Blackened salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Salmon is one of the go-to proteins for many home cooks. It’s fully packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy inclusion to your weekly menu.
It’s easy to prepare and goes with a variety of ideal side dishes, so you can create your own unique flavor combinations each time you make it.
It is a delicious way to enjoy your fish, but what to serve with blackened salmon?
Here are some creative side dishes to serve with blackened salmon and make your meal extra special. Let’s explore some options.
What is blackened salmon? What does blackened salmon taste like?
Blackened salmon is a popular dish in which the fish is seasoned with Cajun spices and seared in a hot cast-iron skillet until it’s blackened and crispy.
The flavors of the spices combined with the smokiness from cooking it this way give blackened salmon its unique flavor.
It has an intense, smoky flavor, along with subtle notes of onion, garlic, and other herbs used to season it.
Additionally, the firm texture adds a pleasant contrast that often makes it a go-to entrée for seafood lovers.
Best Sides to serve with blackened salmon
1. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes are lightly seasoned and perfectly crispy, making them an ideal companion for blackened salmon.
To prepare this side dish, start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before cutting two large potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
Place the cubed potatoes on a greased baking sheet and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve alongside your blackened salmon for a savory meal!
Discover More: Great Vegetarian Sides to Serve with Roasted Potatoes
2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
This garlicky broccoli side dish is sure to complement any fish dish. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before cutting one head of broccoli into florets.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper before adding the broccoli florets, along with some minced garlic cloves, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
Mix everything together before baking in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy around the edges. Serve alongside your blackened salmon for a flavorful meal!
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is always a great option when you’re looking for something light yet flavorful to serve alongside your main course.
For this side dish, start by preheating the grill over medium-high heat before brushing each asparagus stalk lightly with olive oil on both sides.
Place each stalk directly over the heat source and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender yet still crisp in texture.
Remove from heat before sprinkling sea salt over the top as desired. This simple yet delicious side dish pairs perfectly with blackened salmon!
4. Mixed Greens Salad
A light and flavorful salad is an excellent side dish option when you’re serving blackened salmon.
Try tossing together fresh spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce with a simple vinaigrette dressing and topping it off with crunchy almonds or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.
You can also add in other seasonal ingredients like thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers for more color.
5. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious vegetable that pairs well with rich proteins like salmon.
Cut up sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them in olive oil and seasonings of your choice (cumin powder and smoked paprika would be great!), then roast them in the oven until they become golden brown and crispy on the edges.
They’ll make a perfect accompaniment to your blackened salmon!
6. Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa is an incredibly versatile grain that can be used ideally in both savory and sweet dishes.
For this particular side dish, cook quinoa according to package directions, then fluff it up with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, squash, etc., along with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
The quinoa pilaf is full of flavor and pairs nicely with the smoky flavors of blackened salmon.
The main course to eat is blackened salmon
Blackened salmon pairs especially well with a fresh, seasonal salad or a hearty side of roasted vegetables.
Alternatively, a creamy risotto or wild rice blend makes an excellent accompaniment to this flavorful fish dish.
For a lighter option, try pairing the salmon with some grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach.
You could also switch up the flavors and try serving it alongside some mashed sweet potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes for added depth and texture.
Appetizers to serve with blackened salmon
1. Grilled Artichoke and Spinach Dip
This creamy dip is filled with delicious flavors that perfectly complement the smoky taste of blackened salmon.
The combination of grilled artichokes, spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and spices makes it a tasty appetizer that will have your guests asking for more.
2. Deviled Eggs
A classic favorite, deviled eggs are simple to prepare yet always satisfying.
They make a great pairing with blackened salmon since the tangy pickle relish and mayo-based filling provide a perfect contrast to the smoky fish.
You can also look at various Side Dishes to Serve with Deviled Eggs
3. Loaded Potato Skins
Crispy potato skins loaded with bacon, cheese, onions, and green peppers are sure to please any crowd.
Serve them with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing – or use them as vessels for the blackened salmon – for extra flavor.
4. Crab Cakes
Whether made with canned crabmeat or fresh-caught seafood, crab cakes are an excellent choice when serving blackened salmon.
Top them off with a homemade tartar sauce for an extra zing of flavor that is sure to be appreciated by all your guests.
5. Shrimp Cocktail
Cold shrimp served on a bed of ice can help balance out the spicy and smoky flavors of blackened salmon, plus it’s easy to assemble!
Serve it alongside smokehouse cocktail sauce for maximum effect and delight your friends and family when serving this delicious entrée!
What else serves with blackened salmon
Drinks to pair with blackened salmon
1. White Wine
White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay are all excellent choices to pair with blackened salmon.
The crisp, acidic notes of these wines help to cut through the smoky spice of the fish while also highlighting its delicate flavors.
Learn More: Best Food to Pair with White Wine| Creative and Delicious Sides
2. Rosé
Rosés have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the smoky heat of blackened salmon.
Look for dry rosés made from pinot noir and grenache grapes for an optimal pairing experience.
3. Sparkling Wine
A sparkling wine such as Cava or Prosecco can bring out the sweetness of the salmon’s flesh and cut through its spiciness at the same time.
Try a sparkling rose to further enhance your meal’s flavor profile!
4. Beer
A light lager or pilsner is a great way to contrast the bold flavors of blackened salmon.
The crisp hop character in these beers will both cleanse your palate and enhance your dining experience.
5. Margarita
A classic margarita is an excellent option when it comes to pairing with blackened salmon dishes.
The tequila in a margarita can provide extra depth and complexity to your meal while also playing off the spicy notes in the dish perfectly.
6. Bloody Mary
This iconic tomato-based cocktail is not only delicious but also brings out some amazing flavors in blackened salmon dishes. (Recipe)
Its mix of savory spices and sourness makes it an ideal accompaniment for this type of fish entrée!
7. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you prefer not to drink alcohol, consider accompanying your meal with other non-alcoholic drinks like ginger beer, lemonade, or cranberry juice instead!
These refreshing beverages will help balance out the rich taste of blackened salmon without adding any unnecessary calories or alcohol content to your diet!
Desserts to go with blackened salmon
Blackened salmon is an excellent main course choice for any meal, but when paired with the right dessert, it can be truly memorable.
Here are a few options that can be perfect complements to this flavorful fish dish:
• Key lime pie: The sweetness of the key lime custard filling and Graham Cracker crust contrast with the spicy kick of blackened salmon.
• Chocolate mousse: Rich, creamy, and decadent, chocolate mousse is a classic dessert that offsets the robust flavors in the salmon perfectly.
• Apple crisp: A comforting combination of tart apples and sweet oat topping pairs nicely with mild-tasting blackened salmon.
• Pineapple upside-down cake: Tangy pineapple slices on top of a moist yellow cake make for a delicious treat that rounds out a dinner featuring blackened salmon.
• Cheesecake: Smooth cream cheese over a buttery graham cracker crust can balance out the smoky flavor of grilled or pan-fried salmon.
Find Out More: Cheesecake Wine Pairing – A Match Made in Heaven
What are the best flavors to go with blackened salmon?
One of the best flavors to go with blackened salmon is a light citrus marinade.
A simple mix of orange and lemon juices, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary can add a bright punch to the fish. Another great flavor pairing is a creamy dill sauce or aioli.
The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill creates an earthy and tangy accompaniment that elevates the dish.
For those looking for something spicy, try adding some salsa verde or chile-lime butter to give the salmon some kick.
Finally, for those who prefer something sweeter, glazes made with honey or maple syrup create an irresistibly sweet-and-savory taste that is sure to be a hit at any table.
How do you jazz up blackened salmon?
There are many different ways to jazz up blackened salmon. One way is to add spices such as cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder when seasoning the salmon before cooking.
Alternatively, you can top the cooked salmon with a sauce or salsa made with ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
You can also choose to stuff the salmon with vegetables or herbs before baking it in the oven for added flavor and nutrients.
Additionally, topping cooked blackened salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice always brightens up any dish!
How do you display blackened salmon on a platter?
To display blackened salmon on a platter, start by arranging the salmon fillets in an attractive pattern.
If the fillets are fresh, give them a good rinse in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, season both sides generously with a mixture of herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, onion powder, and sea salt.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat the pan lightly with oil or butter.
When the pan is hot, carefully place each of the seasoned salmon fillets into the pan and let it cook for about 4 minutes per side.
The surface should be nicely seared and have a deep golden color to it after being cooked.
Once done cooking, remove from heat and transfer to a large platter that has been lined with lemon wedges and fresh parsley leaves for garnish.
Serve up the blackened salmon hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes or sautéed green beans!
Try also: What to Serve with Tuscan Salmon -Creative and Delicious Sides
5 best sauces for blackened salmon
Blackened salmon is an ideal popular dish that can be made to perfection with the right type of sauce.
Here are five of the best sauces for blackened salmon that will tantalize your taste buds:
1. Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce is a perfect sweet and tangy condiment that adds just the right amount of flavor to the richness of blackened salmon.
A balanced blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise creates a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with this classic dish.
2. Creamy Garlic Marinara
For a lighter option, this creamy garlic marinara is an ideal choice for blackened salmon.
The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and cream gives this sauce a subtle yet flavorful balance that complements the smoky notes in the fish.
3. Orange Ginger Glaze
Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this orange ginger glaze! It’s perfect for adding some sweetness to your blackened salmon meal without overpowering it.
A mix of freshly grated ginger, orange juice, honey, and soy sauce makes up this unique and delicious topping.
4. Asian-Style Teriyaki Sauce
If you’re looking for something more savory than sweet, teriyaki sauce is the perfect choice!
Its unique mix of soy sauce, sugar, wine vinegar, and ginger creates a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce that lends itself perfectly to blackened salmon dishes.
5. Lemon Dill Butter
For a truly decadent meal, try lemon dill butter on your blackened salmon! (Recipe)
This classic European combination adds bright notes to any dish thanks to its medley of flavors, such as lemon juice and fresh dill blended into melted butter.
Wrap Up on what to serve with blackened salmon.
Notwithstanding what type of flavor combination you’re looking for, these creative side dishes will help take your blackened salmon up a notch!
From roasted potatoes to grilled asparagus, there’s something here to delight everyone at the table – so get out those pans and start cooking!
With these delicious sides paired with your main course of blackened salmon, you have all the makings of an outstanding meal that will certainly impress everyone at the dinner table! Enjoy!
FAQs
How much blackened salmon per person?
For the blackened salmon, it is recommended to serve 4 ounces per person.
This will provide an ample amount of protein, as 4 ounces of cooked salmon contains around 23 grams of protein.
Additionally, the spice blend used in this recipe helps bring out the natural flavor and texture of the salmon, making it a flavorful and healthy entree choice.
What to serve with blackened tilapia?
Blackened tilapia is a classic Cajun dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Some popular options include roasted or sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell pepper, and onion, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp coleslaw.
For an extra touch of flavor, serve the tilapia with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
To round out the meal, you could also create a fresh side salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and black beans for added protein.
Additionally, some people enjoy serving blackened tilapia with cornbread for a traditional Southern twist.
What are the best vegetables to serve with fish?
Fish is a versatile and delicious meal option that can be served with a variety of vegetables.
Some of the best vegetables to serve with fish include roasted broccoli, steamed asparagus, charred Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, grilled zucchini, mashed sweet potatoes, and glazed carrots.
Roasted broccoli is an excellent accompaniment to fish because it brings out its delicate flavors while adding crunch and texture to the dish.
Asparagus is also a great choice for its bright green hue and mild flavor.
Charred Brussels sprouts are a great way to add smoky depth and complexity to any fish dish.
Spinach, when sautéed in garlic and oil, adds color and rich flavor to the plate.
Grilled zucchini provides a contrast between soft fish and crisp vegetables.
Mashed sweet potatoes are a good accompaniment for their natural sweetness that helps balance the savory elements of many types of fish dishes.
Finally, glazed carrots provide a bright orange color and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with many types of fish.
What is a good side dish for blackened redfish?
Blackened redfish is a classic Cajun dish that is spicy and flavorful.
A great side dish to complement it would be something with a bit of sweetness to cut through the spiciness.
One option would be a roasted sweet potato salad, which provides some sweetness from the potatoes while also introducing a variety of additional flavors from the ingredients like onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
Another option could be buttery mashed potatoes, which add richness and creaminess to the plate and pair well with the smoky flavors of the blackened redfish.
For those looking for something lighter, steamed vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are also good choices – these provide some color to the plate as well as much-needed nutrients!
