23 Side Dishes and Desserts for a Fish Dinner

When you cook fish, it’s important to serve side dishes that are complementary. However, you don’t have to cook anything elaborate. Below are simply suggestions of what to cook with fish.

Fish is extremely good for you, and there are so many different ways to cook it. Whether you have broiled fish fillets, fried fish, or baked fish, it’s a great main dish with a variety of great foods that can accompany it.

Many types of fish are included in the Mediterranean diet that promotes a healthy heart and overall good nutrition. For an easy recipe, season it with olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices. It will quickly become one of your go-to healthy fish meals.

fried fish and fries with a variety of other side dishes

Types of Fish

Before you choose the side dishes, determine what type of fish dish you’re cooking. Then, find something that provides balance in flavor and texture.

For example, the flavor of a mild white fish can be enhanced with a creamy tartar sauce and some colorful, flavorful side dishes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the flavor in the most delightful way.

If you’re having a fish fry, it takes very little extra effort to make French fries and hushpuppies. Add some homemade creamy coleslaw, and you have a delicious meal.

Salmon cakes or crab cakes are also delicious with tartar sauce. However, for those who want a different flavor sensation offer some of this homemade cocktail sauce. Serve any type of fish cakes with potatoes or rice.

fish dinner with a variety of side dishes

Fish Side Dish Recipes

Fresh green beans, steamed or sautéed, provide flavor, color, and nutrition to your fish dinner. Or add any vegetable that’s in season. Fish pretty much goes with any vegetable, so choose the ones you know your family will like.

Baked new potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with fresh basil will send your taste buds into orbit. Or you can serve basmati rice cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with garlic and onion.

Most of these are delicious sides for fried or baked fish. Many of the dishes are also delicious sides with grilled fish. When you come up with fish and sides for any meal, try different combinations to see what you like.

Here are some more simple recipe ideas for sides and desserts that go with a fish dinner:

What to Serve with Fish: 23 Side Dishes and Dessert Ideas for a Fish Dinner

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or cooking a meal for the family, these side dishes and desserts are delicious with fish.

Best Air Fryer French Fries

Crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle, these air fried French fries are among the best sides for any fish dinner.

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Shredded cabbage is the main ingredient in this delightfully creamy coleslaw. Then other yummy vegetables and seasonings are added to make this the perfect side dish for fish.

Frozen Waffle Fries in Air Fryer

There are many different ways to serve these waffle fries, making them an extra tasty fish side dish.

Twice Baked Potato Recipe

Any baked or broiled fish and this twice baked potato make the perfect pairing for your next fish dinner. If your fish has a mild flavor, add extra seasoning to the potato. For salmon fillets, stick to the recipe with this delicious side dish.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole

Next time you serve this fish dinner, make this yummy mac and cheese. Everyone will gobble their dinner right up because it is the perfect match.

Easy Air Fryer Carrots Recipe

Among the many different ways to cook carrots, there's a good reason this is a favorite recipe. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe

Add even more lean protein to a fresh fish dinner for a flavorful and nutritious meal. The best thing about this side is that you don't need anything else for a complete meal.

Mama’s Easy Potato Salad Recipe

This potato salad is one of the most popular side dishes for any special occasion or family dinner. It goes with everything, and it's especially yummy with a seafood meal.

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

This creamy macaroni salad is definitely a favorite pasta salad in the South. It's one of the most flavorful sides that will go with any main course. One of the best things about it is that you can make it in a couple of minutes and have a delicious dish everyone will love.

Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Make this as the recipe states and add even more fresh herbs to go with any main course. It's especially good with a fish dinner.

Stovetop Cheesy Green Beans

This is an easy recipe with a cheese sauce that you make right in the pot with the green beans. Also try it with broccoli or cauliflower. You can even alter this dish and season the vegetables to suit your personal taste.

Jiffy Cornbread Hush Puppies

Photo Credit: www.backtomysouthernroots.com

With a hint of sweetness, these Jiffy cornbread hushpuppies add a boatload of flavor to any fish dinner. If you want more texture, add some canned or fresh corn to the batter.

Apple Spinach Salad with Pecans

Make a large bowl of this delicious apple spinach salad with pecans and watch how quickly it disappears. It's a great way to incorporate leafy greens into your family's diet.

Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

Photo Credit: juliassimplysouthern.com

This classic southern corn pudding that is delicious and popular wherever it is served. If you like a little heat, chop up some green chiles and pop them into the mixture. Mmm, so good!

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Salad

This easy recipe is a combination of leafy greens, sweet tomatoes, and salty bacon, held together by one of your favorite condiments.

Easy Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are always a hit around our house. Roast these delicious cubed sweet potatoes in a mixture of honey and other seasonings, and you have a winning side dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Go to your grocery store and head straight for either the produce section or frozen vegetable aisle. Get these Brussels sprouts home and make them next time you have fish. This is a good way to get a low carb vegetable, and it's honestly one of the best side dishes you can make.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe

At the end of a long day, there's nothing more refreshing than a watermelon cucumber salad. It's perfect for any meal, but it's really special with fish.

Taco Bell Baja Sauce Recipe (Copycat)

This delicious copycat Taco Bell Baja sauce is delicious on fish tacos, fried catfish, and broiled fish. The spicy seasonings take the flavors of your meal to a whole new level. You can drizzle it over the fish or give each person a small bowl so they can add their own.