37 Best Side Dishes for Fish (Quick & Easy)

Fish is on the menu, and you don’t know what to serve with it? Here you will find the perfect side dish for any fish recipes and any occasion!

Whether you’re serving a crusted salmon, meaty halibut, light tilapia, or some blackened filets, every fish needs a good side to round out your meal.

Just like you cannot serve it with just any wine, fish is also a bit picky when it comes to the side dishes, too. But finding out what to pair with fish shouldn’t be overwhelming!

Grilled, pan-seared, baked… Whatever your go-to fish-cooking method is, I promise that one of these 37 delightful fish side dishes will be the perfect choice for your omega-3- loaded dinner!

What Vegetables Are Good with Fish?

You can never go with veggies. And I mean all veggies. Whether steamed, grilled, or raw in salads, vegetables make a great pairing for fish.

Potatoes are a classic, and they always complement a protein meal well. Fish and chips, duh!

Leafy greens offer a slight bitterness that balances sweet fish like salmon perfectly.

Well-seasoned fish will go great with fresh, raw veggies.

Asparagus, carrots, zucchini, and Brussels Sprouts are just some other great options that will enrich a fish-based dish every time.

What to Serve with Fish

As mentioned, veggies are the failproof partner that can seriously boost any fish meal.

But plain vegetables are not the only side dish that makes sense with fish dishes!

Pasta, couscous, rice, fritters, and grain-loaded salads and vegetables will also take your fish game to a whole new level.

And if you’re looking for something more exotic, adding some fruit to the mix will make one sweet and memorable dinner, too.

Potato Side Dishes for Fish

Slightly healthier than your regular chips, but just as addictive, these potato sides are the safest (and most delicious!) choice to serve with fish. Find the great option you’ll love for any type of fish.

1. Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Source: findingzest.com

All you need are some russet potatoes, a touch of olive oil, and a bunch of spices for this crispy and well-seasoned side for your fish. Whether it’s fish sticks, fish tacos or fish fillets.

Kid-friendly and an ultimate crowd-pleaser, this recipe has to be one of the most delicious health alternatives to greasy fries.

Plus, if you like your potatoes especially crispy, this recipe shares a trick on how to achieve the most satisfying bite. So irresistible!

2. Smashed Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Source: 365daysofbakingandmore.com

Slightly boiled, smashed, baked until crispy, and with a cheesy topping that is impossible to resist!

If that’s not convincing enough, then the buttery and garlicky flavor of these small red potatoes will definitely make you serve them with your fish.

Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, these twice-cooked potatoes pair perfectly with any kind of fish. White, meaty, grilled, seared…take your pick.

3. Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes

Source: mykitchenlove.com

If you’re a fan of salt & vinegar chips, then this potato side will be a regular on your table. Perfect with any type of protein, really, these vinegary potato pieces are destined to satisfy.

The recipe uses quartered Yukon Gold potatoes, but this simple recipe will be even more delicious if you use baby potatoes.

Crispy and salty, with just enough acid on your tongue to make it impossible for you to stop eating, these potatoes go perfectly with fish. 

This is also a great side dish for ribs.

4. Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Source: sourandsweets.com

If you ask me, Hasselback potatoes are the perfect special-occasion potato dish. And the best part? They taste amazing with fish!

But while this delicious dish seems like it requires a lot of time and effort, this recipe shows you that you need no more than 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of total cooking time.

Air fried and healthy, these well-seasoned accordion-like potatoes will become your favorite. Especially if you top them with sour cream! I guarantee satisfied taste buds!

5. Oven Roasted Potatoes

Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com

Sometimes, we need nothing more than a simple side dish. And this recipe represents just that. Simplicity at its most delicious!

Cubed russet potatoes drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and then baked until crispy on the outside and super fluffy on the inside.

Beginner friendly and a definite hit among the kids, this potato side dish is, without fail, a safe classic you can pair your fish with!

6. Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes

Source: throughthefibrofog.com

With just a handful of ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, these roasted potatoes with zucchini are a classic side dish perfect for large gatherings when you’re too busy cooking for a crowd.

The thyme and spring onions give the veggies a flavorful touch that makes this roasted dish even more pleasing.

The recipe advises that parboiling the potatoes first is a must if you want a quicker side. However, if you have the time but are looking for minimal prep, I’d suggest you just pop them straight in the oven.

This is a great side dish for salmon.

7. Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries

Source: theshortordercook.com

Love sweet potatoes? Quick and super easy, this healthier French-fry alternative is a family favorite that is perfect for your fish dinner. And if you decide to serve it with some sauce or a dip, even better!

With only four ingredients and an amazing twice-fried trick for extra crispiness, how can you possibly not try this goodness?

Tasty and well-seasoned, this has to be one of the best slightly-less-guilty deep-fried dishes!

8. Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Source: hauteandhealthyliving.com

So simple and yet super delicious. Cubed and roasted potatoes are the all-time favorite with pretty much every protein. And yes, that’s even when there’s fish on the menu!

Crispy and fluffy at the same time, these garlicky potatoes are one of the easiest sides you can whip up.

And the best thing about them? Even total newbies in the kitchen will nail this recipe!

Pasta Side Dishes for Fish

For all the Italian-cuisine fans out there, here come the best pasta side dishes you can serve with fish.

9. Caprese Pasta Salad

Source: inthekitch.net

To me, nothing screams Italian, more than Caprese. There are tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all of which go perfectly with light proteins such as fish.

Plus, there’s also some pesto sauce for creaminess, so that the pasta shells will be perfectly coated and super delicious.

This recipe uses bocconcini cheese, which is small mozzarella balls, but any type of Mozzarella would do fine here.

10. Orzo Side Dish

Source: beyondthechickencoop.com

Orzo is a rice-like pasta that is easy to cook and simply perfect for salads. On its own, though, it makes one heck of a side dish, which is what this recipe proves.

Buttery and cheesy, this parmesan-loaded (and topped) pasta is the super filling dish you need to serve with your delicate fish.

Silky and delicious, this lovely recipe is a great base for you to customize as your taste buds prefer. Add more spices or herbs, and enjoy!

11. 15-Minute Pesto Pasta

Source: sunglowkitchen.com

Homemade pesto with basil, parsley, and pumpkin seeds, gives this spinach pasta incredible creaminess that is also super nutritious.

And while this can be a great lunch on its own, served in slightly smaller portions, this pesto pasta will be the perfect side dish for your fish filets.

Besides, with a prep time of 5 minutes, and only 10 minutes of cooking, who is crazy enough to pass on such a quick and easy-to-make delight?

12. Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Source: strengthandsunshine.com

Okay, as much as I love creamy and steamy pasta dishes, I have to admit, I might love pasta salads straight from the fridge even more. And this one surely tops the list.

With tomatoes, peppers, onion, olives, and cucumbers, this tri-color pasta salad bursts with flavor and texture.

Smothered in a deliciously herbal Italian dressing, this has to be one of the best sides for fish.

It is recommended that you refrigerate for at least half an hour before serving. If you can wait that long, that is.

13. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Source: thesavorycipolla.com

There is something irresistible about a creamy sauce of tomato and cheese. This recipe uses sun-dried tomatoes and mascarpone, and, let me tell you, the combination is divine.

Silky, smooth, and just plain melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this recipe serves perfectly as both a side dish and a stand-alone meal.

It comes together in just 15 minutes and has the tendency to please a crowd. I love this salad with grilled white fish, but pretty much any leaner protein will go well with this salad.

14. Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

Source: crayonsandcravings.com

Simple ingredients, simple preparation, simple salad, but extraordinary taste. If I have to define this recipe in one sentence, that would be it.

With cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pesto sauce, these loaded cheese tortellini make one healthy and nutritious side dish, perfect for both fish and chicken.

If you don’t have tortellini, know that this salad will be just as delicious with pretty much any type of pasta, whether shells, macaroni, penne, or even orzo.

15. Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan

Source: thesavorycipolla.com

The name says it all – gnocchi with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, baked on a sheet pan! How delicious does that sound, right?

Drizzled with balsamic glaze and pesto sauce, this pan sheet is as fresh and flavorful as a pasta salad can possibly get.

Of course, you can try this recipe with other types of pasta, but there’s something super filling about gnocchi that you cannot possibly achieve with, let’s say, fusilli.

16. Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Source: jamjarkitchen.com

Lemon and ricotta are best friends in this delightfully aromatic and creamy pasta dish. Perfect for lunch and as a side dish with fish or chicken (and some white wine)!

Perfect for those busy weeknights, you can have this in just 20 minutes. About the time it takes for you to roast your salmon filets, right?

Zesty and cheesy, this vegetarian dish offers many layers of flavor that are to die for.

17. Avocado Pasta Salad

Source: inthekidskitchen.com

Elbow macaroni with bacon, smothered in a creamy avocado sauce with buttermilk and cilantro.

Make sure not to omit or replace the lime juice in the dressing, as it gives “life” to the sauce with its acidity. It may be just a tablespoon, but it really makes a difference.

The trick to a pasta salad that will keep its shape after some time in the fridge, is to cook it al dente, as the pasta absorbs some of the sauce and softens with time.

18. Asian Garlic Noodles

Source: theforkedspoon.com

These garlicky noodles cooked in the Asian style are the perfect thing to serve with your fish, especially if the fish is also smothered in Asian sauces and flavors.

The easy recipe uses Soba noodles, but keep in mind that any type of noodles and even pasta (yup, spaghetti, too!) will work well.

Feel free to be generous with the butter, as it gives the noodles silkiness that perfectly combines with the soy, fish, and oyster sauces.

Vegetable Side Dishes for Fish

Are fish and veggies the ideal dinner choice for you? Then these ten vegetable sides for fish will surely find their place in your recipe folder.

Incorporate fresh dill and other fresh herbs into these recipes and make a great side dish for your seafood meal. If you’re looking for a healthy side dish that is particularly nutritious and healthy, then you’ll definitely find your match here. Find the perfect delicious side dish for your main course.

19. Balsamic Asparagus

Source: foxeslovelemons.com

Asparagus and salmon are one of my all-time favorite dishes, which is why this combo is on my menu almost weekly. 

If you, too, love these green stalks with your fish, then this balsamic-glazed asparagus will definitely find its way to your dinner table.

If you don’t already have a batch of balsamic glaze, you can find the link to the preparation in the recipe. You only need balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and butter.

This is a great side dish for fried fish.

20. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Source: mybakingaddiction.com

Just like asparagus, Brussels Sprouts and balsamic vinegar are also a great match.

This recipe also uses bacon for some protein and extra crunchiness, which is always a good addition.

But don’t think the dish is heavily tangy. The Brussels Sprouts are also tossed in maple syrup, which gives slight sweetness and balances out the overall acidity.

21. Light Cabbage Slaw

Source: alittleandalot.com

Light is probably not something usually associated with coleslaw, as this pulled-pork must is heavy on the mayo. However, this recipe is something totally different.

With only two tablespoons of mayo, some oil, and vinegar, the cabbage/carrot salad has the right amount of creaminess without making your cholesterol levels explode.

Plus, with a green apple in the mix, this slaw offers some tangy and sweet bites that combine perfectly with the rest of the veggies.

22. Creamed Collard Greens

Source: nourishedkitchen.com

So luscious and never soggy, this collard green side is the perfect thing to serve alongside your salmon or other meaty fish.

Drowning in a buttery and broth-y heavy cream sauce, this side is definitely not the boring dish you serve with your entrée.

The cream is spiked with nutmeg, which gives it a unique taste that makes this dish even more satisfying.

23. Roasted Radishes

Source: girlheartfood.com

In just 20 minutes, you can have a colorful alternative to your bland root veggie roasts. Plus, if you top these lively red pieces with some chopped herbs, the color contrast will look even better on the table.

Loaded with garlic and drizzled with balsamic, this simple veggie roast requires no more than 20 minutes and minimum effort on your part.

Perfect for any protein source and amazingly delicious with fish, you simply have to give this one a shot.

24. Edamame Salad

Source: cravingcalifornia.com

Crunchy edamame hides in this all-green bowl of delicious nutrition. Cucumbers, snap peas, and spring onions, are tossed in a sweet soy and vinegar dressing for the ultimate side.

The toasted sesame seeds are a crunchy addition that gives the salad an extra bite that complements all the greenness perfectly.

This dish comes together in under 15 minutes, and it is not only healthy but it is also super tasty, as well.

25. Garlic Bok Choy

Source: theforkedspoon.com

For those Asian-cuisine dinners, I suggest you try this baby bok choy with your fish. It will not only aid the flavor, but it will also inject a powerful vitamin dose, too.

Cooked with garlic and shallots, and seasoned with soy sauce, this green is the definition of light and nutritious side dish that also tastes amazing.

If you want to, you can add a teaspoon or two of sesame seeds just after you add the soy sauce, for a slight crunch that can transform the dish.

26. Roasted Carrots with Honey Mustard Glaze

Source: flavourandsavour.co

With some olive oil, honey, garlic, rosemary, and a generous touch of Dijon mustard, these roasted carrots take on the sweetest and stickiest glaze that will have your family coming back for more.

Perfect for the holidays and special occasions, but just as convenient for a regular midweek dinner. They come together in just 35 minutes, which is great for those busy days.

For the best look, I’d suggest you opt for a multi-colored carrot mix, but even the orange-only version will be super delicious.

27. Ginger Ale Glazed Carrots

Source: thesoccermomblog.com

Have you ever tried glazing your carrots with ginger ale? Then you don’t know what you’ve been missing out on!

With just two ingredients – carrots and ginger ale – this simple side will be a sweet addition to your fish dinner.

And if you don’t have ginger ale? You can swap it with some lemon-based soda like 7up. The point is for the sugar in the soda to caramelize the carrot slices, softening them up to perfection.

28. Roasted Zucchini

Source: wholesomeyum.com

With just four ingredients and 25 minutes of total cooking time, this roasted zucchini dish will become a staple in your household.

Healthy and low-carb, all you need are some zucchini, olive oil, and spices, and the perfect companion for your fish will be served.

If you are a hardcore cheese fan, feel free to sprinkle the zucchini with parmesan cheese just before popping them into the oven.

Healthy Side Dishes

If you’re looking for a healthy side dish that is particularly nutritious and healthy, then you’ll definitely find your match here. Find the perfect delicious side dish for your main course.

29. Tomato Cucumber Salad

Source: findingzest.com

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions are tossed with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, accompanied by basil and oregano for the best flavor.

For the ultimate taste, make sure to use ripe garden-fresh veggies.

Also, if you don’t have any cherry tomatoes, just chop up a couple of plum or Roma tomatoes for this salad.

30. Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

Source: noshingwiththenolands.com

Stuffed zucchini boats are a side that is a very frequent guest on my dinner table. I always mix things up a bit and let my family guess what’s in the stuffing.

This recipe, in particular, is a jackpot combo. With peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs, there’s a bit of everything inside.

Topped with feta, and drizzled with oil, how can you not devour them in one sitting?

31. Freekeh Salad

Source: chocolatemoosey.com

If you don’t know what freekeh is, then let this salad introduce you to this grain. It is nutty, chewy, and earthy, with a slight quinoa-like taste. Meaning, that it is perfect for salads.

The salad depends on arugula, so make sure not to substitute with another green. It gives that bitter and peppery touch that simply makes sense with the goat cheese, tomatoes, and grains.

32. Black Bean and Mango Salsa

Source: foodpleasureandhealth.com

Black beans, when combined with mango, make a fresh, sweet, meaty, and super filling salsa. Plus the exotic touch in this salad will make even the bean haters fall in love with this bowl.

Plus, when there are onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos, how can it be anything but loveable?

Tossed in a seasoned olive oil and lime mixture, this salsa tastes perfect alongside fish.

33. Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad

Source: cravingcalifornia.com

Grilled corn, onion, and asparagus, combined with white beans, smothered in a Dijon vinaigrette, and enriched by chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.

As the name suggests, this salad is best served warm. I’d just like to add that it’s even better if you allow your grilled veggies to get slightly charred first.

Fresh and nutritious, this has to be one of the most delicious things to serve with fish.

34. Jalapeno Lime Corn Fritters

Source: mykitchenlove.com

I love eating fritters with fish. Zucchini, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes… you name it. But I have to admit that this super spicy corn version has got me officially addicted.

Jalapeno, green onions, and corn, combined with parmesan cheese, make one heck of fritters, you guys.

It is best to use fresh corn kernels, though. Also, make sure to serve them with sour cream and some lime juice for the best taste ever.

35. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Source: ourlovelanguageisfood.com

I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I just like eating fruit with pretty much everything. It might not seem like the obvious side for fish, but trust me, this fruit salad is really something else.

Mixed berries and mangoes, drizzled with honey and lime, and garnished with mint! Is this the perfect addition to your brunch, or what?

A small tip: this salad is best with delicate white fish!

36. Baked Avocado Fries

Source: inthekidskitchen.com

Baked avocado “fries” are not only healthier than any deep-fried option but they are also loaded with some of the healthiest fats that your body needs.

Breaded with egg and bread crumbs, and generously seasoned with paprika, there is nothing but nutritious and delicious crispiness with these avocado bites.

Perfect alongside any protein, and yes, that includes your grilled or seared fish, too.

37. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Packed with garlic, lime, and cilantro, this cauliflower is light, fresh, and incredibly delicious. Just perfect for any well-seasoned fish, right?

Plus, it is also low in carbs and ready in just 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for those last-minute gatherings.

Not so keen on the cilantro? Don’t worry! You can substitute it with parsley or another herb, or even omit it altogether. 

Feel free to mix in some chopped peppers, green onions, or any fresh add-ins you prefer.