This article was updated on 28/7/2023 for clarity and to improve readability.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your mahi mahi, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for mahi mahi.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with mahi mahi are rice and beans, pineapple mango salsa, and cajun roasted potatoes. You can also serve fries, bacon asparagus, jerk shrimp, and orzo bake. For healthier options, try Greek salad, roasted carrots, jicama slaw, peperonata, or lemon couscous.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Great flavor pairings for mahi mahi
Mahi mahi (also known as dolphin fish) has a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness. The flesh is firm and lean, which gives the fish a buttery texture.
Mahi mahi pairs well with:
- Bright, acidic flavors – enhance mahi mahi’s sweet undertones with fresh, citrusy ingredients like lemon and lime or with a tangy condiment like vinegar. Fresh herbs will also work well with the fish.
- Sweet, tropical flavors – juicy fruits are a great way to stay true to mahi mahi’s island roots. My favorite tropical flavors to pair it with include mangoes, pineapples, and coconut.
- Bold, spicy flavors – mahi mahi’s delicate flavor is the perfect vehicle for stronger spice. Try warm flavors like cumin, ginger, and paprika or add some heat with chili and Old Bay seasoning.
Starches
Starchy sides are the best way to make your mahi mahi meal more satisfying.
You can keep it simple with steamed rice if you’re in a rush. Or you can try your hand at a classic risotto or an indulgent pasta dish if you have some spare time.
And if you’re frying your mahi mahi, crispy French fries (or chips, as the Brits call them) are the only way to go!
Rice and beans
Mahi mahi and rice and beans are a match made in heaven.
You can make rice and beans in loads of different ways, but this Caribbean version is spiced with an unbeatable combination of cinnamon and paprika.
And it has freshness in every bite thanks to the minced cilantro. If you close your eyes, you can imagine you’re dining on the shores of the Caribbean sea with this side dish.
Pro tip: Kadee suggests using a pressure cooker to have this dish ready in less than 10 minutes.
Featured recipe
Caribbean rice and beans
Go Italian
Saffron risotto
Make it refreshing
Cilantro lime rice
Cajun roasted potatoes
Potatoes work with anything, and Cajun seasoning is a classic spice blend used with seafood. Combine them, and you get a delicious side with a bold, spicy flavor that’s perfect for serving alongside your mahi mahi.
If you’re not a fan of spice, swap out the Cajun seasoning for your favorite fresh herbs. I like a blend of thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano for an Italian twist.
This recipe from Eat Well 101 will help you get the crispiest roasted potatoes you’ll ever make!
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Garlic cajun roasted potatoes
Make it creamy
Sour cream mashed potatoes
Make it decadent
Potato gratin
Lemon couscous
Whip up this lemon herb couscous if you’re looking for a super quick, filling side dish to pair with mahi mahi. Couscous cooks much faster than rice, plus it’s also a healthier alternative in terms of calories and protein content.
I like to cook my couscous in chicken broth for extra flavor, but you can also swap it out for vegetable broth.
Psst… Cooking Classy’s recipe gives details about the different types of couscous you can use.
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Lemon couscous
Make it tropical
Coconut cilantro couscous
Make it colorful
Moroccan couscous salad
Orzo bake
This orzo bake uses the well-loved combination of broccoli and cheddar.
It’s a one-pot wonder of cheesy and crispy goodness. And the creamy texture works really well with the soft, flakey texture of mahi mahi.
The best part about this orzo bake? There’s hardly any dishes for you to clean — everything gets baked in one skillet.
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Broccoli cheddar orzo bake
Make it herby
Pesto Caprese penne pasta
Add heat
Calabrian chili pasta
French fries
Serving a fried or breaded mahi mahi fillet? Then the best side dish for this is a no-brainer – homemade french fries!
This recipe from Love and Olive Oil seasons the fries with fresh garlic and dill.
Serve these golden fries with your favorite dipping sauce and you’ll have a real crowd pleaser (even the kids will wolf it down).
I’d go for tartar sauce, but you can also try a Cajun remoulade if you want a spicy kick.
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Homemade French fries with garlic and dill
Make it different
Garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges
Make it low-carb
Baked zucchini fries
Vegetables and salads
Want to keep your meal light? Pair your mahi mahi with a crisp salad or a warm veggie side.
My go-to is a Greek salad beefed up with leafy greens, but a crunchy cucumber salad sounds great too.
Roasted veggies are also a great option, or you go with a veggie puree for a delicious creamy twist.
Pineapple mango salsa
Level up your mahi mahi with this pineapple salsa.
The fruits’ sweetness is balanced by the acidity of lime juice – a flavor combination that will leave your taste buds buzzing.
Make a double batch because your guests will be asking for seconds!
Tip: Make the salsa a few hours before dinner so it has enough in the fridge to cool and marinate.
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Pineapple mango salsa
Add crunch
Cucumber mango salad
Go Asian
Thai mango salad
Greek salad
Salads are my go-to when I want a quick, healthy side dish or appetizer.
For mahi mahi, I’d go for a Greek salad. The olives, red onion, and feta all have a sharp, fresh flavor that works well with white fish.
Don’t want a boring salad?
You can add things like pepperoncini, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of mint to add a unique twist to your Greek salad.
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Greek tossed green salad
Keep it simple
Lemon parmesan kale salad
Another Greek classic
Maroulosalata (Greek lettuce salad)
Heirloom tomato salad
This salad uses a mixture of heirloom and grape tomatoes to create a vibrant and colorful side dish. But it’s not just about looks — everything gets tossed in a garlicky balsamic vinaigrette, giving you a deliciously sweet-tangy kick.
Prop up your grilled mahi mahi on a bed of this tomato salad and you’ll instantly have an Instagram-worthy upload.
Pro-tip: let this salad chill in the fridge before serving for the ultimate summer salad.
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Heirloom tomato salad
An Italian favorite
Panzanella salad
Preheat the oven
Cherry tomato and garlic confit
Roasted carrots
Roasted carrots are the perfect side dish to whip up for dinner when you’re too busy to cook.
All you need are the carrots and your choice of seasoning. I like to roast my carrots with honey and thyme, then grate over some orange zest over them after roasting. It’s delicious!
Not a fan of honey? Try using a blend of dried oregano, cumin, mint, and a healthy sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Pro tip: make sure to leave some crunch in the carrots to contrast with the soft mahi mahi.
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Maple glazed carrots
Make it silky
Roasted carrot and parsnip puree
Make it tangy
Pickled carrots
Peperonata
Peperonata is also known as Italian pepper stew.
Peppers and onions are simmered in wine until they’re melt-in-your-mouth soft. The dish will take some time to cook, so patience is necessary.
But it’s worth it — you can spoon it over your mahi mahi or enjoy it on the side for a hearty, but light main meal.
Sounds like something you’ll enjoy? She Loves Biscotti shares a fantastic traditional recipe for this dish.
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Peperonata
Fire up the oven
Roasted peppers and onions
Make it hearty
Mediterranean quinoa stuffed peppers
Jicama slaw
If you’re not familiar with jicama, then you’re missing out. It’s a root vegetable that’s extra crisp and refreshing, perfect for the summer.
And with the addition of ripe mangoes, this jicama slaw will take your mahi mahi up a notch.
Try it out with this recipe from Eating Bird Food, which uses honey and olive oil for a healthier, more flavorful slaw.
Be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe!
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Mango jicama slaw
Skip the fruity twist
Carrot and jicama slaw
Back to basics
Classic coleslaw
Proteins
Try beefing up your mahi mahi meal with an extra protein dish on the side.
I love a perfectly seared, juicy steak bites for a surf and turf twist or try spicy jerk shrimp for the ultimate seafood bonanza.
Jerk shrimp
Keep the seafood theme going with a batch of this jerk shrimp! This seasoning blend infuses the juicy shrimp with a dose of smoky-sweet goodness and a spicy kick.
CarlsBad Cravings offer up three ways to cook these morsels, but my favorite has to be the stove method. It’s quick, easy, and requires the least amount of dishes.
Pssst… add splash of lime juice to the marinade for a fresh, citrusy kick.
You could also serve the shrimp as an appetizer with a creamy dip.
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Jerk shrimp
Fire up the grill
Grilled shrimp kabobs
Make it fancy
Baked lobster tails
Bacon asparagus
Pair this bacon-wrapped asparagus with your mahi mahi for a surf and turf meal.
Bacon imparts a smoky flavor that complements the mahi mahi well, and the asparagus adds some much-needed crunch.
Have I mentioned this side dish is keto-friendly?
This dish is usually oven-roasted, but if you have an air fryer this will save you time (and if you don’t have one, I’d recommend getting one asap!).
Psst… here are some side ideas for surf and turf meals.
Featured recipe
Air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus spears
Skip the asparagus
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
Go with seafood
Bacon-wrapped scallops
What To Serve With Mahi Mahi – 39 Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion rice and beans
- 1 portion jicama slaw
- 1 portion pineapple mango salsa
- 1 portion roasted carrots
- 1 portion French fries
- 1 portion orzo bake … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your mahi mahi according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Sides include rice and beans, jerk shrimp, bacon asparagus, pineapple mango salsa, cajun roasted potatoes, greek salad, heirloom tomato salad, roasted carrots, jicama slaw, lemon couscous, orzo bake, peperonata, and french fries,
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
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