Shrimp is a versatile and quick-cooking protein that can be the star of countless meals. But finding the perfect side dish to complement its delicate flavor can sometimes be a culinary puzzle. Whether you’re grilling, frying, sautéing, or boiling shrimp, the right accompaniment can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular. This guide explores 13 fantastic side dishes that pair wonderfully with shrimp, ensuring a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
1. Roquefort Pear Salad: A Tangy and Fruity Delight
For a sophisticated and flavorful start to your shrimp feast, look no further than a Roquefort Pear Salad. This salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, combining the creamy tang of blue cheese with the sweetness of ripe pears and the crunch of caramelized pecans. The mustard vinaigrette ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious blend that awakens the palate.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roquefort-Pear-Salad-by-chibi-chef-5e1b4fbedbc04001883a6ec5c2ffaea0.jpg)
The slight bitterness of Roquefort cheese cuts through the richness of shrimp beautifully, while the pear adds a refreshing sweetness. The pecans contribute a satisfying crunch, making each bite a textural adventure. This salad is especially excellent with grilled or pan-seared shrimp, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory seafood.
2. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Simple Elegance
Sometimes, the simplest side dishes are the most satisfying. Roasted asparagus with Parmesan is a testament to this, offering a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful accompaniment to shrimp. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich finish.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4539941-roasted-asparagus-with-parmesan-photo-by-happyschmoopies-2000-be05c1f1114549d99fef969ccaaef174.jpg)
This side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any shrimp preparation. The slight char from roasting complements grilled shrimp, while the delicate flavor of asparagus enhances the sweetness of steamed or sautéed shrimp. For a complete meal, consider serving roasted asparagus and shrimp over a bed of spaghetti or linguine.
3. Amish Macaroni Salad: Creamy and Flavorful Comfort
For a classic and comforting side that’s perfect for barbecues or casual dinners, Amish Macaroni Salad is a winning choice. This creamy salad is loaded with hard-cooked eggs, crisp bell peppers, and celery, all tossed in a rich and tangy dressing. Its vibrant colors and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/410845-8b6c7f5bf2c34afea455d91cc592a66f.jpg)
The creamy dressing and slight sweetness of the macaroni salad provide a lovely contrast to the savory taste of shrimp. It’s especially delicious with shrimp boils or fried shrimp, offering a cool and refreshing counterpoint to richer shrimp dishes.
4. Pesto Zoodles: A Light and Zesty Option
If you’re seeking a lighter, low-carb side dish, pesto zoodles are an excellent alternative to traditional pasta. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” provide a healthy and refreshing base, tossed with vibrant pesto, chickpeas for added protein, and a sprinkle of cheese for richness.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2409487-5cfd6688a74b4d2e8ac00bd12e51662c.jpg)
The bright, herbaceous flavor of pesto complements shrimp beautifully, especially lemon-ginger shrimp or garlic shrimp. Zoodles are light and won’t overpower the delicate taste of shrimp, making them a perfect pairing for a healthy and flavorful meal.
5. Good for You Greek Salad: Fresh and Mediterranean Inspired
For a healthy and refreshing side dish that evokes the flavors of the Mediterranean, a Good for You Greek Salad is an ideal choice. Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese, this salad is dressed with a light and tangy vinaigrette.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/good-for-you-greek-salad-photo-by-lutzflcat-3551901-f3c9adcc418c447da781e3f85d4eae70.jpg)
The bright, fresh flavors of a Greek salad enhance the taste of shrimp without being too heavy. The salty feta and olives provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of shrimp. This salad is particularly well-suited to grilled or baked shrimp seasoned with Mediterranean herbs.
6. Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin: Elegant and Portion-Controlled
Elevate your side dish game with Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin. These individual potato gratins are not only visually appealing but also offer perfect portion control. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, cheese, and seasonings, then baked until golden and bubbly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1565646-1-d216b213ba4046dcaf9e61340cfb7501.jpg)
The creamy, cheesy potatoes gratin are a rich and satisfying side that pairs well with shrimp. Their elegant presentation makes them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. They are especially delicious with fried or baked shrimp, adding a touch of indulgence to the meal.
7. Fresh Broccoli Salad: Crunchy and Nutritious
For a vibrant and healthy side dish that adds a satisfying crunch, Fresh Broccoli Salad is a fantastic option. This salad typically includes raw broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, and a creamy dressing, often with a touch of sweetness.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fresh-Broccoli-Salad-b8d1fff2e33b4594af8dc7b4d4730c9c.jpg)
The crisp broccoli and salty bacon provide a textural and flavor contrast to shrimp. The slight sweetness in the dressing balances the savory shrimp perfectly. This salad is a great way to add vegetables to your shrimp dinner and is especially good with grilled or pan-seared shrimp.
8. Grilled Fruit and Vegetable Kabobs: Summery and Flavorful
Embrace the flavors of summer with Grilled Fruit and Vegetable Kabobs. Skewers of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are grilled alongside fruits like pineapple or peaches, creating a smoky and slightly sweet side dish.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2285228-0f34fa76708b4b6fb81eec4bfbbc3c59.jpg)
The smoky char from the grill and the natural sweetness of the fruits and vegetables complement grilled shrimp beautifully. Consider adding parmesan cheese to the kabobs for an extra layer of flavor. These kabobs are perfect for summertime barbecues and pair especially well with Thai-spiced or barbecue shrimp.
9. Couscous Primavera: Light and Herbaceous
For a light and flavorful grain-based side dish, Couscous Primavera is an excellent choice. This dish features fluffy couscous tossed with fresh, seasonal green vegetables like peas, asparagus, and zucchini, often with a lemon-herb dressing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/221976_couscous-primavera_allrecipes-magazine-ac96ad13c4b142bc82b2f2a21b9bd1ad.jpeg)
The light and herbaceous flavors of couscous primavera complement the delicate taste of shrimp without overpowering it. It’s a quick and healthy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals and pairs wonderfully with grilled garlic and herb shrimp.
10. Oven Roasted Red Potatoes: Simple and Hearty
For a classic and comforting side dish that adds substance to your shrimp meal, Oven Roasted Red Potatoes are a reliable choice. Red potatoes roast beautifully, becoming crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Simple seasonings like olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need for delicious results.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6484734-cd30b090cae04164a809bc74600e5673.jpg)
Roasted red potatoes are a versatile side that pairs well with almost any type of shrimp. Their hearty texture and slightly sweet flavor complement both simple and more complex shrimp preparations. They are especially delicious with fried shrimp or shrimp scampi, providing a satisfying base to the meal.
11. Mango Guacamole: Tropical and Zesty
Add a tropical twist to your shrimp dinner with Mango Guacamole. This vibrant and flavorful guacamole combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweetness of mango, the tang of lime, and a hint of spice.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/373859-Mango-Guacamole-213719-CCE299A5s2bake-2000-654fdc998a6549cda40bb48c8b715fb8.jpg)
Mango guacamole offers a refreshing and exciting flavor profile that complements shrimp wonderfully. The sweetness of the mango and the spice from the peppers create a dynamic contrast to the savory shrimp. It’s particularly delicious with coconut shrimp, creating a tropical-inspired feast.
12. Spinach and Orzo Salad: Light and Balanced
For a light yet satisfying salad that complements shrimp without being too heavy, Spinach and Orzo Salad is a great option. Orzo pasta and baby spinach are combined with a light vinaigrette and often include other additions like feta cheese, pine nuts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spinach-and-orzo-salad-e5abca270a6e4f48b9fbbcae34f088ad.jpg)
The orzo pasta adds a bit of heartiness, while the spinach keeps it light and fresh. The salad’s mild flavors make it a versatile side that pairs well with virtually any shrimp dish, especially basil shrimp or garlic shrimp, creating a balanced and delicious dinner.
13. Grilled Yellow Squash: Simple and Summery
Make the most of summer produce with Grilled Yellow Squash. Grilling yellow squash brings out its natural sweetness and smoky flavor, creating a simple yet delicious side dish. Just brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a perfect accompaniment to shrimp.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/683815-a31914be82b14876872bb0110763c46a.jpg)
Grilled yellow squash is a light and healthy side dish that’s perfect for summer grilling. Its mild flavor complements shrimp without overpowering it, and the smoky char from the grill enhances both the squash and the shrimp. It’s especially delicious with spicy grilled shrimp, creating a complete and flavorful summer meal.
Choosing the right side dish can transform your shrimp dinner into a truly memorable meal. From fresh salads to hearty potatoes and flavorful grains, these 13 options offer a diverse range of flavors and textures to perfectly complement your favorite shrimp recipes. Experiment and discover your own perfect pairing!
