Salmon is a versatile and healthy fish that can be prepared in many different ways. Topping salmon with complementary ingredients can enhance its flavor and texture. The best toppings for salmon depend on the cooking method and your own personal preferences. There are lots of delicious options for dressing up salmon fillets or steaks.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about salmon toppings:
- Butter – A pat of butter melted over salmon adds richness.
- Lemon – Bright citrus flavors pair well with salmon. Slice lemons or squeeze fresh juice over the top.
- Herbs – Fresh dill, parsley, basil, rosemary all complement salmon.
- Spices – Cracked black pepper, chili powder, curry powder, garlic powder, paprika.
- Sauces – Teriyaki, soy sauce, mango salsa, chimichurri, creme fraiche.
- Citrus – Orange, grapefruit, lime zest or slices.
- Fruits – Mango, pineapple, peach salsa, strawberries.
- Nuts – Slivered almonds, chopped walnuts.
- Breadcrumbs – Panko, Italian-style.
Herb and Spice Rubs
One easy way to add flavor to salmon fillets or steaks is with a quick DIY dry rub. Combining fresh or dried herbs with spices, salt, pepper and a bit of oil creates a seasoning paste that adheres nicely to the fish. Here are some herb and spice rub combinations that pair well with salmon:
| Rub Ingredients | Method |
|---|---|
| Chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil | Mix ingredients together and pat onto salmon fillets. |
| Brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt | Blend dry ingredients and coat salmon steaks. |
| Minced fresh basil, roasted garlic, grated lemon zest, olive oil | Process in food processor and spread onto fish. |
| Crumbled dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, orange zest, olive oil | Mix thyme blend and drizzle over salmon. |
Experiment with your own spice combinations too. Salmon can stand up to strong flavors. Let the rubbed fish marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow flavors absorb.
Sauces and Salsas
Brushing or spooning sauces over cooked salmon portions adds moisture, flavor and visual appeal. Sweet and savory sauces pair wonderfully with salmon’s richness. Chutneys, salsas and relishes also make great toppings. Here are some saucy salmon topping ideas:
- Teriyaki sauce – classic savory-sweet flavor
- Honey mustard – tangy and creamy
- Mango salsa – fruity, spicy, fresh
- Pineapple salsa – sweet, zesty tropical flavors
- Peach salsa – summery blend of peaches, bell peppers, onion, lime
- Cucumber yogurt sauce – cool complement to salmon
- Pesto – herbaceous green sauce
- Chimichurri – herb, garlic, vinegar sauce
- Tzatziki – yogurt, cucumber, dill sauce
- Barbecue sauce – sweet, tangy, smoky flavors
For best results, wait until salmon is cooked through before adding sauces to prevent over-softening from excess moisture. Brush or drizzle sauce gently over individual portions. Serve extra sauce on the side.
Crunchy Toppers
Adding a topping with some crunch contrast nicely with salmon’s soft, lush texture. Toasted nuts, crispy fried shallots, panko breadcrumbs, tortilla chips and similar crunchy toppers give your salmon dish some added texture. Here are some ways to add crunch to salmon:
- Chopped roasted almonds or pecans
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Panko breadcrumbs sautéed with olive oil or butter
- Crushed butter crackers or Ritz crackers
- Fried shallots or onions
- Crumbled tortilla or corn chips
- Sesame seeds
- Dried breadcrumbs
Coat or sprinkle the crunchy topping gently over the cooked salmon to retain the crisp texture. Nuts and seeds can also be used in rubs and herb crusts for salmon.
Cheese Toppings
Melted cheese makes a delicious topping for salmon, adding creamy richness. Soft fresh cheeses, hard grating cheeses and cheese blends can all work well. Choose cheeses that enhance salmon’s flavor rather than overwhelm it. Here are some tasty cheesy salmon topping ideas:
| Cheese | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese | Tangy, earthy |
| Feta | Salty, briny |
| Mozzarella | Mild, creamy |
| Gruyère | Nutty, rich |
| Parmesan | Sharp, salty |
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy |
| Havarti | Mild, buttery |
Grated hard cheeses like Parmesan can be sprinkled directly over the salmon before serving. Soft cheeses can be spooned over cooked salmon or placed over the raw fish and melted under the broiler. Shredded cheese blends also melt nicely over hot salmon.
Creative Combinations
Use your imagination to create your own signature salmon toppings. Combining complementary ingredients from multiple categories can take your salmon to the next level. Here are some tasty topping combos to try:
- Lemon slices + capers + dill
- Pesto + toasted pine nuts + Parmesan
- Sautéed mushrooms + shredded Havarti
- Chopped tomato + basil + mozzarella
- Bacon crumbles + green onion + ranch dressing
- Caramelized onions + goat cheese + balsamic glaze
- Mango + red onion + cilantro + lime juice
- Jalapeño + crushed tortilla chips + Monterey Jack
The flavor pairing options are endless. Salmon’s richness can handle lots of combinations. Feel free to top baked, grilled or broiled salmon with your favorite ingredients for a custom creation.
Healthy Salmon Toppings
Salmon is prized for its nutritional benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids make salmon heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory. To keep salmon toppings just as healthy, focus on fresh ingredients like:
- Lemons – Brighten flavor with vitamin C-rich fresh juice
- Herbs – Pack flavor and nutrients without added calories
- Vegetables – Onions, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, arugula
- Fruits – Fresh mango, peach, pineapple, berries
- Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, pecans contain healthy fats
- Yogurt – Probiotic-rich substitute for sour cream
- Avocado – Healthy fats and creamy richness
Avoid heavy cream-based sauces and cheese toppings to prevent excessive calories and saturated fat. Use olive or avocado oil and light cooking methods like baking. Salmon’s natural health benefits shine through when paired with fresh produce.
Budget-Friendly Salmon Toppings
Salmon can be pricier than other fish and seafood. Keep your budget in check by topping salmon with inexpensive ingredients. Here are some budget-friendly ways to add flavor:
- Lemon – Inexpensive way to brighten flavor
- Dried herbs and spices – A little goes a long way
- Canned diced tomatoes – Cheaper than fresh
- Sliced onion – Versatile aromatic
- Frozen vegetables – Spinach, peas, corn, peppers
- Canned beans – Protein-rich chickpeas or black beans
- Salsa – Choose cheaper options like Pace picante
- Greek yogurt – Sub for pricier creme fraiche
Take advantage of whatever produce is in-season for the best value. Canned, frozen and dried ingredients help keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Salmon deserves flavorful toppings that complement its richness. Herbs, spices, crunch toppers and sauces all pair beautifully with salmon. Tailor the toppings to the cooking method and your own tastes. Grilled salmon handles bolder toppings, while more delicate flavors suit poached or baked salmon. Mix and match ingredients for creative combinations. With so many topping possibilities, salmon makes for an easy, adaptable and satisfying meal.