Tilapia is a popular, mild white fish that cooks up in about ten minutes! Add on some quick and easy ideas for what to serve with tilapia to make weeknight dinner a breeze! Discover more than 30 of the best side dish recipes to serve with tilapia for simple meals everyone will love!

lemon butter tilapia with cilantro
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I’m all about quick and easy meals these days! Who’s got the time to spend hours in the kitchen on a hot day or after working all day long. 

Sometimes I rely on kitchen tools such as the instant pot or air fryer to help save time but some recipes, like this tilapia recipe or spicy honey chicken, are simple preparations that don’t require tons of time to cook. 

For more side dish ideas, explore What to Serve with Clam Chowder and What to Serve with Baked Potatoes. 

❓ FAQ About Tilapia

What is tilapia? 

Tilapia is a budget-friendly, freshwater fish with a mild flavor. In the United States, it is the fourth most often eaten type of seafood.  What makes it so popular is that it is easy to find, is fairly affordable, doesn’t have an overly fishy flavor, and is easy to prepare.

Is tilapia good for you?

Tilapia is a healthy source of protein, providing 26 grams of protein in just a 3.5-ounce serving. It is also low in fat. Due to unsafe farming practices, try to avoid tilapia produced in China.

What goes good with tilapia?

The mild flavor of tilapia makes it go with just about anything! When it comes to seasoning tilapia, citrus, black pepper, fresh herbs, garlic, dijon mustard, and chiles all work well. For side dishes, choose from just about any type of rice, potatoes, vegetables, and salad.

How long does it take to cook tilapia in a pan?

It cooks quickly but the exact time depends on the thickness of the tilapia fillets you are cooking. I generally recommend starting at about 5-7 minutes per fillet. Flip them over at about three minutes and then continue cooking until the fish easily flakes with a fork.

😋 Lemon Butter Tilapia

The true beauty of pan-seared tilapia with lemon butter is it only takes 10 minutes to cook!!

I find everyone loves this mild-flavored fish recipe that’s infused with a hint of tart lemon, cilantro, and sweet, creamy butter. In my house, it’s a regular meal I serve for weeknight dinners!

Pan-seared tilapia with lemon butter on a plate

⭐ Hint: Invest in a fish spatula to make flipping tilapia over in the pan so much easier. The long thin shape of the spatula allows you to turn it without it breaking into pieces.

💭 Tips for Cooking Meals With Tilapia

  • Consider the color. Tilapia is white in color so adding on sides with some color will make for a more attractive presentation on the plate.
  • Timing. Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep that in mind when timing the side dishes. I generally recommend preparing the sides first and then cooking the fish.
  • Don’t be afraid of flavor. Tilapia is pretty mild in flavor which you can alter by adding seasonings, but you can also add flavor to the plate by choosing good side dishes.

If you’re looking for a good tilapia recipe, here’s a visual story of my favorite best lemon pepper tilapia! 

side dishes that go well with tilapia

Best Side Dishes for Tilapia

When planning to serve tilapia for a healthy meal, here are some simple sides to consider.

The perfect side dish will complement the seasonings used to prepare the tilapia main dish and jazz up the colors on the plate. It doesn’t need to be complicated and I recommend choosing simple ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store.

  • Rice: Brown or white rice make the perfect side dish or even a low-carb version such as cauliflower mushroom rice. Switch up the type of rice. Choose from basmati or jasmine, and consider swapping out the rice for quinoa instead! It cooks in only about fifteen minutes!
  • Oven-roasted vegetables: The sky is the limit when it comes to serving up simple roasted vegetables.
  • Grilled vegetables: Cooking veggies on the grill saves time and eliminates a bit of cleanup making it perfect for this quick meal. In this recipe for a grilled vegetable sandwich, learn all you need to know to cook the perfect grilled vegetables.
  • Potatoes: Really just about any type of potato including sweet potatoes works great as a flavorful side dish for tilapia.

Popular Side Dishes For Tilapia

When it comes to the most popular side dishes for tilapia, these are the ones I serve that get the biggest rave reviews!

Grilled Corn In Husk
Nothing says summer like grilling and corn on the cob, so this Grilled Corn In Husk with a BBQ coffee rub is the essence of summer flavors all combined with the punch of coffee, grilled bbq flavors, and a pinch of heat.
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grilled corn
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
Looking for how to make mashed potatoes without butter but still has a creamy texture? Then you need to try these olive oil mashed potatoes.  They are smooth, light, and fluffy with a hint of Tuscan herbs. These vegan mashed potatoes are so rich and tasty no one will miss the dairy.
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olive oil mashed potatoes with salt garlic and a bottle of olive oil by it.
Instant Pot Jasmine Coconut Rice
Instant Pot Coconut Rice is a creamy, slightly sweet aromatic Jasmine rice recipe that is quick and easy to make using your electric pressure cooker.
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INSTANT POT coconut rice
Gouda Mac n Cheese
Nothing says comfort food better than homemade mac n cheese however, if you are looking to jazz it up a bit for a special dinner you need to serve this wildly scrumptious Gouda Mac n Cheese recipe.
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Nothing says comfort food better than homemade mac n cheese however, if you are looking to jazz it up a bit for a special dinner you need to serve this wildly scrumptious Gouda Mac n Cheese recipe.

Healthy Sides For Tilapia

Since tilapia is such a nutritious option for meals, pair it with a couple of healthy side dishes to create a meal with excellent nutrition and great flavor!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quick and easy to make this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad would be great for lunch or add grilled chicken and make it a healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
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mediterranean salad in a bowl
Cherry Tomato Salad with Italian Herbs
If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
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If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe; Easy Homemade
This Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe is a classic creamy dressing made with simple, fresh ingredients that can be whipped together in under 5 minutes.
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healthy caesar salad dressing recipe, in a cup with cracked pepper and cheese on top
Rainbow Cauliflower Salad
Rainbow Cauliflower Salad is an easy to make beautiful salad that is tossed with homemade fresh Italian dressing. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan so it’s a perfect fresh salad that all your guest will rave about.
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Salads and Vegetable Side Dishes

Add on a colorful vegetable or salad to round out the meal! Not only are these packed with great taste but they also add a splash of color to the dinner table.

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
These sweet and spicy brussels sprouts are the perfect match for tilapia. They’re bursting with so much flavor and go together in a just a few minutes of hands on time. Once you’ve tried these oven roasted brussels you won’t eat them any other way!
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Honey sriracha brussels in a bowl.
Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe
This healthy collard greens recipe has a hint of maple sweetness and a punch of apple cider vinegar sourness. It makes this recipe a yummy vegan way to enjoy fresh collard greens.
That first bite will take you back to grandma's table and you're going to be surprised that you don't need bacon fat or ham hocks to make great-tasting collard greens!
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Southern Keto Collard greens recipe on a plate with spoons
Air Fryer Okra
Air fryer okra made with just three-ingredients is the perfect side dish for tilapia and other meals any time of the year! Cook it whole, sliced, or cut in half with excellent results! It comes perfectly tender with nice crisp edges.
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Dish of air fryer okra on a table with air fryer in background.
Cheddar Zucchini Fritters
Use these easy homemade zucchini fritters as a side dish for just about any meal, but the fresh flavor pairs great with tilapia. They are bursting with lots of summer fresh zucchini, cheddar, and plenty of flavors.
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Zucchini fritters on a plate.

Salads

Salads are a great option for side dishes since they are not only healthy but generally require no cooking and only a little bit of time to prepare.

Mexican Coleslaw Salad
A little bit of spice and a touch of sweetness makes this Mexican Coleslaw a perfect side salad for your next Mexican meal.
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Mexican Coleslaw Salad | I little bit of spice and a touch of sweetness makes this Mexican Coleslaw a perfect side salad for your next Mexican meal.
Quick Mexican Brown Rice Salad and Dressing
Quick Mexican Brown Rice Salad & Dressing is a cold Mexican rice salad that bursts with fresh flavors. You can make this salad in under 20 minutes using my shortcut tips.
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Mexican Brown Rice Salad in bowl and ingredients needed to make salad
Brussels Sprouts and Fennel Salad with Citrus
The clean fresh flavor of orange, spice and honey make brussels sprouts taste amazing and they make the perfect pair for tilapia. This no-cook recipe uses shaved brussels sprouts, fresh oranges and lots of flavor in a salad that will be your new go to for an easy side dish.
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Brussels sprouts salad in a white bowl with a fork.
Corn Salad With Cilantro
Corn Salad With Cilantro is a quick, colorful salad full of fresh flavors perfect as a side salad, topping on meats or as a dip with chips.
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Corn Salad With Cilantro is a quick colorful salad full of fresh flavores perfect as a side salad, topping on meats or as a dip with chips.
White Bean Salad
Make a healthy Mediterranean style bean salad to go with tilapia for dinner! It comes together in under 10 minutes and uses minimal ingredients. This is a recipe you will love and use over and over to create easy weeknight meals.
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Closeup of white bean salad in a bowl.

Onions

Onions are an often ignored veggie, but let them take the center stage and you will be amazed at the outcome!!

Vidalia Onion Casserole
Vidalia onions come from Georgia and I’m a huge fan of these naturally sweet onions. Who would have thought they could make a rich and tasty casserole that makes any meal taste better. This classic style southern casserole pairs perfectly with tilapia as a main meal.
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Vidalia onion casserole with a spoon in the dish.
Easy Grilled Onions
Grilled onions make a delicious topping for tilapia! In this simple preparation, learn everything you need to know to cook up deliciously seasoned onions on the grill. You can easily make these with sweet, white or red onions.
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Grilled onions on a platter garnished with herbs.

Green Beans

Take boring old green beans to the next level with these two easy green bean recipes! You won’t be disappointed and just the addition of a few ingredients transforms this plain green veggie into something amazing!

Green Beans Almandine
This is THE BEST green bean recipe EVER, it’s quick and easy to make, with tasty garlic and crunchy almonds…enough to make you salivate and beg for more. Not only is it super tasty, it’s also a healthy and nutritious side dish to serve with tilapia.
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Garlic Green Beans
Garlic and green beans are a match made in heaven. This simple, easy recipe is perfect for weeknights and goes together great with your favorite tilapia recipe.
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Green beans in an oval dish with garlic.

Potato Side Dishes

Fluffy, perfectly cooked potatoes are an amazing side dish for tilapia. Choose from a variety of ways to serve them up, just about any way you prepare them works well.

Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
This air fryer baked potatoes recipe creates the perfect baked potato with salty crispy skin and light fluffy insides every time.
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Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe salt and pepper

Don’t forget to add some yummy fun toppings for baked potatoes a more tantalizing side dish.

Gruyere Leek Mashed Potatoes
These ultra velvety potatoes get a little nuttiness from the Gruyere, the leeks add a delicate flavor with sweet onion notes, and a hint of tanginess comes from the sour cream. They're a decadent side dish everyone will love!
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gruyere potatoes in a bowl with leek and cheese beside it
Oven Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Oven roasted potatoes and onions are a spectacular side dish that’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. The potatoes and onion cook on the same pan allowing the onion flavor to infuse baby new potatoes as they roast in the oven.
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Roasted potatoes and onions in a dish with a spoon.
Cajun Mashed Potatoes
Add a little kick to your mashed potatoes when you serve up these spicy spuds! They're easy to make, delicately creamy and so full of great flavor and goodness!
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Cajun mashed potatoes to serve with tilapia.

French Fries

French fries of all different shapes, sizes, and preparations go great with tilapia. Here are a few of my favorite variations!

Crinkle Cut Fries
The air fryer and frozen potatoes were made for each other! In this recipe, air fryer crinkle cut fries cook up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Frozen french potatoes are an easy weeknight solution and cooking them in the air fryer not only works well but is a healthy alternative to frying.
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French fries on a plate with ketchup.
Potato Wedges
Cook up the best potato wedges in the air fryer using fresh potatoes! Potato wedges are a hearty yet simple way to prepare potatoes for meals. Made with just a handful of ingredients these potatoes are a tasty side dish for tilapia.
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Potato wedges surrounding a bowl of ketchup.
Baked Dill Fries
Healthy, homemade dill fries are a delicious, guilt-free way to serve potato wedges for meals. Freshly cut potatoes are tossed with olive oil and dill weed, then baked until crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
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Fries with herbs on a plate.

Rice Side Dishes

Rice of all types and flavors is one of my favorite side dishes to serve with tilapia. There’s a variety of ways to cook it and it usually cooks easily so it works great for easy weeknight meals.

Spanish Brown Rice
This simple Mexican brown rice side dish goes with tilapia for dinner! Made with shallots, chili powder, garlic, tomatoes, and corn for a side that really packs some punch!
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Spanish brown rice in a bowl on the table.
Wild Rice Casserole
In this easy rice casserole, the combo of wild rice, mushrooms, kale, and creamy sauce blend perfectly together. It makes a decadent, flavorful side to serve with any meal, including tilapia.
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Wild rice casserole served up on table with hand reaching for plate.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro and lime infuse such amazing flavor into rice in this easy side dish recipe. Serve it up with just about anything for a tantalizing rice side dish.
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Cilantro lime rice in a bowl.
Mexican White Rice
Pureed garlic and onion infuse white rice with so much flavor and transform it into a colorful side dish of fluffy, tender rice pilaf. This easy side dish will be your new favorite to serve with tilapia and other meals too!
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White rice with veggies in a bowl.

Other Side Dish Ideas

Italian Cheesy Pull Apart French Bread
Crazy good and addictive this Italian Cheesy Pull Apart Bread is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The loaf is filled with a buttery garlic, pesto and Italian herb mixture then generously stuffed with mozzarella cheese to create each perfect bite for this pull apart Italian bread.
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italian cheesy bread
Healthy Refried Black Beans
Try something a little bit different and serve up tilapia with a side of refried black beans. This easy reicpe is made with canned black beans, onion, garlic, seasonings and lime juice. So flavorful, they pair well with the mild flavor of tilapia.
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Bowl of refried black beans on the table.
Easy Pasta Salad
Make this veggie packed pasta salad to serve up with tilapia for dinner. You can make it ahead for a quick dinner! Even better, it's full of lots of colors, crunch and zesty flavors.
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Pasta and vegetable salad in a dish with a wooden spoon.
Gluten Free Corn Casserole
This gluten-free corn casserole recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious!! It's a special version of corn pudding made with fresh ingredients and can be whipped up in no time making it perfect to serve as a hearty side for tilapia.
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Corn casserole slice on a spatula with casserole dish behind.

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