Fish is a healthy and versatile protein that can be prepared in many ways. But choosing the right side dishes can make or break your meal.

The perfect sides can enhance the flavors of the fish and create a balanced, satisfying dinner.

You have many options for tasty side dishes to pair with fish. From simple rice and roasted veggies to more elaborate salads and casseroles, there’s something to suit every taste.

The key is picking sides that complement the fish without overpowering it.

This article will explore 20 delicious side dish ideas to serve alongside your favorite fish recipes.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts make a tasty side dish for fish. You’ll love their crispy texture and savory flavor.

To make them, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Trim the bottoms of the sprouts and cut them in half.

Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet, cut side down.

Roast for about 20 minutes, then flip them over. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and roast for another 10 minutes.

The result is golden-brown sprouts with crispy edges and a tender interior. The garlic and Parmesan add a delicious flavor that pairs well with many fish dishes.

2. Herb-Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole

This tasty side dish pairs perfectly with fish. You’ll love the crispy herb topping that adds flavor and crunch.

Start by boiling sweet potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, milk, and spices.

For the crust, mix breadcrumbs with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add grated Parmesan cheese and melted butter.

Spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.

Bake until golden brown and crispy. The herb crust will become fragrant as it cooks. Serve hot alongside your favorite fish dish for a delicious meal.

3. Lemon Dill Rice Pilaf

Lemon Dill Rice Pilaf adds a zesty twist to your fish dinner. This light and fluffy side dish bursts with bright citrus flavors and aromatic dill.

To make it, sauté rice in butter until it turns opaque. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Stir in fresh dill and a splash of cream for richness.

The result is a fragrant, tangy rice that pairs perfectly with grilled or baked fish.

This pilaf takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy way to elevate your seafood meal with minimal effort.

4. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Sautéed green beans with almonds make a tasty side dish for fish.

Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Toss in the green beans and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should be tender but still crisp.

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the beans during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add a nice crunch.

For extra flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving.

This quick and easy side pairs well with most fish dishes. It’s both healthy and delicious.

5. Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango avocado salsa is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with fish.

To make it, you’ll need ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Dice the mangoes and avocados into small cubes. Finely chop some red onion and cilantro. Mix everything in a bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

Season with salt to taste. Let the salsa sit for about 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

This refreshing salsa adds a tropical twist to your fish dish and provides a nice contrast in texture.

6. Classic Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad makes a great side dish for fish. You’ll love the crisp romaine lettuce topped with a creamy dressing.

To make the dressing, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes add anchovy for extra flavor.

Toss the lettuce with the dressing and add crunchy croutons. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a salty finish.

For a twist, try adding grilled salmon or tuna to your Caesar salad. The fish pairs well with the tangy dressing and adds protein.

7. Creamy Parmesan Risotto

Creamy Parmesan risotto makes a great side dish for fish.

You start by toasting the rice in butter and olive oil for a few minutes. This step adds flavor to the dish.

Next, you slowly add warm broth while stirring constantly. This process takes about 20 minutes. The rice absorbs the liquid and becomes creamy.

At the end, mix in grated Parmesan cheese and a bit more butter.

The result is a rich, velvety risotto that pairs well with many types of fish. Its smooth texture contrasts nicely with crispy fish skin.

8. Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

Balsamic glazed asparagus is a tasty side dish that pairs well with fish. To make it, you’ll need fresh asparagus spears and a few simple ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and place the spears on a baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the asparagus. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat the spears evenly.

Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes until tender. The balsamic vinegar will caramelize, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.

Serve your balsamic glazed asparagus hot alongside your favorite fish dish.

9. Buttery Lemon Herb Quinoa

Quinoa makes a great side dish for fish. It’s tasty and good for you.

To make lemon herb quinoa, rinse 1 cup of quinoa and cook it in 2 cups of chicken broth.

While it’s cooking, melt some butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Stir in chopped herbs like parsley and basil.

When the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork. Mix in the butter herb mixture and add lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This light and zesty quinoa will complement your fish perfectly. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

10. Crispy Fried Polenta

Crispy fried polenta is a tasty side dish for fish. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal.

To prepare it, slice pre-cooked polenta into thin rounds. Coat each slice with a bit of flour or cornmeal.

Heat some oil in a pan and fry the polenta slices until they’re golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve your crispy polenta hot alongside your fish. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior pairs well with most fish dishes.

11. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean couscous salad is a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with fish. You can make it using pearl couscous, which absorbs flavors well.

Mix the cooked couscous with chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy touch.

Toss everything in a lemony herb dressing to bring out the Mediterranean flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add brightness to the salad.

This light and refreshing salad complements both mild and bold-flavored fish dishes. It’s quick to prepare and can be served warm or chilled.

12. Ginger Soy Glazed Carrots

Ginger soy glazed carrots are a tasty side dish for fish. You can make them easily in your oven or on the grill.

To prepare, toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them until tender.

While the carrots cook, mix soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. This creates a flavorful glaze.

Pour the glaze over the cooked carrots and toss to coat.

The sweet and savory flavors complement many types of fish.

This side dish is quick to make and adds color to your plate. It pairs well with salmon, white fish, or any seafood you like.

13. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles with pesto make a tasty and light side dish for fish. You can easily make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.

To prepare this dish, toss the zucchini noodles with homemade or store-bought pesto. For extra flavor, add cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

You can serve the zucchini noodles raw for a crisp texture. If you prefer them softer, quickly sauté them in a pan for 1-2 minutes.

This side dish is quick to make and pairs well with many types of fish.

14. Roasted Beet and Feta Salad

Roasted beet and feta salad is a tasty side dish that goes well with fish. To make it, start by roasting beets in the oven until they’re tender.

Once cooled, peel and slice the beets. Mix them with crumbled feta cheese and your choice of leafy greens.

Add some crunch by tossing in roasted walnuts.

For dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.

Pour the dressing over your salad and mix gently. This colorful dish adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your fish meal.

15. Sweet Corn and Avocado Slaw

Sweet corn and avocado slaw is a tasty side dish for fish tacos. You can make it quickly and easily.

Mix fresh corn kernels with diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and chopped cilantro.

Add a tangy dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

This slaw brings a nice crunch and creaminess to your fish tacos. It also adds bright flavors that complement the fish well.

You can prepare this slaw ahead of time and keep it chilled until serving. It stays fresh in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a quick stir before adding it to your tacos.

16. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Cilantro lime coleslaw is a fresh and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with fish. You can make it easily using packaged slaw mix, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and zest.

This no-mayo coleslaw is light and healthy. It adds a bright, crunchy contrast to your fish main course. The cilantro and lime give it a zesty flavor that complements many types of seafood.

You can use this versatile slaw as a topping for fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches too. It’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser at cookouts and barbecues.

17. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Baked Parmesan zucchini fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. They make a great side dish for fish.

To make them, cut zucchini into strips. Coat the strips with a mix of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Bake the coated zucchini strips in a hot oven until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. The Parmesan cheese gives them a savory flavor you’ll love.

These fries are lower in calories and carbs than potato fries. They’re also easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

18. Spinach and Artichoke Orzo

Spinach and artichoke orzo is a tasty side dish that pairs well with fish. You can make it in one pan for easy cleanup.

Start by melting butter in a pan and cooking diced onions or shallots. Add garlic, lemon zest, and spices for extra flavor.

Stir in the orzo and cook for a few minutes. Then pour in water or broth and coconut milk. Cover and simmer until the orzo is tender.

Mix in fresh spinach and chopped artichokes at the end. The spinach will wilt quickly. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some grated cheese if you like.

This creamy, veggie-packed orzo makes a great companion to salmon or other fish dishes.

19. Piccata Pasta with Capers

Piccata pasta with capers is a tasty side dish for fish. It combines the zesty flavors of lemon and capers with tender pasta.

To make this dish, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, prepare a simple sauce with butter, lemon juice, and capers.

Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and add some fresh parsley for color.

The bright, tangy flavors complement many types of fish, especially lighter varieties like cod or snapper.

This pasta side dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it ready in about the same time it takes to cook your fish.

20. Tomato Avocado Salad

Tomato avocado salad is a fresh and tasty side dish for fish. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.

Cut ripe tomatoes and avocados into chunks. Add them to a bowl with thinly sliced red onion.

For dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Pour it over the vegetables and toss gently.

The creamy avocado pairs nicely with the tangy tomatoes.

This salad goes well with many types of fish. Try it with grilled white fish or seared tuna. The bright flavors complement the fish without overpowering it.

Considerations For Flavor Balance

When pairing sides with fish, think about complementary flavors.

Mild white fish like cod or tilapia work well with bold, zesty sides. Try a lemon-garlic rice pilaf or roasted vegetables with herbs.

For richer fish like salmon or mackerel, opt for lighter sides.

A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can cut through the richness.

Texture matters too.

Pair flaky fish with creamy sides like mashed potatoes or risotto. For grilled or crispy fish, choose crunchy sides like coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Don’t forget about sauces.

A tangy tartar sauce or fresh salsa can tie the whole dish together.

Nutritional Complementarity

Fish is packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fats. To create a balanced meal, add sides with other important nutrients.

Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice provide fiber and B vitamins. These help you feel full and support energy levels.

Colorful vegetables offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Roasted sweet potatoes bring vitamin A, while a spinach salad adds iron and folate.

For extra protein and healthy fats, try a side of lentils or a Greek salad with feta cheese.

Remember to watch portion sizes.

A typical serving of fish is 3-4 ounces. Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with fish, and a quarter with grains or starchy sides.

Preparation Techniques

The right cooking method can make or break a side dish.

Steaming keeps vegetables crisp and bright. Grilling adds smoky flavor. Let’s look at some key techniques for preparing fish side dishes.

Steaming And Blanching

Steaming is great for veggies. It keeps nutrients and colors intact.

Set up a steamer basket over boiling water. Add chopped veggies and cover. Steam until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes for most vegetables.

Blanching quickly cooks veggies while keeping them crisp.

Boil water in a large pot. Add veggies for 1-3 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. This works well for green beans, broccoli, and asparagus.

Both methods keep sides light and fresh to pair with fish. They’re fast and easy too.

Grilling And Roasting

Grilling gives veggies a nice char and smoky taste.

Brush sliced zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side until tender.

Roasting brings out natural sweetness in vegetables.

Cut potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts into even pieces. Toss with olive oil and seasonings.

Spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

These methods add depth of flavor to veggie sides.

They complement grilled or baked fish nicely.