What to Serve with Blackened Salmon: 25+ Perfect Side Dishes
Enjoying a spicy, crisp piece of blackened salmon can be a real delight. Yet you might wonder what to serve with blackened salmon to balance its bold taste.
I love the way blackened seasoning adds a punch of flavor and a slightly charred blackened crust.
A fillet of salmon made this way pairs nicely with many sides. Whether it’s a fresh salad or a hearty starchy side, it’s easy to pick the perfect match.
Let’s look at some delicious ideas that elevate your salmon dish to new heights. Get inspired!
What Is Blackened Salmon?
Blackened salmon is salmon fillet coated in a savory blackened seasoning. This blend often includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. The fish sears in a hot pan, forming a crispy, flavorful crust.
What to Serve with Blackened Salmon?
Now, I will show you a wide variety of side dishes, including vegetable side dishes, potatoes, easy salads, rice and grains, pasta, plus salsas and extra sides. Enjoy!
Vegetable Side Dishes
Vegetable sides add color, crunch, and fresh flavors. They complement the spicy blackened fish with brightness. I enjoy pairing them to lighten each mouthful. Perfectly.
- Lemon Roasted Asparagus: I adore crisp asparagus cooked with lemon and a bit of garlic powder. This easy recipe brings brightness to your plate. It offsets the blackened crust for a balanced meal.
- Sauteed Kale: Green leaves add a flavor boost to your blackened fish plate. I add minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, fine sea salt and olive oil. The result pairs well with Salmon filets for a healthy side dish full of flavor.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: I love roasting Brussels sprouts in a cast iron skillet with a small bowl of olive oil, salt, and pepper. They become crispy and bring a contrast to blackened fish.
- Sauteed Green Beans: Sauté fresh green beans with garlic or onion powder for a zing. This side dish stays tender-crisp. It highlights the flavorful spices in blackened salmon without overpowering your taste buds.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roast broccoli florets with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of blackened seasoning mixture. They turn slightly charred and delicious. The smoky hints pair nicely with spicy blackened fish.
- Sauteed Zucchini: I find zucchini so pleasant in a hot pan. A bit of cayenne pepper adds a kick. This vegetable side dish offers a light, fresh partner for blackened salmon fillets.
Potatoes Side Dishes
Potatoes provide a comforting base. They soak up sauce or spice from blackened salmon. You can pick baked, crispy, or mashed forms to suit taste.
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: I chop potatoes, add seasoning, and roast them until golden. The parmesan cheese forms a crispy top. These potatoes bring a rich texture that balances the heat of blackened fish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Garlic mashed potatoes are soft and buttery. I love that they offer contrast to the bold blackening spice. This classic side dish goes with salmon is always comforting and flavorful.
- Smashed Fingerling Potatoes: These little spuds turn amazing when smashed and roasted. Crisp edges add a bite. The mild potato flavor helps cool the spicy blackened seasoning on any salmon recipe you choose.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato: I slice sweet potatoes and air fry them. The natural sweetness works against the peppery blackened crust. This easy recipe yields a guilt-free treat that partners well with salmon fillets.
- French Fries: French fries are a classic side dish. They’re crispy, salty, and I enjoy dipping them in a tangy sauce while savoring every bite of spicy blackened fish or salmon tacos.
Easy Salads
Salads offer a refreshing break from the hot pan flavors of blackened fish. They bring crunch, bright dressings, and fresh produce that elevates salmon fillet.
- Simple Green Salad: A green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato feels light. It features a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette. That freshness complements a blackened crust on salmon or white fish.
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: Shaved Brussels sprouts and toss them in a creamy Caesar dressing. The tangy taste cuts through the spicy blackened seasoning. I appreciate how it delivers a crisp texture in each bite.
- Fresh Citrus Salad: Oranges and grapefruit add so much color to your plate. I toss them with avocado for creaminess. This vibrant salad cuts the heat from a spicy blackened salmon fillet instantly.
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad: Cucumber, tomato, and avocado come together in less than minutes. I add a pinch of onion powder for depth. This easy recipe tastes bright, pairing with blackened salmon or cod.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw helps tone down the intense spice blend that blackens the salmon. I adore the crunchy texture, which works perfectly alongside a hot salmon fillet always.
- Avocado Corn Salad: Avocado and corn team up for a creamy combo. I toss them with lime juice and paprika. This side dish bursts with flavor against blackened salmon or leftover salmon fillets.
Rice and Grain Sides
Rice and grains add a hearty element to your meal. They capture drippings from the blackened fish, making each bite luscious. Enjoy these side options.
- Lemon Rice: Lemon rice smells so fresh. I stir the grains with lemon zest and a dash of spice. This dish acts as a bright canvas that highlights blackened salmon’s robust flavors.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fresh herbs and tangy lime juice wake up plain rice. The cilantro’s herbal taste goes well with blackened seasoning on salmon. It’s an easy recipe to make this blackened salmon shine.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa Pilaf is a protein-packed base for blackened fish. I simmer quinoa with onion powder and thyme, giving it a lovely aroma. It stands up well to the salmon’s bold spice.
- Couscous Salad: Tiny pasta pearls mix with roasted veggies and fresh herbs. The light, fluffy texture feels fancy but takes minutes to make. Mediterranean flavors work magic with salmon.
- Crispy Chickpea Croutons: I roast chickpeas with cayenne pepper and onion powder until crunchy. These spicy bites double as croutons over salads or grains. Their nutty texture contrasts a moist, blackened salmon fillet.
- Hoppin’ John: Hoppin’ John combines black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon for a rich bite. The smoky elements match well with the blackened salmon. It’s a satisfying side dish that you’ll want to try.
Pasta Dishes
Pasta adds warmth. It’s perfect when you want to twirl noodles alongside your salmon. Choose bright or creamy sauces to enhance the overall blackening spices.
- Cajun Pasta Salad: This is a cool option loaded with Cajun flavors. I toss cooked pasta with onion powder, garlic, and a creamy dressing. It matches the spicy blackened salmon with tangy zest.
- Pesto Pasta: This pasta tastes herbal and fresh. I love how basil sauce softens the heat from the salmon’s blackened seasoning. This pairing adds depth without stealing the spotlight from your fish.
- Lemon Garlic Pasta: It sparkles with citrus. I cook the noodles, then toss them in butter, lemon juice, and garlic. This bright dish works well alongside a nicely blackened salmon filet.
- Mac and Cheese: A comforting baked mac and cheese stands strong next to blackened fish. The creamy sauce tames the bold spices. It’s a crowd-pleasing side for those who love comfort food indeed.
Salsa and Additional Sides
Salsa add zing, while extra sides like muffins or mashed veggies bring variety. These picks complement the spicy blackening process and keep your meal interesting.
- Fresh Mango Salsa: This salsa is a burst of sweetness. I combine diced mango, red onion, red bell peppers, cilantro and lime. It cools the heat from blackened fish and adds bright color to your meal plate.
- Mashed Cauliflower: This creamy side mimics mashed potatoes but cuts the carbs. I like adding garlic powder for flavor. This healthy side dish contrasts the blackened salmon for a guilt-free way to indulge.
- Pineapple Salsa: This fruity topping is bright and tropical. I combine pineapple chunks, jalapeño, and onion powder. It’s a unique side that balances the savory, spicy blackened crust on your salmon fillets.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins taste with blackened salmon. I appreciate the crumbly texture that complements the tender fish. This classic side dish also pairs well with other blackened fish or seafood.
- Fresh Corn Salsa: I dice fresh corn kernels, peppers, and onions. A squeeze of lime ties it all together. This salsa steps up the flavor to your meal with blackened fish or salmon.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right sides for blackened salmon can transform a good dinner into a great feast. I hope these ideas inspire you to experiment with different flavors.
Whether you choose vegetables, potatoes, salads, grains, or pasta, everything pairs beautifully with that smoky blackened crust. By balancing heat with freshness, you’ll create a memorable meal.
From mashed cauliflower to zesty citrus salads, there’s always something new to try.
Enjoy the variety and watch your salmon shine on the plate. Your taste buds will thank you, so, dig in and have fun!
