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 works great in everything from pasta and stir fries to skewers and tacos. But figuring out what sides to serve with shrimp can be tricky. You want something that complements the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp without overpowering it.
Certain sides pair better with shrimp than others. The right combinations can take your shrimp dishes to the next level. Here are 18 of the best side dish ideas for shrimp recipes:
1. Succotash
This colorful medley of corn, lima beans, and red bell pepper is a classic accompaniment to shrimp. The sweet corn complements the shrimp perfectly. Toss the veggie mixture with some olive oil, vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper.
2. Hushpuppies
These savory cornmeal fritters pair deliciously with shrimp, especially when you add some chopped shrimp to the batter! Fry spoonfuls of the cornbread batter until golden brown. Serve with drawn butter for dipping.
3. Three-Pickle Potato Salad
Potato salads made with a mayo-based dressing go well with seafood. Add chopped pickles, celery, and hard-boiled egg for extra flavor and crunch. The starchy potatoes offset the brininess of shrimp.
4. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
You can’t beat summer sweet corn as a side for shrimp. Roast or grill corn on the cob until lightly charred. Then top with melted butter, lime juice chili powder and cotija cheese for Mexican-inspired flavor.
5. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli gets nice and caramelized when roasted in the oven. Toss florets in olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes before roasting until crisp-tender. Sprinkle with lemon juice and parmesan after baking.
6. Lemony White Bean Salad
This easy salad combines protein-packed cannellini beans, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes for a filling side. Dress it with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The bright, fresh flavor complements rich shrimp.
7. Okra and Rice Casserole
In the South, shrimp and okra go hand-in-hand. Bake okra with rice, tomatoes, garlic, and creole seasoning for a flavorful accompaniment. The rice balances out the slime of the okra.
8. Asparagus with Cheese Sauce
Nothing says spring like asparagus! Blanch spears until crisp-tender, then toss with a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar, cream, and Dijon mustard. Shower with panko breadcrumbs and herbs before baking.
9. Coleslaw
Creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds crunch alongside shrimp. For a Southern twist, use a mayo-based dressing and add chopped peanuts to the shredded cabbage. Carrots, onion, and bell pepper round out the salad.
10. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy potatoes are comfort food at its finest. Sliced russet potatoes are layered with cheddar, parmesan, cream, and spices, then baked until golden. Scalloped potatoes pair well with all kinds of seafood.
11. Macaroni Salad
Chilled pasta salad with a creamy mayo-based dressing is perfect for summer. Toss cooked elbow macaroni with mayonnaise, celery, onion, bell pepper, hard boiled egg, mustard, vinegar, and spices. Allow to chill before serving.
12. Rice Pilaf
Simple rice pilaf is the perfect blank canvas for soaking up any delicious pan sauces or drippings from shrimp dishes. Cook rice in broth and season with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs.
13. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting caramelizes cauliflower florets for a sweet, nutty flavor. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F until browned and fork-tender. Squeeze over some fresh lemon juice to finish.
14. Collard Greens
Slow cooked collard greens pair especially well with spicy, boldly flavored shrimp recipes. Cook chopped collards with bacon, onions, garlic, pepper flakes, and vinegar until very tender. The bitter greens offset rich shrimp.
15. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed russet potatoes are an easy, classic side for all kinds of main dishes, including shrimp. Boil and mash potatoes with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper for ultimate comfort food.
16. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta absorbs the flavors of a vinegary Italian dressing in this easy side. Toss cooked pasta with diced tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, bell pepper, parsley, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Let marinate before serving.
17. Fried Green Tomatoes
When green tomatoes are in season, fry them up as an appetizer or side dish for shrimp. Slice tomatoes, coat in an egg wash and cornmeal, then pan fry until golden brown. Top with ranch dressing or remoulade sauce.
18. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries offer a healthier spin on French fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, and bake at 425°F until crispy outside and tender inside. Sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with shrimp’s natural sweetness.
The choices are endless, but these 18 sides are surefire hits alongside seafood. Round out your favorite shrimp entrées with one or more of these tasty accompaniments. Play with different flavors and textures to find your perfect shrimp and sides pairings.
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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Shrimp with Vegetables! It is so delicious that you will keep making it over and over
What to eat with shrimp?
A healthy dose of fresh cilantro, lime juice and lime zest and it catapults plain old rice to an entirely different level. The ways to serve it are endless: use it as a side for shrimp or make impromptu shrimp burrito bowls. Season quinoa with butter and fresh herbs, and it’s the ideal side dish for shrimp!
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 goes well with grilled shrimp?
When in doubt, a Caesar salad is a perfect side next to grilled shrimp. It’s as simple as romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, but it is oh so tasty. Fresh, crunchy, and flavorful, there’s no going wrong! 13. Coleslaw Another traditional side that pairs marvelously with shrimp, or any seafood dish, is coleslaw.
What side dishes go with shrimp?
Side dishes can be a tricky mealtime stumbling block. Ensure that your main and sides are always perfectly paired with the help of our favorite shrimp side dishes. From classics like corn on the cob to flavorful pastas, salads, and rice dishes, we’ve scoured our recipe offerings to find the best recipes to pair with shrimp.