Salmon is a tasty and healthy fish that pairs well with many side dishes. Rice is a great choice to serve alongside salmon, as it soaks up flavors and provides a filling base for your meal. There are lots of ways to prepare rice that complement salmon nicely.

You can make your salmon dinner more exciting by trying different rice side dishes. Plain white rice works fine, but adding just a few extra ingredients can take your meal to the next level. From herb-infused rice to cheesy rice casseroles, there are many tasty options to pick from. Let’s look at some rice side dishes that go great with salmon.

1. Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice is a tasty side dish that goes great with salmon. To make it, you’ll need white rice, butter, garlic, and chicken broth or water.

Start by cooking the rice according to package directions. While it’s cooking, melt some butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.

When the rice is done, mix in the garlic butter. Stir well to coat all the grains. The result is a flavorful rice that complements the richness of salmon perfectly.

For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice makes a great match for salmon. It’s fresh, zesty, and easy to make.

Start by cooking white rice as usual. When it’s done, fluff it with a fork.

Add chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of lime zest. Mix well. The lime gives a bright flavor that goes nicely with fish.

You can adjust the amount of cilantro and lime to your taste. Some people like to add a little butter or olive oil for richness.

This rice dish is light and refreshing. It won’t overpower the salmon but will complement it well.

3. Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

Mushroom and asparagus risotto makes a tasty rice side dish for salmon. To make it, start by warming chicken broth in a saucepan.

In a separate pan, sauté shallots in olive oil. Add rice and toast it slightly. Gradually add hot broth, stirring often until absorbed.

While the rice cooks, prepare mushrooms and asparagus. Add them to the risotto near the end of cooking. Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

The creamy texture of risotto pairs well with the richness of salmon. The mushrooms and asparagus add earthy and fresh notes to complement the fish.

4. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice makes a tasty side dish for salmon. To make it, use coconut milk instead of water when cooking your rice. This gives the rice a subtle coconut flavor and creamy texture.

You can add extra ingredients to boost the taste. Try mixing in some chopped cilantro or green onions. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice tang.

For a complete meal, serve your coconut rice with grilled or baked salmon. The sweet, nutty flavors of the rice complement the rich taste of the fish. This combo works well for both casual dinners and fancier occasions.

5. Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf

Lemon herb rice pilaf is a tasty side dish for salmon. You can make it easily at home. Start by cooking rice in broth instead of water for extra flavor.

Add lemon zest and juice to give the rice a bright, citrusy taste. Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. These herbs complement salmon well.

For more depth, sauté some garlic and onions before adding the rice. This creates a flavorful base. A pat of butter stirred in at the end makes the pilaf rich and creamy.

6. Tomato Basil Rice

Tomato basil rice is a tasty side dish that pairs well with salmon. To make it, cook white rice according to the package directions.

While the rice cooks, chop some fresh tomatoes and basil. When the rice is done, mix in the tomatoes and basil.

Add a splash of olive oil and some salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can stir in some minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese.

This colorful rice dish adds a fresh, summery touch to your salmon meal. The tomato and basil flavors complement the fish nicely.

7. Spinach Parmesan Rice

Spinach Parmesan Rice is a tasty dish that goes well with salmon. You can make it easily at home. Start by cooking white rice as usual.

While the rice cooks, sauté some fresh spinach in a pan. Chop the cooked spinach and mix it into the rice.

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the rice and spinach mix. The cheese gives it a rich, salty flavor. Stir well to combine everything.

This side dish adds color and nutrition to your salmon meal. The green spinach looks nice next to the pink fish. It’s a simple way to make your dinner more exciting.

8. Jasmine Rice with Scallions

Jasmine rice with scallions is a tasty and easy side dish for salmon. Start by cooking jasmine rice according to package instructions.

While the rice cooks, thinly slice some fresh scallions. When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the sliced scallions.

For extra flavor, you can add a pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This light and fragrant rice pairs well with the rich flavor of salmon. The scallions add a mild onion taste and a pop of green color to your plate.

9. Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad is a tasty and healthy side for salmon. To make it, cook wild rice according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly.

Mix the rice with chopped celery, red onion, and raisins. This adds crunch and sweetness to the dish.

For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard. Add some fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Toss the rice mixture with the dressing. You can serve this salad warm or chilled alongside your salmon. It’s a great way to add variety to your meal.

10. Saffron Rice

Saffron rice adds elegance to your salmon dinner. Its golden color and subtle flavor complement the fish perfectly.

To make it, steep a pinch of saffron threads in warm water. Cook basmati rice with the saffron water, some butter, and a dash of salt.

You can enhance the dish by adding sliced almonds or raisins. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top gives it a nice finish.

Saffron rice pairs well with both grilled and baked salmon. Its delicate taste won’t overpower the fish but still provides a flavorful backdrop.

11. Avocado Rice

Avocado rice is a creamy and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with salmon. To make it, cook your rice as usual, then mix in mashed ripe avocado.

Add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro for extra flavor. The avocado adds a rich, buttery texture to the rice.

This side dish complements the salmon’s taste while providing healthy fats and fiber. You can also add diced tomatoes or red onions for more color and crunch.

Avocado rice is quick to prepare and adds a lovely green hue to your plate. It’s a great way to use up ripe avocados and elevate your salmon dinner.

12. Ginger Turmeric Rice

Ginger turmeric rice adds a flavorful twist to your salmon dish. To make it, start by cooking white rice as usual. While it simmers, sauté minced ginger and garlic in a pan.

Add turmeric powder to the pan and stir until fragrant. Mix this aromatic blend into your cooked rice. The result is a vibrant yellow rice with a warm, earthy taste.

The ginger provides a subtle kick, while turmeric offers health benefits and a beautiful color. This rice pairs perfectly with salmon, complementing its rich flavor without overpowering it.

13. Caramelized Onion Rice

Caramelized onion rice adds a sweet and savory twist to your salmon dinner. To make it, start by cooking rice according to package directions. While the rice cooks, slice onions thinly and cook them in butter over low heat until golden brown.

Once the rice is done, mix in the caramelized onions. You can add extra flavor by stirring in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens up the dish.

This rice pairs perfectly with salmon, complementing its rich flavor. The sweetness of the onions balances the fish’s natural taste.

Nutritional Benefits Of Rice And Salmon

Rice and salmon are nutrient-rich foods that can support your health. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other compounds your body needs to function well.

Rich In Essential Nutrients

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your brain and heart. It also has high-quality protein to help build and repair your muscles. Salmon gives you vitamin D for strong bones and B vitamins for energy.

Rice adds carbs to your meal, giving you fuel for your day. Brown rice has more fiber than white rice. This fiber helps you feel full and supports good digestion. Rice also provides some B vitamins and minerals like manganese and selenium.

Together, rice and salmon make a balanced meal. You get protein, healthy fats, and carbs all in one dish.

Benefits For Heart Health

Eating salmon can boost your heart health in several ways. Its omega-3s may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. These healthy fats can reduce inflammation in your body. They might also help lower your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Rice, especially brown rice, has fiber that’s good for your heart. Fiber can help lower your cholesterol levels. This may cut your risk of heart disease. The low sodium content of plain rice is also heart-friendly.

When you pair salmon with rice, you create a meal that’s kind to your heart. This combo gives you protein without unhealthy saturated fats. It’s a smart choice for keeping your heart strong and healthy.

Popular Rice Varieties For Side Dishes

Rice comes in many types, each with unique flavors and textures. Some varieties work better than others as side dishes for salmon.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice has a light, fluffy texture and nutty aroma. It’s a great choice for salmon side dishes.

This long-grain rice cooks up separate and doesn’t clump. Its delicate flavor won’t overpower the salmon. Basmati rice pairs well with herbs and spices like saffron, cardamom, or cumin.

Try cooking basmati rice in chicken broth instead of water for extra taste. Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch. Lemon zest and chopped parsley brighten up the flavor.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice has a soft, slightly sticky texture. It has a sweet smell and flavor that goes well with salmon.

This rice soaks up sauces and flavors from other ingredients. Cook jasmine rice in coconut milk for a rich taste. Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

Jasmine rice works well in fried rice dishes too. Stir-fry cold jasmine rice with veggies, eggs, and soy sauce. The result is a tasty side that complements grilled or baked salmon.

Brown Rice

Brown rice has a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It’s higher in fiber and nutrients than white rice.

This whole grain takes longer to cook but offers more health benefits. Brown rice has a stronger taste that stands up to bold salmon seasonings.

Mix cooked brown rice with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also use brown rice in grain salads with chopped veggies and a tangy dressing.