Shrimp is like lobster for less money, but this easy grilled shrimp roll recipe with big juicy shrimp in a toasted buttery roll tastes like a treat.
I really enjoy our traditional lobster rolls, but they are pricey and require a lot of work to get the meat out of the shell. Since there are a lot of recipes out there, I made a pretty close substitute. This is our version.
To make shrimp rolls, you just need to put shrimp salad inside rolls, usually hot dog buns that have been grilled or toasted and buttered.
I grill the shrimp and the rolls for this recipe, but of course there are other options.
The ingredients are simple – shrimp, celery, mayonnaise, lemon, Dijon mustard, green onion, parsley, salt and pepper. You won’t find the shrimp swimming in mayo. I like them to be the main star.
Even though the recipe is pretty easy, there are two even easier ways to make shrimp rolls that you can find below under “Shortcuts.” Click on those to see them.
In under half an hour (or less if you use shortcuts), you have a fantastic summer meal.
Shrimp rolls make for a delicious and refreshing summer meal. The tender shrimp is mixed with mayo, lemon juice, celery, and other seasonings, then stuffed into a soft roll. But figuring out what sides to serve can be tricky. You want something that will complement the flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
After much trial and error, I’ve landed on my 20 favorite side dishes to pair with shrimp rolls. From veggie-packed salads to creamy pastas, there’s something for every tastebud below!
1. Coleslaw with Toasted Peanuts
Crunchy coleslaw is a classic shrimp roll accompaniment. Toasted peanuts add nuttiness while the vinegar dressing cuts through the richness. Packed with cabbage, carrots, onion, and celery, it’s also a good serving of veggies.
2. Zucchini Noodles
For a lighter side, make zucchini noodles They take on the flavors of whatever sauce or ingredients you toss them with I like to do a veggie noodle salad with zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, and red onion in a lemon vinaigrette.
3. Buttermilk Cornbread
Warm cornbread complements the chilled shrimp rolls wonderfully. The buttermilk gives it a subtle tang that matches the lemon in the shrimp mixture Cut it into squares for easy eating alongside the sandwiches.
4. Ricotta Polenta
Creamy, cheesy polenta is comfort food at its finest Cooked cornmeal and ricotta cheese make it smooth and rich Top with grated parmesan for a savory accent. It’s hearty enough to turn the shrimp rolls into a substantial meal.
5. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad is a potluck staple for good reason – it’s tasty! Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Toss with veggies like bell pepper, carrots, red onion, and olives. An Italian dressing brings all the flavors together.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
I know it’s tempting to always go for the healthy sides, but don’t count out mac and cheese! A classic baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping pairs deliciously with shrimp rolls. The creaminess balances the fresh shrimp salad.
7. Greek Salad
For a spin on salad, make a classic Greek salad. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese with a lemony dressing. It’s bright, fresh, and compliments the shrimp rolls well.
8. Bacon Baked Beans
Smoky, salty bacon baked beans taste amazing next to shrimp rolls. Kidney beans or great northern beans work well here. Cook them low and slow with bacon, onion, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and spices.
9. Squash Succotash
For a taste of summer, make a squash succotash. Saute zucchini, yellow squash, corn kernels, and lima beans together. Season with garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. The veggie medley is fresh and flavorful.
10. Cucumber Tomato Salad
A simple cucumber tomato salad requires just a few ingredients but packs a flavor punch. Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and feta cheese is all you need.
11. Cowboy Caviar
With beans, corn, peppers and more, cowboy caviar has a Southwestern flair. It keeps things light as a shrimp roll side dish. Some variations even include shrimp! Serve it chilled or at room temp.
12. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a classic pairing with shrimp rolls. Potatoes, mayo, mustard, vinegar, onion, celery, parsley, and hard boiled eggs are the standard ingredients. Add paprika, garlic, or bacon for extra flavor.
13. Vegetarian Baked Beans
Even without bacon, these homemade vegetarian baked beans are drool-worthy. Kidney beans, onion, ketchup, molasses, mustard, and brown sugar create the signature sweet and tangy flavor. They hold up well for picnics and barbecues.
14. Farro Salad
For a nutty, toothsome side, make a farro salad. Farro is a wheat berry that works well in salads. Combine it with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, red onion, fresh herbs, citrus, and olive oil.
15. Creamy Spinach Salad
A spinach salad with strawberries, feta, nuts, and a poppyseed dressing perfectly complements shrimp. The blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy textures is delightful. Red onion and cucumber add extra crunch.
16. Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ john is a southern rice and bean dish traditionally made with black-eyed peas. Onion, green pepper, smoked ham, and rice simmer together for an aromatic side. Top with hot sauce or pepper vinegar.
17. Roasted Broccoli
When cooked properly, roasted broccoli is irresistible. The high heat caramelizes and crisps the florets while keeping the interior tender. Toss in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and parmesan before roasting.
18. Grilled Vegetables
Fire up the grill and cook colorful veggie skewers as your side. Zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes all work well. Brush with an herbed olive oil.
19. Cajun Potato Wedges
Spicy Cajun seasoning gives these oven-baked potato wedges a kick. Russet or sweet potatoes both work. Toss the wedges in olive oil and Cajun spices before baking until crispy. Serve with creamy Greek yogurt for dipping.
20. Quinoa Tabouli
For a gluten-free side, make quinoa tabouli. Combine cooked quinoa with heaps of fresh parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, lemon, and olive oil. The fresh herbs are a tasty match for shrimp.
With this list, you’ve got 20 diverse side dish ideas to accompany your stellar shrimp rolls. Everything from cornbread and mac and cheese to fresh salads and veggies fill out the meal. Now it’s time to start cooking! What will you make first?
Step by step instructions for grilled shrimp rolls
Tailor To Your Taste
Check out some variations and substitutions you can try.
- Add-ins: To make more shrimp salad, chop up avocado, red pepper, or cucumber seeds and add them to the salad.
- Herbs and spices: Parsley, basil, tarragon, oregano, dill, chives, and cilantro are all herbs that go well with shrimp. You can also add a little horseradish, Old Bay seasoning, or Worcestershire sauce to the food.
- Before putting the shrimp salad on the buns, line them with Boston or butter lettuce.
- Buns or rolls: Instead of hot dog buns, serve them in slider buns, tacos, pita, wraps, croissants, brioche buns, or croissants.
| Easy (this recipe) | Easier | Easiest |
|---|---|---|
| Grill shrimp on skewers | Poach shrimp | Buy cooked shrimp |
| Toast buttered rolls on grill | Toast rolls in oven, then butter them | Use untoasted rolls or warm in microwave) |
| ~ 25 min | ~15 min | ~10 min |
The shortcut alternatives for cooking the shrimp and preparing the rolls are in the recipe notes.