Tilapia is one of those entrees that is super quick and easy. Every mom’s dream, right? Then you realize that tilapia fillets, while a healthy and easy weeknight dinner option, are NOT filling. If you have hungry kids to feed, you’re going to need some side dishes.
Tilapia is a delicate fish with a number of health benefits. It’s high in vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium, and it’s an inexpensive source of protein. While it doesn’t boast high omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or sardines, it also comes without a strong taste. Tilapia is well-loved because it doesn’t have a strong fishy flavor.
Look for wild-caught tilapia when possible; I am usually able to find this in the frozen section of my grocery store.
You still need side dishes! I’m here to make searching easy. If you’re wondering what to serve with tilapia, here are the best side dishes to make a balanced, healthy meal!
What to Serve with Tilapia
Tilapia is a healthy fish with a mild flavor. That makes it a rather easy main dish to pair a number of different side dishes that work well with the inexpensive fish.
Just keep in mind that you’ll likely need a vegetable, perhaps a salad, along with something more filling, like a starch. Mix and match from these delicious recipes and you’ll have a healthy dinner your family will love.
Rice Side Dishes for Tilapia
Rice is one of the most popular side dishes to serve with tilapia because it adds needed calories to the meal. You’ll find a great recipe to add to your dinner menu here!
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This rice pilaf is filled with vegetables, making it colorful and delicious. It’s an easy way to sneak some extra vegetables into the kids!
You can use your Instant Pot or make this easy jasmine rice recipe on your stovetop. It’s simple but so good!
This is a basic recipe, but sometimes that’s all you want to go with your main course. If you need something easy to round out your meal, this is it!
This flavorful rice recipe has fresh ginger and garlic, giving it great anti-inflammatory properties.
Best Salad to go with Tilapia
Whether it’s a green salad or a more hearty grain salad, these are some great choices to serve with your tilapia.
With cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and red onion, this salad has bold flavors that work well with a mild white fish.
This one is perfect for meal prep–it’s easy to make ahead of time so dinner is ready in minutes on those busy weeknights.
This is an easy side dish to serve with tilapia! It comes together very quickly and is full of great flavor.
There are a number of Thai-style tilapia recipes out there, and if you’re making one of them, this is a perfect side dish to compliment your entree! The crunchy texture of this salad is a perfect contrast to the delicate tilapia.
This bold-flavored recipe is perfect with mild fish. If you’re making your tilapia in the summer, this is a great side dish to go with it!
This is such a stunning salad, yet still quick and easy to make. This will make a beautiful and impressive dinner plate with your fresh tilapia.
Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamin A and vitamin C, making this a nutritious choice to add to your tilapia dinner!
This salad is a great way to add a ton of nutritional value to your dinner as it’s filled with a rainbow of vegetables! It also includes a grain, which will help make your meal filling and satisfying.
Easy Kale Salad with Peaches and Goat Cheese
This is another delicious salad that’s full of nutrients! It’s another good one for your summer meals–add this when fresh peaches are in season!
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This salad has delicious flavors and textures and pairs really well with the mild flavor of tilapia.
Bean salads go so well with fish and this one is bursting with fresh tomatoes and incredible flavor.
This salad is full of citrus flavor, bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. It comes together quickly and is another one that’s perfect for meal prep.
Pasta Side Dishes for Tilapia
Pasta makes a great side dish for tilapia as it makes the meal more hearty!
Your whole meal will be complete with this delicious (and super easy to make!) pasta salad as the side dish.
This is a kid-friendly side dish that will make this a favorite family dinner! This recipe is as easy as making boxed mac and cheese!
Orzo Pasta Recipe with Summer Vegetables
This is a great recipe that mixes your pasta and vegetables, which means you only need one side dish! It’s really quick, easy, and delicious.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Tilapia
Every meal needs at least one vegetable side dish. These are great options to serve with your tilapia!
If you’re making baked tilapia, put your air fryer to work for the vegetable side with this easy recipe.
Baked Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
No air fryer? Use your fresh asparagus spears for this delicious side dish.
Brussels sprouts make an amazing side dish for tilapia and this is one of the tastiest ways to prepare these nutritious vegetables!
Healthier than au gratin potatoes, consider making this Zucchini Gratin recipe as your vegetable side. I adore this recipe and your whole family will love it. You can’t go wrong with fresh zucchini, parmesan cheese, and basil.
This recipe looks fancy and time-consuming, but it’s super quick and easy to put together. It works really well with a number of types of fish, and will be great with your tilapia recipe.
If you’ve got summer tomatoes you need to use, this is the perfect side dish for your tilapia! You’ll be amazed at how flavorful these roasted tomatoes are!
Green beans go so well with fish, so this was a natural choice. It’s also super quick and easy!
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
If you’re trying to eat more low carb, this will go well with your meal. Add a green salad for more color in your dinner!
These roasted vegetables go well with any protein, so save this recipe as you’ll want to make it over and over.
These roasted sweet potato wedges have the best seasoning–they are amazing and are a perfect side dish with fish!
Which side dish did you decide to make? Share it on Instagram and tag me and I’ll feature you!
[…] even more healthy inspiration, check out Food’s healthy tilapia sides. Their recommendations focus on wholesome, nutrient-dense options that pair beautifully with baked […]