13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (2024)

  • Recipes
  • Side Dish

By

Melanie Fincher

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (1)

Melanie Fincher

Melanie Fincher is a Birmingham, Alabama–based food writer who covers everything from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content.

Allrecipes' editorial guidelines

Published on May 24, 2021

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (2)

There are countless ways to cook shrimp. Whether it's fried, boiled, grilled, sautéed, or cooked any number of ways—shrimp is everyone's favorite crustacean. But shrimp can only be as good as the sides you choose to pair with it. Here are some of our favorite side dishes for shrimp to complete your meal.

01of 14

Roquefort Pear Salad

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (3)

"This is the best salad I've ever eaten and I make it all the time. It is tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelized pecans. The mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together," says recipe submitter Michelle Krzmarzick. Pair this top-rated salad with some grilled marinated shrimp to make a meal out of it!

02of 14

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (4)

This simple asparagus recipe is ready to go in just 20 minutes. Serve it with some simple garlic shrimp (over spaghetti if you'd like!) for a fast and delicious meal that's sure to be a hit.

03of 14

Amish Macaroni Salad

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (5)

Recipe submitter CONNIE0751 says, "A colorful and flavorful macaroni salad made with hard cooked eggs, bell pepper and celery in a creamy dressing. Best macaroni salad I have ever had. I always get many requests for the recipe. Enjoy!" Try this on the side with this fresh shrimp boil recipe.

04of 14

Pesto Zoodles

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (6)

For those looking for a low-carb option, these zoodles are a great substitute for spaghetti. The zoodles are topped with chickpeas, pesto, and cheese, making for an irresistible combination. Serve this on the side or as a base for this lemon ginger shrimp.

05of 14

Good for You Greek Salad

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (7)

"A yummy and low-fat Greek salad recipe. You can use two green onions instead of the small red onion, if you wish," says recipe submitter Candice. This is a great side salad if you want to keep things light—serve it with this peppered shrimp Alfredo.

06of 14

Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (8)

"I love the portion control and lovely presentation of this recipe," says reviewer lutzflcat. Add this on the side of some crunchy fried shrimp for a delicious, finger-food meal.

07of 14

Fresh Broccoli Salad

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (9)

This easy salad is ready in 30 minutes and is great if you're looking to get in some veggies with your shrimp. Serve it on the side of some Shrimp De Jonghe.

08of 14

Grilled Fruit and Vegetable Kabobs

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (10)

"I have made these on several occasions and they are always a hit. I love adding parmesan to them. This is a great recipe for summertime bbqs. It's my go to for grilling vegetables," says reviewer Amber Bateman. These grilled kabobs will pair perfectly with any grilled shrimp- try it with this Thai spiced barbecue shrimp.

09of 14

Couscous Primavera

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (11)

This healthy side from Chef John takes only 10 minutes to make. "I'm borrowing the name from Pasta Primavera which, like this recipe, takes advantage of fresh, seasonal, green produce," he says. Pair it with another favorite from Chef John—grilled garlic and herb shrimp.

10of 14

Oven Roasted Red Potatoes

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (12)

Reviewer Angela P. says, "They turned out perfect - crispy on the outside, a little soft on the inside, not greasy at all. My husband called them 'amazing.'" Potatoes always make a great side for a little added sustenance, and this easy recipe is no exception. Now all that's needed is some fried shrimp.

11of 14

Mango Guacamole

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (13)

"A delicious guacamole that my mom used to make during the summer days when mangoes were all over our hometown. It's sweet, tangy, and, like any good Mexican guacamole, spicy," says recipe submitter gema. Try it with some coconut shrimp for a meal that's bursting with tropical flavor.

12of 14

Spinach and Orzo Salad

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (14)

This light salad makes a great side for virtually any shrimp dish. The orzo pasta and baby spinach will round out your meal. Match it with this basil shrimp for a balanced and delicious dinner

13of 14

Grilled Cinnamon Toast

View Recipe

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (15)

Looking to use some of your fresh summer squash? "This is a tasty way to use up all the yellow squash you have pouring out of your garden every summer. I also do this same thing with zucchini," says recipe submitter Sarah Stephan. Add some spicy grilled shrimp and you have summer meal that can be made entirely on the grill.

  • Browse our entire collection of Shrimp Recipes.

14of 14

More Side Dish Recipes

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (16)

  • Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken
  • Most Popular Side Dishes to Serve With Fish
  • Meat-and-Three Dinner Menus for the Ultimate Comfort Food Feast

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal (2024)

FAQs

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal? ›

Pasta, Rice, and Grains

Pasta and rice make excellent side dishes on their own, but when dressed up with just a few extra ingredient — some fresh herbs, a creamy sauce — the turn roasted shrimp into an instant meal.

What are good side dishes for shrimp? ›

Pasta, Rice, and Grains

Pasta and rice make excellent side dishes on their own, but when dressed up with just a few extra ingredient — some fresh herbs, a creamy sauce — the turn roasted shrimp into an instant meal.

How many shrimp is enough for a meal? ›

The recommended shrimp serving per an average person is three ounces. This translates to 11-12 "medium" shrimp, 8-9 "large" shrimp, or just 3 "colossal" shrimp.

What not to do when cooking shrimp? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Shrimp
  1. Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Shrimp.
  2. Mistake #2: Improper Thawing.
  3. Mistake #3: Overcooking the Shrimp.
  4. Mistake #4: Not Deveining.
  5. Mistake #5: Throwing Away the Shells.
Jul 1, 2020

What to serve with cold shrimp for dinner? ›

Shrimp co*cktail can be served with salads like Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Avocado Salad, Green Bean Salad,..or crackers such as Zesty Ritz Crackers, Ranch Oyster Crackers, Prawn Cracker, Saltine Crackers.

What is the Greek dish with shrimps? ›

In Greece, you can find shrimp saganaki on most menus. It's a beloved summer dish, usually served as mezze with a boozy beverage like ouzo (anise-flavored Greek liquor) or white wine. Not only is ouzo often served with shrimp saganaki, it is also usually included in the recipe!

What vegetables go good with seafood? ›

To help coordinate your menu, we've gathered up a few of our favorite seafood and vegetable pairings for inspiration:
  • Grilled zucchini and mushrooms with shrimp. ...
  • Leafy greens and white fish. ...
  • King crab and corn. ...
  • Salmon and mashed cauliflower. ...
  • Crispy roasted potatoes and cod. ...
  • Fresh side salad and any seafood.

How many pounds of shrimp for 10 people? ›

The rule of thumb when you are buying shrimp is that you should get 1 pound of raw and unpeeled shrimp per person or, if you are buying it cooked and peeled, 1/2 -1/3 pound per person. The number of shrimp per pound will vary by the size of shrimp.

Are frozen shrimp healthy? ›

A Delicacy With Health Benefits

Shrimp is a seafood you can prepare in lots of ways to get a boost of nourishment. Whether they're farmed, wild, frozen, or fresh, shrimp bring flavor and nutrients to your diet.

What size shrimp tastes the best? ›

Jumbo or even colossal-sized shrimp work best for dishes that want to highlight the natural flavors of shrimp. Bigger shrimp offer a heartier bite and withstand strong seasonings and intense cooking methods.

Do I need to rinse shrimp before cooking? ›

There is no need to rinse shrimp before cooking it. If you're going to rinse your shrimp, stick with cold water. Warm water is definitely not the answer, explains Shawn Matijevich, lead chef-instructor of online culinary arts and food operations at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE).

What do you soak shrimp in before cooking? ›

Mix ¼ cup kosher salt with ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 cup boiling water and 2 cups of ice. Add shrimp into a bowl of brine and let sit for 20-30 minutes for peeled shrimp and 40-60 minutes for your unpeeled shrimp. Rinse well with cold water and pat dry afterward. That's all there is to it!

Can I eat leftover shrimp cold? ›

Cooked shrimp lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

When reheating leftover shrimp, it's best to use a low temperature to avoid the rubbery texture shrimp can get when overcooked. Alternatively, enjoy leftover cooked shrimp cold or at room temperature, depending on how it was prepared.

What fruits and vegetables can shrimp eat? ›

Blanched vegetables make an excellent food for Red Cherry Shrimp. Vegetables such as Zucchini, Lettuce, Spinach, and Carrots are commonly used. When preparing these vegetables, place them in boiling water until they are soft, 2-3 minutes for leafy vegetables and longer for carrots and zucchini.

What sides go well with a shrimp boil? ›

The best side dishes for shrimp boil are mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, coleslaw, salads, and baked beans. If you are ready to explore more dishes, jump right in.

What side dishes go with crab and shrimp? ›

Delicious Crab Dinner Sides That Pair Perfectly With Your...
  • Steamed Artichokes with Garlic and Butter.
  • Cottage-Cut French Fries.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
  • Lemon and Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce.
  • Brandy-Infused Mayonnaise Dip.
  • Twice-Baked Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
  • Zucchini, Onion and Corn Hash.
  • Almond Caesar Salad.
Sep 8, 2022

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6422

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.