My creamy shrimp salad is the perfect dish for a warm summer day. You will love this easy and tasty way to prepare shrimp because it is creamy, light, and full of flavor, color, and texture from sweet peppers, dill, and diced onions.
Shrimp salad is a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for warm weather The creamy, delicate flavor of the shrimp contrasts nicely with crunchy vegetables and zesty herbs But the key to taking your shrimp salad to the next level is pairing it with complementary side dishes.
The right sides can enhance the flavors of your salad and make it a more complete meal. After all you need more than just a scoop of shrimp salad to satisfy your hunger! The good news is shrimp salad pairs well with a wide variety of sides.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll suggest 33 mouthwatering side dishes to serve with shrimp salad. You’ll find summery sides, starchy bases, protein-packed surf and turf options, and more. Let’s get started!
Summer Sides for Shrimp Salad
Shrimp salad screams summer So make the most of the sunny season by accompanying your salad with other light, refreshing sides
Tossed Green Salad
A basic green salad is a no-brainer pairing. Simply toss together a mix of leafy greens like arugula, romaine, and baby spinach. I like to add a bit of peppery arugula for extra flavor. Dress your greens with a bright, acidic vinaigrette to contrast the rich shrimp salad.
Cucumber Mango Salad
For a more unique salad, try this cucumber mango combo. The sweet mango and crunchy cucumber make a refreshing Asian-inspired salad. Cut the veggies into cubes instead of slices so they hold their shape and texture better when tossed with the soy-ginger dressing.
Chilled Tomato Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold summer soup loaded with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the creaminess of the shrimp. Make this when tomatoes are at their peak for maximum flavor.
Grilled Asparagus Spears
Quick-cooking asparagus spears are ideal for the grill. In about 5-7 minutes over high heat, they develop a nice char while still retaining their crunch. The smoky char pairs perfectly with the briny shrimp.
Breads and Starches for Serving Shrimp Salad
Creamy shrimp salad begs to be stuffed into a carb-loaded base. Here are some of my favorite breads, crackers, and starchy sides to serve with shrimp salad.
Soft Brioche Buns
You can’t go wrong with loading shrimp salad onto a soft, fluffy brioche bun. The rich, buttery brioche soaks up the creamy dressing. For the ultimate experience, make homemade brioche buns using a tangzhong starter. This gives the buns an ultra soft, pillowy texture.
Spicy Firecrackers
For something crunchy, make these spiced up firecrackers. They’re just saltine crackers tossed with ranch dressing and red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. The crackers contrast nicely with the cool shrimp salad.
Lemon Couscous
Pearl couscous makes a nice base for shrimp salad. The tiny pasta balls have a pleasant chew and hold their shape when mixed with the salad. Boost the flavor with lemon zest and juice for a bright, summery side.
Avocado Toast
For a satisfying breakfast or light lunch, serve your shrimp salad over multigrain toast slathered with mashed avocado. The cool creaminess of the avocado matches the shrimp salad perfectly.
Grilled Baked Potatoes
Baking potatoes on the grill gives them an extra smoky char. After cooking them in foil, split them open and top with a scoop of shrimp salad. The hot, fluffy potato contrasts the cool shrimp for a stellar combo.
Surf and Turf Pairings
Take your shrimp salad to the next level by pairing it with steaks, ribs, or burgers for a surf and turf combo.
Rosemary Garlic Butter Sirloin
A beefy sirloin steak seared in garlic butter makes an incredible pairing for shrimp salad. Splurge on nice thick-cut steaks and sear them over high heat for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Honey Garlic Baked Ribs
Skip the grill and bake meaty ribs in the oven with a sticky honey garlic glaze. Broil at the end to crisp them up. The sweet and sticky ribs complement the shrimp salad perfectly.
Best Vegetarian Sides for Shrimp Salad
Don’t eat meat? You still have plenty of tasty options for pairing with shrimp salad:
- Grilled asparagus
- Tomato gazpacho
- Avocado toast
- Cucumber mango salad
- Baked potatoes
- Lemon couscous
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Firecrackers
How to Choose the Best Pairings
With so many tasty options, how do you narrow down your choices? Here are some tips:
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Consider textures: Pair soft and creamy shrimp salad with something crunchy like firecrackers or fresh veggies. Or serve it over something equally creamy like mashed avocado toast.
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Go for contrasting temperatures: Warm sides like grilled asparagus or baked potatoes balance the cold shrimp salad.
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Complement the flavors: Bright, acidic sides match the briny shrimp. While rich, buttery starches like brioche buns soak up the creamy dressing.
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Make it a meal: Add hearty surf and turf protein if you want a satisfying, filling meal versus a light lunch.
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Match the season: Choose summery sides like gazpacho and mango salads during warmer months.
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Consider ease: Sides like couscous and avocado toast come together quickly for easy weeknight meals.
With so many delicious options, you could enjoy shrimp salad nightly and never get bored! Let your mood, cravings, and what’s in season guide you. I hope these suggestions inspire you to start experimenting with creative new flavor pairings.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Shrimp Salad
Creamy shrimp salad is a great dish that combines perfectly poached shrimp with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing. The shrimp is tender and juicy, while the sweet pepper, red onion, and optional jalapeños add a burst of flavor. Fresh herbs like chives and dill, combined with a creamy mayo-based dressing, I can chug ! This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s a healthy and versatile option that’s sure to please, whether you’re enjoying it at a gathering or at home.
SHRIMP SALAD | the easy “must make” summer salad recipe
Should you add side dishes to shrimp salad?
You can also choose to add light or heavy side dishes. Another reason why you should consider adding side dishes to your shrimp salad is that it’s healthier. Pairing your shrimp salad with a side dish like vegetables and mayo will work to balance out the flavors and make it more nutritious.
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 to serve with grilled shrimp?
For an Asian-inspired dip, try Thai sweet chili sauce. The best side dish to serve with grilled shrimp include salads such as classic slaw, a simple arugula salad, a grilled zucchini salad, or a heavier pesto pasta salad. For a more tropical vibe, try a mango salsa or coconut rice. Steak, vegetable kabobs, or crusty bread are also great ideas.
What to eat with shrimp?
A healthy dose of fresh cilantro, lime juice and lime zest and it catapults plain old rice to an entirely different level. The ways to serve it are endless: use it as a side for shrimp or make impromptu shrimp burrito bowls. Season quinoa with butter and fresh herbs, and it’s the ideal side dish for shrimp!