Are you looking for the best side dishes for fish? You’re in the right place.
I know. As easy as it may seem, choosing the best side dish to go with your fish is quite complicated. Unlike other proteins, fish don’t go with just any dish. They have distinct tastes, so you need a side meal that helps you savor every bite and enhance the fish’s taste.
But don’t worry! I created this roundup to include excellent dishes that greatly complement whatever fish you choose. Whether you prefer sweet potato fries to ratatouille or Spanish-styled rice, it doesn’t matter! This list is sure to have something you love.
Plus, these dishes are relatively easy to make. So even if you don’t like cooking, you can easily enter your kitchen and whip up any of these 26 recipes. Ready? Let’s delve in.
Ratatouille
Are you looking for a healthy side dish for fish? Ratatouille’s got you. It consists of mostly vegetables and a few herbs or seasonings, making it perfect for those that want to enjoy fish on a restrictive diet.
This French dish excellently compliments steamed fish as the flavor from the steamed vegetables blends well with that of the fish.
Spanish-Styled Rice
Who says delicious Spanish rice cannot be a fantastic side dish for fish?
Spanish rice is a vibrant side dish that hugely complements fish’s taste. Unlike the conventional rice that is cooked with plain water, this dish is cooked in yummy tomato sauce or chicken broth, which adds extra taste and flavor to the meal.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Its slightly crispy and tender nature makes this dish perfect for fish. It also has an earthy flavor that hugely compliments fish (any seafood).
When you take Brussels sprouts with fish, you feel a combination of a crispy exterior and a tender interior, which blends wonderfully with the fish’s texture.
Sweet Potato Fries
Are you looking for another crispy side dish for fish? Sweet Potato Fries are here. It is a wonderful side dish for almost any food, and fishes are no exception! Its crispy nature and sweetened taste fuse with the fish perfectly.
This combo is excellent for homes with kids or for serving guests!
Greek Salad
Everybody adores green salads, but did you ever see them as side dishes to fish? I bet you didn’t. This classic and sophisticated dish perfectly accompanies fish, regardless of its type.
It consists of prime vegetables with no greens, like green bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, making it very colorful and flavourful as a side fish. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Lemon Herb Rice
Are you looking for the best side dish for fish to create with basic ingredients? You can indulge in this dish.
Also, it’s super easy to make. The critical things required are rice, lemon zest, herbs and oil. The lemon enhances the fish’s flavor and strengthens its taste.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Once you use roasted root vegetables as a side dish for fish, you can never go back! This addicting dish beautifully complements fish because its flavor comes from aromatic herbs and roasting vegetables; it mixes well with the fish flavor.
It’s a healthy vegetable dish great for those trying to eat healthy or host a group of friends.
Beetroot and Feta Salad
This vibrant salad is an addicting side dish to fish. When you combine the piquant flavor of the feta cheese and the sweetness of the beetroot, you get a heavenly blend of flavors that contrasts the taste of the fish.
Zucchini Noodles
Looking for a low-carb pasta that beautifully complements fish, especially fresh fish fillets? Zucchini noodles should be your go-to
This pasta side dish is a common, gluten-free substitute for regular noodles. It allows fish to take center stage while creating a well-balanced flavor. Perfect for those on keto or paleo diets.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is one of the easiest side dishes that pair greatly with fish on this list. It’s smooth and creamy with a nice permeation of garlic that solidifies its flavor, making it a great fish accompaniment.
You can make it at home with simple ingredients like potatoes, milk, salt, garlic, and unsalted butter.
Sweet Corn Succotash
Another very easy side dish for fish is the sweet corn succotash. This healthy colorful vegetable side dish blends extremely well with any type of fish, especially during summertime.
Once you have lima beans and sweet corn (and typically other vegetables for a burst of color), you’re good to go. Perfect for busy days.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
If a blend of chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, bread and basil sounds appetizing, then you will love this recipe!
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta perfectly accompany fish as its sharp, piquant flavor beautifully contrasts the sweetness of fried fish. Great for party serving!
Grilled Eggplant
Grilled Eggplant is an excellent side dish for fish. It has a nice inner texture that melts in your mouth when you take it alongside fish. Also, it has a smoky flavor that hugely complements the fish flavor, so that’s a win-win right there!
Caprese Salad
If you love salmon, this dish is a perfect accompaniment!
Caprese Salad has varying flavors like tomato and creamy mozzarella sweetness that contrasts with the fish’s flavor. Plus, it’s extremely versatile and can be customized to suit any fish dish, whether it’s grilled, baked, or boiled.
It’s one of the simplest yet colorful salads you can ever make.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is, undoubtedly, a perfect side dish for fish.
Alone, it’s very flavourful because it is first boiled in some onion or garlic and then, boiled in either fish stock or water. As a side dish for fish, it beautifully complements fish and enhances its flavor.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Unsurprisingly, this dish excellently pairs with fish. Naturally, cucumber dill salad has a cool and refreshing taste. When paired with fish, its herbaceous note balances the fish’s mild flavor. Also, some fish dishes can be oily, so cucumber dill salad counterbalances that effect perfectly.
And guess what? This side dish only has six ingredients: onions, dill, sugar, cucumber, salt, and vinegar!
Pesto Pasta
Many people appreciate pesto pasta as a main dish, but did you know it’s an excellent side dish for fish?
Pesto pasta has a thick aromatic flavor that hugely compliments the fish’s natural taste. The sauce is prepared with basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic and other ingredients which help to boost the fish’s taste, whether it’s fried, boiled, or grilled.
Gazpacho
Are you looking for a good soup dish to complement your fish? Look no further. This vibrant side dish has everything you need.
Gazpacho is a healthy side dish made with fresh vegetables and blended together to make it more nutritious. The vibrant flavors from each of these vegetables pair well with the fish’s natural taste. Plus, this dish is often served chilled, making it perfect for summertime.
Avocado Salad
Who doesn’t love a good avocado mix?
Avocado Salad is a highly-nutritious side dish for fish. It consists of avocados, tomatoes, red onions, herb dressing, and cucumbers, which gives a beautiful blend of different flavors that complement fish. The beauty of this recipe is that no cooking is required!
Sauteed Bell Peppers
Everyone knows that bell peppers are essential ingredients for many dishes like stews, salads, soups, etc. This dish takes it a step further and beautifully complements different fish meals.
Not only do they add a burst of color to the meal, but also boost the flavor profile of the fish. The peppers, combined with seasoning, garlic, and olive oil, intensify the fish’s flavor.
Grilled Asparagus
If you’re looking for the best dish to pair with baked or grilled fish, don’t sleep on grilled asparagus. This dish has a very distinctive, nutty flavor on its own. But when paired with fish, it beautifully enhances the taste profile without overshadowing it. It also has a smoky flavor which naturally works with grilled fish.
Mango Salsa
If you never thought of mangoes pairing absolutely well with fish, you’re sleeping under a rock! Well, that’s what this list is made for to wake you up.
This irresistibly sweet and delicious dish is a fantastic side dish to fish because the sweetness of the ripe mangoes balances the fish’s flavor profile. It’s also incredibly visually appealing, which makes it perfect for outdoor hosting events.
Couscous Salad
When you have cabbage and carrots lying dormant in your fridge, what dish comes to mind first? Unsurprisingly, coleslaw!
This is the best creamy side dish for fish on this list. It pairs elegantly with fish as its creamy nature contrasts with the fish’s distinct savory taste.
Cauliflower Rice
If you’re on a keto, paleo, or any other low-carb diet, get over here! Cauliflower rice is here for you.
Firstly, this dish is a healthy alternative to traditional rice. It also has a milder flavor compared to its counterparts, making it an excellent accompaniment to fish. This side dish doesn’t try to overshadow the natural fish taste in any way.
French Fries
Everyone loves french fries. This classic pairing has been a long-standing tradition in various households and cultures. The fish’s tenderness blends excellently well with the fries’ crispy nature. Also, the saltiness in the fries boosts the fish’s flavor superbly.
Conclusion
So there they are! This list has the best side dishes for fish that anyone can enjoy and make in the comfort of their homes. They blend with fish so well by balancing the flavor or providing a sharp contrast to the fish’s taste. Go through this list and select the one you’ll love and enjoy.
