Shrimp Scampi is rich, elegant, and simple. This classic recipe originated in Italy but is a staple dish in many countries. Most recipes call for shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon and fresh parsley. You can dunk crusty bread in the sauce, but this classic dish goes well with almost anything. Traditionally served with pasta, garlic bread, or both, this dish also begs for something fresh and bright. I’ve put together a list of 20 side dishes that go great with Shrimp Scampi. They range from salads and soups to pasta and grains.
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish of succulent shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine. With its rich, indulgent flavors, shrimp scampi is an elegant yet easy dinner party recipe But what should you serve alongside this decadent seafood dish?
While shrimp scampi is commonly served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping, adding vegetables balances the meal. The bright, fresh flavors of veggies complement the richness of the shrimp. Veggie sides also add color, nutrients, and variety to the plate.
So if you’re wondering what vegetable goes with shrimp scampi, read on! I’ll suggest 18 of my favorite veggie sides that pair beautifully with garlicky shrimp.
Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Crunchy, acidic, and full of goodness, roasted asparagus is the ideal shrimp scampi side dish. Even without the zippy lemon, the rich, earthy flavors of asparagus are always a winner with seafood. You’ll also add garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, matching the scrumptious flavors in the shrimp.
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
If asparagus isn’t your thing, roast broccoli instead. The only difference from the asparagus recipe is using broccoli, which is way more filling and cheaper than asparagus. Simple and healthy, this green veggie just needs garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice. You’ll love the salty crunch with the succulent shrimp.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crunchy, charred, and simple, roasted Brussels sprouts perfectly accompany rich shrimp scampi. With just oil, salt and pepper, they get even better with bacon and onions That hit of salty meat with the crispy greens excels with juicy shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Broccolini
Nothing complements shrimp scampi like bright, lemony greens. This lemon garlic broccolini is fresh, citrusy, and easy weeknight fare. Milder and sweeter than broccoli, broccolini cooks up deliciously tender. Paired with garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, it’s a tasty, healthy side for shrimp scampi.
Lemon Orzo
If you like rice with shrimp scampi but want something new, try orzo. Orzo is pasta shaped like rice but tastes like pasta To bring out shrimp scampi’s bright flavors, add lemon, parsley, mint, and chicken stock for an insanely creamy, citrusy side It’s light, approved by kids, and pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Fresh greens beautifully celebrate shrimp scampi’s flavors. Peppery arugula is ideal, offsetting the shrimp’s sweetness. A simple lemon-honey dressing makes flavors pop. And don’t forget the cheese! This easy salad is a refreshing complement to rich scampi.
Caprese Salad
Few dishes aren’t improved by a Caprese salad. From chicken and fish to steak and shrimp, it works with everything! Tomatoes and fresh mozzarella need tangy sweetness, which the balsamic vinegar provides. And since it’s cheesy, crunchy and creamy, it excellently offsets shrimp scampi’s tender buttery flavors.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
This tomato salad omits the mozzarella, making it lower calorie and dairy-free. Red onions add a nice bite to balance the shrimp’s richness. For extra brininess, I’d add capers. The light tomato and cucumber perfectly cools scampi’s heat.
Greek Salad
Not just any Greek salad, this is Ina Garten’s Greek salad, and it’s fabulous! The earthy beets, peppery arugula, tart goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet, floral dressing make a show-stopping salad pairing for shrimp scampi. It takes you away to the Mediterranean with its colorful veggies and briny olives.
Lemon Butter Pasta
Since shrimp scampi is traditionally served over pasta, lemon butter pasta makes a perfect partner. This easy 20-minute recipe allows the lemon and shrimp flavors to shine. Toss with scampi for a quick, flavorful meal.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Polenta’s versatility lets it fit any flavor profile. This creamy Parmesan polenta uses just 5 ingredients! Impress guests with this restaurant staple that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s rich, indulgent, and excellent with shrimp.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
What doesn’t go well with mashed potatoes? These creamy spuds are the ultimate comfort food. While potatoes pair nicely with just about everything, something magical happens when shrimp scampi meets fluffy mashed potatoes. The lemon brightens the potatoes’ creamy richness.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato fries add color to the plate and a touch of natural sweetness that complements shrimp scampi’s briny flavors. Roasting caramelizes their sugars, intensifying the sweetness. They’re hearty yet healthy, providing vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
Lemon Rice
When in doubt, rice comes to the rescue! While ordinary rice works, enhance it with lemon, cashews, turmeric and sesame oil to bring out shrimp scampi’s flavors. This lemon rice is so good, it might even outshine the shrimp!
Tomato Risotto
Shrimp scampi over risotto is next-level delicious. The rice gives plenty of filling carbs while the tomatoes offer a nice acid kick without overwhelming the palate. Finish with crispy garlic crumbs, and it looks like you ordered from a fancy restaurant!
Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies
You’ve likely tried many versions of roasted veggies. But this recipe truly shines with its bounty of herbs. A tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary makes the potatoes, carrots and zucchini robustly flavorful. It’s a healthy, herbacious delight pairing perfectly with shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Buttery shrimp scampi needs a bright, fresh vegetable side. Enter lemon garlic green beans! The lemon zest adds citrus flair while the garlic infuses savory depth. Cook just until the green beans are crisp-tender and brilliant green. The lemon cuts through scampi’s richness for an ideal balance.
Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
Another lemon-accented veggie, this skillet asparagus adds tangy brightness to balance shrimp scampi’s decadence. Sautéed until tender-crisp, the asparagus gets topped with grated Parmesan for a savory finish. The lemon zest, juice and cheese magnify the flavors of both recipes.
Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic and Basil
Quick-cooking zucchini rounds pair excellently with shrimp scampi’s garlicky profile. Saute the thin slices just until tender, about 3 minutes. Toasted pine nuts add crunchy texture. Chopped basil gives a fresh, aromatic note. With bright flavor and a crisp-tender bite, this easy side is a sure winner.
Creamy Spinach with Parmesan
Leafy spinach offers bountiful nutrition and pairs deliciously with seafood. Squeeze the cooked spinach to remove excess moisture for a thicker texture. Blend in Parmesan, cream and nutmeg for a lusciously creamy bite. The spinach cuts through scampi’s richness while matching its savory flavors.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes provide the satisfying creaminess of mashed potatoes with a crispy, golden crust. Hollowed-out baked potatoes get whipped with buttery sour cream, cheese and bacon. Heaped back into the potato skins and baked again, they’re indulgent yet wholesome. The potatoes complement scampi without overpowering it.
1 CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA
Polenta is a great side dish for any meal because it can be used with a lot of different flavors. There are only 5 things you need to make this creamy parmesan polenta. It’s so easy to make at home that you’ll impress your guests and yourself.
This recipe claims to be “The Best EVER Risotto Recipe” and it is. For first-time cooks, risotto can be scary, but this 40 Aprons recipe shows you how to make it so you can’t mess it up. It takes a lot of time because you have to stir it all the time, but it’s worth it and goes well with any protein.
BETTER-THAN-CAPRESE TOMATO SALAD
Okay, I know nothing can beat the traditional caprese but this tomato salad is light and herby. It omits the mozzarella and calls for red onions instead, making it lactose free and low calorie. I think capers would go well with the shrimp scampi because they have a sour taste. But that’s just me.
If you want a great Greek salad, this is it! It’s Ina Garten’s Greek Salad, and I have made it so many times that I have lost track. It’s worth all the work that goes into it. It is a perfect side.
because it’s full of brightly colored vegetables and has salty olives and tangy feta to spice it up. This one will take you away to the Mediterranean.
Frisee is a curly endive and is part of the chicory family. Traditionally harvested in the Fall and Winter, frisee is bitter and peppery. Try this recipe as a side, breakfast or lunch. This will bring bacon and eggs to a ‘healthy’ next level.