What to Serve With Fish (20 Tasty Sides)

Deciding what to serve with fish can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

From light bites to comfort food, this list has it all.

When choosing a dish, you want complementary flavors and textures. 

Sweet and savory flavors pairs well with steamed, baked, and pan-fried filets. Bright and acidic dishes like corn salsa are excellent for grilled. 

And fried? You can’t beat those crunchy fries!

Refreshing cucumber salad or buttery mashed potatoes, take your pick. These are the 25 best side dishes for fish.

Delicious Side Dishes for Fish

Choosing the best dish depends on the type of fish. Mild white fish like cod pairs well with bright and punchy sides. 

Others like salmon have a stronger flavor. So you don’t want to overpower the fish. 

I also like to serve fish with a tasty sauce. Here are some of my faves: 

• Tartar Sauce

• Lemon Dill Sauce

• Beurre Blanc

• Garlic Sauce

• Hollandaise Sauce

• Salsa Verde

To make your next fish dinner complete, try one of these delicious sides!

1. Coconut Rice

Send your taste buds on vacation with a flaky filet and side of coconut rice. 

Coconut milk gives plain white rice such a delicious tropical twist. It’s just enough to add a little flavor while enhancing the sweetness of the fish.

Together, they create an incredibly fresh meal. It’s light, satisfying, and easy enough for weeknights.

2. Greek Lemon Potatoes

For an easy fish dinner, make a side of Greek lemon potatoes. They’re flavor-packed and pair well with all kinds of fish.

The well-seasoned outer layer is delightfully crispy. As for the inside, they’re fork-tender, just like they should be.

Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but cleanup is also a breeze.

3. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes 

Rosemary roasted potatoes and fish are a delicious duo for a holiday dinner. 

The sprinkle of fresh herbs and garlic accentuate the savoriness. Plus, they’re versatile enough for different fish. 

My favorite part, though, is they’re an easy mess-free side. So you can even enjoy them on busy weeknights.

4. French Fries

Fish and chips is a traditional fast food for our friends across the pond. Recreate this delicious dish with this French fries recipe.

These spuds are precisely as they should be. Crispy and salty on the outside, warm and pillowy on the inside.

Just bake them and your meal is complete!

5. Corn Salsa 

Want to add a little pizzazz to your filet? Add a scoop of corn salsa. 

It’s a super fresh and simple side that adds a punch of flavor. Sweet, spicy, and citrusy, it’s a bright Tex-Mex pairing. 

Serve it with grilled salmon or add a spoonful to fish tacos. Just be sure to make enough worth sharing.

6. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce

For a foolproof pairing, go with grilled asparagus with lemon butter sauce. It’s a light and easy meal guaranteed to please. 

The brown butter sauce pairs particularly well with delicate white fish. It adds a little zip and richness. 

As for that grilled asparagus, no vegetable can compare! Those smoky and sweet stalks are the best side dish for fish.

7. Jennifer Aniston Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

Jennifer Aniston’s salad has become famous for a reason. It’s absolutely fantastic!

It makes a bunch of good-for-you foods super yummy. Fresh, earthy, citrusy, and nutty, it’s full of bright flavors. 

Serve it with fish for a healthy lunch or dinner. Not too light, and not too heavy, it’s just right. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you.

8. Panzanella Salad 

Bread, onion, garlic, basil, and tomato make up this Tuscan-inspired Panzanella recipe. The result is a salad with lots of strong flavors!

Each ingredient complements the others nicely. And they are all tied together with an incredible vinaigrette dressing.

You can serve this salad with fish or any other meal! It’s so good, you may want it every night!

9. Green Beans Almondine

Green beans almondine is a holiday classic! 

The slivered almonds, butter, and garlic add a boost of flavor. They also let the natural sweetness of the vegetable shine. 

It’s a simple way to make green beans delicious. And, it’s a healthy side for fish you can make with just six ingredients.

10. Coleslaw

Every fish fry has to have a side of coleslaw. Where do you fall on the debate? Should coleslaw be made with mayonnaise or vinegar?

This recipe calls for a mayonnaise base and was inspired by the expert himself, Colonel Sanders. 

If this recipe is good enough for the Colonel, it’s good enough for anyone.

11. Smashed Cucumber Salad

Too hot to turn on the oven? Toss the fish on the grill and mix up this cucumber salad. 

Cooling and crisp, it’s downright refreshing. A bit tangy, delightfully umami, and plenty spicy, it’s the perfect summer side for fish.

There’s so much flavor, I recommend avoiding heavily seasoning your seafood. A little salt and pepper is all you need.

12. Mashed Potatoes 

Classic southern comfort food, mashed potatoes are the ideal side for any dish. Creamed with milk and garlic, everyone will love it!

They add a little something cozy next to a fish filet. So you get richness in one bite and freshness in the other.

Sure, they may take a little elbow grease. But it’s worth every muscle.

13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Your dog will not be eating any of these Brussels sprouts! They are so delicious, your family won’t try to hide them under the table.

The roasting process really brings out their earthy flavor, and the salt and oil accent it. What a great way to eat your vegetables!

Sorry, pup, no scraps tonight!

14. Whipped Sweet Potatoes

I’m sure you have heard of whipped potatoes, but have you ever tried whipped sweet potatoes? They make the perfect side!

These naturally sweet foods get even sweeter with butter and brown sugar. All making this dish a great accompaniment for your fish dinner.

Plate these whipped sweet potatoes and watch them disappear!

15. Creamed Spinach

Getting the family to eat their greens can be tasking. You can solve that with creamed spinach. 

Last-minute side or well-planned dinner, you can whip this dish up in a pinch. 

Part cozy, part healthy, it’s a fantastic side for fish. Especially a firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut.

16. Ratatouille 

Savory ratatouille is a great side to serve with fish. It’s a rustic nutritious meal that’s flavor-packed! 

Thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, and squash are nestled into a pan with a tomato sauce. They’re then roasted in the oven creating a delicious vegetable medley casserole.

Serve up a fancy feast with this French-inspired ratatouille recipe.

17. Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a family favorite! 

It is a quick and easy to make dish, but looks like it took hours. Serve alongside fish, and everyone will be impressed with your culinary creativity.

Roasting sugar snap peas in the oven caramelizes their natural sugars. These vegetables become so sweet, they taste like fruit!

18. Barley Mushroom Risotto

The next time you are planning a romantic candlelight dinner, consider preparing this barley mushroom risotto.

Not only does this dish sound fancy, but it also tastes divine and plates beautifully. The delicate mushrooms are swimming in a flavorful cream sauce.

Pair this with your perfectly cooked fish filet, and you’ll have a feast fit for a king.

19. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic dish that pairs well with almost any meal. From pasta to braised meat, it makes everything better. 

Your fish entree is no exception! Five minutes before the filet is done, throw this salad together.

Then grab a fork and enjoy your evening with this no-stress side dish.

20. Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

Summer or fall, use your squash in this casserole. Not only is it a universal dish, but it also serves a crowd. 

Creamy, sweet, savory, and cheesy, it packs a ton of flavors. The breadcrumb topping also adds a wonderful crunchy texture. 

For the best pairing, serve this with a white flaky filet. It enhances the savoriness and the sweetness.

21. Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges

You can never have too many fish and potato pairings! And these crispy wedges are where it’s at. 

The crunchy, tender texture alone is so satisfying. But the parmesan, garlic, dried herbs, and cayenne really kick things up a notch. 

I highly recommend adding a handful alongside beer battered fish or salmon. It’s got the oomph they’re missing.

22. Baked Zucchini Fries

Wish fish and chips were a bit more healthy? Trade in those regular fries for zucchini. 

The sweet and tender squash has a crispy gluten-free parmesan coating. It’s the ideal nutritious nibble to go with fried fish. 

Although, you can serve these fries with baked filets for a more wholesome meal. Either way, the family will devour it.

23. Roasted Carrots

These are so much more than roasted carrots. They’re sweet, tender, caramelized root veggies seasoned with spices topped with yogurt sauce.

They’re all dressed for Easter dinner. And yet, simple and affordable enough for any day of the week. 

When seasoning your fish, choose similar spices. Or, keep it simple with a pinch of salt and pepper.

24. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad may not be your typical classic side to serve with fish. But trust me, this pairing is delish!

Between the flavors and textures, there is a lot to love. Fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and salty bacon are just the start. 

It seamlessly complements and contrasts fish with simple ingredients. So you can keep your meal fuss-free.

25. 10 Minute Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce

Are you thinking about getting Chinese seafood takeout? Make this restaurant-worthy easy side dish for fish instead.

The rich garlic sauce envelopes bok choy in sweet umami goodness. And it’s so quick!

Double up on that deliciousness by using the sauce as a fish marinade. I also love this side with a simple steamed filet.