30 Best Side Dishes For Tilapia

Have you ever wondered what to serve with tilapia? Because of its mild flavor and versatility, this popular fish pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. Here are 30 of my favorite healthy side dishes to serve with tilapia. From vegetables to grains, to salsas and spreads, you'll find your new favorite side dish here!

Have you ever wondered what side dishes to eat with tilapia? Tilapia is currently the fourth most consumed fish consumed in the US (behind tuna, salmon, and Alaskan pollock). This flaky white fish is popular because of its mild flavor, versatility, and relatively low cost.

Tilapia is quick and easy to prepare and kids love it too. My favorite ways to cook tilapia are to bake it, grill it, sauté it, and air fry it. It's a mild fish so you can season it liberally with your favorite herbs and spices.

I like to cook it in a skillet with a lemony sauce in my Tilapia Piccata or make Air Fryer Tilapia when I need a quick and healthy dinner for my hungry family. I even use tilapia to make my tasty Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa.

Jump to:

• Best Side Dishes for Tilapia
• Potato Side Dishes
• Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
• Other Vegetables
• Perfect Oven-Roasted Vegetables
• Easy Creamed Spinach (From Frozen)
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Microwave Acorn Squash
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Sesame Roasted Broccoli
• Celeriac (Celery Root) Puree
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Perfect Air Fryer Asparagus
• Miso Roasted Carrots
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Rice and Other Grains
• Wild Rice Pilaf
• Lemon Risotto with Peas and Asparagus
• Cauliflower Polenta
• Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
• Quinoa Fried "Rice"
• Salsas and Spreads
• Mango Salsa
• Chipotle Corn Salsa (Copycat Recipe)
• Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa
• Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Homemade Guacamole
• Salads
• Tuscan Kale and Apple Salad
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
• Farro Salad with Corn, Tomatoes and Edamame
• Breads
• Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread)
• Cheesy Cauliflower Bread (Low Carb, Keto)
• Tilapia and Other Fish Recipes
• Reviews

Best Side Dishes for Tilapia

Tilapia has a mild flavor so it pairs well with a wide variety of tasty side dishes! It's a healthy source of lean protein. To round out your meal, you can serve it with a starchy side dish like potatoes, rice, or bread. However, if you're watching your carbs, you can serve tilapia with a non-starchy vegetable or salad.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for what to serve with tilapia or any white fish.

Potato Side Dishes

Tilapia is a lean protein so you may want to round out your meal with some complex carbs from these potato dishes. If you have an air fryer, you can't go wrong with my Air Fryer Diced Potatoes or Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes. Potatoes cook much faster in the air fryer than in the oven. If you have a little more time, make my luxurious Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese.

Other Vegetables

If you're looking a nutritious vegetable side dish to serve with your tilapia, I've got you covered!

I love roasting vegetables in the oven because it caramelizes their sugars and brings out their natural sweetness. My Perfect Oven Roasted Vegetables are the perfect side dish for tilapia.

Or choose another one of these tasty vegetable dishes depending on what's in season. I've got spinach, spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and corn recipes too!

If you prefer the air fryer, I've got some air fryer side dish options for you too.

Rice and Other Grains

You can serve your tilapia with a simple side dish of steamed rice. But if you're looking for some more ideas, try one of these tasty grain dishes.

You can't go wrong with my wild rice pilaf or my creamy risotto, a classic Italian dish.

My Cauliflower Polenta is a lightened up version of another classic Italian dish- polenta, which is made with cornmeal.

If you're trying to incorporate healthy whole grains into your diet, try one of my dishes quinoa or wild rice dishes.

Salsas and Spreads

Salsas and spreads are a great way to spice up tilapia! I love grilling tilapia or searing it in a pan and serving it with a fresh salsa or guacamole.

I've got both savory and sweet salsas. They pair perfectly with fish tacos that you can make with tilapia.

Salads

If you're looking for a light side dish, you can serve your tilapia with a simple and delicious salad like my Tuscan Kale and Apple Salad. For a heartier meal, try one of my grain salads that incorporate nutritious whole grains like quinoa, farro, and barley.

Breads

If you're serving a saucy tilapia dish like my Tilapia Piccata, you may want to serve it with some bread to sop up the sauce. My Pan Con Tomate is an excellent option. If you're watching your carbs, try my Cauliflower Cheesy Bread instead.

For something a little different, try my Naan Bread Pudding. This savory bread pudding is rich and comforting and can be assembled ahead of time. It's especially good for feeding a large group if you're entertaining.

The next time you plan to make tilapia for dinner, choose one of these tasty side dishes to serve with it! Whether you choose a vegetable, a grain, or even a salsa to pair with this tasty fish, you can't go wrong!

Tilapia and Other Fish Recipes