The Best Sides to Pair with Shrimp for a Delicious Dinner

Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways, from grilled shrimp skewers to shrimp scampi pasta. However, a great shrimp dish needs the right side dishes to complement it and make it a full meal. The good news is that shrimp pairs well with a wide variety of sides.

In this article, we’ll explore 18 of the very best side dish options to serve with shrimp. From classics like succotash and hushpuppies to fresh veggie sides there’s something for every taste and preference. Read on for side dish inspiration to make your next shrimp dinner delicious and complete!

Succulent Shrimp Calls for Fresh, Seasonal Sides

Shrimp is in season year-round which makes it a great choice for dinner any time. It has a sweet, briny flavor and a tender, flaky texture when properly cooked. Shrimp can be grilled sautéed, baked, broiled, or even crispy fried. It’s versatile enough to stand up to any preparation.

No matter how you cook your shrimp pairing it with the right sides is key. You’ll want sides that complement the sweetness of the shrimp. Fresh vegetable sides are a great choice as are dishes that show off seasonal produce. Let’s look at 18 stellar options for shrimp dinner pairings.

18 of the Best Side Dishes to Serve with Shrimp

1. Best-Ever Succotash

This classic Southern side dish combines fresh corn and lima beans. Zucchini and red bell pepper add color and extra flavor. The medley is delicious served warm alongside shrimp. Succotash highlights the natural sweetness of in-season corn and vegetables.

2. Easy Hush Puppies

These savory cornmeal fritters are a classic partner for shrimp. Hushpuppies are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Season them with onion, garlic, and herbs to serve alongside seafood. Fry up a batch of hushpuppies while the shrimp cooks for perfect timing.

3. Three-Pickle Potato Salad

Potato salad gets a flavor boost from sweet pickle relish, dill pickles, and pickle juice in this recipe. The tangy potato side salad balances out rich, buttery shrimp. Potatoes, egg, celery, and parsley round it out.

4. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

Skip boiling and grill or roast corn on the cob instead. Brushing with browned butter or olive oil before cooking brings out the natural sweetness. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs just before serving alongside garlicky shrimp.

5. Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli in the oven caramelizes it for added depth of flavor. Toss florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting. The char on the tender roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with sautéed or grilled shrimp.

6. Lemony White Bean Salad with Broccoli

This fresh salad combines protein-packed cannellini beans and vitamin-rich broccoli. Dress it with lemon juice and olive oil while the shrimp cooks. The bright, lemony flavor cuts through a rich sauce or seasoning on the shrimp.

7. Okra and Rice Casserole

For a hearty side, rice gets baked with okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, and melty cheddar. Spicy andouille sausage optional. The casserole bakes up with a crispy top while you make the shrimp entrée. Serve shrimp over the flavorful rice mixture.

8. Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs

Briefly steam or roast asparagus spears to retain color and crunch. Top with a savory cheese sauce flavored with mustard and herbs. Sprinkle on panko breadcrumbs before broiling to finish. Elegant enough for a dinner party but easy to whip up.

9. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For a rich, indulgent side dish, sliced potatoes get layered with cream, cheese, and seasonings. After baking, the potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The creamy potato casserole provides the perfect counterpoint to spicy or saucy shrimp.

10. Warm Bacon Potato Salad

Ditch mayo and try a warm German-style potato salad instead. Potatoes absorb the flavors of bacon, onion, vinegar, and broth as they cook. Toss the potatoes with fresh herbs just before serving with shrimp. The bacon adds a smoky touch.

11. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Quick-cooking spinach sautés with olive oil and garlic in just minutes. Fresh lemon juice and parsley add brightness at the end. The garlicky greens pair well with creamy pasta or seasoned shrimp. Make an easy spinach side any night of the week.

12. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes oven-bake into crispy fries with just a bit of oil. Season them while hot from the oven with Cajun spice, garlic powder, or chili powder. Sweet potato fries hold their crunch for service with shrimp tacos or on shrimp po’ boys.

13. Corn and Zucchini Saute

For a fast and healthy side, saute cubed zucchini and corn kernels in olive oil just until tender. The combo cooks quickly so the fresh flavors shine. Season with lime juice and fresh basil or cilantro. Bright and colorful with any shrimp entrée.

14. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Roast cauliflower florets until just tender before tossing with a rich cheese sauce. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs and broil to finish. The addictive cauliflower gratin is indulgent but lighter than a potato gratin, with bold flavor.

15. Avocado Cucumber Salad

Cooling cucumbers and creamy avocado make an easy salad. Toss with lime vinaigrette while the shrimp cooks. Pile the fresh salad alongside shrimp tacos or add crisp lettuce for texture. Fast, healthy, and delicious.

16. Sauteed Bell Peppers and Onions

For a fast and easy side, bell pepper and onion slices cook to tender in one pan. Olive oil, balsamic, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes add flavor. The sweet veggies balance any shrimp dish from creamy pastas to blackened shrimp.

17. Blanched Green Beans

Quick-cooking green beans crisp-tender boil in salted water. Toss while hot with butter, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. No extra seasoning needed for the fresh flavor. Green beans pair nicely with Creole seasoning on shrimp.

18. Warm Bread with Compound Butter

Whip up an easy flavored butter to serve alongside bread and shrimp. Blend softened butter with herbs, citrus, spices, or other mix-ins. Spread the compound butter over slices of a crusty loaf and broil just until warm. Perfect for sopping up a shrimp sauce.

Complement the Sweetness of Shrimp with Fresh, Bright Sides

With so many options for sensational sides, you can serve up shrimp for dinner any night of the week. Succotash, roasted veggies, tender potatoes, and warm bread are just a few ways to round out a shrimp entree.

Choose sides that highlight seasonal produce like sweet corn, zucchini, and tomatoes. Fresh flavors from lemon, herbs, and chili peppers also pair beautifully with shrimp.

By paying attention to balance, you can create a perfect shrimp dinner. A rich, buttery sauce or seasonings on the shrimp call for bright, acidic sides. Lighter shrimp preparations will complement richer, more indulgent sides like cheesy potatoes or cauliflower gratin.

With this guide to versatile, delicious shrimp side pairings you’ll look forward to shrimp for dinner all year long. Fire up the grill, pan sear, or bake shrimp in the oven. Then round out the meal with one or more of these 18 excellent sides. Enjoy shrimp in endless tasty combinations!