Swordfish has a firm texture, similar to that of a tender pork chop. The flavor is pretty mild with a slightly sweet undertone, making it a favorite for many. But it’s not so delicate that it will get lost next to a heavy side.
Here are my 20 tried-and-tested ideas for side dishes that pair wonderfully with swordfish. You can find everything from light and healthy dishes, to rich and indulgent ones.
The best dishes to serve with swordfish are jambalaya, couscous, tomato and olive salad, mango salsa, roasted potatoes, and jicama slaw. Try pesto zoodles, mushrooms and bok choy, and a Shirazi salad for healthier options. You can also serve steak kabobs, eggplant parmesan, and stir-fried noodles.
Starches
Starchy sides are an excellent accompaniment for lean proteins like swordfish.
I especially love it with zesty cilantro lime rice, but you can also go with a light pasta dish for a more elegant meal or sesame noodles for a tasty Asian twist.
Jambalaya
5.0 ⭐️ (31 ratings) | 40 mins
Planning to serve swordfish for dinner? Enjoy it alongside this colorful jambalaya.
This rice dish is jam-packed with spices and mix-ins, giving it a burst of spicy and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds buzzing.
Pro-tip: Want your jambalaya extra hot? Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce and a few extra pinches of Cajun seasoning.
What readers are saying…
“This is the best jambalaya I’ve ever had! I made this exactly as written, including making my own Creole spice mix. It was fantastic.”
“Wow thank you for sharing your recipe it was so flavorful. I had to share it with my daughter too!”
“I have made it 3x in the past 3 months and I’m making it today for Sunday dinner. I give it 5 stars review. Absolutely 💯.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Rainbow Squash Couscous
5.0 ⭐️ (38 ratings) | 35 mins
Just when I thought couscous was getting boring, I stumbled across this rainbow squash couscous recipe.
It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, bringing together the nutty flavors of couscous with the vibrant colors and sweet notes of various squashes like butternut, acorn, and zucchini. This dish not only brightens up the table but also packs a nutritional punch with its array of veggies.
Psst… here’s a great guide on how to reheat couscous.
What readers are saying…
“A good trick someone told me once was to put a whole, unpeeled garlic clove in with the pasta or in your case, cous cous as it cooks. Then you take the clove out and mash it through the dressing! “
“Lovely…refreshing for hot days of summer, especially!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
4.5 ⭐️ (351 ratings) | 30 mins
Potatoes are excellent not only with meat entrees but also with mildly flavored swordfish. And these roasted fingerling potatoes are a step above the typical roasted spuds.
The fingerling potatoes roast faster. They also have thinner skins than regular spuds and a low starch content, ensuring you get perfectly crispy potatoes every time. Once you taste these roasted fingerling potatoes, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Psst… whip up a quick garlic and caper aioli to go with your potatoes and swordfish.
What readers are saying…
“I made these for the first time about 3 days ago, and they were excellent. Doubled the recipe, and my husband and three teenage children (and myself) ate the whole batch.”
“These potatoes were delicious. I appreciate the recommendation to cook them on a dark pan with butter which created just the result I was looking for.”
“I followed the recipe and it turned out exactly as described. Yummy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Baked Feta Pasta
5.0 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 40 mins
If you haven’t had the chance to give this trendy pasta dish a taste, you’re missing out.
The tanginess from the baked feta and roasted tomatoes make this pasta dish a delicious tray of fresh, cheesy goodness. It’s the ideal hearty accompaniment to your swordfish.
And the best part? This baked feta pasta is ridiculously easy to prepare because it comes together all in one baking dish.
What readers are saying…
“Delightful! My family loves garlic so I double the amount and add extra fresh herbs and spinach. Everyone always wants seconds.”
“Easy and delicious! Love the addition of spinach.”
“My husband and I really enjoyed it! Prep time and number of ingredients were very manageable. Such great flavor from relatively few ingredients…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Stir-fried Sesame Ginger Noodles
4.5 ⭐️ (401 ratings) | 20 mins
Add a fun and tasty Asian flair to your swordfish entree with these stir-fried noodles.
They’re ridiculously good, boasting a combination of ginger, honey, garlic, mixed vegetables, and peanuts – what’s not to love?
Another thing I love about these noodles is how quickly you can whip them up, making them ideal for hectic weeknight dinners.
What readers are saying…
“Oh my this recipe is as good as it looks and as easy as it claims. It’s such a forgiving recipe. You can add and adjust things quite easily so it’s like a unique dish every time.”
“One of my favorite recipes! I’ve made this so many times I’ve lost count. It is so versatile.”
“Okay, I’ve found my new favorite quick noodle dish. Made this up quickly this morning for some bulk meals and it is SO good.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Mushroom Chowmein
🇻🇳 Vietnamese Noodle Salad
😇 Shirataki Noodle Stir-fry
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
4.3 ⭐️ (189 ratings) | 45 mins
In the mood for something crispy with your seared swordfish? Look no further than these sweet potato fries.
The trick to getting them perfectly crisp is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Too many sweet potato fries will end up steaming them instead of crisping them up, resulting in sad, soggy fries!
Half-Baked Harvest serves these crispy delights with spicy aioli, which also tastes great with the fish!
What readers are saying…
“SO good! My sister said I should make these every Thursday night when I make supper. 🙂 The flavors are incredible!“
“Omg who knew sweet potato fries could taste so good! We loved everything about these. Will be on repeat in our household.“
“My husband did a happy dance around the kitchen upon the first bite. These were a total hit!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
⌚ Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
🧘♀️ Golden Baked Jicama Fries
😇 Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Parmesan Polenta
5.0 ⭐️ (27 ratings) | 20 mins
Polenta is one of my go-to sides when I want something indulgent.
It’s rich and delightfully creamy, thanks to the combination of milk and butter. But what really makes this dish special is the addition of parmesan cheese, which makes this polenta luscious and infuses it with a nutty kick.
Prop your seared swordfish over a bed of this creamy polenta for an Insta-worthy plate.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve tried many polenta recipes and this was by far the best!”
“Second time making polenta. First time was a disaster. Now I found this recipe and I love it! Thanks!”
“I have made it twice this week! So versatile!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and salads
Veggie sides are the way to go if you want to keep your swordfish meal light and low-carb.
I love simple sautéed greens, but you can also go with steamed veggies tossed in butter if you want a healthier side. Missing pasta? Swap it for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash!
Green Beans Almondine
4.5 ⭐️ (270 ratings) | 20 mins
This French classic is one of my favorite veggie sides to pair with seared swordfish.
The combination of lemon juice, brown butter, and almonds creates a vibrant, nutty flavor that complements the mild notes of the fish. And the green beans add a pop of refreshing color to the plate.
Psst… make sure to use haricot verts of French green beans for best results.
What readers are saying…
“These are terrific!! I cheated a bit and microwaved my bag of haricot verts for a few minutes and finished them up in the skillet. Thank you for a delicious recipe!!!”
“I’ve made these a few times and everyone loves them! The lemon zest adds a zing to the garlic/shallot flavor, and I always add more almonds.”
“Made this today for a party – it was delicious! Browning the almonds in the butter makes all the difference. It really brings out the flavor.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌞 Green Bean Salad with Lemon and Dill
🦃 Green Bean Casserole
Garlic Mushroom Bok Choy
5.0 ⭐️ (17 ratings) | 23 mins
You can’t get a meal simpler than swordfish, bok choy, and mushrooms.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this veggie side is loaded to the brim with rich umami flavors, thanks to its stir-fry sauce made with a base of oyster and soy sauce.
Maggie from Omnivore’s Cookbook uses fresh brown mushrooms for this dish, but I’ve gotten away with using canned ones in a pinch!
What readers are saying…
“Loved this recipe easy, healthy, and very good!”
“Love mushrooms and bok choy. The brown sauce was nice with it.”
“Simple, quick, and delicious. I only had canned mushrooms but it worked out ok. Will try again with fresh mushrooms next time.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Marinated Tomato Olive Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 1 hr 35 mins
You can’t go wrong with serving this tomato and olive salad with your swordfish entree.
It’s an easy, no-cook side full of fresh flavors that will take you to the Mediterranean. And it’s an excellent make-ahead dish since you have to let your veggies sit in the vinaigrette for at least an hour before serving.
I also like serving this salad with wedges of pita bread to make it even more substantial.
What readers are saying…
“I had the ingredients, so I looked up a recipe to use and this was a great one. I am keeping it for future use too! Made is as-is and it is tasty and kinda ‘fancy’.”
“The grape tomatoes and the olives taste really good. The olive oil vinaigrette is nice with the capers, red bell peppers, and green onions.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
4.6 ⭐️ (99 ratings) | 1 hr
Hankering for an Italian dish to go with your swordfish? Skip the obvious pasta route and make this eggplant parmesan instead.
Eggplant has fewer calories than your typical pasta and a mild flavor, so you get to enjoy the cheesy, tomato goodness.
I use small eggplants when making this recipe because the larger ones tend to have bitter skins. But if you do end up with big eggplants, you can peel the skins, just to be sure.
What readers are saying…
“Hands down the best Eggplant Parm recipe! The eggplant was perfectly crispy and using the fresh mozzarella just made it next level.”
“I’ve made this multiple times. Only change: I added more Parmesan. This is a great recipe – the BEST and freezes so nicely. Thank you!!!”
“This recipe was absolutely delicious. The crispiness of the eggplant, the sliced mozzarella, and the crunch of the breadcrumbs made this dish one of the best I ever had.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pesto Zoodles
5.0 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 10 mins
Want pasta but you’re watching your calories? These pesto zoodles are the key to curbing your cravings.
It’s not an exact substitute — these zoodles won’t really taste like our beloved, carb-filled pasta. But the herby and flavorful pesto does wonders in making you forget about the differences.
Enjoy these light pesto zoodles alongside your swordfish for a surprisingly satisfying dinner.
What readers are saying…
“Excellent flavor. I sautéed the zucchini noodles in oil for 2 minutes… The lemon adds so much, don’t skip it.”
“OUTSTANDING… Loved it and so does my husband.”
“Absolutely delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Grilled Asparagus
5.0 ⭐️ (79 ratings) | 15 mins
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and this grilled asparagus couldn’t be easier.
Just toss the asparagus in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until al dente. Finish them off with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick that enhances their natural flavors.
A light char adds just the right touch of smokiness to the tender spears, making them an ideal side for the delicate flavors of swordfish.
What readers are saying…
“Grilling is easier if you use tooth picks and make racks of four or five spears. It makes it easier to turn and it keeps your asparagus from falling thru grate.”`
“After coating with olive oil sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gives a great flavor.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥔 Grilled Baby Potatoes with Rosemary
🥕 Honey Glazed Carrots on the Grill
🌽 Charred Corn with Parmesan Butter
Greek Yogurt Creamed Spinach
4.0 ⭐️ (168 ratings) | 10 mins
Elevate your swordfish by serving it together with this creamed spinach dish.
Not only is it flavorsome, but it’s also filled with the vitamins and minerals you need for a complete and healthy meal.
Plus, this dish calls for Greek yogurt instead of the usual heavy cream, which makes it less calorific without sacrificing the taste. Even your pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist this Greek yogurt creamed spinach.
What the chef says…
“Use strained Greek yogurt for extra creamy spinach. You may need to add a bit of water to it (about 3-4 tablespoons depending on how thick your yogurt is) to make it a bit more runny. This water will drain when you mix the yogurt with the hot spinach. Resulting in a very creamy but not too thick creamed spinach.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Vegan Creamed Spinach
😇 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Spinach
🥗 Spinach Salad
Summer-inspired dishes
Swordfish is an excellent protein to grill for your summer cookouts.
Pair it with a fresh salsa for a delicious meal or go with coleslaw if you want a summer classic. Feeling adventurous? Toss some steak skewers on the grill for a tasty twist on the classic surf and turf.
Mexican Street Corn Quinoa
4.0 ⭐️ (168 ratings) | 10 mins
Rice is a great side dish for swordfish, but quinoa is the way to go if you still want something light yet filling.
This quinoa dish is seasoned with bold flavors typically used in classic Mexican street corn. The cilantro sour cream dressing and the crumbles of cotija cheese provide the final touches to this delicious dish.
Whip up this Mexican street corn quinoa for your summer parties and al fresco lunches.
What readers are saying…
“All the flavors and textures in this quinoa have me swooning. It’s the perfect scoop of summer!”
“Made this for dinner tonight, to go with a pork tenderloin. Absolutely delicious! I will be making this again. Thanks for sharing.”
“Delicious and easy to make! Loved it making it again this weekend. Works great as a main for lunch or as a side with grilled meat.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mango Salsa
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 10 mins
You can’t have swordfish tacos without preparing a refreshing mango salsa to go alongside them.
This salsa features simple, fresh ingredients that combine to make a sweet and slightly spicy accompaniment. And aside from the flavors, you also get a vibrant, colorful side dish that instantly brightens up any plate.
Even if you aren’t making fish tacos, this fresh mango salsa goes superbly with any grilled fish entree.
What readers are saying…
“Love this, so simple and delicious!”
“I added pomegranates to my salsa, it was amazing, for a light lunch I added pasta to it.”
“So delicious on some grilled tofu tacos!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jicama Apple Slaw
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 10 mins
Craving something fresh to go with your swordfish? Look no further than this gorgeous jicama slaw.
The julienned jicama and apple are tossed in a simple lime dressing, giving you a delectable sweet-tangy combo to brighten your meal. And the crunch from the veg is an excellent complement to the tender swordfish meat.
What readers are saying…
“So amazing! Loved this! I doubled the sauce bc there was so much jicama and used a spiralizer to make the slicing go faster 🙂 thanks for a wonderful recipe. Tastes so fresh, perfect for summer.”
“I made this and it was awesome! It is perfectly balanced and declared ‘the best slaw you have ever made’ by my family… It was super even three days later which is great!”
“This is delicious – even better after sitting in the fridge.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Shirazi Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (27 ratings) | 15 mins
Keep your swordfish entree low-carb and healthy with a generous serving of this Shirazi salad.
The main difference between this salad and your classic Greek salad is this is an all-veggie dish, with no additions of cheese or yogurt. Despite this, you can still expect a burst of refreshing flavors in every bite.
Serve this simple Shirazi salad alongside your swordfish or on top for a beautiful and nourishing plate.
What readers are saying…
“So yummy! The little Persian cucumbers shine in this rustic salad.”
“This was awesome with swordfish steaks, I could have just eaten this salad and I would have been happy!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Steak Kabobs
4.9 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 1 hr 25 mins
Grilling your swordfish? Make some room in your grill and throw in a couple of steak kabobs to transform it into a surf and turf meal.
The steak cubes are flavored with a special marinade that keeps them juicy and oh-so-delicious, so don’t skip it even if you’re in a rush. Even a 20-minute soak will do wonders.
And aside from the bell peppers and onions, I also like adding mushrooms to make these kabobs even more substantial.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe was a hit. Made it for a special occasion and everyone loved it. I will be making it again real soon per everyone’s request. It was a quick put together.”
“I tried this recipe today on my new blackstone grill. It is fantastic. I’m definitely going to use it again. Love the simple ingredients.”
“Awesome with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. I served them with rice pilaf.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥩 Tequila Lime Flank Steak
💃 Strip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Corn Succotash
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 20 mins
If you’re grilling swordfish steaks for your cookout, this corn succotash is the ideal accompaniment.
What I love about this dish is how versatile it is. Sabrina from Dinner then Dessert keeps her version simple by sauteing the veggies together in olive oil. But I love adding crispy bacon bits to the mix for a savory boost.
And if you’re in the mood for something decadent, you can add heavy cream to the veggies as they cook.
What readers are saying…
“This is the best succotash dish I have ever made. Easy and so worth making especially now, during the summer months.”
“How wonderful to have all these fresh, colorful veggies in one dish!”
“One of my absolute favorite things about summer! Nothing beats fresh corn in this succotash!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Swordfish [20 Sides]
Ingredients
- 1 portion jambalaya
- 1 portion baked eggplant parmesan
- 1 portion mango salsa
- 1 portion pesto zoodles
- 1 portion baked feta pasta
- 1 portion steak kabobs
Instructions
- Prepare your swordfish according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: jambalaya, roasted fingerling potatoes, baked feta pasta, stir-fried ginger sesame noodles, corn succotash, mushrooms and bok choy, marinated tomato olive salad, baked eggplant parmesan, pesto zoodles, greek yogurt creamed spinach, mexican street corn quinoa, mango salsa, jicama slaw, shirazi salad, and steak kabobs.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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