What Starter Goes With Salmon? 10 Amazing Starters!
Searching for ideas for what starter goes with salmon? I’m here to tell you everything you need to know to create a meal to remember!
A key consideration to make when it comes to choosing a starter for salmon is whether or not you want to keep a seafood theme running through your starter and main.
Sometimes, it’s nice to use your first course as an opportunity to showcase another type of fish, and you might choose this route if you want to celebrate the various flavours of the sea.
This isn’t your only choice though, and you might decide that you want to avoid going overboard – so to speak! – on the fish front. If that’s the case, a vegetarian starter will likely be your best bet.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when planning menus is that a starter shouldn’t overpower the main course. Lighter flavours should build up to stronger flavours, so you avoid overwhelming the palate.
Of course, to put this into practice, you’ll have to consider exactly how you’re preparing your salmon, and the kind of sauce and side you’re planning to have.
What starter goes with salmon?
The best starters to serve before a salmon main course include angels on horseback, 80s style prawn cocktail, scallops with pea puree, watercress soup with goats cheese crouton, stuffed mushrooms, and cauliflower steaks with tomato and olive salsa.
Let’s dive into more details…
1. Angels on horseback
Angels on horseback are oysters wrapped in bacon.
You’ll only need oysters, bacon, and a squirt of fresh lemon juice, so they really couldn’t be any easier to prepare.
They make for a delicious starter for salmon for dinner parties when you really want to impress and you’re happy to take a little time to source the best ingredients and take a trip to your local fishmonger.
The name for the recipe comes from the fact that as the oysters cook, their edges curl up like angel wings. That’s a pretty fun fact to share with your guests over dinner!
2. 80s style prawn cocktail
A vintage style prawn cocktail never goes out of fashion, and it’s one of my favourite choices for what starter goes with salmon.
Grab the biggest, freshest, juiciest prawns you can find, and serve simply with a creamy Marie Rose sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, and wedges of lemon.
Shellfish as a starter for salmon is elegant and sophisticated, and it creates a clear theme for your evening without being too much of the same thing.
3. Halloumi, carrot, and orange salad
Let’s take a step back from the seafood starters for a second here and have a look at a light but flavoursome salad that’s a great choice if you want to serve up a vegetarian starter for salmon.
This halloumi, carrot, and orange salad takes just 20 minutes to make and it gives you one of those all important 5-a-day.
The clean freshness of the orange perfectly balances the salty halloumi, and the mustard and honey dressing brings a beautiful sweetness to the dish.
This salad is just as good in the winter as it in is the summer.
4. Scallops with pea puree
This recipe for scallops with pea puree is just the ticket when you’re planning to host a real gourmet event for foodies!
They key to perfect scallops is to resist the urge to overcook them. They require just 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re just opaque.
If you overcook them, they’ll become very chewy and tough.
5. Mussels in a creamy white wine garlic sauce
Mussels are a classic starter, and they’re another starter for salmon that’s ideal for dinner parties and special occasions.
You’ll often see them featured on menus in high end restaurants and gastropubs, but they’re easier to prepare at home than you might initially imagine.
You’ll need mussels, white wine, garlic, and cream, and they take just half an hour from start to finish.
These mussels in a creamy white wine garlic sauce are best when served with a chunk of bread for mopping up all the delicious juices!
6. Stuffed mushrooms
With melted cheese, bacon lardons, and crunchy breadcrumbs, try these stuffed mushrooms for a fuss free starter for salmon.
This recipe is popular with kids and adults alike, and you can do your prep in advance to save a little time when your guests arrive.
Of course, you can change up the filling depending on your personal tastes. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Use parmesan cheese and mixed Italian herbs for a Mediterranean inspired taste
- Use French boursin cheese for a more-ish cheesy finish
- Use clams to continue your seafood theme
7. Watercress soup with goats cheese crouton
We have to mention a soup for what starter goes with salmon!
This watercress soup is summery and light, and the goats cheese crouton adds a little touch of luxury to make it suitable for any elegant dinner party that you might be hosting.
It’ll freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can make a batch of it in advance and simply defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating in a pan when you’re ready to serve. You’ll add a slice of baguette topped with goats cheese, and garnish with a couple of sprigs of watercress.
8. Cauliflower steaks with red pepper and olive salsa
Cauliflower steaks are an easy but gourmet option for what starter goes with salmon.
They’re visually pleasing, easy and super cheap to make, and they’re ideal if you want to swerve meat.
Topped with almonds for a satisfying crunch, these cauliflower steaks with red pepper and olive salsa take around half an hour to prepare and bake from scratch, making them ideal for a midweek starter when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands.
9. Bloody Mary cocktails
Who says that a cocktail can’t be a starter?!
I love serving a bloody Mary with plenty of trimmings and garnishes ahead of a salmon main course.
Put a handful of ice into a jug, and add a shot of vodka, 250ml tomato juice, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add Worcestershire sauce and tabasco to taste, and a pinch of celery salt. Stir well, and drain into a cocktail glass.
Some good idea for garnishes include olives and celery sticks.
10. Baked feta with burst tomatoes and chilli honey
This dish has become something of an internet sensation lately, and so many home cooks have discovered the simple joy of roasting a whole block of feta with juicy, ripe tomatoes.
I highly recommend trying this recipe for baked feta with burst tomatoes and chilli honey, which takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a delicious dinner party starter for salmon.
The best starters for a salmon main course
Whether you want something seafood based or a veggie option, there are plenty of delicious choices for starters for a salmon dinner. Some of the best include:
- Angels on horseback
- 80s style prawn cocktail
- Halloumi, carrot, and orange salad
- Scallops with pea puree
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Bloody Mary cocktail
For more meal planning inspiration, be sure to check out my guide to what desserts go with salmon!
