Salmon and rice make a great pair for a tasty meal. Rice adds bulk to your plate and soaks up the flavors of the fish.

You have many options when picking a rice side dish to go with salmon.

The right rice side can take your salmon dinner to the next level. This article looks at over 13 rice dishes that work well with salmon.

You’ll find ideas for simple sides and more complex rice recipes. There are options to match different tastes and cooking skills.

1. Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon herb rice is a tasty side dish that pairs well with salmon. To make it, cook white rice according to package instructions.

Once the rice is done, add fresh lemon juice, butter, and chopped herbs like parsley or dill. Mix everything together until the butter melts.

The bright citrus flavor complements the rich salmon, while the herbs add freshness. This simple side dish takes plain rice to the next level.

You can customize it by trying different herb combinations. Basil, thyme, or chives also work nicely. For extra zest, add some lemon zest along with the juice.

2. Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garlic Parmesan rice is a tasty side dish that goes well with salmon. You can make it easily at home.

Start by cooking rice in chicken broth instead of water. This adds more flavor from the start.

While the rice cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until it smells good. Mix the cooked rice with the garlic, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.

The result is a creamy, flavorful rice that complements the salmon perfectly. The garlic and cheese flavors don’t overpower the fish but add a nice touch to your meal.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a tasty side dish that goes great with salmon. To make it, cook white or jasmine rice as usual.

When it’s done, add chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice.

The bright flavors of cilantro and lime complement salmon well. The zesty taste cuts through the richness of the fish.

This rice is light and refreshing, perfect for a summer meal.

You can make this dish even more flavorful by adding garlic or lime zest. For extra nutrition, try using brown rice instead of white. This simple side takes little time to prepare but adds a lot to your salmon dinner.

4. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and flavorful rice dish that pairs well with salmon. To make it, you’ll need arborio rice, which has a high starch content. This gives the risotto its signature texture.

Start by cooking sliced mushrooms in a pan. Then, slowly add broth to the rice while stirring.

This process helps release the starch and create a creamy consistency.

The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the rich taste of salmon. You can add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. Finish your risotto with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious side dish.

5. Ginger Soy Rice

Ginger soy rice is a tasty side dish that goes well with salmon. You can make it easily at home.

Start by cooking your rice as usual.

While the rice cooks, mix soy sauce, grated ginger, and a bit of sesame oil in a small bowl. When the rice is done, stir in this flavorful mixture.

The result is a savory rice with a hint of spice from the ginger. The soy sauce adds saltiness that pairs nicely with salmon. You can garnish it with sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.

6. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice pairs wonderfully with salmon. It’s a fragrant and flavorful dish that adds a tropical twist to your meal.

To make coconut rice, replace some of the water with coconut milk when cooking. This simple change creates a creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor.

You can add extra ingredients like lime zest, cilantro, or toasted coconut flakes for more flavor. Coconut rice complements both grilled and baked salmon dishes.

Try serving coconut rice with a honey-glazed or teriyaki salmon for a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.

7. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice adds a zesty kick to your salmon dinner. This flavorful side dish combines rice with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

To make it, sauté diced onions in oil until soft. Add rice and cook until lightly toasted. Stir in tomato sauce, broth, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Simmer the rice until tender and fluffy. The result is a vibrant red-orange color that looks great next to pink salmon. The smoky, slightly spicy flavors complement the rich fish perfectly.

You can customize Spanish rice by adding extra veggies like bell peppers or peas. Serve it hot alongside your salmon for a satisfying meal.

8. Saffron Rice

Saffron rice adds a touch of elegance to your salmon dinner. This aromatic dish pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the fish.

To make saffron rice, you’ll need basmati rice, saffron threads, and a few simple ingredients. Soak the saffron in warm water before adding it to the rice as it cooks.

The golden color and subtle floral notes of saffron rice complement salmon perfectly. It’s a versatile side that works well with both grilled and baked salmon dishes.

You can enhance your saffron rice by adding a handful of toasted almonds or raisins for extra texture and flavor. This side dish is sure to impress your dinner guests.

9. Jasmine Rice Pilaf

Jasmine rice pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with salmon. To make it, start by rinsing jasmine rice until the water runs clear.

Sauté some diced onions and minced garlic in butter or oil. Add the rice and toast it for a minute. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro.

This aromatic pilaf complements the rich taste of salmon perfectly. Its light texture and delicate flavor won’t overpower your main dish.

10. Turmeric Rice

Turmeric rice is a tasty and colorful side dish that pairs well with salmon. To make it, cook rice as usual but add turmeric powder to the water. This gives the rice a golden color and earthy flavor.

You can enhance the taste by adding other spices like cumin or coriander. For extra richness, sauté some onions and garlic before adding the rice and water.

Turmeric rice not only looks great on the plate next to salmon, but also offers potential health benefits. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

This simple side dish takes little extra effort but adds a lot of visual appeal and flavor to your salmon meal.

11. Wild Rice Medley

Wild rice medley is a tasty and nutritious side dish for salmon. It combines wild rice with other rice varieties like brown or white rice.

This blend offers a mix of textures and flavors. The wild rice adds a nutty taste and chewy texture. The other rice types provide softness and absorb flavors well.

You can enhance your wild rice medley with herbs and spices. Try adding thyme, rosemary, or garlic for extra flavor. Nuts like almonds or pecans can add crunch.

This side dish complements salmon nicely. Its earthy flavors balance the rich taste of the fish. It also adds fiber and nutrients to your meal.

12. Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a tasty and tropical side dish for salmon. You’ll love the sweet and savory mix of flavors.

To make it, fry cooked rice with diced pineapple, veggies, and soy sauce. Add some scrambled egg and cashews for extra protein and crunch.

The pineapple’s tangy sweetness balances the rich salmon perfectly. This colorful rice dish also looks great on your plate.

It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients. You can even serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple half for a fun presentation.

13. Brown Rice with Kale

Brown rice and kale make a tasty and healthy side dish for salmon. Cook brown rice in vegetable broth for extra flavor. While it’s cooking, sauté chopped kale with garlic and olive oil.

Mix the cooked rice and kale together. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This combo gives you fiber from the rice and vitamins from the kale.

You can customize this dish by adding other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. It’s a simple way to get more greens with your salmon meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Rice as a Side Dish

Rice provides key nutrients that support your health when paired with salmon. It offers a mix of carbs, vitamins, and minerals to round out your meal.

Essential Nutrients Found in Rice

Rice gives you a good source of carbs for energy. White rice has about 145 calories per cup when cooked. It’s low in fat and easy to digest.

Rice contains important B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and folate. These help your body turn food into energy.

Brown rice offers more fiber than white rice. This aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Rice also provides minerals your body needs:

• Manganese for bone health
• Selenium to support your immune system
• Iron to help carry oxygen in your blood

Complementary Nutritional Profile with Salmon

Rice balances out the nutrients in salmon to make a complete meal. Salmon is high in protein and healthy fats. Rice adds carbs to fuel your body.

The combo gives you a mix of:

• Omega-3 fats from salmon
• Complex carbs from rice
• Lean protein from salmon
• B vitamins from both foods

This pairing helps you feel satisfied after eating. The carbs in rice can help your body absorb the protein in salmon better.

Brown rice adds extra fiber to your plate. This slows digestion and keeps your blood sugar steady. White rice is easier to digest if you have a sensitive stomach.

Varieties of Rice for Salmon Pairings

Different types of rice can enhance your salmon dish. The right choice depends on texture and flavor preferences.

Long-Grain vs. Short-Grain Rice

Long-grain rice works well with salmon. It stays fluffy and separate when cooked. Basmati and jasmine rice are good options. They have a light, delicate flavor that won’t overpower the fish.

Short-grain rice is sticky when cooked. It clumps together more than long-grain rice. This can be nice for making rice balls or sushi rolls with leftover salmon.

Brown rice is a healthy choice for either long or short-grain. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. This adds interest to your salmon meal.

Flavored Rice Options

You can jazz up plain rice to match your salmon. Lemon rice brings out the fish’s flavors.

Mix in lemon zest and juice after cooking the rice.

Herb-infused rice is tasty too. Add chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.

These pair well with salmon’s rich taste.

Garlic butter rice is simple but delicious. Sauté minced garlic in butter, then stir it into cooked rice.

This savory side complements most salmon dishes.

For a bolder flavor, try coconut rice. Replace some of the cooking water with coconut milk.

The sweet, tropical taste goes nicely with grilled or blackened salmon.