What to Serve with Salmon en Croute
Meal planning definitely saves us time and money as a family of five. It means I head to the shops knowing exactly what we need rather than just throwing anything and everything in the trolley. But it does sometimes also mean that we tend to eat the same things week in week out. One thing I’ve been doing lately is switching out our side dishes just to add a bit of variety to our meals. Salmon en Croute is a huge favourite here, and I’ve got plenty of ideas for what to serve with salmon en croute that I hope you’ll find inspiring.
This delicate, French-inspired dish features succulent salmon wrapped in puff pastry and baked to perfection. With such a sophisticated centrepiece, finding the best side dishes to complement its rich flavours can seem like a daunting task, but fear not! I’ve got plenty of delicious ideas to help you out.
What Is Salmon en Croute?
As mentioned above, salmon en croute is a French-inspired dish. It’s often served for special occasions such as dinner parties but has recently become a regular family favourite in our house. The recipe combines the tender texture of perfectly cooked salmon with the delicate flakiness of puff pastry, creating an elegant and satisfying meal.
To make salmon en croute, you’ll need two salmon fillets placed on top of each other with a layer of cream cheese or other savoury fillings in between. Then wrap the salmon in a sheet of puff pastry, making sure to seal the edges well to keep in all the goodness. Before baking, brush the pastry with an egg wash to achieve that irresistibly golden-brown and crisp finish.
You might have heard this dish referred to as salmon wellington, and that’s because it shares similarities with the classic beef wellington recipe. Just like its beef counterpart, salmon en croute relies on the rich flavour of the protein, encased in a buttery and tasty puff pastry crust.
What Side Goes With Salmon en Croute?
I often think that we don’t give enough credit to side dishes, but a well-chosen side dish can really make a meal.
What Potatoes to Serve with Salmon en Croute
When serving salmon en croute, there are several potato options that work perfectly. Some great choices include:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, mashed potatoes provide a comforting balance to the rich, flaky salmon.
- New potatoes: Tossed in a herby dressing, new potatoes add a fresh, seasonal touch to the meal.
- Roasted potatoes: Perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside, roasted potatoes offer a delightfully crunchy contrast to the tender salmon.
- Dauphinoise potatoes: Layered with cream and garlic, dauphinoise potatoes bring an indulgent, luxurious edge to your dinner.
What Vegetables to Serve with Salmon en Croute
When it comes to vegetables, there’s a wide variety to choose from that work perfectly with a salmon dish. Some popular options for a nutritious, balanced meal are:
- Asparagus: Steamed or grilled, asparagus brings a tender and delicate flavour to the dish.
- Green beans: Bright and crisp, green beans add a lovely colour and a sweet, earthy note.
- Spinach: Cook it simply with garlic and butter for a lush, nutrient-packed side.
- Carrots: Roasted or glazed, carrots bring a touch of sweetness as well as a vibrant splash of colour to the plate.
- Peas: Fresh, minted peas provide a pop of bright green and a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
Light Green Salads
Sometimes a light green salad is just what you need to complete your salmon en croute meal, particularly on a sunny day. Some suggestions include:
- Broccoli salad: Blanched broccoli tossed with nuts, dried fruit, and a tangy dressing makes for a crunchy, flavourful side.
- Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette: Keep it simple with a mix of greens dressed with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add some cherry tomatoes and cucumber for an extra burst of freshness.
- Spinach and avocado salad: Combine baby spinach, sliced avocado, and a sprinkling of seeds for a satisfyingly creamy yet light accompaniment.
Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance of flavours and textures to complement your salmon en croute. Feel free to mix and match these sides, or get creative with your own combinations.
What Sauce Goes With Salmon en Croute?
Classic Hollandaise
The classic Hollandaise sauce is one of the best sauces to serve with salmon en croute. To make this creamy, butter-based sauce:
- Melt butter and warm lemon juice
- Whisk egg yolks, water, and a pinch of salt
- Slowly incorporate the melted butter into the egg yolk mixture
- Adjust the taste with lemon juice, salt, and pepper
This French-style sauce has a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the delicate taste of salmon en croute.
Rich Béarnaise
Another delightful option is the rich, savoury Béarnaise sauce. It also starts with an egg yolk base, similar to Hollandaise, although the flavours are distinctly different. To make Béarnaise sauce:
- Simmer white wine vinegar, minced shallots, tarragon and black peppercorns until reduced
- Strain and add the reduction to egg yolks
- Whisk over low heat until thickened
- Slowly incorporate melted butter
- Adjust the taste with salt, pepper and chopped fresh tarragon
Béarnaise sauce adds a depth of flavour with a hint of tanginess, making it a great companion for salmon en croute.
Remoulade Sauce
A simple and versatile Remoulade sauce is another viable option for salmon en croute. Based on a classic mayonnaise, Remoulade offers a tangy, refreshing flavour sometimes likened to tartare sauce. To make Remoulade sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, gherkins, and lemon juice
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, or dill
- Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper for a kick
- Adjust the taste with more lemon juice, if desired
This versatile sauce pairs well with the buttery, flaky pastry and tender salmon en croute, adding a vibrant accent to the dish.
Elegant Beurre Blanc
Lastly, an elegant Beurre Blanc sauce cannot be overlooked. This delicate, French-style sauce showcases the natural flavours of the salmon. To make Beurre Blanc sauce:
- Reduce white wine and minced shallots in a saucepan
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer
- Gradually whisk in cold cubes of butter, one at a time, until emulsified
- Strain and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice
- Adjust the taste, and optionally, stir in chopped fresh herbs
Beurre Blanc adds a silky, luxurious touch to the salmon en croute, elevating the dish to new heights.
Flavours and Herbs
Adding flavouring and herbs to any dish can enhance it, but knowing which flavours and herbs will work best can be tricky.
Citrus Flavours
A touch of citrus can really brighten up your salmon en croute. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate citrus flavours:
- Lemon: Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish. Additionally, you can grate some lemon zest onto the crust for an extra burst of flavour.
- Butter: Mix some butter with lemon juice for a delicious topping. Drizzle this mixture over your salmon en croute to add a rich and tangy taste.
Herbs
When it comes to herbs, you can experiment with a wide range of options to enhance the flavour of your salmon en croute. Here are some popular herbs and suggestions for using them:
- Dill: The light and fresh taste of dill pairs well with salmon. You can sprinkle chopped fresh dill over your dish or make a quick sauce with dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Parsley: This versatile herb can be used as a garnish, adding colour and a subtle, earthy flavour.
- Tarragon: A pleasant, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of anise. Try adding tarragon to a mustard sauce for a delicious accompaniment.
- Chervil: This delicate and slightly anise-flavoured herb is great as a garnish or in a simple cream sauce.
- Rosemary: Add a sprig of rosemary to the baking tray for a fragrant aroma that permeates the crust and adds depth to the flavour.
- Thyme: Another herb with an earthy flavour that complements the richness of salmon.
In addition to herbs, using seasonings such as garlic, shallots, onions, salt, and pepper enhances the dish’s overall flavour. You can also try adding capers or pickles to the dish, as their tangy taste works well alongside the flavours of salmon en croute. The key is to experiment and find the combination of flavours and herbs that suits your taste buds.
Other Accompaniments
If you’re feeling adventurous, try out some more unusual sides such as pilau rice, ratatouille, grilled courgette, or even sautéed leeks.
Pilau Rice
Try serving your salmon en croute with pilau rice for a more filling alternative. With its delicate blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables, this light and fluffy dish works really well with the rich flavours of the salmon and pastry. You can customise your pilau rice with ingredients like peas or nuts to suit your preferences.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille, a classic Provençal tomato-based stew, is another delicious accompaniment you could go for. Made with a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers, ratatouille adds a colourful and nutritious touch to your plate. Its rich sauce also contrasts well with the crisp pastry of your salmon en croute.
Grilled Courgette
If you fancy something easy to make but still mouthwatering, try grilled courgette. This quick and easy side dish features tender and slightly charred slices of courgette, often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Grilled courgette complements the juicy salmon by adding a smoky and fresh flavour to your overall dish.
Sautéed Leeks
Finally, don’t forget sautéed leeks. Gently cook sliced leeks in butter until they’re soft and caramelised, then season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice. This simple yet delicious side dish makes a delicious combo with salmon en croute, adding an earthy and slightly sweet taste to your meal.
You can mix and match these accompaniments or even add your own twist.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Which Wine to Serve with Salmon En Croute
When you’re deciding on a wine to complement your salmon en croute main course, go for a crisp, light-bodied white wine. A nice Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus flavours is an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can choose a smooth Chardonnay with a touch of oak which stands up beautifully to the richness of the dish.
Dazzling Desserts
Now, let’s talk about desserts that pair well with your salmon en croute dinner. Remember, you want something refreshing and delightful.
- Lemon or Lime Tart: The zesty flavour of lemon or lime compliments the creamy taste of your salmon en croute.
- Fruit Salad: A colourful and fresh fruit salad is a light and healthy dessert that pairs wonderfully with the main dish.
- Sorbet: A sorbet is a perfect end to your meal; its cool, fruity, and refreshing. You could go for classic flavours like lemon, strawberry or mango.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, a variety of side dishes pair perfectly with this classic dish. From roasted vegetables to a crisp green salad, the options are endless. Go with your personal preferences and experiment with different flavours. You’ll be sure to find the perfect accompaniments to make your salmon en croute truly unforgettable.
