23 Essential Sides for Salmon

Salmon is one of our favorite weeknight proteins and for good reason—it is super versatile, heart healthy and cooks up quickly. It's a no-brainer addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Alas, salmon, alone, does not equal a full meal. That's where we come in. Once you’ve decided on a salmon recipe, choose one of these veggies or grains to serve alongside—and you’ll have a complete (and perfectly paired) meal. One of our favorite choices? This healthy cauliflower rice; it’s quick and simple—and the light, lemony flavor is an excellent complement to seafood.

Smashed potatoes require a little extra effort, but they are seriously worth the additional step. Boiling the spuds before smashing and roasting them on a sheet pan results in potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They really are so delicious!

Asparagus is a perfect side for salmon — it's crisp, bright and cooks up fairly quickly. Here, we're steaming asparagus stalks then adding some lemon zest. Don't own a collapsible steamer? Saute them, instead: Cut them into 2-inch pieces, and cook in a skillet along with olive oil and butter until tender (about 3 1/2 minutes).

Serving up salmon burgers? Sweet potato fries are a must and this recipe couldn't be more straightforward: Just cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and seasonings, then roast until crispy.