What to Serve With Hot Smoked Salmon – 15 Best Sides

What to Serve With Hot Smoked Salmon you ask?

I love serving hot smoked salmon for dinner, but sometimes I struggle with what to serve alongside it.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 15 best sides to complement this delicious dish.

From lemon-dill rice to creamy dill sauce, these options are sure to make your meal complete.

Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh like cucumber salad or something heartier like roasted garlic bread, this article has got you covered.

Let’s dive in and discover the perfect side dish for your hot smoked salmon feast.

Lemon-Dill Rice

You’ll love the tangy flavor and fresh herbs in the lemon-dill rice to pair with your hot smoked salmon. This side dish is a perfect complement to the smoky richness of the salmon.

The combination of citrusy lemon and aromatic dill adds a refreshing twist to the rice, enhancing the overall taste of the meal. The tanginess of the lemon cuts through the richness of the salmon, creating a balanced and satisfying bite. The fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor and a touch of brightness to the dish.

The rice itself is light and fluffy, providing a neutral base that allows the flavors of the salmon and herbs to shine. Together, the lemon-dill rice and hot smoked salmon create a harmonious and delicious meal.

Roasted Asparagus

To complement your meal, roast some asparagus until tender and lightly charred. It’s a simple and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with hot smoked salmon.

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, and roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and adds a touch of smoky flavor. I love the way the tips get slightly crispy while the stalks remain tender.

To make the roasted asparagus, I simply toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it out on a baking sheet and roast it in a hot oven until it’s just cooked through.

The result is a vibrant and flavorful side that adds a pop of color and freshness to any meal.

Creamy Dill Sauce

The creamy dill sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a tangy and herby flavor to a variety of dishes. I absolutely love how this sauce complements the delicate smokiness of hot smoked salmon. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that really elevates the dish.

Whether you’re serving the salmon as an appetizer, on a bagel, or as a main course, this sauce is a must-have. The creaminess of the sauce brings a richness to the salmon, while the dill adds a refreshing herbal note. It’s also incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and of course, fresh dill.

Trust me, once you try this creamy dill sauce with hot smoked salmon, you’ll be hooked!

Cucumber Salad

I love how refreshing and crisp cucumber salad is, especially during the hot summer months. It’s the perfect side dish to complement any meal, especially when served with hot smoked salmon.

The coolness of the cucumber combined with its crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the smoky flavor of the salmon. I enjoy the simplicity of a cucumber salad, with just a few ingredients like sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dressing made with vinegar and dill.

The flavors come together beautifully, creating a light and refreshing salad that is both satisfying and healthy.

Whether I’m hosting a barbecue or enjoying a picnic by the beach, cucumber salad is always a hit and a must-have side dish for me.

Herbed Quinoa

You can enhance the flavor of herbed quinoa by adding a variety of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and dill. These herbs not only add a burst of freshness, but they also bring a delightful aroma to the dish.

I love the combination of flavors that the herbs provide, making the quinoa taste even more delicious. To prepare this flavorful side dish, I start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, I simply toss in the chopped herbs and gently mix them in.

The result is a vibrant and flavorful quinoa that complements any meal. Whether serving it with hot smoked salmon or as a standalone dish, herbed quinoa is a wonderful addition to any menu.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue. I love firing up the grill and throwing on a colorful mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.

The smoky flavor that comes from grilling adds a wonderful depth to the vegetables, making them even more flavorful. Plus, the charred edges give them a nice crispy texture that is just irresistible.

Not only are they delicious, but they are also nutritious. Grilled vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for a healthy diet. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and a great source of vitamins A and C.

Tangy Coleslaw

After discussing the deliciousness of grilled vegetables as a side dish for hot smoked salmon, let’s now move on to another fantastic option: tangy coleslaw.

I absolutely love the combination of the smoky salmon flavor with the refreshing crunch and tanginess of coleslaw. It adds a perfect balance to the meal. The creamy dressing of the coleslaw complements the richness of the salmon, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Whether you prefer a classic mayonnaise-based coleslaw or a lighter vinegar-based version, both will enhance the overall taste experience. The crispness of the cabbage and the zingy flavors of the dressing provide a delightful contrast to the tender and smoky salmon.

Trust me, serving tangy coleslaw alongside hot smoked salmon will make your meal truly unforgettable.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a delectable side dish to accompany your meal, try making some creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

These potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, with a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with any main course.

To make these mashed potatoes, start by boiling some peeled and diced Russet potatoes until they are fork-tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, melt some butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.

Add the garlic butter, some milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

These garlic mashed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal to the next level.

Fresh Green Salad

After indulging in the creamy and flavorful garlic mashed potatoes, I like to balance out the richness of the dish with a refreshing fresh green salad.

The vibrant colors and crispness of the greens complement the smokey flavors of the hot smoked salmon perfectly.

I toss together a medley of mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce, along with some sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

The tangy vinaigrette dressing adds a zesty kick and ties all the flavors together.

This light and invigorating salad not only adds a burst of freshness to the meal but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients.

It’s a delightful contrast to the indulgent salmon and makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Citrus Glazed Carrots

To enhance the savory flavors of the main course, you can try adding a touch of sweetness with some citrus glazed carrots. These carrots are a perfect side dish that adds a burst of tangy and sweet flavors to complement the smoky taste of hot smoked salmon.

I love how the citrus glaze brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots while adding a refreshing zing. The glaze is made by combining fresh orange juice, honey, and a hint of ginger for an extra kick.

As the carrots roast in the oven, they become tender and caramelized, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The vibrant orange color of the glazed carrots also adds a visually appealing element to the plate, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Zesty Avocado Salsa

The zesty avocado salsa adds a refreshing and creamy element to the dish, elevating the flavors with its tangy and citrusy notes. I love how it complements the smoky richness of the hot smoked salmon.

The creaminess of the avocado combined with the zing of lime juice and the kick of jalapeno peppers creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s like a burst of freshness in every bite.

The salsa also adds a vibrant pop of color to the plate, making it visually appealing as well. Whether you spoon it over the salmon or use it as a dipping sauce, the zesty avocado salsa is a must-have accompaniment that takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Garlic Buttered Green Beans

After exploring the deliciousness of zesty avocado salsa, let’s dive into another mouthwatering side dish for hot smoked salmon – garlic buttered green beans.

These vibrant and tender green beans are the perfect accompaniment to the rich and smoky flavors of the salmon.

To prepare this dish, I start by blanching the green beans until they are crisp yet tender. Then, I melt some butter in a pan and add minced garlic, allowing it to infuse the butter with its aromatic flavors.

Next, I toss in the blanched green beans and sauté them until they are coated in the garlic butter goodness.

The result is a side dish that brings a burst of freshness to the table. The crunchy green beans complement the salmon’s robust flavors, while the garlic butter adds a touch of richness.

This combination is a match made in culinary heaven.

Caprese Salad

Let’s indulge in the refreshing flavors of a classic caprese salad. It’s one of my favorite salads to make and enjoy, especially during the summer months when fresh tomatoes and basil are in abundance.

The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so appealing. Sliced ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves are layered together and drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Each bite is a burst of freshness and the combination of flavors is simply divine.

The juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil perfectly complement each other. It’s a light and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course.

Sweet Potato Fries

After exploring the delightful flavors of a Caprese Salad, I couldn’t help but think of another delicious side dish that would perfectly complement hot smoked salmon – Sweet Potato Fries.

These crispy and slightly sweet fries add a touch of warmth and depth to every bite. The vibrant orange color of the sweet potatoes is visually appealing and contrasts beautifully with the rich pink of the salmon. Plus, the natural sweetness of the fries pairs wonderfully with the smoky and savory flavors of the fish.

Whether you bake or fry them, these fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more. So, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these tasty Sweet Potato Fries to serve alongside your hot smoked salmon.

Roasted Garlic Bread

To make the most out of your roasted garlic bread, you’ll want to use fresh garlic cloves for a robust and aromatic flavor. I love making homemade garlic bread because it adds a delicious kick to any meal.

First, I preheat the oven to 375°F and slice a baguette in half lengthwise. Then, I peel and finely mince about 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic. Next, I melt some butter in a small saucepan and add the minced garlic. I let it cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

After that, I spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the baguette. Finally, I wrap the bread in foil and bake it for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

The result is a mouthwatering roasted garlic bread that pairs perfectly with pasta, soups, or even as a standalone snack. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma and taste!

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to serving hot smoked salmon, the possibilities are truly endless. From the refreshing zest of a lemon-dill rice to the charred perfection of roasted asparagus, each side dish enhances the delicate flavors of the salmon in its own unique way.

Just like a symphony of flavors, these sides dance harmoniously with the star of the show. So, why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your dining experience with these exceptional accompaniments?

Indulge in the culinary symphony and let your taste buds soar to new heights.