Tuscan salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that adds a trace of sophistication to any dinner party.
While it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides can really take it to the next level. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some creative side dishes that will wow your guests and make your Tuscan salmon shine.
In short - What to Serve with Tuscan Salmon Creamy polenta, Charred broccolini, Roasted cauliflower with capers and raisins, Fresh tomato and basil salad, Wild rice pilaf, Caprese Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Risotto, Grilled Polenta, Lemon Herb Quinoa, Garlic Bread, Orzo Salad, Sauteed Spinach, Couscous, Zoodles, Lemon Potatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Asparagus, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Roasted Red Peppers
What is Tuscan salmon? What does Tuscan salmon taste like?
Tuscan salmon is a preparation style of cooking salmon that results in moist, succulent filets drizzled with a light, lemon-infused olive oil sauce.
The flavor of Tuscan salmon is earthy and lightly sweetened by the sauce, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of sides or salads. The texture is tender while still having a mouthfeel; it easily flakes off into bite-sized pieces when cooked properly.
25+ Sides to serve with Tuscan Salmon
1. Creamy polenta
Creamy polenta is an Italian classic is a rich and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with Tuscan salmon.
To make the polenta, cook cornmeal slowly in seasoned broth until it thickens, then add some butter and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Top it off with some chopped herbs, like thyme or parsley, to bring out the herbaceous notes in the salmon.
2. Charred broccolini
You can try charring broccolini on the grill or in a hot skillet. This technique brings out the sweetness of the broccolini while adding a smoky flavor that complements the salmon.
Drizzle with some lemon juice and olive oil for brightness.
Also explore: Best Vegetable side for teriyaki salmon
3. Roasted cauliflower with capers and raisins
This unexpected combination of flavors is a great way to add some depth to Tuscan Salmon.
Roast the cauliflower until it’s tender and crispy, then toss it with some capers, raisins, and pine nuts.
The salty, sweet, and nutty flavors work together to create a complex and delicious side that will impress your guests.
4. Fresh tomato and basil salad
Keep it simple with a classic Italian tomato and basil salad. Slice ripe tomatoes and arrange them on a platter with torn basil leaves.
Mizzle with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and complete with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The bright acidity of the tomatoes and the fresh herbaceousness of the basil are the perfect matches for the rich salmon.
5. Wild rice pilaf
If you want something hearty, try a wild rice pilaf with mushrooms and herbs.
Cook the rice in broth until tender, then sauté some mushrooms and onions in butter until they’re golden brown.
Toss everything together with some chopped herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for extra flavor. The nutty and earthy flavors of the rice pair perfectly with the salmon’s Mediterranean spices.
6. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian salad that is an incredible side dish to serve with Tuscan salmon.
Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, it’s light and refreshing, which pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful salmon.
Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or olive oil on top for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Roasted Vegetables
Another great option is to pair your Tuscan salmon with a variety of roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini are all great choices.
Simply toss them in some olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
Also Check Out: Best vegetables to serve with sea bass
8. Risotto
If you’re searching for something a bit more substantial, consider serving your Tuscan salmon with a creamy and decadent risotto.
The rich flavors of the salmon will pair perfectly with the creamy and cheesy rice dish. Add some sautéed mushrooms or asparagus to the risotto for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
9. Grilled Polenta
Polenta is a staple in Tuscan cuisine, and it makes a great side dish for Tuscan salmon. Grill slices of polenta until they’re crispy and slightly charred, and serve them alongside your salmon.
Top them with some fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Lemon Herb Quinoa
For a lighter and healthier option, try serving your Tuscan salmon with a lemon and herb quinoa salad.
Cook the quinoa as per the package instructions, and then toss it with some fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil.
This flavorful and nutritious side dish will perfectly complement your salmon.
11. Garlic Bread
For a truly Italian meal, serve garlic bread on the side of Tuscan salmon. It adds texture and flavor to the overall dish.
12. Orzo Salad
A light orzo salad makes for an ideal side dish when serving Tuscan salmon. The pasta adds bulk to the meal while still providing plenty of flavors.
13. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a delicious side that pairs perfectly with Tuscan salmon due to its earthy flavors.
14. Couscous
Couscous is a quick-cooking grain that provides plenty of texture and flavor when served as a side dish alongside salmon fillets.
15. Zoodles
Zoodles make for an excellent healthy alternative when looking for sides to pair with Tuscan Salmon, as they are low-carb but still provide lots of flavors!
16. Lemon Potatoes
For something different, try lemon potatoes as a side for your Tuscan Salmon!
The potatoes are cooked in olive oil and lemon juice, which gives them their unique lemony flavor that works wonderfully with the various spices in the fish itself!
17. Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts add an extra layer of texture and flavor when served alongside Tuscan Salmon, so be sure to include them in your meal if you can find them!
18. Asparagus
Asparagus has long been used as an accompaniment for fish dishes due to its subtle grassy taste, which goes well with many types of fish, including Tuscan Salmon!
19. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries provide some much-needed sweetness which complements the savory flavors in the fish itself, making them great sides to serve alongside your main course!
20. Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers offer up tons of flavor along with antioxidant goodness, so consider adding them to your meal if you’re looking for something extra special on the side!
21. Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy Potato Salad is a classic potato salad with mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs that goes great when served alongside Tuscan salmon and its robust flavors.
22. Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Lemon Asparagus Risotto is a creamy Italian dish flavored with lemon zest adding brightness to the subtle flavors of the risotto. It complements perfectly with the salty flavors of the salmon.
23. Cucumber & Avocado Salad
The light summer salad made up of cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes & shallot tossed over lettuce leaves provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of Tuscan Salmon.
24. Warm Quinoa Salad
Warm Quinoa Salad goes well with Tuscan salmon.
Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth & combined together with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, red peppers & dried cranberries provides crunchiness along with tangy flavors, which nicely complements Tuscan Salmon’s flavorsome character.
25. Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is a traditional French recipe consisting of green beans sautéed in butter and then topped off with slivered almonds making for an irresistible side dish especially accompanied by Tuscan Salmon’s delicate nature.
26. Herbed Couscous
Cooked couscous tossed together with herbs like parsley, cilantro & mint gives it a unique freshness that blends beautifully when paired up against Tuscan Salmon’s succulence.
27. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is an all-time favorite French stew made from eggplants, zucchinis, bell peppers & tomatoes enriches its complexity making it an ideal complement to Tuscan Salmon’s mild flavor profile. (Recipe)
Tuscan salmon made of
Tuscan salmon is a flavorful and nutritious dish made using fresh salmon fillets that are marinated in a blend of herbs and spices.
The marinade typically includes garlic, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme, as well as a mixture of olive oil and either lemon or lime juice.
The fish is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a succulent flaky texture with a nice charring from the grill. It’s usually served with roasted potatoes or a light salad for a healthier meal.
For added flavor, capers or olives can be added to the marinade or served on the side. This classic Italian dish will surely please any palate and makes a delicious meal for special occasions.
What are the best flavors to go with Tuscan salmon?
Tuscan salmon is an incredibly flavorful fish, so there are many flavor combinations that will highlight its delicious taste of it.
Some great flavors to pair with Tuscan salmon include fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano; zesty citrus fruits such as lemon and orange; bold spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder; rich ingredients like capers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes; and unique ingredients like anchovies or saffron.
For a classic pairing, try serving the salmon with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Finally, you can never go wrong with butter! A combination of melted butter and fresh herbs is a great way to enhance the flavor of the salmon even more.
How do you jazz up Tuscan salmon?
To jazz up Tuscan salmon, try marinating the fillets in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs such as rosemary or thyme, and spices like smoked paprika or dried oregano.
After marinating for 30 minutes to an hour, you can cook the salmon on the stovetop or grill it for a delicious and flavorful dish! You can also serve it over pasta tossed with wilted greens to make an easy and healthy meal.
How do you display Tuscan salmon on a platter?
Tuscan salmon can be presented in a variety of ways on a platter. To create a stunning visual presentation, the salmon fillets can be artfully arranged on the platter with colorful garnishes such as lemon slices, parsley sprigs, and capers.
The garnishes will add an eye-catching contrast to the tender salmon flesh while enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
The fish can also be enhanced by lightly drizzling it with a balanced blend of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Alternatively, you can place a few roasted vegetables around the salmon to add more color and flavor complexity.
Finally, don’t forget to season the fish right before serving–a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper is all it takes to bring out its best flavor.
Wrap Up on What to Serve with Tuscan Salmon
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a special meal, Tuscan salmon with creative side dishes is the perfect way to do it.
With options like creamy polenta, charred broccolini, or roasted cauliflower with capers and raisins, fresh tomato, and basil salad, these sides will take your meal to the next level.
Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite pairings, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQs
How much Tuscan salmon per person?
For a typical serving of Tuscan salmon, it is recommended to serve approximately 4-6 ounces per person.
The rich flavors of this salmon entree make it the perfect addition to any meal. Like all salmon dishes, it is best served when cooked medium-rare to medium and flaked into large pieces.
This dish can also be served with various accompaniments, such as roasted vegetables or a medley of fresh herbs and citrus fruits.
To experience the full flavor and texture of Tuscan salmon, pair it with a light, fruity white wine for a truly gourmet dining experience.
What do you serve with salmon for dinner?
Salmon pairs nicely with a variety of side dishes.
Some classic options include roasted or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, couscous, quinoa, wild rice, or freshly baked bread.
For more flavor and texture contrast, you can also serve salmon with a bright, citrusy salad or creamy pasta dish. You can also top it off with sauces like pesto vinaigrette or lemon-dill butter sauce for extra zing!
What does Gordon Ramsay serve with salmon?
Gordon Ramsay often serves salmon with seasonal vegetables, such as roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or a side salad. I also like to pair my salmon dishes with nutrient-rich grains like quinoa and wild rice.
To elevate the dish even further, you may include sauces such as hollandaise sauce or lemon butter.
For a more decadent accompaniment, you may consider adding mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, risotto, or even pasta.
Other popular side dishes for salmon that have been used by Gordon Ramsay include couscous, new potatoes, and pesto.
Depending on your choices to serve your salmon with, it’s sure to be a hit when prepared in Gordon Ramsay’s signature style. Enjoy!
What is the best vegetable to serve with salmon?
Salmon and vegetables can be a delicious combination. Broccoli, asparagus, peas, sweet potatoes, and spinach are great vegetables to pair with salmon.
Each of these vegetables offers unique flavors that complement the taste of salmon and provide additional health benefits.
Broccoli is high in vitamins K and C, as well as dietary fiber. It also contains lutein and antioxidants, which may help protect against cancer. Steamed or roasted broccoli pairs especially well with salmon due to its slightly bitter flavor.
Asparagus is packed with vitamins B6, A, C, E, and K, folate, iron, and fiber. Roasted or grilled asparagus is a classic companion for salmon because it has an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the fish’s buttery taste.
Peas are a good source of protein, vitamin A, and several B vitamins, as well as zinc and iron. They have a subtle sweetness that makes them ideal for adding to salads or sides when served with salmon dishes.
Sweet potatoes contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin A; They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that compliments mild-tasting fish like salmon — try baking or roasting slices of sweet potato alongside your salmon for an easy dinner side dish.
Finally, spinach provides chlorophyll which helps regulate digestion and detoxify the body; it’s also high in calcium and other essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
Sauteeing spinach in olive oil before serving it alongside your salmon is not only flavourful but also adds some extra color to the plate!
