Are you trying to find a tasty side dish to go with the shrimp recipe you want to make for dinner? We love making shrimp because it’s a flavorful seafood that can be used in many ways. It’s also very quick and easy to make, which is great for busy weeknights! Let us know what you think of when you hear “shrimp.” We’re going to show you more than 25 of the best and most popular side dishes that go with shrimp. These include fresh salads, creamy pastas, vegetable sides, starchy sides like rice and potatoes, and so much more.
Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From grilled shrimp skewers to breaded coconut shrimp, this seafood is a crowd-pleaser. But coming up with side dishes that properly complement shrimp can be tricky. You want sides that enhance the flavor of the shrimp instead of overpowering it.
After researching popular shrimp side dishes I’ve gathered 20 of the best options to pair with your shrimp entree. Keep reading for savory sweet, and refreshing sides that bring out the best in shrimp!
Savory Sides
Savory sides like rice, pasta, and potatoes make excellent partners for shrimp The mild flavor of the shrimp contrasts nicely with the heartier textures of these sides Here are some great savory shrimp pairings
1. Cheese Grits
Southern-style shrimp and grits is a classic pairing. For a unique twist, make cheesy grits. The creaminess of the cheese mellows out the grits’ texture. I’d recommend a sharp cheddar or pepper jack to complement spicy shrimp.
2. Pasta
Pasta salad loaded with shrimp is perfect for summer. The shrimp’s sweetness balances the acidity of a vinaigrette dressing. Pair shrimp with pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or shells that catch bits of the shrimp.
3. Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a takeout favorite for a reason – the sweet shrimp flavors the fluffy rice perfectly. For homemade rice, try jasmine or basmati. Stir in frozen peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
4. Risotto
Creamy risotto highlights the texture of succulent shrimp. Infuse the rice with lemon and parsley for a fresh taste. Stir in extra Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce.
5. Potatoes
Mashed, baked, or fried – potatoes pair impeccably with shrimp. For mashed potatoes, fold in roasted garlic, cream cheese, or chives. Twice-baked potatoes stuffed with shrimp and cheese make an indulgent side.
Crunchy Veggies
The crisp texture of raw or lightly cooked vegetables contrasts the shrimp’s tender bite. Bright, fresh flavors also cut through the richness of some shrimp preparations.
6. Asparagus
Slender stalks of asparagus complement the shape of shrimp. Roast or grill the asparagus to intensify its flavor. A squeeze of lemon ties the ingredients together.
7. Coleslaw
Cool cabbage coleslaw freshens up fried or sauteed shrimp. Toss green and red cabbage with shredded carrot and a tangy dressing like ranch or blue cheese.
8. Corn on the Cob
Sweet summer corn is a classic pairing with shrimp boils or grilled shrimp skewers. For extra flavor, slather the corn with a compound butter before grilling.
9. Cucumber Salad
Quick pickled cucumbers in a light vinaigrette cools down spicy shrimp dishes like shrimp tacos. Thinly slice Persian cucumbers and onions for a fast side.
10. Sugar Snap Peas
Buttery sautéed shrimp beautifully accompanies crisp, fresh sugar snap peas. Blanch the peas briefly to intensify their sweetness and retain their crunch.
Colorful Produce
Vibrant, fresh produce injects color and bold flavor into shrimp meals. Take advantage of summer’s bounty with these tasty sides:
11. Watermelon Salsa
Bring on the summer vibes with juicy watermelon salsa spooned over grilled shrimp. Toss watermelon with red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a festive side.
12. Corn and Tomato Salad
The sweetness of corn and tomatoes complements rich, grilled shrimp. Toss them with tangy feta cheese, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
13. Burrata Caprese Salad
Creamy burrata cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fruity olive oil makes an upscale side for seared shrimp. Tear burrata over the tomatoes and finish with torn basil leaves.
14. Beet and Citrus Salad
Earthy, vibrant beets pair surprisingly well with sweet shrimp. Toss roasted beets with citrus segments, arugula, and toasted nuts for crunch.
15. Grilled Stone Fruit
Caramelized stone fruit like peaches or nectarines are delicious with shrimp. Grill the fruit until tender and top with crumbled goat cheese.
Tasty Breads
Warm breads and biscuits sop up any delicious shrimp sauce left on your plate. Crunchy croutons also add great texture to shrimp sides.
16. Skillet Cornbread
Buttery cornbread is ideal for crumbling over shrimp tacos or shrimp and grits. Bake cornbread in a cast iron skillet for the crispiest edges.
17. Croutons
Buttery garlic croutons bring crunch to a shrimp salad. For an herby flavor, toss panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and olive oil before baking.
18. Cheddar Biscuits
Fluffy cheddar biscuits pair perfectly with southern-style shrimp and gravy. Knead shredded cheddar into the biscuit dough for cheesy pockets in each bite.
19. Bread Salad (Panzanella)
Stale bread pieces soaked in vinaigrette soften into croutons in this bread salad. Toss shrimp with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil for a hearty side.
20. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is great for dipping in garlicky, lemony shrimp scampi sauce. Spread toasted bread with butter and minced garlic for an easy appetizer bread.
With so many options, you could enjoy shrimp multiple times a week without getting bored! Seafood sides like crab cakes or calamari would also pair nicely with shrimp. Just be sure to include a balance of textures and flavors to let the shrimp shine as the star of the meal.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
Fresh corn on the cob from the grill can be turned into a light and tasty summer corn salad with basil, cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. Its a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.
Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.
This vegan Buddha Bowl is the perfect mix of a salad bowl and a grain bowl. It’s full of healthy foods like grains, vegetables, and protein.
Five simple ingredients are all you need to make this quick and easy pesto penne pasta dish in less than 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
For a summer barbecue or picnic, or for an easy lunch you can make ahead of time, you can’t go wrong with this fresh, crisp coleslaw salad recipe. Make it in less than 10 minutes.
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a tasty corn on the cob that comes with a cheesy sauce that is made better with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.
Paella vegetariana is a traditional Spanish rice dish that is hearty and filling, made with perfectly cooked rice, saffron, and vegetables.
Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are easy to make and taste great with a mix of Greek herbs, garlic, and lemon. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Making fluffy quinoa at home is faster and easier than you think! Use our simple recipe to learn how to cook quinoa right every time.
It’s light and fluffy, with fresh basil running through it and melted mozzarella cheese and blistered balsamic tomatoes on top. Ready in 10 minutes!.
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi is a quick and easy comfort food that goes together in one pot. It has chewy gnocchi bites, a simple tomato-based sauce, and melty cheese.
Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Its packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.
Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.
Oven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. A delicious twist on classic buttered noodles ready in 15 minutes.
A quick and easy 5-minute tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad with a tasty lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad.
Mushroom Risotto is a rich creamy one pot rice dish made with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Making homemade risotto from scratch is easy!.
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that only takes 25 minutes to make. It is made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a tasty five-ingredient glaze.
This buttery rosemary cornbread is both sweet and savory. It’s soft and moist in the middle and golden and crispy on the edges. It’s flavorful and delicious, and it’s so easy to make this holiday season.
Fresh, bright, and lively cilantro lime rice is a side dish that will make any meal taste better. Its a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Fresh mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and delicious. This is a quick and easy recipe that you can make in less than 10 minutes with only 6 items.
Baked Sweet Potato takes almost no effort to make (in the oven or grill) and always taste amazing. Theyre soft and tender, naturally sweet, and delicious!.
Potato Onion Pierogi are a tasty dumpling recipe made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients: cheese, caramelized onions, and potatoes.
Chickpea Greek salad is a fresh, healthy, bright, and colorful salad full of superfoods, nutrients, and traditional Mediterranean foods.
Cheesy Garlic Bread has garlic butter and melty cheese on top. The outside is toasty and crispy, and the inside is tender and soft. Make in under 20 minutes!.
More Side Dish Recipes
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
FAQ
What meat goes well with shrimp?