You have already settled on shrimp scampi for dinner. The shrimp will take minutes. The rest of the plate is the real question. Side dishes can be a tricky mealtime stumbling block, and once the main is chosen, deciding what goes with shrimp can feel like one more decision at the end of a long day.
This guide gathers shrimp-friendly sides in one place. Some are light and fresh. Some are starchy and satisfying. Pick one based on how you are cooking the shrimp and how much time you have.
Why Side Dishes Are the Tricky Part of a Shrimp Dinner
Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs with almost anything, which is good news and also the problem. Because the main comes together fast, the side should be easy too. A heavy, long-cooking side can make a simple shrimp dinner feel like a project.
The sides below are organized by style so you can match one to your shrimp dish and your schedule. For more shrimp inspiration, see our hot honey fried shrimp and this collection of easy Chinese shrimp recipes.
Light and Fresh Sides: Salads and Slaws to Serve With Shrimp
Shrimp already tastes fresh and vibrant, so crisp, cool sides can highlight its natural flavor. These are the sides to reach for when you want the plate to stay light.
- Simple Arugula Salad. A quick arugula salad is described as an easy salad to pair with shrimp and can come together in just a few minutes. It is a simple, elegant choice when you do not want to fuss.
- Roquefort Pear Salad. This salad is tangy from blue cheese, fruity from pears, and crunchy from caramelized pecans, with a mustard vinaigrette tying it together. It is suggested as a pairing with grilled marinated shrimp.
- Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing. Thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy vinegar dressing offer a cool contrast to shrimp.
If you are looking for another bright, produce-forward side, our sunshine salad is a natural fit alongside a shrimp main.
Vegetable Sides That Pair With Shrimp
Vegetables give you a simple, colorful side without much work. These options are listed as good matches for shrimp dinners.
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. A simple roasted asparagus side suggested to go with garlic shrimp.
- Roasted Balsamic Asparagus. Roasted balsamic asparagus described as a fit for shrimp mains.
- Roasted Zucchini or Squash. Lightly seasoned roasted zucchini or squash listed as a vegetable side for shrimp.
- Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing. The same cool, tangy cucumber side works here too when you want a vegetable that needs no cooking.
Starchy Sides: Rice, Pasta, Cornbread and Grits
When you want the plate to feel more substantial, turn to a starchy side. These pair well with shrimp and can turn a quick main into a full dinner.
- Hush Puppies. Listed as a golden-brown side that pairs with shrimp dinners.
- Three-Pickle Potato Salad. A potato salad side recommended for serving alongside shrimp.
- Skillet Cornbread. Cornbread described as an easy side that goes well with shrimp and can be baked in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet.
- Herb-Butter Quinoa. Quinoa seasoned with butter and fresh herbs, presented as a shrimp side.
- Cauliflower Grits. Cheesy cauliflower grits suggested as a pairing for blackened, lemony, or garlic-butter sauteed shrimp.
How to Pick a Side Based on How You’re Cooking the Shrimp
Think about the style of your shrimp dish first. A buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi works well with a light salad or a simple roasted vegetable. Grilled shrimp with a smoky char is a good match for a salad with vinaigrette or roasted zucchini or squash. Blackened or lemony shrimp has a natural partner in cheesy cauliflower grits.
If the shrimp is the star and you want the plate to stay simple, keep the side light. If you want a heartier dinner, choose a starchy side like cornbread, quinoa, or potato salad.
Quick Sides for a Weeknight Shrimp Dinner
On a busy night, pick a side that comes together as fast as the shrimp. A simple arugula salad, a cucumber salad with vinegar dressing, or roasted asparagus are all easy options. If you have a little more time, skillet cornbread or herb-butter quinoa can round out the meal without much effort.
Shrimp is a fast, forgiving main. With the right side, it becomes a complete dinner. Choose one from this list and you can stop wondering what goes with shrimp and start eating.
