It’s strange how easy it is to make shrimp scampi at home, even though it tastes fancy. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its garlicky, buttery goodness and succulent shrimp.
However, what do you put on the side to make this a full meal? You can go in a lot of different directions, from simple salads to hearty roasted vegetables and garlic-filled bread.
These 16 side dishes go great with shrimp scampi. Each one adds something different and tasty to the meal.
Lobster tails, onion rings, mushroom risotto, crispy green beans, Caprese salad, linguine, gluten-free pasta, fresh garden salad, red potatoes, and creamed spinach are some of the best side dishes to go with shrimp scampi.
Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles”, are a fantastic light and healthy alternative to pasta. Their subtle flavor allows the rich, garlicky shrimp scampi to really shine through. Plus, they add a wonderful crunch and freshness to the meal, balancing out the richness of the scampi.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. When roasted, these mini cabbages develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and a tender, sweet interior. The mild bitterness of the sprouts goes well with the richness of the scampi, making for a complete meal.
Serving lobster tails with shrimp scampi makes for a truly luxurious seafood feast. The sweet, succulent lobster meat pairs wonderfully with the rich, garlicky scampi. Plus, it really amps up the wow factor of your meal.
Crispy onion rings are a fun and indulgent side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. Their crunchy texture goes well with the shrimp’s tenderness, and their sweet taste goes well with the scampi’s garlic and butter. Theyre a real crowd-pleaser!.
Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp scampi. The earthy mushrooms and the creamy rice provide a wonderful counterpoint to the garlicky, buttery shrimp. Plus, its a great way to make the meal feel a bit more substantial.
Crispy green beans add a wonderful crunch and freshness to a shrimp scampi meal. Their fresh taste goes well with the scampi’s richness, and their crunchy texture goes well with the shrimp’s softness. Plus, theyre a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal!.
A Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can balance the richness of shrimp scampi. The fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a wonderful contrast to the warm, garlicky shrimp. Plus, it adds a beautiful pop of color to your meal.
Roasted red potatoes are a hearty side dish to pair with shrimp scampi. After being tossed in some olive oil, salt, and rosemary, these potatoes have a crispy outside and a fluffy inside when they come out of the oven. They have a strong flavor that goes well with the scampi, and they can be used to soak up some of that yummy garlic butter sauce.
A classic Caesar salad is a cool and light side dish that goes well with shrimp scampi, which is a rich dish. The bright romaine lettuce, the sour Caesar dressing, the crunchy croutons, and the mildly sour Parmesan cheese all work together to clean the palate and make the shrimp taste great.
Linguine is a classic side for shrimp scampi, and for good reason. Its long, flat shape makes it perfect for soaking up the garlic and butter sauce that goes with scampi. You can keep it simple with just Parmesan and olive oil, or you can add some chopped fresh herbs to make it taste better. Its a delightfully simple, yet satisfying side dish that never disappoints.
For those who are avoiding gluten, a gluten-free pasta is a wonderful choice. There are now a lot of different kinds on the market, some made with rice or corn flour and others with legumes to add extra protein. If you use good gluten-free pasta, you won’t even be able to tell the difference, especially when you mix it with shrimp scampi.
For a side dish that goes well with shrimp scampi, a fresh garden salad is a good choice. Include a variety of your favorite fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also add a few slices of avocado for a creamy texture. For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette will do the trick and not overpower the main dish.
Creamed spinach is a decadent side dish that complements shrimp scampi beautifully. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the spinach provide a wonderful contrast to the succulent shrimp. Plus, its a great way to sneak in some greens. You can make it with either fresh or frozen spinach, and its just as delicious either way.
Garlic bread is a must when serving shrimp scampi. Its great for scooping up the garlic butter sauce and complements the overall flavor profile of the dish. Plus, who can resist a slice of warm, toasty bread slathered with garlic butter?.
Quinoa is a healthy and delicious side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. This is a great alternative to regular pasta. It tastes a little nutty, which goes well with the richness of the shrimp. Plus, its packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, and white wine It’s simple yet elegant, and the savory garlic flavors pair well with a variety of side dishes Choosing the right sides to serve with shrimp scampi can elevate the entire meal. Here are 12 delicious options to consider
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a no-brainer with shrimp scampi. The garlicky flavors complement each other perfectly. For best results use fresh Italian bread or a baguette. Slice it spread with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley, and toast until golden brown. The crunch of the bread contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp. Offer it in bite-sized pieces or slices.
2. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is a popular Italian flatbread that works well with shrimp scampi. The olive oil and herbs in the bread marry nicely with the buttery, garlicky sauce. Make your own focaccia or pick up a loaf from the bakery. Slice it and serve in wedges for dipping in the scampi sauce. The texture is similar to garlic bread but with more flavor complexity.
3. Rustic Bread
For a simple but satisfying side, serve shrimp scampi with a rustic artisan bread. Ciabatta, sourdough, and multigrain loaves are all good choices. The hearty texture stands up well to the rich scampi sauce. Slice the bread and place it in a basket on the table for people to tear off pieces and sop up the sauce. It’s peasant-style eating at its best.
4. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are another excellent addition to shrimp scampi. They can be store-bought or homemade Brush them with butter or garlic butter before serving Pull them apart and use them to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Parker House rolls, potato rolls, and challah bread all pair well with shrimp scampi.
5. Roasted Beet Salad
For a pop of color and nutrition, add a roasted beet salad. Beets are earthy, sweet, and complement shrimp beautifully. Roast beets in the oven until tender, then toss them with greens, goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The bright pink hues look stunning next to the shrimp scampi. Try mixing red and golden beets for variation.
6. Caprese Salad
A classic Italian caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is an easy match for shrimp scampi. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil combine for a simple salad packed with flavor. Drizzle it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. The bright acidity balances the richness of the shrimp scampi.
7. Caesar Salad
Shrimp scampi calls for a Caesar salad with crisp romaine, tangy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. You can make it from scratch, but quality store-bought Caesar dressing works well too. The shrimp and Caesar salad make an elegant surf and turf-style pairing. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan to accent the briny shrimp.
8. Pasta Salad
For a heartier side, whip up an Italian pasta salad. Rotini, penne, or fusilli pastaabsorb the flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, and Italian dressing. Chill the pasta salad before serving. It adds color and delicious textures to complement the star of the show – the juicy garlic shrimp.
9. Rice Pilaf
Rice is a common pairing with seafood. An easy rice pilaf seasoned with garlic and herbs complements shrimp scampi’s Italian flavors. Sauté the rice in butter or olive oil before simmering in broth. For extra flavor, use seafood stock or clam juice. Finish with parsley, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Fluffy rice soaks up the garlic-butter sauce.
10. Parmesan Risotto
Creamy Parmesan risotto takes a little work but is worth it. The short grain Arborio rice becomes rich and velvety when slowly simmered in broth and white wine. Stir in Parmesan cheese, butter, and fresh herbs. The grains of rice contrast nicely with the shrimp. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan.
11. Crusty Bread
You can never go wrong with crusty artisan bread alongside shrimp scampi. Baguettes, sourdough, ciabatta, and French loaf all have a fine crust with a chewy interior perfect for soaking up sauce. Serve the bread in rustic wedges or thick slices. Let people tear off pieces and dip into the garlicky butter sauce from the shrimp.
12. Linguine
While shrimp scampi is traditionally served as an entrée, some extra linguine turns it into a more hearty meal. Cook the linguine al dente and toss it with a bit of scampi sauce to absorb the garlic flavor. Plate it alongside the shrimp or stir the cooked shrimp right into the pasta. Fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and grated Parmesan finish it off.
Shrimp scampi is flexible – you can enjoy it on its own or paired with a variety of different sides. Bread, salad, and rice make excellent accompaniments. Bread mops up the buttery sauce, salad adds crispness, and rice or pasta stretches it into a more substantial meal. Whatever you choose, focus on fresh, seasonal sides that highlight the star flavors of shrimp scampi – garlic, butter, herbs, and seafood. With the right combinations, it becomes an easy yet impressive dinner.
1 Pasta Aglio e Olio
It’s traditional to eat pasta with garlic and oil in Italy, and it goes great with shrimp scampi. The simplicity of the pasta dish allows the shrimp scampi to really shine. Plus, the pasta can be tossed directly in the scampi sauce for an easy one-pan meal.
