Leena Watts
Salmon is a great option for a keto diet as it is zero carbs, high fat, and high protein. There are plenty of keto-friendly recipes that use salmon as the star ingredient, from grilled salmon meatballs to garlic butter salmon with spinach. If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, a simple pan-fried salmon fillet can be cooked in under 10 minutes and served with a variety of low-carb sides.
So, what are some of the best keto-friendly sides to serve with salmon?
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What You'll Learn
Keto salmon recipes
Salmon is a great food to eat on a keto diet as it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, protein, and heart-healthy fats, while containing zero carbs. Here are some keto-friendly salmon recipes and side dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Keto Salmon with Brown Butter Vegetables
This recipe is super flavorful and has only 6 net carbs per serving. The herb brown butter gives the vegetables a great flavor. The vegetables featured in this dish are zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and onion. You can easily substitute other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or tomatoes. The herbs for the butter include fresh thyme, dried oregano, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. To prepare this dish, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop the zucchini and yellow squash into bite-sized pieces and dice the bell pepper and onion. Place the raw salmon in an oven-safe dish and roast until the internal temperature reaches 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, sauté the bell pepper and onion in oil or butter until they start to soften. Add the zucchini and yellow squash, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes before removing from the heat. Cut the salmon into four pieces and place them on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with the reserved brown butter and serve.
Keto Pan-Fried Salmon
This easy and tasty recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare. It features golden and crisp fillets with soft and tender flesh, topped with a delicious sauce. To make this dish, pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and optional minced garlic. Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Drizzle the dressing over the salmon and serve. Note that thicker fillets will take longer to cook than thinner ones, and it is important not to overcrowd the pan.
Grilled Salmon
Grilling salmon is an excellent way to retain its healthy fats, which are essential on a keto diet. To grill salmon, simply drizzle it with olive oil and cook it skin-side down first until the skin is crisp. Then, flip it over and continue cooking until done to your liking.
Keto Salmon Sides
- Baked asparagus: This vegetable is known to pair well with salmon, and it can be easily prepared in the oven or air fryer. It is crispy and tender, and adding cheese makes it even more tasty and keto-friendly.
- Mashed cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that is simple to make and can be customized with various ingredients like yogurt, mustard, cheese, bacon, and nuts.
- Keto Caesar salad: A high-protein salad that can be zested up with balsamic vinegar and your favorite fresh veggies.
- Roasted low-carb vegetables: Drizzle vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil and roast them. Top with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a delicious and healthy side dish.
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Keto-friendly sides
Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with many keto-friendly sides. Here are some delicious and nutritious options to consider:
Vegetables
Salmon and vegetables are a classic combination. You can roast or sauté your favourite low-carb veggies, such as zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or asparagus. For an extra flavour boost, drizzle them with olive oil and top with fresh herbs and lemon juice. If you're feeling adventurous, try making brown butter vegetables by cooking the veggies in brown butter with herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
Salads
A crisp and refreshing keto Caesar salad is an excellent high-protein option to pair with salmon. If you're not a fan of Caesar dressing, you can always substitute it with balsamic vinegar and add your favourite fresh veggies. Just remember to watch your portions with higher-carb vegetables like sugar snap peas, baby carrots, green beans, and roasted potatoes.
Mashed Cauliflower
This is a simple yet delicious side dish that the whole family can enjoy. You can make it in a variety of ways, such as adding cheese, bacon, or nuts to take it to the next level. It's a great low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes and pairs perfectly with salmon.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious and keto-friendly green that goes well with salmon. You can sauté it with some garlic for a quick and easy side dish, or even use it as a base for your salmon, adding a splash of colour and extra nutrients to your plate.
Rutabaga
If you're looking for something a little different, give mashed rutabaga a try. It's a tasty and creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, and it pairs surprisingly well with salmon. You can season it with a splash of heavy cream and Creole seasoning for added flavour.
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High-protein salads
Salmon is a great option for those following a keto diet, as it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has moderate protein levels. Here are some ideas for high-protein salads that pair well with salmon and are keto-friendly:
Keto Caesar Salad
A wonderful high-protein salad that can be made zestier by adding balsamic vinegar. You can roast low-carb veggies in extra virgin olive oil and top them with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
A protein-rich salad that uses Greek yoghurt instead of mayo. It is lighter in calories but still packed with flavour. It includes celery, red onion, raisins, and curry powder.
Greek-inspired Chicken Salad
This salad is loaded with chickpeas, fresh veggies, feta, and kalamata olives. It is tossed with a Greek dressing and can be layered in a mason jar for a perfect weekday lunch.
Cobb Salad
A traditional Cobb salad is packed with 19 grams of protein. It is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect as a meal-sized salad.
Tuna Salad
A healthy and protein-packed snack, this salad is made with canned tuna, red onion, celery, chopped pickles, and Greek yoghurt. It can be served with crackers or on a sandwich.
Salmon Salad
A delicious salmon salad can be made with roasted sweet potato croutons, avocado, and pickled onions dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette.
Jennifer Aniston Salad
This famous salad is made with quinoa, cooked shredded chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, fresh herbs, pistachios, and feta. It is a well-rounded and delicious option with 27 grams of protein per serving.
Thai-inspired Chicken Salad
This salad is packed with fresh mango, crunchy veggies, cashews, and curry-marinated chicken. It is a delicious and healthy option for meal prep.
Curried Chickpea Salad
A filling and nutritious option, this salad is loaded with crunchy veggies and seasoned with yellow curry. It can be served over greens and is perfect for meal prep.
Cheeseburger Salad
A unique take on a classic, this salad is made with ground beef, loaded with veggies, and topped with a honey mustard dressing.
Leftover Turkey Salad
A light and healthy option, this salad is made with leftover turkey, celery, onion, dried cranberries, and almonds.
Greek Salad
A refreshing option, this salad is made with garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and zesty seasonings. It is topped with creamy cottage cheese, adding a delightful twist to a traditional Greek salad.
Grilled Chicken Salad
This salad is made with grilled chicken, avocado, pear, walnuts, and a light dressing. It is a satisfying and nutritious option, perfect for pear season.
Keto Sides
Some keto-friendly side dishes that go well with salmon include mashed cauliflower, baked asparagus, and broccoli cauliflower bake. These sides are filling and tasty, with the option to add bacon, nuts, and spices.
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Grilled salmon
To grill salmon, start by patting the salmon fillets dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets, flesh side down, on a preheated grill. Sear for 3-4 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp. Then, flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. It is important not to overcook the salmon, as this can make it dry and rubbery. The centre will continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes after it is removed from the heat.
For a simple and tasty sauce to accompany the grilled salmon, stir together olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and optional minced garlic. Drizzle the sauce over the salmon before serving.
- Baked asparagus: Asparagus is known to pair perfectly with salmon, and baking it in the oven or an air fryer results in crispy and tender spears. For a keto-friendly option, try a cheesy baked asparagus dish with a cheese sauce made from yoghurt, mustard, and shredded cheese.
- Mashed cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that can be made in a variety of ways, such as with heavy cream and creole seasoning.
- Brown butter vegetables: Sauté diced red bell pepper and onion in vegetable oil, then add chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt and pepper and top with herb brown butter for extra flavour.
- Spinach: Sautéed spinach is a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with grilled salmon.
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Salmon and spinach
Keto Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach
This recipe combines pan-seared salmon with a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It is a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon on both sides until golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside. Add butter to the pan and sauté onions until they are tender. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine and chicken stock, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Add spinach to the sauce and cook until it is wilted and tender. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
Keto Salmon with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce and Spinach
This recipe is another simple and tasty option that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Start by patting the salmon fillets dry and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon, starting with the flesh side down, for 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic. Add fresh spinach and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low-medium and add heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add a bouillon cube to the cream and let it simmer, adding water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Finally, add Parmesan cheese to the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Return the salmon to the pan, sprinkling it with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Sides and Accompaniments
When it comes to sides, there are several keto-friendly options that go well with salmon and spinach:
- Asparagus: Baked asparagus is a simple and tasty option. It can be prepared in the oven or air fryer, resulting in crispy and tender spears.
- Mashed Cauliflower: A delicious and low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Keto Cheesy Baked Asparagus: A filling and tasty option that combines baked asparagus with a cheese sauce made from yoghurt, mustard, and shredded cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast low-carb vegetables like sugar snap peas, baby carrots, or green beans in extra virgin olive oil and top them with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
- Mashed Rutabaga: A unique side dish that can be lightened up with a splash of heavy cream and seasoned with creole seasoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Some keto-friendly side dishes to eat with salmon include mashed cauliflower, keto Caesar salad, keto cheesy baked asparagus, broccoli cauliflower bake, and brown butter vegetables.
A keto-friendly sauce to eat with salmon is a mixture of olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
Some keto-friendly ways to cook salmon include grilling, pan-frying, and baking.
Salmon is a zero-carb, high-fat, and high-protein food, making it ideal for a keto diet. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
