If you love burgers but also crave seafood, then salmon croquettes are calling your name. Golden and crisp on the outside yet tender inside, these patties bring together the best of both worlds in a deliciously sweet and savory bite.
Once you’ve got them sizzling in the pan, the real question becomes: what’s the perfect side to serve alongside? From creamy slaws to roasted veggies, the right pairing takes your meal from simple to spectacular.
And don’t forget the dip — a homemade tartar sauce is a must-have for balancing out the richness of the salmon.
No need to overthink it — we’ve rounded up 15 side dish ideas that complement flavor, texture, and color beautifully. With these combinations, your salmon patties transform from an everyday dish into a memorable meal that everyone at the table will love.
15. Summer Simple Side Salad Recipe to Serve with Baked Salmon
Nothing complements salmon patties quite like a crisp, refreshing salad.
This version combines sweet grape tomatoes, creamy mini mozzarella cheese, peppery arugula, crunchy romaine, and shredded red cabbage, all tossed in a bright lemon poppy seed dressing. The citrusy notes cut through the richness of salmon beautifully.
What makes this salad shine is its versatility — serve it in summer as a light side dish or during colder months to bring brightness to your table.
The lemon poppy seed dressing adds freshness and a touch of sweetness that enhances the tomatoes while balancing the salmon’s savory flavor. It’s pure perfection and one of those sides you’ll want on repeat.
14. Risotto Zafferano (Saffron Risotto) – Easy Side to Serve with Salmon
If you want to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight salmon patties, saffron risotto is the way to go. Its vivid golden color and luxurious, creamy texture make the plate look restaurant-worthy.
The subtle earthiness of saffron pairs beautifully with the delicate flavors of fish.
Best of all, this dish is simpler than it looks. With fewer than ten ingredients, you can whip up a risotto that feels elegant enough for special occasions but practical enough for any dinner.
Every spoonful delivers rich, velvety rice with just the right amount of chew, offering a stunning contrast to the crispy exterior of salmon patties.
13. Thick & Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce with Yogurt, Sour Cream, Garlic, Lemon, and Fresh Herbs
Sometimes the perfect side isn’t a dish but a sauce. Tzatziki — that creamy Greek cucumber dip — is a refreshing companion for salmon patties.
Made with yogurt, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, it’s cool, tangy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor.
The beauty of this tzatziki is how quickly it comes together — just five minutes of prep and you’re done. It’s thick without straining, tangy without being overpowering, and perfect for dolloping over salmon cakes or serving on the side.
It’s like bringing a bit of Greek sunshine to your plate.
12. Creamy and Flavorful Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the classic comfort food side, and when you add cheese, sour cream, and fresh chives, they become absolutely irresistible. These creamy potatoes complement salmon patties perfectly by adding richness and a pillowy base.
Each bite is buttery, cheesy, and smooth, creating a delicious contrast to the crisp salmon. They’re easy enough for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough to make holidays and family gatherings feel special.
If you want comfort with elegance, this is the side to choose.
11. Remoulade Sauce – Perfect for Cooked Salmon or Crab Cakes!
Salmon patties practically beg for a dipping sauce, and remoulade is the classic choice.
Originating in France and popularized in Louisiana, this mayonnaise-based sauce is flavored with mustard, garlic, paprika, and herbs, making it tangy, savory, and addictive.
What makes it perfect is versatility: it works with crab cakes, fish burgers, and even fried shrimp. Its creamy texture and punchy flavor balance the richness of salmon, making every bite more exciting.
Once you try it, you won’t want to serve salmon patties without it.
10. Potato Salad with Miracle Whip – Serve with Salmon Patties
For a nostalgic Midwestern touch, nothing beats a creamy potato salad made with Miracle Whip. It’s tangy, sweet, and creamy all at once — the perfect counterbalance to savory salmon cakes.
Mustard helps cut the sweetness, giving the salad balance and zing. Every forkful feels comforting, like the kind of dish that’s been passed down through family picnics and Sunday dinners.
Pair it with salmon patties, and you have a hearty, satisfying meal that never goes out of style.
9. Brown Sugar Bacon Brussels Sprouts – Best Side Dish for Salmon Patty!
This side dish takes Brussels sprouts to the next level with a sweet and savory glaze of brown sugar, lemon juice, and crispy bacon. The sprouts caramelize beautifully, creating tender bites full of flavor.
What makes this dish a standout is the balance of layers: tangy sprouts, smoky bacon, and the sweetness of brown sugar. It’s sophisticated enough for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas but quick enough to make on a weeknight.
With salmon patties, the flavors just click — earthy, smoky, and satisfying.
8. Sweet and Smoky Roasted Carrots
Carrots may seem humble, but when roasted with a touch of seasoning, they transform into something magical. Their natural sweetness deepens in the oven, while smoky spices give them complexity.
Perfectly caramelized, they have a crisp snap that pairs beautifully with the tenderness of salmon patties. The vibrant orange color also makes the dish pop on the plate. Simple, healthy, and full of flavor, roasted carrots are always a winning side.
7. Green Beans – Crunchy and Vibrant Side for Salmon Patties
Green beans bring crunch, color, and freshness to any meal. Roast them with garlic and finish with fresh Parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory twist that pairs beautifully with fish.
Quick to prep and cook, green beans are one of the easiest sides to make all year long. They’re especially delicious with salmon patties, where their bright flavor and crisp texture provide the perfect balance.
Once you try them this way, they’ll become a go-to favorite.
6. Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Red Onion, Basil Leaves, Salt and Pepper
Sometimes, simple is best. This salad uses just tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with basil, salt, and pepper. The result is juicy, fresh, and vibrant.
The bright flavors cut through the richness of salmon patties while the bold colors — red, green, and purple — look stunning alongside the pink salmon. It’s refreshing, easy, and exactly the kind of side that elevates a light, healthy meal.
5. Crispy Fried Okra
A Southern classic, fried okra might not be the first side you think of with salmon patties, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. The crispy, golden coating offers a perfect contrast to the soft, flaky fish cakes.
Preparation is simple: coat in batter and fry until golden brown. The result is addictive finger food that adds crunch and a touch of nostalgia to your salmon dinner. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a crowd-pleaser.
4. Asparagus & Tomatoes with a Sprinkle of Parmesan and a Drizzle of Balsamic Reduction
This dish is as beautiful as it is tasty. Bright green asparagus and juicy red tomatoes are roasted until tender, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
The result is a vibrant, flavorful side that complements salmon patties with both taste and texture. The balsamic adds sweetness, the Parmesan brings nuttiness, and the vegetables add freshness.
It’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
3. Soft & Tender Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls may not seem like a side on their own, but when paired with salmon patties, they shine. Soft, pillowy, and buttery, they’re perfect for turning salmon cakes into sliders or simply serving on the side.
Making them at home is easier than you think, and the reward is fresh, warm bread that beats anything store-bought. They add a cozy, comforting touch to the meal, and no one can resist them hot from the oven.
2. Mild-flavored Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are sweet, salty, and utterly delicious. They pair beautifully with salmon patties, adding both crunch and vibrant color to the plate.
Bake them for a healthier option, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or rosemary. Dip them in mayo, aioli, or sriracha sauce for extra punch.
Whether served as a side or tucked into a salmon burger, sweet potato fries are the ultimate feel-good companion.
1. Fresh Salad with Broccoli, Tomatoes, Asparagus, Squash, or Bell Peppers
For a light and wholesome side, nothing beats a fresh, colorful salad. Combining crunchy broccoli, juicy tomatoes, crisp asparagus, vibrant squash, or bell peppers makes a bowl that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
The mix of textures balances perfectly with salmon patties, while the colors make the dish look stunning. You can even swap in string beans or spinach for variety. Packed with vitamins and flavor, this side keeps your meal both healthy and satisfying.
15 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon Patties
Wondering what to serve with salmon patty? Discover 15 delicious side dishes that go well with this classic southern recipe! Perfect pairings await!
Ingredients
- Summer Salad Recipe
- Risotto Zafferano (Saffron Risotto)
- Thick & Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce with Yogurt, Sour Cream, Garlic, Lemon, and Fresh Herbs
- Creamy and Flavorful Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Remoulade Sauce
- Potato Salad with Miracle Whip
- Brown Sugar Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Carrots
- Green Beans
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad
- Fried Okra
- Asparagus & Tomatoes
- Soft Dinner Rolls
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Fresh Salad
Instructions
- Choose any sides for salmon from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best sides for salmon and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.