What to Serve with Halibut: 10 Ideas You Should Try at Home

Halibut is a delicious, easy-to-cook fish that many prefer due to its light, mild flavor. However, when cooking halibut at home, you don’t want to make the mistake of over-powering the fish by pairing it with side dishes or sauces that will completely drown out the halibut’s delicate flavor profile. So how can you pick the perfect side dish to serve with your baked or grilled halibut dinner?

Luckily, in addition to being easy to cook and oh-so-tasty, halibut is also extremely versatile, so it pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here’s how to pick the correct ones, as well as 10 halibut side dish ideas to try at home. 

How to Choose a Side Dish for Your Halibut

You don't necessarily need to stick with a handful of three or four side dishes every time you cook halibut at home. There are near-endless ingredients that pair well with this fish. Instead of sticking to just a few foods that you know work well with halibut, just keep these general guidelines in mind. 

Tip #1: Go bright, sunny or sweet

Halibut pairs especially well with bright, sunny and sweet flavors. Think citrus tones or acidic ingredients, as well as sweet and sour notes. You can often find these flavors among your favorite seasonal produce, both fruits and veggies.

Tip #2: Stay on the lighter side

Halibut is not really a fish that you want to pair with a heavy side dish like mashed potatoes or pasta. Instead, stick to lighter side dishes like light veggies, fruits and grains. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your waistline will as well. 

Tip #3: Opt for something easy

Halibut takes mere minutes to cook, so you don’t want to still be laboring away in the kitchen to prepare your sides as your halibut rests, cooked and cooling. When picking what to serve with halibut, opt for side dishes that likewise come together quickly and easily, so that your entire dinner is finished in under 30 minutes. 

10 Sides to Serve with Halibut  

Ready to get cooking? Here are 10 halibut side dishes that tick all of the above boxes. 

1. Cilantro Lime Slaw

Original Photo on Gimme Some Oven

If you’re cooking halibut tacos (and the fish works very well in tacos, just fyi) or just want to add some Mexican flair to your next meal, consider pairing your halibut with some fresh and zingy cilantro lime slaw. This particular recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and is not only bright and light, but also healthful. Spice things up a little by adding some jalapeños or serrano peppers. 

2. Green Beans with Lemon Herb Brown Butter

Original photo on Striped Spatula 

Green beans always make an easy side dish, but you can liven up your typical, plain sautéed or steamed green bean side dishes by pairing them with a sunshiny lemon herb brown butter. This recipe comes together in just half an hour. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs, for the best results. 

3. Autumn Harvest Salad with an Orange Vinaigrette

If it’s fall in your part of the world and you’re craving some fall flavors, you can satisfy those cravings with this autumn harvest salad recipe that will pair perfectly with baked or braised halibut. It’s accompanied by a cheery orange vinaigrette that’s just the thing to complement the salad’s oranges, pomegranate and cinnamon-glazed pecans.

4. Lemon Couscous

Original photo on Cooking Classy

Cook up a lighter alternative to your typical summertime pasta salad, with this 10-minute lemon couscous recipe. Requiring minimal ingredients and incredibly easy to cook, this halibut side dish may just become a favorite in your cooking rotation, no matter what your entree! 

5. Spring Pesto Roasted Tomatoes

Just because you’re cooking a lighter, more delicate fish, that doesn't mean you can't indulge a little bit with one of your side dishes. Rather than going with something super-starchy and heavy, though, opt for these roasted tomatoes that, once topped with pesto and perfectly-browned, golden breadcrumbs, are truly a Mediterranean-inspired delight. Get all the directions here.

6. Roasted Asparagus

You don't necessarily need to reinvent the wheel when picking out what to serve with halibut. Sometimes, old classics are the very best options — like this roasted asparagus recipe. 

7. Herby Pea Salad 

Original photo on Taste of Home

This fresh salad is ideal for a springtime meal, whether you're celebrating Mother’s Day, graduation or no special reason at all. After all, who needs a special occasion in order to cook and eat great food? The salad combines leeks, zucchini, asparagus, peas and fresh herbs beneath a dressing of oil, vinegar and mustard. Get the full details here.

8. Air-Fried Radishes 

Always looking for any excuse to break out your air fryer? You can air fry both your halibut and your side dish for your next meal, with this easy air-fried radishes recipe. 

9. Marmalade Candied Carrots

Original Photo on Taste of Home

For more of a sweet side dish to accompany your halibut, look to this marmalade candied carrots recipe. With lots of bright, citrusy sweetness from the orange marmalade, plus some darker sweet notes thanks to brown sugar and just a splash of rum, this is one side dish that’s sure to sweep you off your feet. 

10. Asparagus Soup with Lemon and Parmesan

Sure, you might not think halibut and soup immediately go together, but just give this asparagus soup recipe a try. Light, bright and wonderfully cheesy, it’s ideal for a day when you’re craving something warm that’s not overly filling. 

Whip Up an Amazing Halibut Side Dish in Less Than 30 Minutes

Your next delicious halibut dinner is less than half an hour away, thanks to these side dishes that are all quick and easy. But not sure exactly how you’ll be cooking your halibut just yet? Make sure to also check out our blog on how to cook the perfect halibut filet.