This article was updated on the 6th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your trout, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 17 of the most popular side dishes for trout.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with trout are rice pilaf, horseradish potato salad, ratatouille, and Cajun fries. For a healthier option, try green papaya salad, roasted carrots and parsnips, sauteed swiss chard, or tabbouleh. You can also serve pineapple salsa or vegetable chow mein for a more tropical twist.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Trout
Trout is a common freshwater fish. It boasts a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
- Acidic flavors: Citrus fruits like lemon and lime, vinegar, and even white wine provide a bright, acidic flavor to enhance the mildly sweet notes of trout. Try incorporating them into your side dishes or in a sauce.
- Herby flavors: Fresh herbs highlight the sweetness of trout. Dill, parsley, tarragon, thyme, and chives are some of the excellent herbs you can use directly with your trout or with the side dishes.
- Creamy flavors: Lightly creamy flavors from butter and cream sauces add a bit of decadence to the mild trout, making each bite a delight.
Hearty Dishes
Light proteins like trout are the perfect excuse to whip up a hearty, starchy side! These dishes ensure you’ll be all filled up.
Rice Pilaf
Total Time: 40 mins
Whether you’re planning to grill, bake, or simply pan-fry your trout, rice pilaf is a no-brainer dish to have alongside it.
Toasting and cooking rice in a flavorful chicken broth instantly upgrades your humble steamed rice into a tasty dish. You can also add peas, mushrooms, tomatoes, and even almonds for extra flavor and texture.
No matter how you customize this rice pilaf, it’s guaranteed to be a massive hit.
What readers are saying…
“This is delicious! I made exactly according to the recipe, using homemade shrimp stock and omitting the green peas.”
“This recipe was a hit! It’s so versatile you can make it however you want as far as spices and vegetables. Very flavorful and easy to make.“
“Made your rice pilaf tonight and we loved it!!!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Horseradish Potato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 5 hours
Spice up your trout dish with a serving of this horseradish potato salad.
It’s got everything you love about a traditional potato salad, with an added spicy kick courtesy of the horseradish.
And the best part? This potato salad calls for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing, so it’s healthier!
What readers are saying…
“This potato salad is really good!! I will definitely make it again!”
“I love the flavoring of this potato salad. It is unlike other potato salads you might have tasted, but this recipe is a must-try!”
“My hubby LOVES horseradish salad and potato salad! He would die and go to heaven if I made this for him!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Double Beer Battered Cajun Fries
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 4 hrs 38 mins
Fish and chips are a classic food pairing, and these are the crispiest, tastiest fries you’ll ever have.
Why are they so crunchy? The fries have been double-dipped in the Cajun-spiced beer batter. YUM! Once you get a taste, you won’t be able to stop popping these beer-battered fries in your mouth.
Psst… don’t forget the dipping sauce! Something creamy, like an aioli or tartar sauce, is the way to go.
What the chef says…
“I’ve learned from a few of my favorite restaurants who serve amazing truffle fries that the “secret” to making a crispy fry is soaking them in ice water. This removes the starch, so they fry up better and crispier.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Lemon Parmesan Risotto
4.6 ⭐️ (164 ratings) | 35 mins
Elevate your humble trout into a fancy date night-worthy meal by serving it over a bed of gorgeous risotto.
You can go for any flavor risotto you want, but I can’t get enough of this lemon parmesan risotto. The citrusy flavor keeps it from feeling too heavy, and the parmesan adds creaminess. It’s so fresh and vibrant!
Other risotto dishes I have in my arsenal include asparagus risotto and mushroom risotto, which also pair beautifully with trout.
What the chef says…
“This risotto was the creamiest and most delicious I’ve ever had! My wife raved about it.“
“I made this last night to have as a side with supper, it was excellent and I will be making it again!”
“I made this for a second time and it turned out even better.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍂 Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
😇 Dairy-free Mushroom Risotto
Veggie Chow Mein
4.6 ⭐️ (116 ratings) | 20 mins
Want to give your trout an Asian twist? This veggie chow mein is fun and easy to make.
Tamsin from Cupful of Kale uses a classic medley of cabbage, peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, and broccoli to add color and nutrition to these noodles. But you can really add any veggies you like. Some of my favorite add-ons are mushrooms, spinach leaves, sugar snap peas, and zucchini.
Prop your seared trout over these noodles for a nourishing meal.
What readers are saying…
“Just made this. Really simple and subtle but very enjoyable.“
“Love simple and super tasty dish! I had to substitute white cabbage for red cabbage and couldn’t get hold of beansshoots but it didn’t matter…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Lemon Broccoli Pasta
4.7 ⭐️ (30 ratings) | 15 mins
Lemon broccoli pasta is a tasty side that will ensure the trout is the star of the show. It’s got carbs and vegetables, so it’s the only side you need.
And most importantly, you can whip it up in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe leaves enough room for customization too. I personally like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and you can also throw in a handful of bacon bits for crunch and extra flavor.
What readers are saying…
“This is such a simple and incredibly quick-to-make dish but it was so good! So fresh. I added a lot more lemon juice and garlic than called for so it had quite a zing.”
“What a wonderful dish. Followed recipe exactly as written and wouldn’t change a thing.”
“I’ve made this several times and it’s so good! This a great recipe for meal prep too. It microwaves easily and still tastes amazing.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Salads
If you intend to keep your trout light and fresh, you can’t go wrong with a salad on the side. And it doesn’t have to all be about leafy greens if you find them boring. The world of salads has a lot more to offer!
Pineapple Salsa
4.9 ⭐️ (41 ratings) | 20 mins
This vibrant pineapple salsa is an excellent way to add a tropical twist to your trout. It’ll make you feel like you’re dining by the shores of Hawaii!
The sweetness of the pineapple is balanced out by other ingredients like jalapenos and red onions. And everything is tied together with a spritz of lemon juice.
You can serve this immediately, but I prefer letting the salsa sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and develop better.
What readers are saying…
“And this pineapple salsa has the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty… “
I loved the combination of sweet and savory, and will definitely make this again.“
“I was craving this from the one time I’ve made it before so I brought it to a 4th get-together. Everyone loved it and it didn’t last long.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Arugula Salad
4.5 ⭐️ (43 ratings) | 10 mins
Got no time to whip up a side dish for your seared trout? No worries, you can throw this salad together in less than 5 minutes.
It’s fresh and crisp, exactly what you need for a light lunch or dinner. And while it may look plain, it packs a flavorful punch from the peppery arugula and the lemon vinaigrette.
Psst… not a fan of arugula? Swap it for lettuce, kale, or spinach leaves.
What readers are saying…
“Loved this! It was light, easy, and flavorful.“
“I made this salad for the first time on July 4th and it was enjoyed by all. My husband liked it so much, he asked for it again with tonight’s dinner.“
“Made this for the first time last week, and I’ve made it again three times since. So simple, yet so delicious. Even the men who are salad ‘averse’ love this.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍂 Roast Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta Salad
🍓 Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad
Marinated Tomatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 10 mins
These marinated tomatoes are the epitome of easy side dishes. You simply need to toss your cherry tomatoes in the herby marinade – and you’re done.
Honestly, the most challenging part of this dish is the waiting game. You need to let your tomatoes sit and soak in all the delicious flavors of your marinade.
Scoop a handful of colorful marinated tomatoes over your grilled trout for a meal that’s too pretty to eat.
What readers are saying…
“I love this recipe because it really shows how you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something so delicious!! Simplicity at its finest.”
“Yum. I was gifted some nice olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This was the perfect way to showcase their flavors.”
“Yum! Fresh bright summer in your mouth!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Green Papaya Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 20 mins
Bring a tasty Asian twist to your trout with this green papaya salad.
Not only is it bursting with fresh flavors, but it also has a satisfying crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft flesh of your trout.
Psst… can’t find green papaya? You can use green mangoes or green apples for this salad instead.
What readers are saying…
“I love the tangy dressing and the smell of Thai basil. Pleased that this was fairly simple — no cooking or marinating required — and tastes like it’s from a Thai restaurant.”
“Salad is delicious though, the dressing is perfectly balanced.“
“This was really good! The trickiest part for me was shredding the papaya. Thanks for a great recipe!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tabbouleh
5.0 ⭐️ (44 ratings) | 1 hr
This tabbouleh is light, healthy, and offers a flavor that will leave your taste buds refreshed.
This Eastern Mediterranean dish is jam-packed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint, all dressed in bright and zingy lemon dressing that tastes great with your trout’s mildly sweet flavor.
And all those different colors mean it looks amazing on the plate, especially alongside a lightly pink baked trout.
What readers are saying…
“This tabouli salad is delicious and super refreshing.“
“So colorful and beautiful. It looks really refreshing too.“
“I don’t know why I am so indulged with this recipe. Maybe because of the colors or maybe because I know it will taste so good. Oh I know! It’s because of both.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌾 Quinoa Tabbouleh (Gluten-Free)
🌞 Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Vegetables
These dishes put vegetables front and center, often with simple preparations that let the natural flavors shine. They also provide much-needed vitamins and nutrients to complete the meal.
Asparagus Almondine
4.5 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 15 mins
Fresh fish and asparagus are the epitome of spring. Steamed or roasted asparagus is tasty, but this asparagus almondine is on another level.
The asparagus is quickly steamed before being tossed in toasted almonds and butter. The results? Gorgeous green spears with a rich nutty flavor that plays well with your trout’s mild taste.
I also like finishing off the dish with a dash of parmesan cheese for added decadence and a bit of nutty goodness.
What the chef says…
“It’s really important to place the steamed asparagus into iced water. This stops them from cooking so that they stay nice and firm. It also helps the asparagus to retain its bright green color.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Ratatouille
4.5 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 15 mins
Craving something comforting to go with your trout? This ratatouille might be what you’re looking for.
This version doesn’t have the famous design popularized by the movie of the same name, but it tastes every bit as good and heartwarming.
Another great thing about this version is that everything comes together in one pot, making it great even for busy weeknight dinners.
What readers are saying..
“I absolutely love this delicious dish! It is such a nice, hearty and filling stew by itself or as a side dish.”
“Absolutely fantastic and definitely my favorite ratatouille recipe ever! So many things I love about this recipe.“
“Made this tonight for dinner with pork chops. It was so colorful and flavorful. Everyone really liked it. Will definitely be making this again.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sauteed Swiss Chard
4.5 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 20 mins
Sauteed Swiss chard is an excellent nourishing side to serve with your trout. It comes together in under 20 minutes, and you only need a few ingredients.
Haven’t tried Swiss chard before? It’s a mashup of beetroot and spinach — earthy and ever so slightly bitter, but packed with nutrients!
House of Nash Eats also adds balsamic vinegar to these sauteed greens, which helps further mellow out their bitterness, but you can skip this if you want.
What readers are saying…
“Such vibrant colors and great flavors in this sauteed swiss chard.“
“Love rainbow swiss chard, this is a gorgeous dish, I am planning on adding cream to mine!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 50 mins
These roasted carrots and parsnips are an excellent autumnal side dish for your trout.
Roasting the carrots and parsnips gives them crunchy, caramelized edges that are to die for. But this recipe from Southern Living takes things up a notch by tossing the roasted veg in a homemade herb butter compound, which adds a delicious savory twist.
Psst… you can also spoon the melted butter compound over your seared trout for an even more flavorful meal.
What the chef says…
“Don’t be afraid of the high temp and long cook time – you really want to cook the carrots and parsnips until they are browned, starting to dry out and getting crispy edges.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Haricot Verts in Dijon Cream Sauce
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 35 mins
This green bean dish is one of my favorite side dishes for trout.
The green beans are blanched, which allows them to retain their vibrant green color and a satisfying crisp-tender texture. But the game-changer for this recipe is the Dijon cream sauce, which adds richness and a light tangy bite to the veg.
I also like drizzling the sauce over my baked trout for extra flavor. Now that’s what I call a win-win!
What readers are saying…
“Dijon? Yes, please. Love its tangy taste. Neat sauce for beans, too. We’ll soon be swimming in them, and this will make a nice change from my usual ways of preparing them.”
“What a delicious way to jazz up green beans!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Green Beans in Parmesan Sauce
🍋 Green Bean Salad with Lemon and Dill
Honey Soy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
4.3 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 30 mins
Want a nourishing dish that doesn’t require any hands-on cooking? Look no further than these roasted Brussels sprouts.
Not only are they effortless, but the oven’s high heat helps make the sprouts perfectly crisp-tender and not soggy. And if that’s not enough, Lemon Tree Dwelling coats the sprouts with a honey soy glaze, adding an addictive sweet-salty kick.
Enjoy these sticky glazed sprouts alongside your seared trout for a nourishing meal.
What readers are saying…
“Love these sprouts! I love the combination of honey with sprouts, so, so good!“
“I am obsessed with roasted Brussels sprouts! They are the best!“
“This is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts! So tasty and flavorful!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Crispy Brussesl Sprouts (Restaurant-Style)
😋 Smashed Brussels Sprouts
What To Serve With Trout – 17 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion asparagus almondine
- 1 portion rice pilaf
- 1 portion marinated tomatoes
- 1 portion lemon broccoli pasta
- 1 portion sauteed swiss chard
- 1 portion double-battered cajun fries … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your trout according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: rice pilaf, pineapple salsa, asparagus almondine, arugula salad, horseradish potato salad, marinated tomatoes, green papaya salad, beer-battered cajun fries, ratatouille, lemon parmesan risotto, sauteed swiss chard, quinoa tabbouleh, veggie chow mein, roasted carrots and parsnips, and lemon broccoli pasta.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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