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 for all sorts of meals, from weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties. When making shrimp the star of your meal, it’s important to pair it with sides that enhance the naturally sweet flavor of the seafood. The right sides should provide a balance of flavors, colors and textures without overpowering the shrimp.
Here are 8 delicious side dish ideas to complement shrimp entrees:
1. Best-Ever Succotash
Succotash is a classic Southern side dish made from lima beans, corn, bell pepper and onion sautéed in butter or bacon fat. The combination of crisp veggies and creamy beans pairs perfectly with shrimp Make it your own by using fresh or frozen lima beans and corn kernels The brightness balances well with shrimp’s richness.
2. Easy Hush Puppies
These bite-sized cornmeal fritters nicely soak up any shrimp juices on the plate. Hush puppies fry up crisp on the outside and fluffy inside with just cornmeal, flour onion egg and milk. Fry small Spoonfuls in the same oil you used for the shrimp for easy one-pan cooking. Serve with homemade cocktail or tartar sauce for dipping.
3. Three-Pickle Potato Salad
Potato salad is a staple side dish for backyard barbecues. This tangy spin made with dill pickle brine and diced pickles gives the perfect acidic component to rich shrimp. Potatoes, eggs, mayo, dill and pickles create a cool, creamy salad ideal for filling out a shrimp-focused meal.
4. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Buttery roasted corn on the cob complements shrimp’s sweetness. Leave the husks on while grilling or roasting to infuse the corn with extra smoky flavor. Simply brush with melted butter or olive oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with sea Salt and serve hot alongside garlicky shrimp.
5. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli roasted until crisp-tender and caramelized pairs nicely with garlicky shrimp. Toss florets with olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic and spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until browned in spots. The charred edges and bright green color balance the shrimp beautifully.
6. Lemony White Bean Salad with Broccoli
Chickpeas, broccoli and leafy greens tossed in a lemony vinaigrette makes a refreshing salad. Creamy chickpeas and crunchy broccoli florets provide great textures alongside shrimp. The tangy dressing contrasts with the richness of the seafood. Make it a meal by tossing cooked shrimp into the salad.
7. Okra and Rice Casserole
In the South, shrimp and grits are a classic duo. Substitute rice for a gluten free option. Sautéed okra and onion mixed with cooked rice gets a creaminess boost from Monterey jack cheese. The casserole bakes up crispy on top and pairs perfectly with spicy Creole shrimp.
8. Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs
Simple roasted asparagus gets dressed up with a savory cheese sauce and panko breadcrumbs. Fresh green asparagus has a natural affinity for shrimp. The lemon zest brightens up the rich cheese sauce. Scatter slivered almonds on top for extra crunch. It makes an elegant yet easy side for special occasion shrimp.
With options like succotash, hush puppies, roasted veggies and fresh salads, you can serve up shrimp with pride. These tasty sides complement shrimp’s sweet and briny notes. Vary the textures and flavors to keep each bite interesting. With shrimp and pairing sides this good, your dinner table will surely be filled with smiles.
Our Favorite Shrimp Recipes
Need some extra inspo on shrimp dishes to make for dinner. Here are some of our favorites!
For more, see our 30 Best Shrimp Recipes.
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!.
7 Easy Shrimp Dinner Ideas
What to serve with shrimp?
A Greek-inspired veggie salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese will make a nice refreshing side along a more heavy shrimp dish. If you’re serving your shrimp in a cheesy pasta dish or any equally hearty entree, you’ll want something light and fresh to balance it out. A low-in-fat Greek salad will do just the trick! 5.
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 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.
What to eat with sauteed shrimp?
your plate to complement a meal of sauteed shrimp. Shrimp, rice, and okra always play well together. Get your fill with this casserole that showcases the latter two alongside corn kernels. A scoop of casserole is a simple side for shrimp, and this one incorporates a craveable blend of squash and green chiles.