Do you want to serve something tasty with your delicious shrimp cocktail appetizer at a party you’re planning? This article will help.
Shrimp cocktail can be served with salads like Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Avocado Salad, Green Bean Salad,. or crackers such as Zesty Ritz Crackers, Ranch Oyster Crackers, Prawn Cracker, Saltine Crackers. Vegetables like Celery, Avocado add freshness, while savory options like Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan provide depth. Bread like Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks and Garlic Butter Ciabatta also a good combination.
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that most of us have enjoyed at parties or restaurants But have you considered serving shrimp cocktail alongside a main dinner course? While it may seem unconventional, shrimp cocktail can make a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
In this article we’ll explore over 15 delicious dinner recipes that pair wonderfully with shrimp cocktail. From hearty casseroles to fresh salads you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your next dinner party or weeknight meal.
Why Serve Shrimp Cocktail with Dinner?
Here are a few reasons why shrimp cocktail makes an excellent dinner companion:
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Contrasting textures – The juicy, tender shrimp provide a nice textural contrast to many dishes like casseroles or pastas.
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Bright, zesty flavor – The cocktail sauce lends a tangy, horseradish-infused flavor that cuts through rich or heavy foods.
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Lean protein – Shrimp pack lean protein to help make a meal more balanced and satisfying.
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Easy elegance – Shrimp cocktail brings an upscale touch to any dinner. It makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant!
Best Dinner Sides for Shrimp Cocktail
Salads
Fresh salads pair beautifully with shrimp cocktail. The crunchy veggies and light dressing are perfect counterparts to the savory shrimp.
Some top salad contenders include:
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Potato salad – Creamy potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bits of bacon or ham make a hearty salad.
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Pasta salad – Macaroni or spiral pasta tossed with fresh veggies and Italian dressing.
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Wedge salad – Crisp iceberg lettuce wedges dripping with blue cheese dressing.
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Caesar salad – Romaine lettuce coated in creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese.
Hot Side Dishes
Warm, comforting sides like casseroles and roasted veggies are excellent partners for chilled shrimp cocktail. They provide satisfying texture and flavor contrasts.
Some hot side dish ideas:
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Creamed corn – Sweet corn swimming in creamy, butter-enriched sauce.
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Asparagus soup – Pureed vegetable soup with fresh asparagus flavor.
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Mashed potatoes – Fluffy, buttery potatoes make the ultimate comfort food.
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Scalloped potatoes – Sliced potatoes baked with cream, cheese, and aromatics.
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Stuffed mushrooms – Mushroom caps filled with sausage, cheese, or savory stuffing.
Carb-Based Mains
Pasta, rice, and bread-centric dishes allow the shrimp cocktail to shine as a protein-packed accent. The shrimp lend a touch of elegance to familiar favorites.
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Chicken spaghetti – A creamy, cheesy casserole with chicken and veggies tossed with spaghetti.
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Chicken broccoli casserole – Chicken, broccoli, rice, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup baked to perfection.
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Chili roasted potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with chili powder and cumin.
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Spanish rice – Rice studded with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bold seasonings.
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Garlic bread – Toasted bread spread with garlicky, buttery goodness.
Salads
If you want something fresher and lighter, salads make excellent complements to shrimp cocktail. The combination of cool shrimp, crisp greens, and bright vegetables is sure to please.
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Tomato cucumber salad – Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions tossed in a light vinaigrette.
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Waldorf salad – Chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in mayonnaise dressing.
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Spinach strawberry salad – Baby spinach, juicy strawberries, feta cheese, and sliced almonds.
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Watermelon feta salad – Cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, mint, and balsamic drizzle.
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note by following shrimp cocktail with a decadent dessert. The indulgent flavors are a nice contrast to the shrimp’s lean protein.
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Lemon bars – Shortbread crust topped with bright, citrusy lemon curd.
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Strawberry shortcake – Luscious biscuits layered with strawberries and whipped cream.
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Cheesecake – Rich, smooth, creamy cheesecake in your choice of fruit or chocolate flavors.
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Ice cream – Your favorite ice cream or gelato flavors – caramel, chocolate, vanilla bean, etc.
Tips for Serving Shrimp Cocktail with Dinner
Here are some tips to help you successfully integrate shrimp cocktail into a full dinner:
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Chill the cocktail sauce and shrimp before serving to optimize the temperature contrast with warm food.
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Plate the shrimp cocktail in elegant glassware for a classy presentation. Martini glasses work perfectly.
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Offer lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp for some extra zest and freshness.
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Set out small plates for the shrimp tails after eating the shrimp to minimize mess on dinner plates.
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Accompany the shrimp with buttery crackers or crostini to add crunch.
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Start with smaller shrimp portions, then offer more if your guests are still hungry after the main meal.
Sample Dinner Menus with Shrimp Cocktail
Italian Dinner
- Shrimp cocktail
- Caesar salad
- Chicken parmesan with spaghetti
- Tiramisu
Southern Dinner
- Shrimp cocktail
- Wedge salad
- Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes
- Pecan pie
Seafood Dinner
- Shrimp cocktail
- Lobster bisque
- Seared scallops with risotto
- Creme brûlée
The possibilities are endless when pairing shrimp cocktail with dinner! Use this guide to spark creative new dinner ideas that will impress your family and guests. Just remember – shrimp cocktail isn’t just for appetizers anymore.
Top Breads To Eat With Shrimp Cocktail?
You can make or purchase Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks. People love these breadsticks because they are soft and fluffy, and they taste garlicky and buttery. They go great with the salty, sweet shrimp cocktail.
To eat, they tear off a piece of breadstick, dip it in their favorite sauce, and then take a bite of shrimp cocktail. When you mix warm, garlicky breadsticks with cold, juicy shrimp, you get a wonderful explosion of tastes and textures that is sure to please your palate.
Best Crackers To Serve With Shrimp Cocktails?
You can serve Zesty Ritz Crackers with Shrimp Cocktail.
The crispy texture of the crackers provides a satisfying crunch alongside the succulent shrimp. In addition, the crackers can make it easy to eat the shrimp cocktail. Guests can use them to scoop up the shrimp and cocktail sauce for a tasty and easy appetizer or snack.
Consider arranging the crackers in a decorative pattern or alternating directions for visual appeal. You can put a small bowl of extra crackers nearby if you want to make sure there are enough for everyone during the event. The crackers should be displayed in a way that makes people want to eat them and pair them with the shrimp cocktail.
This is the New Shrimp Cocktail you’re been waiting for!
FAQ
Is shrimp cocktail a healthy dinner?