Shrimp is a beloved seafood option globally, with its unique flavor and texture making it a staple on many menus. While it’s easy to get stuck in a culinary rut when serving shrimp-based dishes, fear not! With so many side dish options available, you’re spoiled for choice.
To help spark some dinner inspiration, we’ve curated 17 mouth-watering side dishes that pair purr-fectly with your favorite shrimp-based meals.
From classic combinations to innovative twists, these ideas will elevate your seafood game and leave your taste buds singing.
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, affectionately known as ‘zoodles,’ offer a clever way to substitute starchy carbohydrates with nutrient-rich vegetables. This ingenious swap is especially effective when paired with succulent shrimp. The light and flavorful zoodles are further elevated by the addition of parmesan cheese and pungent garlic, resulting in a harmonious union that perfectly complements the rich flavors of seafood – including shrimp.
Caprese Salad
When it comes to pairing flavors with shrimp, the Mediterranean-inspired taste profile shines bright. The sweetness of the seafood is beautifully complemented by the freshness of caprese salad. With its trifecta of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this classic Italian side dish is elevated when served alongside succulent shrimp. The harmonious balance of sweet and salty notes creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Coconut Rice
When pairing shrimp with a side dish, its natural sweetness can be amplified by complementing it with another sweet element. One such perfect match is coconut rice, which not only boasts impressive nutritional credentials but also offers a subtle and tropical sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the shrimp. In our opinion, coconut rice is the ideal choice to serve alongside shrimp, offering a delightful culinary combination.
Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad, a quintessential Mediterranean summer delight, surprisingly harmonizes beautifully with succulent shrimp. The crunch of fresh lettuce and crispy croutons creates a refreshing contrast, while the tangy dressing provides a flavorful union that elevates both the salad and the shrimp.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is often associated with casual outdoor gatherings like barbecues and picnics, but its versatility makes it a great match for many main courses, including shrimp. This recipe creates a sweet yet citrusy coleslaw by incorporating ingredients like corn and honey, which harmonize with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. A hint of lemon zest adds depth, balancing out the flavors.
The result is a refreshing side dish that captures the essence of summer and pairs perfectly with a shrimp main course.
Lemon Sauteed Asparagus
When it comes to pairing side dishes with seafood, sautéed asparagus is a reliable choice. However, this recipe takes it a step further by incorporating ingredients that specifically complement the flavors of shrimp and other seafood options. The addition of zesty lemon juice brings a bright, refreshing quality to the dish, making it an ideal accompaniment to a seaside-inspired meal.
Corn Salad
This delectable corn salad recipe is a perfect accompaniment to shrimp dishes. Its vibrant flavors and refreshing texture make it an ideal side dish for hot summer days. The sweetness of the corn, tomatoes, and cucumber is elevated by a tangy dressing that combines lemon juice, honey, red wine vinegar, and garlic. With its classic summer ingredients and zesty twist, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Lime Rice
When pairing citrus flavors with shrimp, the result is truly remarkable. If you’re looking for a rice dish that complements your seafood main, consider substituting lime rice for a unique and revitalizing twist. Compared to coconut rice, lime rice offers a more invigorating flavor profile and is an excellent alternative if you prefer to minimize sweetness in your meal.
Additionally, this citrusy rice serves as a great substitute for lemon-infused sides commonly paired with shrimp and other seafood options – making it an ideal choice for those who don’t enjoy either lemon or coconut flavors. Try it out and experience the delightful combination for yourself.
Pesto Gnocchi
Pesto gnocchi offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp dishes. The creamy sauce, infused with the subtle nuances of white wine, is elevated by generous sprinkles of parmesan cheese. This side dish is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. For a filling accompaniment to your shrimp meal, look no further than this recipe for pesto gnocchi.
Risotto
Risotto often gets overlooked as a side dish option, but it’s a game-changer when paired with succulent shrimp. This Italian staple not only boosts the calorie count of your meal but also maintains a light, creamy texture that complements the seafood perfectly.
Unlike some other dishes that can overpower the natural flavor of the shrimp, this risotto recipe strikes a delicate balance between savory garlic, nutty parmesan cheese, and subtle seasoning from black pepper, kosher salt, and any desired fresh herbs. The result is a filling yet refined meal where the star of the show – the shrimp – remains center stage.
Succotash
Succotash is a delightful salad that brings together the flavors of various light and sweet vegetables, making it an excellent accompaniment to shrimp dishes. This unconventional recipe is perfect for dinner parties, as it’s both unique and easy to prepare with readily available ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red peppers, lima beans, sweet corn, and onions.
With its simplicity and nutritious value, succotash is a great way to add some daily veggies to your meal, and can be quickly whipped up to serve alongside your shrimp.
Lemon Couscous
As we delve back into the realm of citrus-infused delights, our attention turns to the delectable lemon couscous recipe. This North African staple is an exceptional side dish option, boasting the impressive ability to satisfy hunger while offering a refreshing change from more traditional options like pasta or rice.
The result is a light and airy accompaniment that perfectly complements rich and savory main courses – in this case, a succulent shrimp dish – by balancing its bright, zesty flavor with a hint of tartness.
Roasted Greek Potatoes
When it comes to pairing a potato-based side dish with shrimp, a classic Greek-style roasted potato recipe is an excellent choice. The resulting wedges will be crispy on the outside and light on the inside, with a bold flavor profile featuring notes of lemon and garlic. This harmonious combination makes these potatoes the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes, offering a delicious twist on traditional pairings.
Arugula Salad
For those seeking a refreshing and effortless side dish, this arugula salad recipe is an ideal choice. The bright and zesty lemon dressing not only elevates the flavor of the shrimp but also provides a lovely contrast to its natural sweetness. Meanwhile, the subtle sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the shrimp’s inherent sweetness, making it a well-rounded and satisfying salad option.
Roasted Garlic And Lemon Broccoli
When it comes to pairing vegetables with protein-rich foods like shrimp, broccoli is an excellent choice. This versatile vegetable can be elevated in flavor by combining the brightness of lemon with the richness of roasted garlic. By incorporating these two ingredients into a recipe, you can create a harmonious balance of flavors that complements the natural taste of both the broccoli and the shrimp. Try this recipe to experience the delight of a well-matched meal.
Kale Salad
This classic kale salad recipe boasts a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal accompaniment to a shrimp main course. The sweetness of the carrots and crunch of the almonds provide a delightful contrast, while the light and refreshing lemon dressing brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a flavorful complement to your seafood, this kale salad is sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pairing side dishes with your shrimp-based meal, you’re spoiled for choice. With numerous options to explore, each one offering its own distinct flavor profile and taste experience. Take a look at our list of sumptuous side dishes featured earlier (referenced in ’26 Sumptuous Side Dishes For Salmon’), and don’t be afraid to get creative! Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your palate.
