27 Tasty Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Scallops

Scallops are a staple in many seafood enthusiasts’ pantries. Their delicate flavor and tender texture make them an excellent choice for a variety of preparation methods, including searing or sautéing. When serving scallops at a dinner party or special occasion, they’re sure to impress. However, their true potential is unlocked when paired with complementary side dishes.

Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork and curated a list of 27 mouth-watering side dishes that perfectly complement scallops.

Whether you’re looking for something classic or innovative, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.

Corn Succotash

Succotash, a vibrant and refreshing vegetable salad, takes center stage with sweetcorn and lima beans as the main attractions, accompanied by an assortment of mixed vegetables. This delightful side dish shines when paired with scallops, its bold flavors and colors perfectly in harmony. To add depth and a tangy touch, sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes are incorporated into the recipe, offering a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this effortless Fettuccine Alfredo recipe, where a mere four ingredients combine to create a creamy, Parmesan-infused delight. This speedy recipe requires minimal time in the kitchen and yields a subtle yet satisfying pasta dish that pairs perfectly with your scallops. Feel free to elevate the experience by adding a splash of heavy cream for added richness and a pinch of nutmeg for an intriguing depth of flavor.

Creamy Polenta

Polenta is a classic Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide due to its versatility and delicious flavor. Made from finely ground cornmeal, this porridge is an excellent substitute for pasta, rice, or potatoes. Its smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including scallops.

When served at its optimal consistency – still wet and warm – polenta becomes irresistibly creamy and sauce-like, perfect for pairing with your favorite proteins. Alternatively, allowing the polenta to set into a block and slicing it before serving creates a delightful texture contrast when paired with a succulent scallop on top.

Couscous

Couscous, a staple dish from Northwest Africa, is often overlooked as a versatile ingredient. Its unique texture, comprising tiny balls made from durum flour, offers a light and airy consistency with a subtle bite. While it can be enjoyed on its own, couscous pairs particularly well with delicate flavors like scallops. When paired together, the gentle sweetness of the couscous complements the scallops nicely, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

For added depth, incorporating spices or a squeeze of lemon juice provides a subtle boost that enhances the natural flavor of the scallops.

Tomato And Basil Bisque

While the combination of tomatoes and scallops may seem unconventional at first, the creamy bisque recipe cleverly tames the boldness and acidity of the tomatoes by incorporating rich cream and parmesan. This harmonious blend creates a decadent side dish that complements the scallops perfectly. The subtle addition of fragrant herbs and fresh basil leaves adds depth and complexity to the soup, striking a balance between flavors.

Bacon And Avocado Salad

Bacon’s versatility is a delight to behold. Not only does it pair wonderfully with scallops, but it also shines in a refreshing salad, complementing creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. While bacon can elevate this dish, be mindful not to overdo it – too much can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the scallops.

Parmesan Risotto

Despite the reputation of being challenging to prepare, this straightforward Parmesan risotto recipe makes it surprisingly simple. The harmonious blend of chicken broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese yields a rich and creamy dish, boasting a refined taste that pairs exquisitely with scallops.

Steak

While unconventional pairings can often lead to culinary surprises, pairing scallops with steak is a match made in heaven. The aromatic herbs and pungent garlic butter infuse the steak with an added depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the tender scallops. As you take your first bite, the satisfying crunch of the steak’s crust gives way to its juicy interior, expertly balancing the delicate sweetness of the scallops.

Rice

There’s something special about fluffy and aromatic rice – it’s a match made in heaven, no matter what main course you’re serving. And when it comes to scallops, brown rice is the clear winner. Its nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture provide the perfect contrast to the tender shellfish. White rice can also work well, especially if you infuse it with some extra flavor from seasonings or chicken stock. But why stop there?

Take your rice game to new heights by adding a blend of spices like cloves, cardamom, star anise, and nutmeg during cooking. The resulting subtle flavors and aromas will elevate your dish to a whole new level.

Spinach And Pomegranate Salad

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to success. A straightforward salad with spinach and pomegranate seeds proves this point effectively. The slightly bitter undertones of the spinach leaves complement the tangy flavor of the pomegranate seeds, which in turn balance out the subtle sweetness of the scallops. Meanwhile, a sharp balsamic vinaigrette and creamy feta cheese work harmoniously together to bring the entire dish into perfect harmony.

Quinoa

Quinoa is an excellent alternative to rice or seeds in many recipes, boasting a rich nutritional profile that includes fiber and protein. Its mild flavor, punctuated by a subtle nuttiness, makes it an ideal base for pairing with delicate flavors like scallops. To elevate the dish further, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus or cooking the quinoa in chicken stock with herbs for added depth.

The grain’s unique texture, which balances lightness and chewiness, provides a fascinating contrast to the tender scallops.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

When it comes to pairing a side dish with shellfish, the options can be overwhelming. However, why not take things up a notch by adding more than one type of shellfish to your plate? For instance, you could combine succulent scallops with bold and vibrant honey garlic shrimp. The sweetness of the honey and the pungency of the garlic perfectly complement the rich flavor of the shrimp, while also bringing out the best in the delicate scallops.

It’s a match made in heaven that won’t overpower the dish, but rather add depth and complexity to each bite.

Roasted Artichoke

Artichokes are often overlooked, but they’re actually a nutrient-dense superfood with a unique texture and subtle flavor profile. When combined with scallops, their earthy, creamy notes create a match made in heaven.

This recipe elevates the humble artichoke by roasting it to perfection with a blend of aromatic herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, allowing its natural flavors to take center stage. The result is a tender, rich, and indulgent accompaniment that complements scallops beautifully.

White Tuscan Beans

When it comes to side dishes that pair perfectly with scallops, warm white Tuscan beans are a top choice. While they may not be flashy or elaborate, these comforting beans bring a delightful creaminess and dense interior to the table. By simmering them with aromatic ingredients like garlic, sage, and bay leaf, you can create a subtle yet satisfying flavor profile that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

What’s more, this recipe is remarkably hands-off, making it an ideal option for busy kitchens where attention is divided among multiple dishes. Simply let the beans do their thing while you focus on other tasks, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously straightforward accompaniment to your scallops.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a standout roasting vegetable, boasting a delightful combination of crispy skin, tender and fluffy interior, and sweet, irresistible flavors. Its natural sweetness is amplified by the judicious use of herbs and a hint of honey, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including scallops. To bring out its full flavor potential, simply brush cubes of butternut squash with a mixture of aromatic herbs and a drizzle of honey, then roast until lightly browned.

While the method may be straightforward, the end result is anything but ordinary, delivering a rich, complex taste experience that’s sure to impress.

Chorizo And Corn

A harmonious blend of spicy chorizo and sweet corn comes together in this Mexican-inspired recipe, elevated by a burst of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The bold flavors surprisingly complement scallops, taking their natural taste to new heights. This side dish is the embodiment of the phrase ‘greater than the sum of its parts’, where each component melds together to create something truly special.

Grilled Halloumi

When it comes to pairing cheeses with scallops, a more subtle option like halloumi is ideal. The creamy yet firm texture of this cheese complements the delicate flavor of scallops perfectly. Try serving a scallop alongside a slice of grilled halloumi for a harmonious and satisfying side dish. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the halloumi in a mixture of lemon juice, honey, and herbs before serving.

This will not only enhance the cheese’s natural taste but also provide a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich scallops.

Roasted Broccoli And Parmesan

Indulge in the harmonious union of flavors as tender broccoli florets, dusted with parmesan for added depth, are roasted to perfection. The natural sweetness of the broccoli perfectly complements the juicy scallops, while a sprinkle of creamy parmesan cheese adds a satisfying nutty note. For a nutrient-dense twist, consider substituting half of the broccoli with kale, elevating this dish into a culinary delight.

Experience the symphony of flavors and textures for yourself by trying out this recipe.

Cauliflower Puree

Transforming everyday cauliflower into a decadent and indulgent puree is an art form. This recipe takes the humble vegetable and elevates it to a silky, creamy sauce-like base for your scallops. With its understated cauliflower flavor and sublime texture, this puree provides the perfect accompaniment to tenderly pan-seared or oven-roasted scallops. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to prepare – simply sauté some onion and garlic until caramelized, then add in florets of cauliflower along with a splash of cream and stock. Let it simmer with a bouquet of herbs until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through. Finally, blend it all together with a powerful blender or food processor until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency that’s sure to impress.

Creamed Corn

This simple yet indulgent recipe serves as the perfect accompaniment to your scallops, much like cauliflower puree provides a creamy base. With only a few essential ingredients and a cooking time of just 15 minutes, this dish is not only quick but also surpasses any canned version in terms of flavor. The addition of creamy corn brings a touch of sweetness and satisfying texture to the dish, while its rich sauce leaves the corn tender and buttery.

A judicious sprinkling of herbs and spices adds depth to this delectable side, making it an ideal pairing for your scallops.

Caprese Salad

This classic Italian salad relies on the harmonious union of just three core ingredients: succulent tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella. The simplicity of this dish allows its fresh flavors to shine, making it an excellent accompaniment to scallops or a delightful addition to any Italian-inspired meal. The sweetness of the tomatoes is perfectly balanced by the richness of the mozzarella and the herbaceousness of the basil, creating a refreshing and well-rounded flavor profile.

Lemon Caper Linguine

While delicately flavored scallops can be easily overpowered by strong flavors, this simple pasta recipe strikes a perfect balance. By incorporating a zesty lemon caper linguine, the dish allows the subtle taste of the scallops to take center stage. With only a few ingredients and quick preparation time, this recipe is a delightful accompaniment to tender scallops.

The bright citrus note of lemon juice and the salty tang of capers harmonize in perfect unison, making it an excellent side dish option.

Bacon

Bacon elevates even the most straightforward recipes to new heights. Case in point: pairing crispy, savory bacon with tender scallops. What might seem like an overpowering combination at first surprisingly results in a harmonious union of flavors. By wrapping bacon strips around succulent scallops and cooking them to perfection in the oven, you’ll create a dish that’s both juicy and rich, boasting notes of saltiness and buttery goodness.

Whether served as a side or main course, this delectable combination is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Shallots

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food – these luscious mashed potatoes that provide an ideal canvas for your scallions or stand impressively on their own. The secret to their exceptional fluffiness lies in using floury Yukon gold potatoes, which are boiled to perfection in chicken broth for an added layer of depth and richness. Take it to the next level by sprinkling roasted shallots on top, where their sweet and smoky flavors mingle beautifully with the creamy mash.

This indulgent side dish is sure to pair perfectly with scallops, and its smooth, rich texture will leave you craving more.

Roasted Vegetable Medley

When it comes to pairing roasted vegetables with scallops, simplicity is often key. A medley of carrots, parsnip, beets, and Brussels sprouts, roasted to perfection with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a punch of garlic, creates a harmonious combination that complements the delicate flavor of the scallops.

To add an extra layer of complexity, consider drizzling the vegetables with a hint of honey before roasting for a touch of sweetness or using a splash of balsamic vinegar to introduce a tangy contrast.

Lentil Salad

With its harmonious balance of bold flavors and refreshing lightness, this easy lentil salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. A medley of diced vegetables, fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and the tangy sweetness of honey lemon dressing come together in perfect synergy. Meanwhile, the star of the show remains the succulent scallops, whose subtle nuances are expertly complemented by the citrusy hints from the lemon and the earthy undertones of the lentils.

Final Thoughts

The allure of scallops lies not only in their delectable taste but also in the versatility they offer when paired with a variety of side dishes.

With this list featuring 27 mouth-watering recipes, you’re bound to find something that satisfies every palate.

By incorporating these simple yet flavorful pairings into your culinary repertoire, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable dining experience for yourself and those around you.