What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp: 10 of the best side dishes for a quick and easy dinner during the week or a stress-free party!
Grilled Shrimp is one of my summer favorites on the outdoor grill. I make sure I always have raw shrimp in the freezer because it’s quick, easy, and tastes great.
It’s a great way to a quick meal that’s gourmet level for entertaining family and friends.
The fact is, there’s no one perfect side dish with grilled shrimp. The right side dish is what you and your crew like best.
There are many different recipes for grilled shrimp on Pinterest and pretty much any cookbook you pick up.
I recently shared Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp that I can’t get enough of. It’s basted in a tasty sauce made of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (think shrimp scampi).
It’s a simple grilled shrimp recipe that’s absolutely delicious. If you didn’t see it, click here for all the details.
Regardless of the recipe, I’ve found the best way to grill is to thread shrimp onto skewers. Shrimp skewers are easier to handle and won’t fall through the grill grates. You can also use a grill basket with the same results.
The sides you see below will also take your favorite grilled shrimp appetizer to the main course.
Grilled shrimp makes for a quick easy and tasty meal during the summer months. But figuring out what to serve alongside the shrimp can be challenging. You want a side dish that will complement the flavors of the shrimp without overpowering it. Here are 20 of the best side dishes to consider serving with grilled shrimp.
1. Pasta Salad
A pasta salad makes a classic pairing with grilled shrimp. The pasta provides starch and substance to balance out the protein from the shrimp. And the vegetables mixed into the pasta salad add freshness. Try a Greek pasta salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and a red wine vinaigrette. Or go Italian with some rotini, pesto and roasted red peppers.
2. Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw is a great option for serving with grilled shrimp The tangy creaminess of the coleslaw contrasts nicely with the charred, smoky flavor of the shrimp Stick with a classic coleslaw dressing, or change it up with Asian flavors like ginger, sesame oil and rice wine vinegar. Chopped peanuts would also make a nice topping.
3. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil is a delicious choice alongside grilled shrimp. The juicy tomatoes pair well with the briny shrimp, while the creamy mozzarella cheese adds richness. Drizzle it all with good olive oil and balsamic reduction.
4. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, satisfying side for grilled shrimp. Potatoes are hearty enough to stand up to the shrimp. Roast baby potatoes or wedges tossed in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for a simple side. Or try potatoes roasted with paprika, chili powder and cumin for a southwestern kick.
5. Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed quinoa salad makes a nutritious pairing with shrimp. Quinoa provides an extra dose of plant-based protein. Mix it with chopped vegetables, herbs, nuts and a light vinaigrette. Try adding corn, bell pepper and avocado for a flavorful summer quinoa salad.
6. Corn on the Cob
What’s more summery than grilled corn on the cob alongside shrimp on the barbie? Brush the corn with butter or olive oil before grilling to pick up that delicious charred flavor. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or chili powder for extra flavor.
7. Grilled Vegetables
You can easily grill some vegetable skewers or a vegetable platter along with the shrimp. Try skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, onions and pineapple. Or grill halves of squash, eggplant, tomatoes and asparagus. Grilled vegetables pair perfectly with shrimp.
8. Cucumber Salad
A light and refreshing cucumber salad goes nicely with rich, savory shrimp. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with red onion, fresh dill and a lemony dressing. Or try an Asian-style cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and a touch of sweetness.
9. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is a foolproof option for serving with shrimp. The crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing and salty Parmesan all complement the briny seafood. Add some croutons for extra crunch.
10. Watermelon Feta Salad
For a unique salad pairing, try a watermelon feta salad. It’s sweet, salty, juicy and delicious with shrimp. Simply toss cubes of watermelon with crumbled feta cheese, mint and a lime vinaigrette. You can even grill the watermelon for more flavor.
11. Israeli Couscous Salad
Israeli or pearl couscous has a wonderful chewy texture that pairs nicely with shrimp. Cook the couscous, then toss it with cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, olive oil and plenty of fresh herbs like mint, dill and parsley.
12. Pasta Salad with Pesto
Pesto is a popular pairing with shrimp, so try a pesto pasta salad. Toss cooked pasta shells or rotini with prepared pesto, quartered cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and toasted pine nuts. The herby basil and nutty flavors are perfect with shrimp.
13. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Give classic potato salad a rich, savory twist by making it loaded. Mix together mayo, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions and barbecue sauce. Then fold in diced boiled potatoes. The loaded potato salad makes a hearty side for shrimp.
14. Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with garlic bread alongside a seafood dinner. The combination of buttery, garlicky bread with succulent shrimp is hard to beat. Bake or grill a loaf of crusty bread slathered with garlic butter. Slice and serve the garlic bread on the side or use it for dipping any leftover shrimp sauce.
15. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, flavored with onion, garlic and broth, makes a simple starchy accompaniment to shrimp. The rice soaks up any extra juices and sauce from the shrimp as you eat. Cook up a pot of rice pilaf or try brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrients.
16. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is classic picnic food, so it’s well-suited for summer grilling alongside shrimp. Make it creamy with mayo or tangy with Greek yogurt. Throw in crunchy vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, radish and celery. Consider adding herbs like dill or parsley too.
17. Tomato Cucumber Salad
A fresh tomato and cucumber salad provides a crunchy, refreshing side for shrimp. Simply slice tomatoes and cucumbers, toss with sliced red onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh basil. Let the veggies marinate as you grill the shrimp for the perfect light summer salad.
18. Green Salad with Vinaigrette
You can never really go wrong with a fresh green salad alongside seafood. The lighter vinaigrette dressing won’t overpower the shrimp. Make a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and shredded carrots. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
19. Grilled Bread
Warm grilled bread can be served as a side for shrimp, or used to mop up any leftover juices and sauce. Try sliced Italian bread, French bread, ciabatta or focaccia. Grill the bread until it has nice grill marks, then brush with olive oil or garlic butter.
20. Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad makes a nice sweet counterpoint to savory grilled shrimp. Use a combination of fruits like watermelon, pineapple, grapes, berries and melon. Toss the fruit with a honey lime dressing for a touch of sweet acidity to balance the shrimp.
With so many options for tasty sides, you can serve up grilled shrimp all summer long without getting bored! Potatoes, salads, vegetables, bread and more all pair deliciously with shrimp hot off the grill.
Frequency of Entities:
thekitchn.com – 1
happymuncher.com – 1
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GRILLED SHRIMP:
Below are my top 10 suggestions that’ll make the perfect pairing for your next grilled shrimp dinner.
Potato Salad – this homemade Potato Salad is a great option. It’s been one of my most popular recipes for years and you can make it ahead of time.
Risotto – almost no stirring and ready in under 30 minutes. Creamy risotto with parmesan cheese takes any meal to the next level.
Tangy Coleslaw – an easy recipe with just 4 simple ingredients. Creamy-tangy dressing tossed with crunchy slaw – ready in 5 minutes!.
Panzanella salad for spring: garlicky croutons that have been toasted, fresh asparagus, cucumbers, peas, and tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette with herbs.
Green Beans – perfectly cooked fresh green beans without blanching or draining in just 6 minutes.
Grilled Foil Potatoes – diced potatoes and onions grilled alongside the shrimp. Top with melty cheese, sour cream and bacon.
Creamy Parmesan Rice is a quick and easy rice dish. If you’d rather, you can use cheddar cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese instead.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – soft breadsticks with crispy bottom brushed with butter-garlic powder-parmesan and topped with melty mozzarella.
Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli – fork tender with lightly crisp edges for a healthy side dish.
Zucchini Corn Fritters – crispy patties from fresh shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese and sweet corn. Air fry OR stove top method.
more ideas for what to serve with grilled shrimp:
Above are some of my favorite side dishes but there are are many other options including:
- Grilled shrimp, corn, or zucchini = a whole meal cooked on the grill!
- grilled bread slices. You can brush the bread with some of the garlic butter sauce before putting it on the grill.
- Jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Your favorite pasta salads would go great with grilled shrimp.
- Sweet potatoes
- Plain white rice
- Fresh asparagus
- Serve the grilled shrimp over a green salad.
- wedges of lemon or lime to squeeze over the shrimp for a fresh taste.
Do you like quick and easy recipes as much as I do? LIKE ME on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest as well. SUBSCRIBE here ⇓ for all the latest recipes directly to your email box (no junk!).
If you did try any of the recipes in this post or on the blog, please let me know and give them stars!
What to Eat With Grilled Shrimp : Patio Grilling
What to serve with grilled shrimp?
You can enjoy this side dish of baked, grilled or blanched asparagus when it’s time for your friends and family over who are craving some heat in their kitchens. Green beans are the perfect side dish to serve with grilled shrimp. Sautéing them in a little olive oil, butter or bacon fat adds even more flavor and texture than just steaming.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
What are the best grilled shrimp sides?
From tangy carrot slaw to a colorful Israeli couscous salad, we’ve rounded up 35 of the best grilled shrimp sides for a satisfying dinner. Coleslaw is such a standby this time of year. Not only is it crisp and refreshing, but it also can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge to be reached for whenever you need it.
What goes well with grilled shrimp pasta?
Here are three suggestions to complement your grilled shrimp pasta: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing adds a crisp and light element to the meal. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, provide a delicious contrast to the pasta and shrimp.