BBQ shrimp is a classic and beloved dish in the American South. Juicy, grilled shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy barbecue sauce for an irresistible flavor combination. But like any good barbecue meal, the protein is only half the story. You need something green, something filling, and something fresh to round out the meal.

Luckily, there are lots of easy, delicious options for bbq shrimp side dishes. From grilled veggies to flavorful salads and starchy sides, you can put together a mouthwatering spread to perfectly complement the bold, robust flavors of bbq shrimp. Keep reading for 18 of the very best side dishes to serve alongside your succulent bbq shrimp.

Grilled Veggies

Grilling is a natural pairing with bbq shrimp, so why not throw some vegetables on the grill alongside the shrimp? Grilled veggies like asparagus, corn, mushrooms and zucchini pick up a nice char while retaining their crisp-tender texture. Toss the grilled veggies with fresh herbs, olive oil and lemon juice, or brush with barbecue sauce for a complementary flavor

Some great grilled veggie options include

• Cheesy Grilled Parmesan Broccoli: Broccoli gets topped with parmesan, lemon and red pepper flakes before hitting the grill. The cheese becomes melty and crisp, taking broccoli to new levels of flavor.

• Garlicky Marinated Grilled Mushrooms: Meaty mushrooms like portobellos are marinated in garlic, olive oil and balsamic before grilling. Their earthy flavor stands up well to the bbq shrimp.

• Easy Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Slices of sweet potato are seasoned with chili powder and cumin, then grilled until caramelized. Sweet and smoky.

• Grilled Brussels Sprouts Halved Brussels sprouts char up nicely on the grill, Toss them with mustard vinaigrette while they’re hot off the grill,

• Balsamic Glazed Veggie Kebabs: Asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers threaded onto skewers, then brushed with a balsamic glaze as they grill.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: No summer barbecue is complete without grilled corn on the cob, slathered with compound butter.

• Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Spicy Lime Dressing: Grilled cabbage wedges develop great caramelized bits. The peppery, crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with tender bbq shrimp.

• The Best Grilled Asparagus: Fresh asparagus tossed in olive oil becomes lightly charred when grilled. Squeeze over a lemon wedge after cooking.

Cool, Crisp Salads

Fresh, vibrant salads balance out the richness of bbq shrimp. Leafy greens, vegetables, herbs and citrus provide brightness and acidity to cut through the sweet, sticky barbecue sauce coating each shrimp.

Some fantastic salad options include:

• Watermelon Feta Salad: Cubes of juicy watermelon combined with salty feta cheese, mint and red onion make a refreshing bbq shrimp pairing. The sweet fruit echoes the sweetness in the barbecue sauce.

• Classic Wedge Salad: A crisp iceberg lettuce wedge drenched in blue cheese dressing offers a cool, creamy contrast to bbq shrimp. Top with crumbled bacon and tomato.

• Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta and Walnuts: Baby spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese and toasted walnuts add varied flavors and textures, from sweet to crunchy.

• BLT Pasta Salad: Bacon, lettuce and tomato tossed with rotini noodles, ranch dressing and a bit of mayo. The smoky bacon enhances the barbecue shrimp flavors.

• Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad: Chopped raw broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, bacon bits and creamy ranch dressing atop mixed greens.

• Greek Salad: Bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, onions, tomatoes and feta cheese over romaine lettuce. Tossed with a red wine vinaigrette and fresh oregano.

• Cobb Salad: Romaine topped with turkey, bacon, hard boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes and blue cheese. Everything you want in a filling main-dish salad.

Hot Buttery Breads

Warm, buttery breads like corn bread, biscuits and yeast rolls are ideal for soaking up any leftover barbecue sauce and shrimp juices left on your plate. A good bread can make you savor each last bite.

• Skillet Corn Bread: Southern-style corn bread made in a cast iron skillet has a brown, crispy top and moist, corn-studded interior. Great for mopping up bbq sauce.

• Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: Homemade buttery biscuits are leagues better than the stuff from a can. Sliced open and slathered with honey butter.

• Cheddar Jalapeño Skillet Cornbread: Spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese add extra flavor to traditional corn bread. The heat enhances the spices used on the shrimp.

• Parmesan Herb Dinner Rolls: Soft and pillowy yeast rolls are sprinkled with Italian herbs and grated parmesan before baking. Their flavor pairs perfectly with shrimp.

• Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls: These wholesome whole wheat rolls get a subtle sweetness from a bit of honey. Great for soaking up excess juices and sauce.

• Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread: Soft bread loaf swirled with melted garlic butter, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Irresistibly cheesy and garlicky.

More Hearty Sides

In addition to all the great produce-based sides, you’ll want something hearty and substantial alongside the rich bbq shrimp. Satisfying options like rice, potatoes and beans fill out the meal.

• Creamy Cowboy Beans: Pinto beans cooked with bacon, onion, brown sugar and spice for a sweet and smoky flavor. Adds protein too.

• Cajun Dirty Rice: Sautéed ground beef, onions, spices and seasonings mixed into rice. Just like they make it in Louisiana.

• Red Beans and Rice: A New Orleans classic side dish, with tender red beans and fluffy white rice simmered in Cajun seasoning.

• Pesto Pasta Salad: Fusilli noodles tossed with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes and shredded parmesan cheese make a fresh, herbaceous bbq shrimp accompaniment.

• Scalloped Potatoes: Sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce are comfort food perfection alongside the bbq shrimp.

• Macaroni and Cheese: Elbow macaroni in an ooey, gooey cheese sauce. Because you can never go wrong with mac and cheese.

• Baked Potato Salad: Potatoes, mayo, mustard, onions, celery, chopped egg and bacon. All the flavors of potato salad baked into a casserole.

In Summary

There are endless possibilities when looking for the perfect side dishes and appetizers to complement juicy bbq shrimp fresh off the grill. Cool salads, hot breads, flavorful bean dishes, starchy sides and grilled veggies all make excellent pairings. Just be sure to include a mix of contrasts – crunchy and creamy, sweet and tangy, rich and bright. With a well-rounded meal like this, your bbq shrimp dinner will be an absolute showstopper.