The BEST Salads That Go With Fish Cakes

Thinking about serving fish cakes for dinner this evening, and need a tasty side salad? 

You’re in the right place! 

Whether you’re thinking of an Italian inspired option crammed with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese, or a hearty potato salad with fresh herbs and lemon juice, you’ll find something here that fits the bill exactly… 

The Best Salads That Go With Fish Cakes

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.

This simple salad pairs well with fish cakes, as it has a light and refreshing flavour that won’t overpower the fish.

For the dressing, you can mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil to create a tangy vinaigrette. Drizzle this over your salad and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Greek Salad

Greek salad is made with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves.

This salad provides a harmony of flavours and textures that complement fish cakes.

A simple dressing for this salad consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of dried oregano. Gently toss the salad ingredients in the dressing and enjoy.

Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a popular choice for its tangy, garlicky dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

The crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons provide a textural contrast when served with fish cakes.

Top off your Caesar salad with a sprinkling of bacon bits or capers to add a little extra flavour.

Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad is a great choice to serve with fish cakes!

Choose a classic recipe that includes boiled potatoes, diced celery, chopped onions, and a mayonnaise-based dressing.

You can add a bit of dill and lemon juice to the dressing for a burst of freshness that complements the fish.

Alternatively, opt for a lighter, vinegar-based dressing for a tangier option.

Spinach Salad

A spinach salad is a colourful and nutritious choice to serve alongside fish cakes.

Spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and carrot slices create a vibrant base for this salad.

A flavourful dressing for spinach salad can be made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried basil, minced garlic, and a touch of honey.

Add some nuts or goat cheese for a more filling salad.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a protein-rich option to pair with fish cakes.

Cook quinoa and mix it with diced vegetables such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Add some crumbled feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and a small amount of minced garlic for the dressing and toss well.

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savoury flavours, thanks to apples, celery, and walnuts.

The creamy Waldorf dressing is typically made with mayonnaise and a touch of lemon juice for acidity.

This salad’s combination of crunchy nuts and tangy dressing pairs excellently with fish cakes.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw, a traditional side dish for many seafood items, goes wonderfully with fish cakes.

Combine shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.

For an added kick, mix in some vinegar, a little mustard, and a pinch of sugar.

Broccoli Salad

A broccoli salad is a delicious and nutritious option to serve with fish cakes.

Mix fresh broccoli florets, red onion, and sunflower seeds for a crunchy base.

Create a tangy dressing with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, then toss the salad in this blend.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a fresh, cooling side dish for fish cakes.

Slice cucumbers thinly and combine with thinly sliced red onions. For the dressing, mix equal parts of white wine vinegar and water, along with a pinch of sugar and dill.

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion, marinate for at least 30 minutes, then serve.

Creating Balance and Harmony of Flavours

When pairing salads with fish cakes, it’s essential to create a balance and harmony of flavours.

You want to complement the tender texture and flavour of the fish without overpowering it. This can be achieved by considering a few key factors.

Firstly, think about texture.

Fish cakes, made with cod or other whitefish, are typically soft and flaky on the inside with a crispy exterior.

Choose a salad that provides a contrast, such as a mix of leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, and perhaps even a bit of toasted bread or rice for some extra texture. 

In terms of flavour, you don’t want to overshadow the delicate taste of the fish.

Salads with a hint of sweetness can work well, but be mindful not to use too much sugar.

Instead, consider using spices and seasonings with a light touch, such as salt, pepper, and delicate herbs. This will perfectly complement the fish cakes, especially if they’re served with a tangy tartar sauce.

Another important element to consider when creating your salad is the type of sides or garnishes you’ll be using.

Here are some ideas for complementary pairings:

• If you’re serving your fish cakes with a side of bread, try adding a thin layer of creamy avocado or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavours.
• For rice dishes, you might want to add some fresh, zesty lime or lemon juice. This will keep things light and help cut through the richness of the fish.
• Some popular salad ingredients to accompany fish cakes include cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. These are all excellent choices that will provide a range of colours, textures, and flavours, creating a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Which of these salads that go with fish cakes will you be trying?