These are some of my favorite tasty side dish recipes to serve with shrimp. I’ll usually pick one based on the type of shrimp that I’m preparing.
If you serve these easy side dishes with your shrimp dinner, you’re sure to have a great meal! They’re great for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party.
Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp, this seafood is a crowd-pleaser. But what should you serve alongside it to complete the meal? Having the right side dishes can take your shrimp entree from basic to spectacular. This article will explore over 40 of the best side dish pairings for shrimp dinners, apps, and more.
What Compliments Shrimp Flavor?
Before diving into specific recipes let’s look at what types of flavors and textures pair well with shrimp’s sweet briny taste.
-
Citrus – Shrimp loves a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange. The acidity cuts through the richness.
-
Herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and basil brighten up shrimp.
-
Spicy – A little heat from peppers hot sauce or cajun seasoning balances the sweetness.
-
Starchy – Breads, potatoes, rice, and grains complement shrimp’s meaty texture.
-
Crunchy – Crisp vegetables, toast, chips, or fried sides create contrast.
-
Savory – Tomato, cheese, bacon, and creamy sauces satisfy the umami flavor.
-
Tangy – Tartar sauce, creamy slaws, and vinaigrettes cut the decadence.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
Now let’s look at specific side dish recipes that pair wonderfully with shrimp.
Simple Salads
- Arugula salad
- Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Grilled zucchini salad
These easy salads offer brightness and crunch next to tender shrimp.
Hearty Salads
- Pesto pasta salad
- Loaded baked potato salad
- Southwest quinoa salad
- Greek salad with feta
For more substantial shrimp pairings, try these protein-packed salads.
Veggie Sides
- Sauteed broccolini
- Grilled asparagus
- Sauteed spinach with lemon and garlic
- Roasted cauliflower
Seared veggies like these add color to the plate and complement shrimp’s texture.
Slaws and Salsas
- Tangy coleslaw
- Fresh mango salsa
- Pineapple salsa
- Cucumber jicama slaw
Cooling and vibrant, these toppings balance shrimp’s richness.
Starches
- Cheesy grits
- Coconut rice
- Crusty bread rolls
- Butter noodles
From Southern grits to pillowy rolls, starchy sides are shrimp’s BFF.
Global Flair
- Tostones
- Vietnamese noodle salad
- Fried plantains
- Coconut sticky rice
For exotic flavor, try these internationally-inspired pairings.
Fun Finger Foods
- Hush puppies
- Jalapeno poppers
- Vegetable kabobs
- Chips and guacamole
Replace boring shrimp cocktail with shareable bites like these.
Sauces and Dips
Every shrimp dish needs a sauce for dipping or dunking. Here are tasty options:
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Remoulade
- Bang bang sauce
- Lemon aioli
- Cajun mayo
- Soy ginger dipping sauce
What if Grilling Shrimp?
For grilled shrimp, lighter sides work best since the shrimp gets plenty of flavor from the grill.
Best Grilled Shrimp Pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Caprese salad
- Pasta salad
-Roasted beets - Potato salad
- Foccacia bread
Putting it All Together
Shrimp is one of the most versatile ingredients. By pairing it with citrusy, spicy, crunchy, and creamy side dishes, you can create an unforgettable meal. Use this guide to inspire your next shrimp dinner menu!
The BEST Side Dishes for Shrimp
You can make a lot of these shrimp side dish recipes ahead of time and put them in the fridge or freezer for up to a week. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Seafood Side Dish Recipes
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for shrimp. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
DO YOU WANT MORE? For more great platings,
Why Frozen Shrimp is Fresher and The Magic of Shrimp Shells | What’s Eating Dan?
What to serve with shrimp?
A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side for shrimp. Keep it interesting by adding a variety of textures and colors. Our “house” salad (a.k.a. my favorite one to serve guests) has toasted walnuts, shredded cheese, strawberries, and red wine vinegar dressing. 22. Olive Oil Pasta
What to eat with fried shrimp?
If you have a big crowd to feed, au gratin potatoes make a tasty and filling side. Delicious Yukon gold potatoes, plenty of cream and cheese, and a little bit of garlic and spice make for a totally hearty, and absolutely ideal side dish next to some crunchy fried shrimp.
What side dishes go well with shrimp?
Another star side dish, caprese is always a crowd pleaser. Stick with a classic mozzarella, red tomato, and basil stack, or mix things up with honeydew melon, green tomatoes and burrata. Either way you get a bright, refreshing, and delectable salad that goes oh so well with hot-off-the-grill shrimp. 10. Elote-Style Corn
What to serve with shrimp tacos?
Choose Southern Vinegar Coleslaw as a side dish, and you’re just a few ingredients away from shrimp tacos. Add fresh fruit, such as pineapple or mango, and lemon garlic aioli, and you have a complete meal! We hope you found the best sides to serve with your shrimp dinner!