When you serve shrimp scampi, the right side dishes can really make the meal spectacular. No need to get all fancy – just think about whatll make those flavors pop without going overboard.
Its all about finding the right companions for your shrimp scampi without making it a big production. Read on to find some simple food pairs that will make your meal go smoothly and make you enjoy every bite. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly delicious. However, on its own, shrimp scampi can feel a bit light for a main meal. That’s why having the right side dishes is key to making shrimp scampi into a hearty and satisfying dinner.
The good news is that the flavors of shrimp scampi pair well with a wide variety of sides. From crisp salads to starchy pastas, roasted veggies to cheese boards there are so many options for rounding out your shrimp scampi dinner.
Here are 21 of the best side dish ideas to serve with shrimp scampi
1. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is pretty much the perfect match for shrimp scampi. After all, this seafood dish is swimming in garlicky lemon-butter sauce so having more garlic bread on the side just makes sense. Garlic bread helps soak up all that delicious sauce and adds some needed carbs to balance the protein from the shrimp. Quick and easy to make, garlic bread is a no-brainer pair for shrimp scampi night.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp, cool Caesar salad is a great complement to hot shrimp scampi. The crunch from the fresh romaine lettuce pairs nicely with the tender shrimp. Briny capers and Parmesan cheese in the salad echo the briny seafood flavors. An acidic dressing provides contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Serve shrimp on a bed of crisp romaine for an elegant composed salad.
3. Cheesy Polenta
Creamy, cheesy polenta is a delicious and unique alternative to serving shrimp scampi over pasta. Slow-simmered polenta has a smooth, gritty texture that pairs wonderfully with sweet shrimp. Grated Parmesan or crumbled Gorgonzola take this side to the next level.Roasted vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, or peppers would also be right at home on top of polenta.
4. Rice Pilaf
Buttery rice pilaf is a fast and easy companion for shrimp scampi. The light fluffiness of rice soaks up shrimp scampi sauce deliciously. Herby pilafs infused with thyme, parsley or other fresh herbs complement the bright lemon-garlic notes in the shrimp. For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan. Rice pilaf takes just 20 minutes start to finish, making it an effortless weeknight side.
5. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads make a nice contrast to hot shrimp scampi. Plus they can be prepped ahead of time, making dinner a breeze. Go for fun shaped pastas like rotini, farfalle or wagon wheels. Toss with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers. Then dress with zingy vinaigrettes, pesto or creamy dressings. Pasta salad is a bright, fresh side for rich seafood.
6. Crusty Bread
You’ll need something to sop up all that delicious garlicky butter sauce, so don’t forget the bread! Baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia, even sliced sourdough or rolls would be excellent. The contrast of warm crusty bread and juicy shrimp is hard to beat. Serve bread on the side or use thick slices as the base for DIY shrimp scampi bruschetta.
7. Asparagus
Quick-roasting fresh asparagus spears is one of the easiest ways to get a veggie side on the table. The acidic brightness of lemon pairs perfectly with sweet shrimp. To echo the garlicky flavors, simply toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic before roasting. Crisp-tender roasted asparagus spears dipped in scampi sauce are heavenly.
8. Tomato Salad
Juicy tomato wedges marinated in an herby vinaigrette make a simple, flavorful side for shrimp scampi. Pick colorful heirloom varieties at the peak of summer ripeness. The sweetness of the tomatoes balances the briny shrimp beautifully. Fresh basil, oregano or mint echo the bright herby notes in shrimp scampi sauce. Make this easy salad in 10 minutes – no cooking required!
9. Zucchini Noodles
For a lighter, veggie-centric side, spiralized zucchini noodles are the perfect choice. Zucchini “zoodles” contain just 20 calories per cup, providing bulk without the carbs and calories of pasta. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with shrimp scampi sauce. Quick-saute the zoodles with garlic and lemon until crisp-tender. Top with extra sauce and grated Parmesan for a tasty low-carb side.
10. Cheesy Orzo
While we’re on the topic of pasta, let’s not forget about cheesy orzo! Tiny orzo pasta looks a bit like grains of rice but packs that oh-so-satisfying al dente pasta texture. Simply boil orzo until tender, then stir in shrimp scampi sauce, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella and seasonings for an ultra-cheesy pasta side. The richness pairs beautifully with succulent shrimp.
11. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are the perfect starchy, satisfying side for soaking up rich scampi sauce. Potatoes charred with garlic, rosemary and olive oil complement shrimp scampi’s flavors brilliantly. Try baby potatoes, fingerlings or wedges – season as desired! For extra richness, toss potatoes with grated Parmesan before roasting. Roast at high heat until deeply golden brown and tender inside.
12. Sauteed Greens
Quick-sauteed greens like spinach, kale, chard, broccoli rabe, or a mix provide healthy nutrition to balance this buttery dish. Garlic, olive oil or lemon juice help bring out the greens’ flavors. Saute just until the greens wilt and serve immediately so they retain texture. Greens pair nicely with seafood and soak up sauce beautifully.
13. Fettuccine Alfredo
Two creamy, cheesy sauces are better than one, right? For an extra rich feast, pair shrimp scampi with fettuccine alfredo. Toss the fettuccine with Parmesan, butter, cream, and seasonings for a silky homemade alfredo sauce. Serve shrimp scampi over the noodles or on the side for dipping. It’s decadence at its finest!
14. Risotto
Creamy risotto is a sophisticated, gourmet side dish for shrimp scampi night. While stovetop risotto does require near-constant stirring, the results are so worth it! Starchy arborio rice slowly simmers until smooth and creamy. Stir in lemon, butter, herbs and cheese for bright, rich flavors. Top risotto with a few shrimp for a restaurant-worthy meal.
15. Creamed Spinach
Velvety smooth creamed spinach provides a pop of color and boost of nutrition along with shrimp scampi. Saute fresh spinach with diced onions and garlic until wilted. Then stir in heavy cream, butter, nutmeg and Parmesan until hot and creamy. The natural sweetness of spinach balances tangy scampi sauce. Both kids and adults devour this creamy veggie side!
16. Twice Baked Potatoes
For the ultimate comforting, hearty side, try creamy twice baked potatoes with shrimp scampi. Bake potatoes until completely tender. Scoop out the insides, mix with butter, milk, bacon, cheddar cheese and seasonings, then spoon the filling back into the potato skins. Return to the oven just until hot and crispy. Twice baked potatoes pair fabulously with rich shrimp scampi.
17. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Shrimp scampi deserves an equally rich potato companion like cheesy scalloped potatoes. Sliced potatoes are layered with cream sauce, garlic, cheese and spices, then baked until tender and bubbling. Scalloped potatoes soak up the scampi sauce sublimely. Plus, they can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving – perfect for easy entertaining.
18. Green Beans
Quick-sauteed green beans lend some veggie goodness and crisp texture alongside shrimp scampi. Green beans require minimal prep and cook in just minutes, making them an effortless weeknight side. Toss raw green beans with minced shallot, olive oil and salt before cooking over medium-high heat just until blistered and crisp-tender. Fresh lemon juice or zest brightens up the flavor.
19. Steak Fries
Sometimes you just need crunchy, piping hot french fries alongside creamy, saucy shrimp. Opt for thick-cut steak fries. The outsides get ultra-crisp in the hot oil while the insides stay pillowy soft. Fry up plain salted fries or spice it up with cajun seasoning. Dip fries straight into that garlicky scampi sauce – a match made in heaven!
20. Bruschetta
Take shrimp scampi up a notch with a side of easy homemade bruschetta.
Easy Sides to Pair with Shrimp Scampi
This recipe is a great side dish to serve with shrimp scampi because the pecans add a nice crunch.
Fresh ingredients like juicy tomatoes, cheese, and basil, along with a lot of olive oil, will make a delicious caprese salad.
This air fryer garlic bread is a must-try side that perfectly complements the flavor of shrimp scampi. Soft, buttery, and crispy, the dish will have your kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of garlic.
This dish is sure to become a favorite for both seafood and vegetable lovers thanks to its golden-brown crust.
Bell Pepper Salad
With its crunchy bits and sour dressing, this bell pepper salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s great for any event.
The best side dishes for seafood
What to serve with shrimp scampi?
Bursting with fresh flavors, this is one of the best side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi because of the ripe tomatoes filled with a mixture of melted cheese and aromatic basil. 20. Bell Pepper Salad The crisp textures and the tangy dressing of this bell pepper salad creates a light and refreshing side that’s perfect for any occasion. 21 .
What to eat with garlic shrimp scampi?
Lemon butter rice is a light and refreshing side with the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy butter. It’s a burst of freshness served with garlic shrimp scampi. 4. Roasted Lemon Honey Garlic Asparagus Citrus and sweetness in every bite!
What is a low-carb shrimp scampi side dish?
If you want a tremendous low-carb shrimp scampi side dish, try veggies! Here are a few we love. Spinach — Sauteed in a little olive oil and garlic. Kale — Sauteed in olive oil and butter and baked into crispy chips. Babagnoush — Going with a Mediterranean theme, try this popular eggplant dip.
What Rice goes well with shrimp scampi?
But, of course, ordinary rice won’t do. To bring out the bright flavors of shrimp scampi, you’ll enhance fluffy white rice with lemon, cashews, turmeric, and sesame oil. This lemon rice is so good, it might even outshine the shrimp!