If you're a regular here at Weekday Pescatarian, you know we're crazy for seafood. Whether you're planning an elegant dinner party or a casual get-together with friends, the perfect side dishes can make your seafood feast unforgettable.
The beauty of seafood lies in its versatility, which gives us room to get creative with side dishes. From hearty carbs to refreshing salads, our roundup includes a variety of options to complement your favorite fish.
So let's dive into the world of seafood side dishes and unlock our culinary imaginations.
31 Best Sides for Seafood
Fancy Fried Potatoes & Onions
These sophisticated, French-style fried potatoes and onions are the perfect side dish for your seafood dinner. They're also a lovely version of home fries for breakfast or brunch, and even an easy side dish for a vegetarian entree. Serve it with Parmesan Almond Baked Cod for a memorable dinner, or with Smoked Salmon Quiche for Sunday brunch.
Grilled Asparagus with Creamy Vinaigrette
Whether you’re grilling seafood over coals out on the deck in the middle of summer, or in a grill pan in the house in mid-January, this bright asparagus dish is the perfect side. It pairs crispy, charred asparagus with lemony dressing, rich eggs with fresh chives. The loveliest side dish for Scallops with Salsa Verde, Grilled Shrimp Skewers or even Grilled Garlic Tuna Steak Sandwiches.
French Fries
Crispy, golden, and the ultimate sidekick to your seafood indulgence, French fries are a classic for a reason. For an elegant twist, consider Parmesan Truffle French Fries, adding a touch of sophistication to this timeless favorite. And if you're aiming for a more nutrient-dense option, don't overlook sweet potato fries – they're practically health food! Please don't contradict me, especially if the facts are on your side.
Garlic, Lemon and Almond Seasoned Green Beans
When you're searching for a low-carb side dish that perfectly complements your fresh fish, look no further than these garlic and lemon-infused green beans. Parmesan cheese adds a rich dimension, while toasted almonds bring a delightful nuttiness to this dish. The perfect side for a simple Grilled Haddock or our holiday favorite, Stuffed Shrimp Casserole.
Creamy Parmesan Rice
This all-star side dish is a little like a luscious risotto, but without all the fuss and stirring. Creamy parmesan Rice with lemon and parsley is the ideal side to all of your favorite seafood entrees. Or serve a simple Blackened Cod over the rice and just wait for the crowd to roar their approval!
Fresh Gazpacho Salad
Experience the refreshing flavors of the famous Spanish chilled soup in a new, crunchy form with our Cucumber Gazpacho Salad. No immersion blender required for this one! Fresh basil leaves, sweet bell peppers, and pumpkin seeds come together to create a light and nutritious side. This salad pairs well with 3-Ingredient Baked Steelhead (or Salmon) and Crusted Cod.
Hibachi Fried Rice
If Japanese steakhouse cuisine is on your vision board, this copycat Benihana Fried Rice should be on your to-do list! Whether you have a flat top grill or just good skillet, you’re only a few minutes away from a fabulous hibachi experience at your own kitchen table. Grab the recipe, which includes all the tips and tricks you need for the perfect fried rice experience. The ideal pairing for Hibachi Shrimp or Hibachi Salmon. And don't forget the Yum Yum Sauce!
Quick Pickled Onions
Spicy dishes like Shrimp Caesar Salad and Fish Tacos cry out for a touch of acidity to balance their rich, savory flavors. These Quick Pickled Onions do the trick every time! Serve them atop a salad or include them in a condiment tray for your guests' pleasure, ensuring the pickling vinegar doesn't mingle with other toppings before serving. This is one of my favorite sides / condiments for a charcuterie tray like Lox and Bagel Board and Latke Charcuterie Tray. The perfect, colorful, flavor-filled bite!
Fragrant Middle Eastern Rice
When seafood takes center stage, this flavor-packed yellow rice deserves a spot at the dinner table. The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fresh garlic creates a deeply flavorful rice dish that harmonizes beautifully with any Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine.
Fresh Corn on the Cob
If you've ever experienced summer in the Midwest, you'll understand the joy of fresh corn on the cob. Grilling this simple yet delicious side dish alongside your favorite seafood is a surefire way to delight your family. (I love this recipe for grilled corn!) Serve it with a pat of butter, and watch the crowd go wild. And if you have any leftover corn, use them in Seafood Boil Stuffed Potatoes tomorrow!
Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes
If you want to add a touch of sophistication to a special occasion meal or holiday gathering, these French Au Gratin Potatoes are the answer. Tender sliced potatoes baked in a savory garlic and thyme cream sauce, covered in cheese and broiled until bubbly and delicious. The perfect side for Lazy Lobster Casserole or King Crab Legs in Lemon Butter Sauce.
Mediterranean Lemon Dill Rice
Seafood loves lemon, and it loves dill. If you’ve been looking for a new side dish to dress up your pescatarian main courses, this Mediterranean basmati rice with lemon and dill will be just the ticket! This basmati dish is a great pairing with Lemon Butter Baked Walleye.
Roasted Eggplant
Oven-roasted eggplant slices offer an easy way to infuse Mediterranean flavors into your seafood meal. Dressed simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they bring an extra layer of deliciousness to your fish dinner. If you're looking for a vegetarian appetizer to whet your guests' appetites, give Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta a try!
Jerusalem Salad
This simple yet delightful salad boasts crunchy veggies, but what truly shines is the zesty combination of fresh herbs and lime dressing. The herbs play a co-starring role rather than a mere garnish, making this Jerusalem salad the perfect partner for Middle Eastern Yellow Rice.
Mexican-Style Caesar Salad
Leafy greens are a dietary staple, but they can sometimes be uninspiring. If you're yearning for a leafy side dish that's anything but ordinary, Mexican Caesar Salad is the answer. It's rich, spicy, creamy, and can transform even the most ho-hum greens into a vibrant experience. Pair it with Sweet and Smoky Mexican Shrimp, Baked Fish Tacos and Octopus Ceviche.
Garlic Brown Rice and Quinoa
This nutrient-dense, nutty, and garlicky bowl of goodness brings an explosion of flavors to your seafood soirée. Whether you're catering to vegan guests or simply seeking an extraordinary side, this roasted garlic and grain dish is a star in your supporting cast. It pairs especially well with Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Salmon and Stuffed Flounder Florentine.
Roasted Potatoes or Crispy Baked Potato
A crispy-skinned baked potato with crunchy sea salt and black pepper is one of the best sides you can add to your fish dinner. It's a humble dish, but when it is done well...it's a virtuoso. If you're in a hurry, Roasted New Potatoes give you great baked potato flavor in a fraction of the time. A delicious option with Whole Grilled Fish with Olive Sauce and Grilled Greek Octopus.
Napa Cabbage Slaw
If you're in the market for a coleslaw side dish for your seafood extravaganza, this savory Napa Cabbage Slaw is the way to go. It adds a delightful crunch to your fish, complemented by cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, and peppers. A touch of lemon juice provides a perfect counterpoint to rich dishes like Fried Shrimp, Grilled Grouper Sandwiches or even upscale options like Broiled Crab Cakes.
Roasted Green Cauliflower
Gorgeous green cauliflower, roasted to perfection and topped with olive oil, anchovies, pine nuts, and a hint of lemon, is the ideal accompaniment to a wide array of fish recipes. It's sophisticated enough to elevate a special occasion with Buttery Lobster Casserole as the main event. And it's quick and easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner of Baked Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce.
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Add some flair to your Taco Tuesday spread or enjoy it on any day of the week! This delectable grilled Mexican street corn casserole unites smoky charred corn with a luscious blend of cheese, and seasoned with spices and a zesty touch of lime. It serves as an ideal accompaniment to your favorite Baja Fish Tacos, Spicy Shrimp Tostadas, or Mexican Caesar Salad.
Seafood Stuffed Potato
If you think regular baked potatoes are delicious, wait til you get your fork into this Shrimp Boil Stuffed Potato. It bridges the gap between a gourmet jacket potato and your favorite neighborhood bar's stuffed potato skins. Creamy, savory goodness reminiscent of a summertime shrimp boil piled up in a crispy potato skin.
Authentic Mexican Beans
Are shrimp or fish tacos on the menu this week? If you're looking for a full spread of sides to complement the tacos, look no further than these delicious and authentic refried beans. Hearty, savory, and satisfying, this side dish won't break the bank. It's especially exquisite when served alongside Red Rice and Mexican Cucumber Salad.
Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Rice is a lot like fish - it's simple and able to take on almost any flavor or twist you throw at it. This red rice is deeply flavorful and well spiced, the perfect companion for Mexican beans and pickled onions at your next Taco Tuesday fish party. A gorgeous side dish to serve with Fajita-Spiced Tilapia with Creamy Avocado Sauce.
Hibachi Grilled Vegetables
The very best side dish for your at-home hibachi dinner. This simple homemade hibachi vegetable recipe can be customized to include your favorite veggies, all coated in the perfect sweet-savory sauce. Don’t forget the yum yum sauce!
Mediterranean Tossed Salad
Any simple green salad will add a touch of freshness and balance to a seafood main course. But this Mediterranean version goes the extra mile. Featuring an array of leafy greens, tomatoes, pickled veggies, garbanzo beans, parmesan, and pumpkin seeds, it's the quintessential all-in-one veggie side. It's an ideal fresh side for Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni with Shrimp.
Hashbrown Casserole
A cheesy potato casserole is always the right answer to the question, "but what should I serve with it?" This copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is vegetarian, takes about 5 minutes of prep to assemble, and gets rave reviews every single time. Serve it with seafood comfort food classics like Grilled Shrimp, Breaded Cod or even with your Thanksgiving Stuffing!
Chinese Eggplant
If Asian fish is on the menu, Chinese Eggplant in Oyster Sauce is a phenomenal side dish for your dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, eggplant is transformed into a sweet, sticky, savory delight that the entire family will savor. Try it with Asian Fish with Ginger & Soy or Korean Veggie Pancakes with Shrimp.
Mashed Potatoes
Ahhhhh, good old mashed potatoes. The most comforting side dish on the planet. Any simple recipe on the internet will do the trick, but I'm especially fond of making Duchess Potato Casserole. It's rich and creamy and visually stunning. These potatoes pair perfectly with Honey Lemon Butter Salmon and Garlic Mascarpone Mahi Mahi.
Mashed Potato Latkes
All the best parts of traditional potato pancakes, but without the hours of shredding, soaking, salting and squeezing. Mashed potato latkes can be crafted from last night's dinner leftovers or ready-made mashed potatoes from your local grocery store. They are the perfect side for seafood, and even tastier when dipped in Spicy Aioli or Lemon Dill Sauce.
Asian Cucumber Salad
This crunchy cucumber salad is the superstar copycat version of the famous Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad. The balanced flavors of sesame oil, chili paste and rice vinegar come together with a little honey to make this chilled veggie salad simply divine. It's the perfect pairing for Crispy Spicy Tuna Sushi, Spicy Salmon Sushi Stacks, or the viral Baked Salmon Sushi.
Indian-Spiced Potatoes
This delectable dish is a simple variation of the classic South Indian Aloo Masala. Its rich and creamy texture, come from a handful of spices that are probably already in your pantry! Whether you're looking for a flavorful side for your favorite protein like Baked Indian Salmon, or a satisfying vegetarian main course for Meatless Monday, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
And there you have it – 31 exceptional seafood side dishes, designed to enhance your dinner, lunch, brunch, or party. Mix and match your favorites to create a balanced and unforgettable menu.
What are your go-to side dishes for seafood? Share your favorites in the comments below; we'd love to hear from you!
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