. What’s more, this recipe is remarkably simple, requiring just 10 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of 30 minutes. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. By air-frying the potatoes, you’ll achieve an irresistible texture that complements their well-seasoned accordion-like shape perfectly.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
When it comes to accompaniments, simplicity often reigns supreme. A humble combination of cubed russet potatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper, followed by a gentle baking process that yields a delightful contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This unassuming potato side dish proves to be a reliable favorite, effortlessly complementing your fish with its understated charm.
Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes
In just 10 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering side dish perfect for feeding a crowd at your next gathering. Roasted potatoes with zucchini are an effortless option that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The addition of thyme and spring onions adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple roasted dish into something truly special. Plus, it pairs beautifully with salmon, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries
One of our family’s go-to healthier alternatives to traditional French fries is a game-changer for fish dinner night. With just four essential ingredients, you’ll wonder how something so simple can result in such an impressive outcome. The secret lies in the twice-fried technique that yields extra crispy results. Not only do these tasty treats deliver on flavor and texture, but they’re also a slightly more guilt-free deep-frying option.
Roasted Garlic Potatoes
When it comes to pairing potatoes with proteins, cubed and roasted potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that can stand the test of culinary time. Whether it’s chicken, steak, or even fish on the menu, these garlicky spuds are sure to please. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, yielding both crispy and fluffy results with minimal fuss.
Pasta Side Dishes for Fish
Satisfy the cravings of Italian-cuisine enthusiasts by serving these delectable pasta side dishes alongside your catch of the day. From classic combinations to innovative twists, this selection of pasta accompaniments will elevate your seafood meal to new heights.
Caprese Pasta Salad
The Caprese salad’s trifecta of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil harmonizes beautifully with fish. Moreover, the addition of pesto sauce brings a rich creaminess to the pasta shells, resulting in an indulgent and flavorful dish. This recipe employs bocconcini cheese – small mozzarella balls – but any type of Mozzarella will suffice, allowing for flexibility and adaptability.
Orzo Side Dish
Orzo, a type of rice-like pasta, offers a convenient cooking experience and makes an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. Its buttery and cheesy nature, particularly when loaded with parmesan, creates a satisfyingly filling side dish that pairs well with delicate fish flavors. The silky texture of this recipe serves as a solid foundation for personalization, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your individual tastes.
15-Minute Pesto Pasta
Incorporating homemade pesto made with basil, parsley, and pumpkin seeds elevates this spinach pasta to new heights, delivering unparalleled creaminess while packing a nutritional punch. This versatile dish can be easily portioned down for a satisfying side that pairs perfectly with fish filets. The best part? It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks.
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
This vibrant tri-color pasta salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a medley of ingredients including tomatoes, peppers, onion, olives, and cucumbers. The dish is elevated by the bold, herbaceous notes of an Italian dressing, making it an ideal accompaniment to fish dishes. To allow the flavors to meld together, it’s recommended that you refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
The harmonious union of sun-dried tomatoes and mascarpone is nothing short of culinary heaven. This delectable recipe not only yields a silky, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth texture but also offers versatility as both a side dish and standalone meal. In just 15 minutes, the ingredients come together in perfect harmony, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled white fish.
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, these cheese tortellini form a nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with fish or chicken. While tortellini is the preferred choice, feel free to substitute it with other pasta shapes like shells, macaroni, penne, or even orzo – the combination of flavors will remain deliciously consistent.
Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan
Imagine the quintessential Italian dish – gnocchi, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of tantalizing. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the creaminess of the melted mozzarella are beautifully complemented by the earthy flavor of the basil. And let’s not forget the tangy zip from the balsamic glaze and pesto sauce, which adds a richness to the dish that’s simply irresistible.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is a harmonious marriage between lemon and ricotta, creating a delightfully aromatic and rich culinary experience. Its quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, ready in just 20 minutes – roughly the same amount of time it takes to roast salmon filets. As a vegetarian option, this zesty and cheesy dish offers multiple layers of flavor that are truly irresistible.
Avocado Pasta Salad
The description of this dish is nothing short of indulgent – imagine elbow macaroni tossed with crispy bacon and smothered in a rich avocado sauce infused with the tanginess of buttermilk and freshness of cilantro. But what truly elevates this dish to new heights is the inclusion of a squeeze of lime juice, which adds a vital acidity that ‘brings it all together’. Although it may seem like a small component, the impact of that tablespoon of lime juice is profound, adding depth and balance to the overall flavor profile.
Asian Garlic Noodles
Savoring a harmonious union between Asian-inspired flavors and succulent fish, these garlicky noodles are an effortless delight. While Soba noodles provide the foundation for this dish, other types of noodles or even pasta can seamlessly substitute in. The key to achieving silky smoothness lies in being liberal with the butter, as it beautifully complements the accompanying sauces.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Fish
When considering the perfect dinner companion for fish, many of us turn to vegetables as the ideal match. For those who crave a harmonious union between the two, we’ve curated ten delectable vegetable side dishes that are sure to earn a spot in your recipe repertoire. The key to elevating these dishes lies in incorporating fresh dill and other herbs, imbuing them with an added layer of nutrition and healthiness that perfectly complements the nutritional profile of seafood.
Balsamic Asparagus
For asparagus enthusiasts who pair their green stalks with fish, this balsamic-glazed asparagus is a must-try. Its sweet and tangy flavors will surely make it a staple on your dinner table. For those new to making balsamic glaze, don’t worry – the recipe’s link is provided for easy reference. Simply combine balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and butter to create this tasty condiment. This side dish pairs perfectly with crispy fried fish, elevating your meal to a whole new level.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
A culinary trifecta emerges when pairing Brussels Sprouts with balsamic vinegar, much like its asparagus counterpart. The addition of crispy bacon brings a satisfying textural element and a boost of protein. Furthermore, a drizzle of maple syrup imbues the dish with a subtle sweetness, effectively counterbalancing the tanginess from the vinegar.
Light Cabbage Slaw
The cabbage-carrot salad achieves the ideal balance between creaminess and healthiness, courtesy of just two tablespoons of mayo, a splash of oil, and a squeeze of vinegar. This harmonious blend not only tantalizes the taste buds but also keeps cholesterol levels in check. Furthermore, the addition of a crisp green apple introduces tangy and sweet notes that beautifully complement the other vegetables, creating a delightful synergy.
Creamed Collard Greens
Enveloped in a rich and velvety heavy cream sauce infused with the warmth of nutmeg, this collard green side dish is an indulgent accompaniment to your salmon or other meaty fish. The subtle yet distinctive flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for a well-rounded meal.
Roasted Radishes
Transform a mundane root vegetable roast into a vibrant culinary delight in just 20 minutes. With the subtle essence of garlic and a rich drizzle of balsamic glaze, this effortless preparation requires minimal time investment from you. This versatile recipe is equally impressive when paired with a variety of protein sources, including fish, which harmonizes beautifully with its natural sweetness.
Edamame Salad
In a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, crunchy edamame, crisp cucumbers, tender snap peas, and spring onions are harmoniously combined with a sweet soy and vinegar dressing. The addition of toasted sesame seeds lends an irresistible crunch to this delectable side dish.
Garlic Bok Choy
When it comes to Asian-inspired meals, I highly recommend pairing your fish with baby bok choy cooked in a way that brings out its natural lightness and nutritional value. The addition of sautéed garlic and shallots adds a depth of flavor, while the soy sauce provides a savory and slightly sweet seasoning. To take it to the next level, try incorporating sesame seeds towards the end of cooking for a delightful textural contrast. This simple yet flavorful combination is sure to elevate your dinner experience.
Roasted Carrots with Honey Mustard Glaze
Savoring the sweetness of roasted carrots has never been easier! With a tantalizing blend of olive oil, honey, garlic, rosemary, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this delectable glaze brings out the natural flavors of these crunchy vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal solution, this 35-minute recipe is sure to please even the pickiest palates.
Ginger Ale Glazed Carrots
Simplify your fish dinner with a sweet and easy side dish that requires only two ingredients: carrots and ginger ale. To achieve the perfect level of caramelization, the sugar content in the ginger ale reacts with the carrot slices, tenderizing them to perfection.
If you don’t have ginger ale on hand, you can substitute it with other lemon-based sodas like 7up, as long as they contain a sufficient amount of sugar. The goal is to replicate the caramelization process, resulting in carrots that are soft and flavorful.
Roasted Zucchini
Roasted zucchini recipes often require an arsenal of ingredients and hours of cooking time, but this particular dish bucks that trend. With only four essential components and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, it’s a game-changer for home cooks. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just combine sliced zucchinis with olive oil, spices, and a few other humble ingredients to create a deliciously healthy and low-carb accompaniment perfect for serving alongside your favorite fish dishes.
Healthy Side Dishes
For individuals seeking a nutritious and wholesome accompaniment to their meals, this option is an excellent choice. A healthy side dish that not only tastes great but also provides a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
To create a mouthwatering salad, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions in a bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. For an added depth of flavor, sprinkle with fresh basil and oregano leaves. To ensure the ultimate taste experience, use only ripe, garden-fresh ingredients. As an alternative, if cherry tomatoes are not available, substitute with diced plum or Roma tomatoes for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini
Stuffed zucchini boats are a staple on my dinner table, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe stands out for its harmonious blend of peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs, making it a true winner. The crowning glory is the addition of feta cheese and a drizzle of oil, which elevates these boats to an irresistible treat that’s sure to be devoured in one sitting.
Freekeh Salad
Freekeh’s unique characteristics, such as its nutty, chewy, and earthy flavor profile, make it an ideal addition to salads. Its subtle quinoa-like taste is a perfect complement to the bold flavors that typically accompany arugula-based salads. In fact, the peppery and slightly bitter notes of arugula are what make it so well-suited to pair with goat cheese, tomatoes, and grains like Freekeh.
Black Bean and Mango Salsa
When you combine black beans with the sweetness of mango, you’re left with a fresh, meaty, and super filling salsa that’s hard to resist. The addition of onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos only amplifies its lovability. This harmonious blend then takes on an even more refined flavor profile when seasoned olive oil and lime are tossed in, making it the perfect accompaniment to fish.
Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad
A medley of flavors comes together in this delightful salad, featuring grilled corn, onions, and asparagus, paired with tender white beans. The dish is elevated by a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, crunchy parsley, and the savory essence of crumbled feta cheese. Served warm, this salad truly shines, with the added bonus of achieving an even greater depth of flavor when the grilled vegetables are allowed to develop a subtle char.
Jalapeno Lime Corn Fritters
When it comes to creating fritters that pack a punch, the combination of jalapeño, green onions, and corn is a match made in heaven. The addition of parmesan cheese takes these bite-sized treats to the next level. To get the best results, it’s essential to use fresh corn kernels for their natural sweetness and texture. And let’s not forget about the importance of serving them with a tangy accompaniment like sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice – this trifecta of flavors is sure to elevate your fritter game.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
While the combination of mixed berries and mangoes might not immediately evoke thoughts of pairing with fish, I assure you that this fruit salad is truly exceptional. The sweet and tangy flavors, achieved through the perfect balance of honey, lime, and mint, create a delightful harmony. This salad is an unexpected yet outstanding addition to your brunch, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion. A small tip: this salad pairs remarkably well with delicate white fish, elevating its flavor profile to new heights.
Baked Avocado Fries
In contrast to their deep-fried counterparts, baked avocado ‘fries’ offer a remarkable combination of health benefits and indulgent flavor. These crispy bites are not only a healthier alternative but also packed with some of the most beneficial fats your body requires. The breaded coating, comprising egg and breadcrumbs, is complemented by a generous sprinkling of paprika, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy texture that’s both nutritious and delectable.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
The cauliflower dish is a true delight, bursting with the flavors of garlic, lime, and cilantro. Its light and fresh taste makes it an ideal accompaniment to any well-seasoned fish. The best part? This recipe is not only low in carbs but also quick to prepare, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a spontaneous gathering or simply looking for a healthy and tasty option, this cauliflower dish is sure to impress.