21 Rice Side Dishes for Salmon

Are you looking for some easy rice side dishes for salmon?

Salmon is one of the most popular fish to cook, and for good reason.

It’s flaky, juicy, and so flavorful.

But sometimes, it can be tough to know what to serve with salmon.

That’s where rice comes in!

Rice is the perfect side dish for salmon because it is so versatile.

You can make it plain or add in some vegetables, herbs, or cheese to really take it up a notch.

So if you are looking for some easy and delicious rice sides for salmon, then you are in the right place.

Related: What Sauce Goes with Salmon and Rice? (13 Best Sauces)

21 Rice Side Dishes for Salmon

I love salmon, and rice is just the perfect side dish to accompany it.

Here are three detailed reasons why:

• Rice is a blank canvas. You can season it however you like to complement your salmon, or simply let the natural flavors of the fish shine through.
• It’s an easy way to bulk up your meal. A little bit of rice goes a long way in filling you up, and it’s a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake.
• It’s versatile. You can make rice in so many different ways – from simple steamed rice to more complex dishes like risotto – and there’s sure to be a recipe out there that you’ll love just as much as your salmon.

With that said, here are 21 rice side dishes for salmon:

Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice

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I know it’s easier to just order take-out, but this easy fried rice recipe is so much better (and healthier) than anything you could get from a restaurant.

It’s packed with veggies and so much more flavorful.

And, it’s completely customizable.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand, and swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make it gluten-free or low-carb.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this dish even better:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra special touch.

Herb Lemon Rice

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Simple, tasty, herby, and bright, this herb lemon rice is the perfect side dish to any meal.

But it especially pairs well with salmon, as the acidity in the lemon helps to cut through the richness of the fish.

To make this dish even better, here are a few ideas:

• Sautee some chopped garlic along with the rice for extra flavor.
• Add in some diced onion or shallot for sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
• Squeeze in an extra lemon wedge right before serving.

Garlic Butter Rice

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Garlicky, buttery, and so flavorful, this garlic butter rice is the perfect side dish to any meal.

It’s simple to make and can be easily customized to fit your taste.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this dish even better:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Spanish Rice and Beans

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If you want your side dish extra filling, try this Spanish rice and beans recipe.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and so much better than anything you could get from a can.

And it only takes about 30 minutes to make!

Here’s a tip: if you want to add some extra protein to this dish, mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or lentils.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

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If you’re a cheese lover, this dish is for you.

It’s packed with sharp cheddar cheese and creamy broccoli, and it tastes amazing with salmon.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make.

You can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Here’s a tip: if you want extra-crispy salmon, cook it skin-side down in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

EASY and Flavorful Ranch Rice Side Dish

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When I say ‘easy‘ I mean it – this dish only requires 4 ingredients!

It’s a great way to jazz up a boring side of rice, and it pairs well with so many different main dishes.

My favorite way to enjoy this ranch rice is with a simple piece of baked salmon, but it would also be great with chicken, pork, or steak.

Here’s a tip: for extra flavor, use homemade ranch dressing in this recipe.

Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice

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Creamy doesn’t even begin to describe this dreamy side dish.

Buttery, garlicky, and infused with Parmesan cheese, this rice will quickly become your new go-to recipe.

It pairs perfectly with salmon, but would also be delicious with chicken or steak.

Here’s a tip: for extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Dirty Rice

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I’m sure you’ve tried rice a million different ways, but have you ever had it dirty?

Dirty rice is a Cajun classic that is traditionally made with chicken livers and gizzards.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to use chicken livers in this recipe.

Instead, we’ll be using ground beef for a heartier, more flavorful dish.

Here’s a tip: To really give this dish an authentic Cajun flavor, be sure to use Creole seasoning.

Black Beans and Cilantro-Lime Rice

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This Mexican-inspired rice dish is the perfect accompaniment to salmon (or any other protein, for that matter).

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

It’s packed with flavor from the cilantro and lime, and the black beans add a nice dose of protein and fiber.

Make it even better by stirring in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Here’s a tip: use leftover rice to make this dish.

It’ll save you time and ensure that your rice is nice and fluffy.

Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)

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Tomatoes are amazing in any form, but they’re especially delicious in this Portuguese Tomato Rice.

This dish is so fragrant and flavorful, you’d never guess it only has a few ingredients.

It’s the perfect side dish for salmon (or any other fish), and it comes together in just 30 minutes.

Here’s a tip: use canned tomatoes for ease and flavor.

Hawaiian Pineapple Rice

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If you like exotic flavors, you’ll love this Hawaiian-inspired pineapple rice.

The rice is cooked in chicken broth and pineapple juice, then topped with fresh pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and green onions.

It’s the perfect side dish for salmon, chicken, or pork.

Here’s a tip: for extra flavor, use leftover pineapple juice from the can of pineapple chunks to make a simple glaze for the salmon.

Just mix together equal parts pineapple juice and brown sugar, and brush it over the salmon before cooking.

Stick of Butter Rice

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If you’re looking for an easy, delicious side dish to serve with salmon, look no further than this stick of butter rice.

Yes, you read that right – a whole stick of butter.

But trust me, it’s what makes this rice so incredibly rich and flavorful.

My tip for making this dish even better is to cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

It adds an extra depth of flavor that takes it over the top.

Best Mexican Rice Side Dish

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Here’s another Mexican-inspired side dish that’s perfect for salmon (or any other protein, for that matter).

This rice is packed with flavor from diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, and garlic.

It’s also super easy to make – just sauté the veggies and rice in a little oil until tender, then stir in some chicken broth and let it all cook until the liquid is absorbed.

The best part?

You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Just be sure to add a little extra chicken broth when you reheat it so the rice doesn’t dry out.

Toasted Brown Rice with Mushrooms

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Mushrooms are great in any dish, but they really shine in this toasted brown rice recipe.

The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salmon.

And the toasted rice gives the dish a nice crunch.

Here’s a tip: if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice to make this dish even easier.

Vegan Cabbage and Rice

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When you’re vegan, sometimes it can be hard to find delicious and healthy sides that are also packed with protein.

This vegan cabbage and rice dish is not only flavorful and satisfying, but it’s also a great source of plant-based protein.

Plus, it’s super easy to make!

1. Simply sauté some chopped cabbage with onion and garlic, then add in cooked rice and season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper.
2. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious and healthy side that goes great with salmon (or any other entrée).

Here’s a tip: for extra flavor, try using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice.

Greek Lemon Rice

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When I visit Greece, one of my favorite things to eat is this Greek lemon rice.

It’s so fragrant and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with salmon.

The best part is that it’s so easy to make. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!

Here’s a tip: for extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.

Turmeric Rice

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Just look at this pretty rice!

It’s the perfect side to any meal, but especially delicious with salmon.

Turmeric rice is so simple to make, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have.

Just cook the rice according to package directions, then stir in some turmeric, salt, and pepper to taste.

For extra flavor, you can also stir in some cumin, garlic powder, or green onions.

Here’s a tip: if you’re using white rice, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to really make the colors pop.

Wild Rice Pilaf (Dairy Free, Vegan)

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Here’s another vegan-friendly and dairy-free recipe for all you salmon lovers out there.

This wild rice pilaf is the perfect side dish to complement your fish.

It’s packed with healthy ingredients like mushrooms, kale, and almonds, and it gets its creaminess from coconut milk.

One tip: if you want to make this dish even more flavorful, try cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water.

Creamy Coconut Curry Rice With Vegetables (Vegan)

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I love coconut, and I love curry, so this recipe for creamy coconut curry rice with vegetables is a winner in my book!

It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.

I like to use frozen peas and carrots, but you could also use diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even green beans.

The key to making this dish extra-flavorful is to cook the rice in vegetable broth instead of water.

It might seem like a small change, but it makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.

Taco Rice Side Dish

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You HAVE to try this taco rice side dish!

It’s so flavorful and easy to make, and it pairs perfectly with salmon.

The best part?

You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Here’s a tip: if you want your rice to be extra crispy, cook it in a cast iron skillet.

Basmati Rice Pilaf

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Simple, filling, and satisfying, this basmati rice pilaf is the perfect side dish to any meal.

Basmati rice is a long grain rice that originates from India.

It’s known for its nutty flavor and delicate, fluffy texture.

This recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor.

The key to making the perfect basmati rice pilaf is to toast the rice in a little bit of oil before adding the water.

This helps to lock in the flavor and prevent the rice from sticking together.

Here’s a tip: when cooking basmati rice, be sure to rinse it several times before adding it to the pot.

Rinsing the rice helps to remove any excess starch that can make the rice sticky or clumpy.