What to Serve with Salmon Skewers? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Salmon skewers scream summer BBQ. They're the main attraction.

We all get a bit anxious about side dishes. What really complements that tender, flaky goodness?

We've had our share of sides that overshadowed the salmon's delicate flavor. Not fun.

The perfect side dish should be a harmony, not a competition.

Our list isn't your grandma's recipe book. We've experimented.

We've failed. We've nailed it.

Think of us as your kitchen guides. We're here sharing our top picks for what to serve with salmon skewers.

Ready for a get into the good stuff?

7 Best Sides to Serve with Salmon Skewers

1 - Rosemary Parmesan Potato Salad

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Roasted potatoes are a fan favorite for anyone who loves potatoes.

But there's one thing that makes it even better.

Roasted potatoes with cheese and gourmet spices.

This potato salad is unconventional and unique.

However, it will surely turn some heads in the right direction when you serve it with your salmon skewers.

The texture, flavor, and aroma are all elevated with this dish.

It pairs so well with the tender and soft salmons on skewers - consider rosemary chicken side ideas for similar pairings if serving poultry alongside.

The meshing together of the different textures results in a mind-blowing taste.

It will make you want to keep going for seconds.

2 - Melon Salad with Citrus Dressing

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Salmon is a fish that has a very high content of fats.

While this fat is healthy for consumption, it could make the dish difficult to stomach after a few bites.

This is why a side dish like a melon salad works well with salmon skewers - or pair with orzo salad side suggestions for hearty salads when serving larger crowds.

The citrus dressing packs a much-needed punch that allows you to cleanse your palate and dive in for another round.

You can go as crazy as you want with the content of your melon salad by adding different kinds of melon and even cheese if you wish.

Mozzarella cheese or feta cheese works best with these kinds of salads.

If melons aren't in season, you can scoop out small balls of mango; pineapple and even add berries like blueberries and strawberries.

All you need is the fresh sweetness of the fruits to combat the fattiness of the salmon.

3 - Lemon Flavored Zoodles or Zucchini Pasta

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Going with the same trend of adding something zesty with the fatty salmon skewers, you can add pasta with lemon as your side dish.

Apart from the most popular creamy and cheesy pasta, go for something fresher, like lemon, as your core flavor for pasta.

And instead of regular pasta, use zucchini pasta which has a slightly different flavor and texture that compliments your salmon well.

It's a healthier version of the typical pasta we're used to, but it's just as tasty.

Let the lemon sauce stand out with your pasta so it serves the purpose of cleansing your palate of the greasy feeling after taking a bite of your salmon skewers - also consider lemon curd side ideas for bright dessert pairings to continue the citrus theme.

The combination is a total chef's kiss.

4 - Noodle Salad with Peanuts

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While salmon is seen predominantly as a main western dish, you can put your twist and infuse it into any cuisine you want, perhaps like an Asian version.

For a noodle salad, all you need are some vegetables such as carrots, capsicum, cabbage, and radishes along with the noodles.

If you're going full Asian, you can use rice noodles for an authentic taste - or check chicken noodle soup side suggestions for comforting broth-friendly options when planning a cozy menu.

As for the sauce to tie it all together, try a peanut sauce to give you an earthy, nutty flavor.

Give a nice lemon squeeze on top before you toss the salad, and you're good to go.

You can even squeeze some orange juice instead if you have it.

This will be a nice fresh salad with some nuttiness to it, which pairs so well with the flavors of salmon.

5 - Cilantro Rice with Lime

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Instead of settling for plain bland rice, why not go for cilantro rice, which has more flavor? You can add your twist by infusing lime into your dish - see cilantro lime chicken side ideas for more flavored rice options.

This will also give it a nice kick which is essential when pairing it with fatty food like salmon.

Try using basmati rice instead of regular rice, which has a natural aroma that adds to the experience of this meal combination.

If you're not a fan of rice, alternate the basmati for couscous, as it will serve the same purpose.

You can even add vegetables of your choice if you're into it, giving your dish more colors compared to plain white rice.

6 - Coleslaw with Vinaigrette

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Accompany your salmon skewers with a bowl of crunchy and fresh coleslaw.

Instead of using mayo to give it that rich flavor, tone it down or replace it with a vinaigrette dressing.

The best part is that you can use any vegetable.

Typically, most people use purple cabbage, red onions, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

But you can use your choice of vegetables.

Make sure they are all thinly sliced and mixed in a good vinegar dressing.

If you want an Asian twist, you can use a rice vinegar dressing.

This will add a nice zing and citrusy flavor to your coleslaw which can do a great job of balancing the fatty richness of the salmon - and for storage tips see coleslaw shelf life info and safety.

7 - Buttery Lemon Broccolini

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Coming from the same family as the broccoli, the broccolini is a great side dish for salmon skewers.

They look the same as their family member, the broccoli but just a little longer.

Broccolinis have longer and crunchier stems, making them a good side dish for tender and soft dishes like salmon.

You can cook them the same way as regular broccoli, except they are easier to sauté their smaller florets.

Stir fry them in a saucepan with butter and seasoning until they are cooked.

Before you serve, drizzle some lemon juice over the dish for that extra kick.

It doesn't take so much time to cook, so you can easily prepare this side dish within 15 minutes.

salmon en croûte side pairings to consider match many of these same sides. salmon patties side ideas for quick meals also complement a grilled-skewer spread.