What Goes With Fish in 2025? Veggies, Sides, & More

Fish is a light, delicate protein that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Known for its mild taste and flaky texture, fish can be seasoned or marinated to create a wide range of flavor profiles, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

From fresh salads to roasted vegetables, the possibilities for what goes with fish are endless. Whether you're preparing a simple grilled fillet or a more complex seafood dish, these sides will complement your fish perfectly and make every meal even more enjoyable.

Disclaimer: All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Mixed Salad Greens With Raspberry Lemon Vinaigrette

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Blend raspberries, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (optional), salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Pour vinaigrette into a mason jar and set aside.

3. Toss salad greens with vinaigrette.

4. Serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

Classic salad with homemade vinaigrette is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with various types of fish. The tangy raspberry and lemon dressing brings a burst of flavor, making it a great choice to balance the richness of seafood.

I like this salad because the dressing is so customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste. It's also a much lighter, lower-calorie option compared to store-bought versions – and it’s one of the easiest recipes you could make.

2. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Veggies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot until tender, then drain.

2. Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Toss veggies with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, then roast on a baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender.

4. Serve mashed potatoes with roasted veggies on the side.

Overview 🔍

Mashed potatoes and roasted veggies are a side dish that can never go wrong. The mashed potatoes are velvety and rich, while the roasted veggies add a savory and slightly crispy texture, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

I love making this dish because it’s a simple way to enjoy comforting sides with some extra flavor. The combination of smooth mashed potatoes and roasted veggies always feels like a complete meal, and it’s the kind of dish that pairs nicely with seafood like crab cakes.

3. Tex-Mex Tilapia With Cilantro Lime Couscous & Green Beans

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Mix panko and Southwest spice blend in a shallow dish. Coat tilapia in the mixture.

2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

3. In a small pot, bring ½ cup water and veggie stock concentrate to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in cilantro and lime juice.

4. Sauté green beans in a pan with oil, salt, and pepper until tender.

5. Mix sour cream with chipotle powder and a squeeze of lime in a small bowl.

6. Serve tilapia with couscous, green beans, and chipotle sour cream.

Overview 🔍

This all-in-one fish recipe is packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors and a mix of textures. The crispy tilapia and the fluffy cilantro lime couscous are a great combination, while the sautéed green beans add freshness. The chipotle sour cream ties everything together with a creamy kick.

I like this dish because it's light but still satisfying. The mild tilapia soaks up the smoky, spicy flavors, and the couscous is a quick, no-fuss side that makes everything feel more complete.

4. Couscous Tabbouleh With Chopped Veggies, Herbs, & Feta

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Pour boiling water or vegetable broth over couscous in a mixing bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

2. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.

3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Combine couscous, chopped veggies, herbs, and feta in a bowl.

5. Drizzle with dressing, toss, and serve.

Overview 🔍

Tabbouleh is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. The light, fluffy couscous soaks up the zesty dressing, and the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta add layers of texture. Add the blend of parsley and mint on top, and you’ve got a nicely refreshing cold salad!

I like tabbouleh because it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require much cooking. It’s also really refreshing, and you can feel good about it because it’s packed with nutrients and very low in calories.

5. Oven Bake Salmon With Creamy Dijon Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Chop broccoli and Roma tomato into bite-sized pieces.

3. Place salmon and veggies on an oven-ready tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Roast for 15–20 minutes until salmon is cooked through and veggies are tender.

5. In a bowl, mix sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon, and dill.

6. Spoon sauce over the salmon, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve.

Overview 🔍

This oven-baked salmon from Green Chef is simple to prepare and full of flavor. The tangy Dijon sauce pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon, and the roasted broccoli and tomatoes add color and texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a final, savory touch.

I like this meal because it’s packed with protein and healthy fats while still feeling light. The sauce takes a boring piece of salmon to the next level, and roasting everything in one tray means less cleanup – perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.

6. Linguine “Aglio e Olio”

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden.

3. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the oil.

4. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until a light sauce forms.

5. Mix in parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Overview 🔍

Aglio e Olio is a very traditional Italian dish that pairs perfectly with various types of fish. The rich olive oil, sautéed garlic, and red pepper flakes create a bold yet balanced taste, while fresh parsley adds brightness. A sprinkle of Parmesan brings a savory touch, making this simple recipe feel indulgent.

I love this dish for its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home, and it pairs well with everything from salmon to grilled cod.

7. Red & White Garlicky Coleslaw

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Shred the cabbage and carrots using a food processor or hand grater.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and celery seed.

4. Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies and toss to coat evenly.

5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Overview 🔍

Coleslaw is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. The combination of fresh cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with fish. The creamy mayonnaise and slight acidity from the vinegar make it an ideal complement to the richness of seafood.

This dish is a personal favorite of mine because it’s an easy, healthy side that brings a pop of color and flavor to any seafood meal. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and is packed with nutrients.

8. Mediterranean-Style Herb & Garlic Rice With Veggies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a medium pot, cook basmati rice with vegetable broth according to package instructions.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

3. Add minced garlic, oregano, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine.

4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and mix it with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Overview 🔍

Rice with herbs, garlic, and veggies is a fragrant and vibrant dish, perfect with fish. The combination of fresh vegetables, garlic, and herbs makes it a perfect accompaniment to fish like salmon. The lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness, complementing the rich flavors of seafood.

I love this recipe because the rice soaks up all the savory flavors from the veggies and herbs, creating a hearty, flavorful base for any fish dish. It's an easy yet satisfying side that adds Mediterranean flair to your meal.

9. Pan-Seared Asparagus With White Wine Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add asparagus to the skillet, cooking for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Overview 🔍

Seared asparagus is a light yet sophisticated side dish. The asparagus is crisp and tender and is elevated by a rich white wine sauce that adds depth and brightness. The buttery sauce, with hints of garlic and lemon, pairs perfectly with fish like pan-seared salmon.

This has been one of my personal favorites for a long time. The balance of savory white wine, garlic, and fresh lemon juice really elevates the asparagus, making it a perfect companion to any fish meal.

10. Easy Zucchini Fritters

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Grate zucchini and place it in a large colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

2. Use cheesecloth or a clean towel to squeeze out the remaining moisture from the zucchini.

3. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, flour, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet, pressing down lightly to form fritters.

5. Cook each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Remove fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Overview 🔍

Zucchini fritters are a crispy, savory side that can be enjoyed with any fish meal. The zucchini is transformed into golden, crunchy fritters that are light yet satisfying. The Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor, while the garlic and seasoning provide the perfect balance.

These fritters are a favorite of mine because they offer a satisfying crunch without being too heavy. They pair wonderfully with fish, making for a deliciously light yet filling side dish.

FAQ

What are good side dishes for fish?

Good side dishes for fish should enhance the light flavor without overpowering it. Vegetables, grains, and light salads are excellent choices. For example, Mediterranean-Style Herb and Garlic Rice with Veggies is a fragrant combination of rice and fresh herbs that complements the fish.

Red & White Garlicky Coleslaw also offers a crunchy and tangy contrast, providing a refreshing side that balances the fish's delicate flavor.

What is the best thing to eat with fish?

The best side dishes for fish are those that add freshness and texture without overshadowing the fish itself. For instance, the Oven Bake Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce pairs well, offering roasted veggies and a creamy sauce that elevates the flavor of the fish.

For a lighter and more delicate option, Pan-Seared Asparagus with White Wine Sauce is a great pairing, adding savory and bright notes that complement the fish.

What pairs well with white fish?

Whitefish has a mild flavor and is very low in calories, so it pairs well with sides that are richer and more indulgent. One example is the Linguine “Aglio e Olio”, which is a really rich and flavorful pasta dish.

For a different pairing, Easy Zucchini Fritters provide a crispy and savory side that balances out the mildness of white fish, and adds a satisfying texture.

What pairs with fried fish?

Fried fish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with something fresh and light is key. A crisp, refreshing salad or coleslaw complements fried fish perfectly. Red & White Garlicky Coleslaw offers a crunchy, tangy side that cuts through the richness of the fried coating.

Another great pairing is Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Veggies, which offers a creamy, hearty side to balance the crispy texture of the fried fish.