Side Dishes for Cod

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Cod is a mild, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides—from fresh salads to cozy comfort foods. The right side dish can turn your cod into a complete, satisfying meal. Below, you’ll find plenty of easy and flavorful ideas to serve with cod any night of the week.

When deciding what to serve with cod, think balance. Since cod has a light, mild flavor, it works best with sides that add texture, freshness, or a bit of richness without overpowering the fish. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower bring out cod’s natural sweetness and add color to your plate. Fresh salads—such as cucumber salad, quinoa salad, or Greek salad—are perfect if you want something light and refreshing, especially for spring and summer meals.

If you’re serving cod for dinner on a colder night, comforting sides like mashed potatoes, butter rice, or risotto make the meal feel hearty and filling. For casual dinners or fish fry nights, crispy sides like air fryer French fries, zucchini fritters, or fried green tomatoes are always a hit. Mixing one fresh side with one warm, savory side is an easy formula that works every time.

30+ Tasty Side Dishes for Cod

1

Cold Quinoa Salad

This tasty cold Quinoa Salad recipe is versatile and delicious! Add your favorite veggies and meat for the taste you'll crave.

Check out this recipe

2

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad has amazing depth of flavor from all of the roasted veggies and great texture from the quinoa.

Check out this recipe

3

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted Root Vegetables are what I crave with the first hint of that crisp Autumn air. Move over salad…make room for earthy, hearty, caramelized deliciousness in the form of oven roasted root vegetables. Measurements do not have to be exact…this is more of a technique than an exact recipe.

Check out this recipe

4

Roasted Asparagus

Simple and quick this Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vegetable side dish! Easily prepared while your main dish is cooking.

Check out this recipe

5

Roasted Acorn Squash

Cinnamon and nutmeg make this sweet Roasted Acorn Squash more of a seasonal dish while smoked paprika gives it a light smoky flavor.

Check out this recipe

6

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This super easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a delicious vegetable side dish. Perfectly golden and tender in the middle.

Check out this recipe

7

Roasted Cauliflower

This basic, Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is a tasty, low-carb, simple side dish to throw together any day of the week. All you need is olive oil, salt, pepper and a little oven time to get the maximum caramelized, brown, super flavorful cauliflower.

Check out this recipe

8

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish to make that is packed full of flavor and nutrients! I could make this every night!

Check out this recipe

9

Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

Grandma's Cucumber Salad recipe is cool, crunchy, refreshing, and easy to throw together on a hot summer day! Great for BBQ's or potlucks. 

Check out this recipe

10

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light, refreshing with a slight zing this is my Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe! It's a classic that is perfect as a side dish or as a snack.

Check out this recipe

11

Kale Salad with White Balsamic Dressing

This fresh kale salad with white balsamic dressing is loaded with crunch and tossed in a sweet, tangy vinaigrette. Easy to prep and full of flavor, it’s the kind of salad you’ll actually want to eat.

Check out this recipe

12

Greek Salad

This is a traditional Greek Salad recipe topped with a dressing full of depth. Perfect as a side dish or as a stand-alone meal!

Check out this recipe

13

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Italian Pasta salad recipe has it all! Tender pasta, salty pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, lots of diced veggies and a homemade olive oil and garlic dressing. The longer it sits the better it tastes! Perfect for potlucks, BBQs or simple side dish.

Check out this recipe

14

Pomegranate Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Dressing

This Pomegranate Salad served with warm maple bacon dressing, is delicious all year round. Made with bacon, toasted almonds, and kale!

Check out this recipe

15

Air Fryer French Fries

Super easy, homemade, and absolutely delicious these Air Fryer French Fries are going to change your life. Don't forget the ketchup!

Check out this recipe

16

Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are smooth, buttery, and extra rich thanks to a generous dose of cream cheese. This recipe gives you perfectly fluffy potatoes every time with just the right balance of salt, butter, and creaminess.

Check out this recipe

17

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are smooth, silky, and extra creamy. Perfect make-ahead mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or Christmas! My version is made without chicken broth.

Check out this recipe

18

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

What could make Mashed Potatoes even better? GARLIC! Garlic Mashed Potatoes are so buttery, creamy, and more importantly garlicky.

Check out this recipe

19

Butter Rice

My Famous Butter Rice is seriously the best! Add a few simple ingredients to make the most buttery, delicious rice you've ever had!

Check out this recipe

20

Cilantro Lime Rice

This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is an easy side dish that can go with chicken, pork or beef. Light and refreshing yet super versatile!

Check out this recipe

21

Vegetable Risotto

A light and comforting meal that you can have ready in no time! Vegetable Risotto is perfect for those warmer spring evenings!

Check out this recipe

22

Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe

This Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe is perfect for a summer appetizer or just as corn salsa dip for any day! Eat with chips or plain!

Check out this recipe

23

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This Coleslaw Recipe is a classic, from scratch recipe that will make you never buy store-bought coleslaw dressing again! Here's how you can prepare this perfect summer side dish.

Check out this recipe

24

Orzo Salad Recipe

This Orzo Salad is a light, veggie-filled pasta salad with marinated asian chicken that can be made ahead or whipped up in a hurry.

Check out this recipe

25

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are perfect for a fast and easy snack or light lunch. Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese or even green onions and enjoy!

Check out this recipe

26

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes are unripened tomatoes generously coated with a Panko and cornmeal seasoned breading and fried until golden brown and crispy. These are a must have in the summer when tomatoes are in season.

Check out this recipe

27

Couscous Salad with Shrimp

This Couscous Salad is made with shrimp and makes a yummy lunch or dinner. Inspired by Paella, a Spanish rice dish!

Check out this recipe

I hope these side dish ideas are just what you needed to take your simple cod dish to the next level.

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.