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What to Serve with Smoked Salmon: 31 Best Sides

When you think of smoked salmon (assuming you are familiar with the fish and the delicacy it provides), certain sides, sauces, wine, fruits, herbs, and condiments probably come to mind.

But have you ever given consideration to what is the best pairing for smoked salmon?

Read Also: Smoked Salmon Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Smoked Salmon

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon

Perhaps you haven’t because it’s not just one that easily comes to mind.

But maybe I can get you on your way.

I’m talking recipes, wine pairings, fruits, spices, herbs, and creams — all great options for serving with the king of smoked fish.

If you’re wondering what to eat with smoked salmon, I recommend you read this post.

Table of Contents

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon: 31 Best Sides

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is one of the most popular food delights in the world.

It seems that everyone loves this tasty fish and will eat almost anything coupled with it.

If you like to prepare smoked salmon, then you have probably tasted it paired up with different side dishes.

But what do you serve with smoked salmon?

What combinations actually taste the best?

1. Tomato Salad

Tomato Salad

Salmon’s oiliness and high fat content complement the acidity and moisture of ripe tomatoes.

For example, try serving smoked salmon on toast topped with tomato salad, made from fresh Roma tomatoes cut into chunks and tossed with basil, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Alternatively, serve slices of smoked salmon alongside wedges of heirloom tomato drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.

You can also turn this into a lobster roll style lunch by piling the tomato salad onto toasted slices of sourdough bread along with thinly sliced cucumber and microgreens or sprouts.

Related post: What to Serve with Salmon

2. Kale Salad

Kale Salad

If you’re looking for a healthy side to go with your smoked salmon, kale salad is always a good choice.

It’s easy to prepare, and it will make you feel like you’re eating at one of the trendiest restaurants in town.

To make this side dish, you’ll need curly kale, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt and parmesan cheese.

Toss all of the ingredients together and enjoy!

3. Lemon Garlic Pasta

Lemon Garlic Pasta

When you want pasta as a side but don’t want to fill up on carbs, this lemon garlic pasta is a great option. This light and easy recipe is perfect for taking your salmon dinner to the next level.

4. Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Green beans are a great choice when you need an easy side that cooks quickly.

This Buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe is one of our favorites.

The garlic and buttery flavors add a little something extra that everyone loves!

5. Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes

Roasted potatoes

Rosemary is a strong herb, so it really complements the flavor of the smoked salmon.

The flavor is enhanced by the addition of Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.

These roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg small waxy potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 sprigs rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 50g grated parmesan

Directions:

  1. Heat the oven to 190C/170C.
  2. Parboil the potatoes for 5 mins.
  3. Drain and leave to steam dry for a min.
  4. Toss with the rest of the ingredients in a roasting tin, season and roast for 30-35 mins until golden and crisp.

6. Lemon Butter Broccolini

Lemon Butter Broccolini

The trick to cooking broccolini is to not overcook it.

Broccolini is a “cross” between broccoli and Chinese kale, and it requires less cooking time than broccoli.

It has a milder, slightly sweeter taste than broccoli.

I steam broccolini in the microwave for 3 minutes; then I saute it in butter and lemon juice for 1 minute.

That’s it! It goes perfectly with smoked salmon, especially if you like a little crunch with your salmon.

You can also use broccoli rabe or asparagus if you prefer, or offer both broccolini and asparagus for variety.

7. Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

This dish is a refreshing break from the usual pasta salad, yet still substantial enough to be filling.

The peanut sauce is light, but adds tons of flavor.

It’s also dairy free for those with lactose intolerance, and gluten-free if you use gluten-free noodles.

8. Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy

Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy

This simple side dish is not only delicious but also quite healthy.

It takes on a new life when tossed with smoked salmon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 pounds baby bok choy, cut lengthwise into quarters

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot.
  2. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Add the bok choy and cook until it starts to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side for a fish dinner.

They’re quick and easy, and they’re great for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb brussels sprouts, washed and de-stemmed
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut your sprouts in half lengthwise, then toss them with olive oil on a baking sheet to coat.
  3. Add salt and pepper over the top, then roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until your sprouts are nice and crispy.
  4. Serve warm with your salmon!

10. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

One of my favorite foods (ever) is cilantro lime rice and smoked salmon!

The freshness of the lime juice paired with lightly charred corn adds a sweet and summery flavor to this rice dish.

11. Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

For something lighter than a potato side dish, try asparagus.

We love it with a classic hollandaise sauce, but you can also shake things up by trying a different sauce or topping.

12. Asian Coleslaw

Asian Coleslaw

A vibrant, tangy slaw is an ideal companion for any salmon meal.

Use whatever vegetables you like in this recipe — it even works with shredded carrots or broccoli slaw.

13. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A creamy risotto is one of my favorite side dishes to add to almost any meal.

If you want to make this risotto gluten free, use rice wine vinegar instead of white wine.

14. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

This couscous salad is easy to make and it’s packed with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

It’s great on its own, but it’s even better served with smoked or grilled fish.

15. Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar Snap Peas

These tasty little morsels are a perfect way to add a pop of color to your smoked salmon presentation.

In addition to eye-pleasing aesthetic appeal, sugar snap peas are also packed with Vitamin C, which is essential for immune health.

16. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are one of my favorite side dishes ever.

They’re easy to prepare, they taste great even without the salmon, and they really bring out the flavor of smoked salmon.

The honey provides just a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the fishy flavor of salmon without making it too sweet.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 pound baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with honey.
  2. Add carrots and water; cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.

17. Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes

The potatoes are roasted to perfection with lemon juice and garlic.

These roasted red potatoes are a perfect side dish for any occasion.

They are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them a favorite among many!

Ingredients:

  • 1½ pounds small red potatoes, washed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Place potato halves on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, toss to coat.
  5. Arrange in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

18. Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Almost nothing goes better with smoked salmon than roasted broccoli.

Bring out the flavor of this dish by adding one part olive oil and three parts balsamic vinegar, plus grated parmesan cheese and seasoning.

Roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the broccoli is soft, then serve as an appetizer or side dish with the smoked salmon.

19. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes you just want a simple side to go with your salmon.

These roasted sweet potatoes fit the bill perfectly.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A and fiber, so they’re a healthy option, and they’re inexpensive, too.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, toss together the uncooked cubed sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Spread in one even layer on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until tender, stirring once halfway through cooking time.

20. Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
Source: delish.com

We love the sweet, earthy taste of these baby carrots.

They are easy to prepare, and you can let them cook while you’re busy assembling the rest of the meal.

You’ll need a large saucepan, a colander, a large mixing bowl, and a roasting pan.

This dish serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds baby carrots, trimmed, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat.
  3. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  4. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool.
  5. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with oil, vinegar, thyme leaves, salt and pepper.
  6. Spread evenly into roasting pan and roast until browned around edges and tender when pierced with fork, stirring occasionally during cooking process.

21. Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Pesto Zucchini Noodles

You may have seen zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta in many recipes.

Zucchini noodles, also called “zoodles,” are a great alternative to regular noodles if you’re looking for something that’s low-carb, gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

22. Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the healthiest vegetables around, and its flavor stands up to heavy flavors like those found in smoked salmon.

Preparation:

  1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse and dry the asparagus stalks.
  3. Break off the tough ends and place the asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking time.
  6. Remove from the oven, squeeze lemon over the asparagus and toss again before serving.

23. Sesame Rice

Sesame Rice

A simple bowl of plain white rice is a great accompaniment to any salmon meal.

Add a sprinkling of sesame seeds to the cooked rice before serving to jazz up its flavor.

Serve with lemon wedges so your guests can add extra zing if required.

24. Cucumber Dill Salad

Cucumber Dill Salad

A refreshing side to the rich salmon, this cucumber dill salad is a bright tasting side dish.

It is a great option for parties since it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

25. Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds

Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds
Source: onceuponachef.com

A little sweetness plays well with smoked fish.

This side dish is rich and nutty, and the addition of dried fruits makes it feel like a real treat!

26. Watercress Salad

Watercress Salad

Watercress makes an excellent partner for smoked fish because it has a slightly peppery flavor.

Add some tomato slices (or cherry tomatoes) and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for an easy summer side dish.

27. Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Another healthy option is creamy asparagus pasta.

This dish is quick and easy to make and pairs well with smoked salmon.

You’ll need pasta noodles, asparagus, cream cheese and butter.

The asparagus will soak up the creamy sauce for a rich flavor you won’t be able to resist!

28. Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower

This cruciferous veggie is both delicious and low in calories — one cup only has 25 calories.

Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture that pairs well with smoked salmon.

29. Potato Salad

Potato Salad

The classic potato salad gets a makeover when you use smoked salmon instead of bacon or ham.

The smoky flavor of the fish complements the creamy dressing and firm potatoes. You can serve this dish year-round as an entree or side dish.

30. Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast

This classic brunch food has been spruced up over the years and for good reason.

Avocado toast is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

I like to add a little bit of extra protein by adding smoked salmon on top.

31. Farro Salad

Farro Salad

Farro salad is one of my favorite side dishes because it’s so easy to make!

All you need is farro, kale, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan cheese for an incredible meal that will leave everyone satisfied (and wanting more).

What Bread to Serve with Smoked Salmon

What Bread to Serve with Smoked Salmon

If you’re serving smoked salmon, you’re probably trying to make a good impression. So you want to serve the best of the best with it.

Luckily for you, there are many different options for what kind of bread to serve with smoked salmon.

Here are five of them:

1. Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel bread

This type of bread is perfect for those who prefer a darker, less sweet flavor.

Pairing it with smoked salmon will complement the lightness of the fish without overwhelming it.

2. Water bagel

Water bagel

This is another good choice if you want something a little more savory than sweet on your plate.

It has a crunchy crust and chewy interior that makes it ideal for pairing with smoked salmon (or cream cheese!)

3. Ciabatta roll

Ciabatta roll

If you’re looking for something lighter than pumpernickel or waterbagels, ciabatta rolls are perfect because they have no crust at all!

They’re also usually thinner than other types of bread so they won’t take up as much space on your plate as other options might.

4. Rye

Rye bread

Rye bread has just enough nuttiness to go with the muskiness of the salmon and a hearty crust that can stand up even if you spread on some cream cheese or lemon juice.

5. Multigrain Bread

Multigrain Bread

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, multigrain bread is a great option.

It’s usually made with whole wheat flour and other grains, like oats and flaxseeds, which helps balance out the richness of smoked salmon.

Try it topped with hummus or roasted red peppers for extra flavor!

What Sauce to Serve with Smoked Salmon

What Sauce to Serve with Smoked Salmon

If you’re lucky enough to have salmon in your fridge, you’re probably looking for the perfect sauce to go with it.

But don’t worry—there are plenty of options.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best sauces to serve with smoked salmon:

1. Dill Sauce

Dill Sauce

This simple sauce takes only 3 ingredients, but makes a huge impact on your smoked salmon.

It’s an easy sauce to make and you can use dried spices instead of fresh dill if that’s all you have on hand.

Serve this over any kind of smoked salmon, but it pairs especially well with a maple-glazed salmon.

2. Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce

Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce

This sauce is similar to the first one, but has more of a kick from the addition of lemon juice and zest.

It’s rich and creamy and tastes great served cold over cold smoked salmon or hot over warm smoked salmon.

Pair it with other seafood dishes for a fresh twist on your favorite foods!

3. Soy sauce

Soy sauce

This might seem like an odd pairing for a smoked fish, but soy sauce can bring out the sweetness in anything.

Drizzle it on top of your fish and then mix it in with fresh herbs like dill to give it an extra kick.

You could also try adding some lemon juice if you want something less salty than soy sauce.

4. Gribiche

Gribiche

Gribiche is basically a delicious mayo-based sauce that has chopped hard-boiled eggs, capers, and tarragon in it.

It’s usually served cold with fish and meats, but there’s no reason not to put it on your salmon.

5. Tomato Sauce

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is the perfect compliment to most seafood, including smoked salmon, and it’s easy to make so that it goes perfectly on top of your fish.

Try a simple homemade tomato basil sauce by sautéing garlic and adding fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

You can also try using fresh pomodoro sauce or an olive oil-based tomato sauce from a jar as an easy option.

6. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri originates in Argentinian and is a favorite sauce there.

It’s a green sauce made with parsley, garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes.

It’s perfect for smoked salmon because it’s so fresh and light.

And it tastes great on any other grilled or roasted meats as well.

7. Tarragon Sauce

Tarragon Sauce
Source: thespruceeats.com

Tarragon, a sweet and delicate herb, pairs well with the rich flavor of smoked salmon.

It also goes well with other seafood, such as fried oysters and broiled crab.

Tarragon sauce works just as well with poultry, veal and lamb dishes as it does with seafood.

8. Horseradish Cream Sauce

Horseradish Cream Sauce

You can buy horseradish cream sauce in most grocery stores, but it’s also fairly easy and inexpensive to make at home.

Combine one cup of sour cream, ⅔ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, and two tablespoons of grated fresh horseradish in a mixing bowl and mix well.

Add salt and pepper to taste and chill before use.

This will keep for about five days in your refrigerator.

What Wine to Serve with Smoked Salmon

What Wine to Serve with Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delectable treat.

It’s succulent and luscious, without being too rich or fatty.

Because of its mild taste, smoked salmon goes well with a wide range of wines. So, what wine should you serve with smoked salmon?

The answer depends on what kind of salmon you serve and how you intend to pair it.

For example, if you’re serving cold sea-salted salmon, the wine will likely be chilled as well to make sure the flavors don’t mix.

1. Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Smoked salmon is fatty and rich tasting, so it can handle a big wine without getting overwhelmed.

Chardonnay fits the bill perfectly.

The buttery-oaky flavor profile of a chardonnay like Clos Pegase Mitsuko’s Vineyard Chardonnay goes particularly well with smoked salmon.

2. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

This dry, crisp white wine is often sold as Fumé Blanc and is usually very affordable.

You’ll find it in the supermarket and most wine shops.

While not everybody loves the taste of Sauvignon Blanc, this makes a good choice because it pairs very well with smoked salmon and other seafood dishes.

3. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

A classic pairing, Pinot Noir is a great option for smoked salmon.

Rich enough in flavor to stand up to the smoky fish, but light-bodied enough not to overwhelm it, Pinot Noir is a delicious choice.

Go for a New Zealand Pinot Noir for smokier salmon; for milder salmon, opt for an Oregon or California Pinot Noir.

4. Beaujolais

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a wine made from Gamay grapes grown in the region of France of the same name.

It’s a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with fatty smoked salmon dishes because it is light, bright, and has a refreshing acidity.

5. Merlot

Merlot

Merlot is a very versatile grape, and it pairs well with many different dishes.

Because of its soft texture, it can pair with rich foods, such as smoked salmon.

Merlot is also paired with pork and duck because of the tannins in the grape that complement the fat in those meats.

6. Riesling

Riesling

Riesling is a white wine that can be sweet or dry, although most have a touch of sweetness to them that pairs beautifully with the salty smokiness of salmon.

Look for German Rieslings with “Spätlese” on the label for the best value in these wines.

They are generally fruity without being too sweet and have enough acidity to balance their flavor perfectly with smoked salmon.

7. Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a white wine that originates from Germany and France’s Alsace region.

This sweet white wine goes very well with cold smoked salmon dishes because it provides a nice balance for the fish’s oiliness and smokiness.

8. Champagne

Champagne

Champagne has some fruity characteristics that are similar to Beaujolais, but it’s slightly more acidic and crisp.

The acidity helps cut through the oiliness of smoked salmon dishes, while the fruit notes accentuate many of the flavors you get from a smoked salmon dish.

Smoked Salmon Appetizers

Smoked Salmon Appetizers

You can’t go wrong with smoked salmon on a bagel, but there are many other ways to enjoy this delectable fish.

Try your hand at making Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches or serve Smoked Salmon Pinwheels as an appetizer.

Barbecue Turkey and Smoked Salmon Pizza is another twist to the classic combination of salmon and cream cheese.

These recipes create a wonderful base for any sort of smoked salmon dish.

Smoked Salmon Entrees

Smoked Salmon Entrees

Try serving smoked salmon as an entree for a fancy dinner or as a hearty sandwich for lunch.

You can’t go wrong if you stick with classic recipes like Creamed Spinach with Smoked Salmon or a Healthy Bagel.

You can also get creative with recipes like Smoked Salmon Pot Pie or Pasta with Tomato-Smoked Salmon Sauce.

These recipes are sure to be crowd-pleasers no matter what the occasion!

How to Serve Side Dishes with Smoked Salmon

How to Serve Side Dishes with Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredient.

You can savor it on its own or serve it with different side dishes for an extra touch of flavor.

Here are some tips for serving sides with smoked salmon:

1. Serve with Healthy Sides

Smoked salmon is a healthy ingredient that’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

For this reason, you should pair your smoked salmon with healthy sides that are low in fat and salt.

Plain mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables are two popular choices to consider.

2. Serve with Starchy Sides

If you want to create a heartier meal, then you should consider serving starchy side dishes along with your smoked salmon.

Some excellent choices include pasta, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and farro.

These foods contain complex carbohydrates that help supply energy to the body while keeping blood sugar levels stable.

3. Serve with Creamy Sauces

creamy sauces

Creamy sauces can help balance out the salty flavor of smoked fish by adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Dill sauce , lemon cream sauce , and cucumber yogurt sauce are three popular options to consider.

Serve them alongside your smoked salmon for rich, bold flavors.

4. Think About What Works Well with Salmon Flavor

A nice acidic white wine or champagne can really compliment the smokiness of the fish, while other standard drinks like beer or soda can be icky alongside seafood.

As for food, try sticking to the classics: cucumber salad and rice are both simple, tasty dishes that bring out the best in salmon.

It’s tempting to go all out and make a really fancy, impressive side dish when you’re serving something as tasty as smoked salmon.  

5. Don’t Get Too Complicated

However, this can backfire if you use too many spices or overpowering flavors in your side dish.  

You’ll end up distracting from the delicate flavor of the smoked salmon.

6. Go Light and Bright

Try to pick a side that is light, fresh, and bright in flavor.

This will help balance out the richness of the smoked salmon without overwhelming it or making it seem heavy.

7. A Little Crunch Goes a Long Way

A light salad with some crunchy green veggies like spinach or romaine lettuce is one of our favorite sides for smoked salmon.  

The fresh vegetables add some nice texture and crispness that contrasts nicely with the tender fish.

13 Benefits of Serving Side Dishes with Smoked Salmon

Side dishes are a great way to add some balance and variety to your meal.

Here are some of the benefits of serving side dishes with smoked salmon:

1. More Variety

While smoked salmon can be delicious on its own, adding a few side dishes can help to provide some variety to your meal.

This will allow guests to try different foods while they’re eating and make the meal feel more substantial.

2. Better Texture

Smoked salmon has a very rich taste and texture.

Adding a light side dish, such as a fresh salad or some fresh fruit, can help to balance out the tastes and textures of the meal, making for a better experience overall.

3. Better Nutrition

Nutrition

Serving side dishes with smoked salmon is also beneficial if you want to increase the nutrition value of the meal.

By adding things like fruit, vegetables, or whole grains alongside this dish, you can make the entire meal healthier for your guests.

4. It’s Quick and Easy to Prepare

Most people don’t have time to prepare a full course meal every night and that’s why they prefer something that’s ready-made like a salad or pasta dish.

These types of foods can be prepared in just a few minutes and are very convenient for those who work long hours during the week.

The key here is not only convenience but also flavor because you want something that will taste good when mixed together with your main course instead of just being bland by itself.

5. It Makes Your Meal More Filling

When smoked salmon is served as an appetizer, it is often in the form of thin slices on a piece of toast or cracker.

This does not have to be the case!

You can make your smoked salmon into a filling and satisfying meal by pairing it with other mashed potatoes, pasta or steamed vegetables.

You will end up serving more food and your guests will feel fuller at the end of their meals, which is always a good thing!

6. It Makes Your Meal Look More Enticing

It Makes Your Meal Look More Enticing

The look of your food is just as important as how it tastes.

When you serve your smoked salmon with side dishes like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, you will create a more attractive presentation.

Your guests will be drawn to the color and texture contrast between the salmon and the other foods on their plates.

7. Adds Flavor to The Dish

Smoked salmon is naturally flavorful, so it doesn’t need a lot of help in this department.

However, if you want to really boost the flavor of your smoked salmon dish, you can do so by adding complementary side dishes.

For example, adding a salad or fresh vegetables can provide additional flavors and textures and help balance out the richness of the smoked salmon.

8. It Can Help Break up The Saltiness of The Salmon

While most people love the taste of smoked salmon on its own, there’s no denying that it is rather salty.

This is not a bad thing, but some may want to break up the saltiness with other sides.

Adding in side dishes can do just this and give your meal a nice balance of flavors.

9. Makes Use of Leftover Ingredients

If you have some extra vegetables or other items in your refrigerator, it will be easy for you to turn them into something that tastes great with smoked salmon.

You can add things like broccoli, spinach and other cooked vegetables to dishes that will help them taste better and more colorful.

10. Sides Allow You to Get Creative and Make a Unique Dish

Smoked salmon tastes great on its own and you can serve it with any type of side dish that you want; however, if you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of unique smoked salmon recipes out there that use interesting combinations of sides.

These recipes will allow you to get creative in the kitchen and try something new and different!

11. It Can Help Round out Your Meal

You don’t always need a full meal for dinner – sometimes just some crackers and cheese with some smoked salmon will do!

But if you’re looking for something more substantial, then try adding sides like potatoes or steamed vegetables to complete your meal!

12. It’s a Good Way to Introduce New Foods

Serving side dishes with smoked salmon can be the best way to introduce new foods to your family and friends.

For instance, you could serve this type of fish with broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

This way, if you want your children to eat more vegetables, you can serve them with this delicious fish.

13. It’s a Good Way to Reduce the Amount of Meat You Eat

Some people who are trying to lose weight or reduce their intake of meat will find that serving side dishes with smoked salmon is a great way to achieve both of these goals.

This is because the fish contains protein and healthy fats that help keep you full for longer periods of time.

Therefore, even though you may be eating less meat than usual, you won’t feel as hungry after eating it as you would if you were eating more meat at once.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Questions to Ask Yourself

Smoked salmon is one of those foods that is delicious on its own, but even better in combination with some other tasty side dishes.

Before serving smoked salmon with side dishes, here are some questions to ask yourself:

What Kind of Smoked Salmon Am I Using?

There are a few different types of smoked salmon—hot-smoked, cold-smoked, and gravlax—and each has its own particular flavor and texture.

So the first thing you should consider is what type of smoked salmon you’re using and what flavors you want to complement it.

What Are My Guests Looking For?

If your guests are looking for a quick bite, they might not be interested in a full meal.

On the other hand, if you’re hosting a dinner party or family get-together, they’ll probably be more interested in sitting down to eat.

Either way, make sure your guests know what’s coming so they can decide how hungry they are.

What Is the Weather Like?

If it’s warm outside, consider serving something lighter like salad or soup. But if it’s cold outside, go for something heartier like roasted vegetables or pasta.

Are There Any Kids Coming?

If so, consider something milder and more kid-friendly.

FAQ

What Kind of Crackers to Serve with Smoked Salmon?

Smoked salmon is a perfect dish for entertaining, but it can be tricky to pair with a savory side dish. Crackers are a great option because they offer a sweet and salty combination.

Cucumbers or chips are the perfect choice, as they are both crunchy and refreshing.

However, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you can opt for cheese crackers.

What Cheese Goes Well with Smoked Salmon?

The creamy flavor of smoked salmon pairs well with cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese and gouda.

Use the cheese to top crackers or breads to make canapes or roll it up with the smoked salmon for bite-sized appetizer bites.

Smoked salmon stirrers are another popular way to combine the two flavors; spear cubes of smoked salmon between pieces of cheese, cucumber and olive on toothpicks for an easy appetizer.

What Herbs Go Well with Smoked Salmon?

Herbs can play a big role in adding flavor to your smoked salmon. Some of the most popular include rosemary, dill, cilantro, and basil.

For a light and refreshing flavor, you may want to try mint or parsley.

What Fruits Go Well with Smoked Salmon?

There are a lot of fruits that go well with smoked salmon, including apples, pears, grapes, melon, bananas, kiwis, and berries.

A variety of fruits can work together to create a unique flavor combination.

What Condiments Go Well with Smoked Salmon?

While a simple bagel and cream cheese is a classic pairing, you may want to consider serving smoked salmon with a few different condiments.

Smoked salmon is best served with a dill cream cheese spread or a caper and lemon cream cheese spread. Both are quick to make and pair well with the salmon.

Another condiment to try is a mustard and horseradish spread. This is a classic combination that will enhance the flavor of the salmon.

Related:

What to Serve with Pan Fried Salmon (14 Easy Sides)

13 Best Salads to Go with Salmon

What Vegetables Go Well with Salmon? 24 Best Veggies

What to Serve with Stuffed Salmon: 12 Best Side Dishes

What to Serve with Pesto Salmon: 15 Easy Sides

15 Easy Pasta Side Dishes for Salmon

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon: 31 Best Sides

If you’re looking for a dish that goes well with smoked salmon, choose something that’s light and has a similar flavor profile.
For example, if you’re serving a potato dish, choose one that is light and fluffy and doesn’t have a lot of heavy flavors like bacon.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Tomato Salad
  • Kale Salad
  • Lemon Garlic Pasta
  • Buttery Garlic Green Beans
  • Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes
  • Lemon Butter Broccolini
  • Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
  • Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
  • Asian Coleslaw
  • Creamy Mushroom Risotto
  • Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Honey Glazed Carrots
  • Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes
  • Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
  • Pesto Zucchini Noodles
  • Lemon Roasted Asparagus
  • Sesame Rice
  • Cucumber Dill Salad
  • Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds
  • Watercress Salad
  • Creamy Asparagus Pasta
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Potato Salad
  • Avocado Toast
  • Farro Salad
  • Pumpernickel
  • Water bagel
  • Ciabatta roll
  • Rye
  • Multigrain Bread

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite side dish on this list to serve with your salmon dinner.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy your meal in no time!
Keyword What to Serve with Smoked Salmon
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.