Shrimp is a popular seafood choice that can be prepared in many tasty ways. But what should you serve with it?

The right side dishes can take your shrimp meal to the next level.

There are lots of great options that pair well with shrimp, from rice and veggies to salads and breads.

You can pick sides that complement the flavors of your shrimp dish.

Whether you’re grilling, frying, or sautéing shrimp, you’ll find side dishes that make your meal complete and satisfying.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish for your shrimp meal. These crispy potatoes have a golden-brown crust and fluffy centers that will delight your taste buds.

To make them, cut baby potatoes in half and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Spread them on a baking sheet and roast until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The combination of savory garlic and salty Parmesan complements the flavors of shrimp beautifully.

You can easily prepare these potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

2. Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Lemon herb quinoa salad offers a zesty and nutritious pairing for shrimp. This light and refreshing dish complements the seafood perfectly.

Mix cooked quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Toss in some diced cucumber and tomatoes for crunch and color.

The citrusy flavor of the salad enhances the taste of the shrimp. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling side dish.

You can serve this salad warm or cold. It’s easy to make ahead of time, saving you effort when preparing your meal.

3. Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw is a perfect side dish for shrimp. Its cool, crunchy texture balances out hot, crispy shrimp nicely.

You can make it with a mix of green and red cabbage for color.

Add shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition. The dressing is usually mayo-based, giving it a rich, creamy taste. Some recipes include a touch of vinegar or lemon juice for tang.

You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time and let it chill. This allows the flavors to blend. Serve it cold next to your shrimp for a refreshing contrast.

4. Cajun Corn on the Cob

Cajun corn on the cob adds a spicy kick to your shrimp meal. You can easily make this tasty side dish at home.

Start by boiling or grilling fresh corn. Then brush it with melted butter mixed with Cajun spices.

Popular spices include paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

The result is a flavorful corn that complements shrimp dishes well.

It’s perfect for barbecues, seafood boils, or anytime you want to spice up your meal.

Cajun corn brings both heat and sweetness to your plate. It balances out the flavors of shrimp and adds a fun twist to a classic side dish.

5. Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango avocado salsa is a vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. This tropical blend combines sweet mango chunks with creamy avocado pieces.

Add diced red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. The lime adds a zesty kick that complements the shrimp nicely.

You can serve this salsa with crispy tortilla chips or in lettuce cups for a lighter option. It’s also great spooned directly over grilled or pan-seared shrimp.

This colorful salsa brings a refreshing contrast to savory shrimp dishes. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for summer meals.

6. Cheesy Polenta

Cheesy polenta makes a tasty side dish for shrimp. You can easily make it by cooking cornmeal with milk or broth until thick and creamy.

Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor. The cheese melts into the polenta, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Serve your shrimp on top of a mound of cheesy polenta. The creamy, savory polenta balances nicely with the tender shrimp. You can also add herbs or garlic for more flavor.

7. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter

Grilled asparagus with lemon butter is a tasty side dish for shrimp. It’s easy to make and adds a fresh, veggie element to your meal.

To prepare, toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

While grilling, melt butter and mix in fresh lemon juice and zest.

Drizzle this lemon butter over the grilled asparagus before serving.

The smoky flavor from grilling pairs well with the bright lemon butter. This side dish complements shrimp nicely without overpowering it.

8. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a perfect side dish for shrimp. This Italian classic brings fresh flavors to your plate.

You’ll love the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s simple yet delicious.

The light taste of caprese salad complements shrimp nicely. It won’t overpower your main dish.

Drizzle some balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the salad for extra flavor. This adds a tangy kick to balance the sweet shrimp.

Caprese salad adds beautiful colors to your meal too. The red, white, and green look great next to pink shrimp.

9. Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

Spicy Thai peanut noodles make a great side dish for shrimp. You can whip up this tasty meal in no time.

Start by cooking your favorite noodles. Rice noodles work well, but you can use any type you like.

For the sauce, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.

Toss the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce. Add some veggies like bell peppers or carrots for crunch.

Serve the noodles alongside your cooked shrimp. The spicy, nutty flavors go perfectly with seafood.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze make a tasty side dish for shrimp. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 425°F.

Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Roast the sprouts for about 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. While they cook, prepare a simple balsamic glaze.

Once done, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts. The sweet and tangy glaze perfectly complements the savory sprouts and pairs well with shrimp dishes.

11. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean couscous salad brings a taste of sunshine to your plate. This light and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with shrimp.

Mix cooked couscous with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped herbs like parsley and mint.

Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The bright flavors complement shrimp nicely. You can serve this salad warm or chilled. It’s easy to make ahead of time for quick meals.

Try adding grilled shrimp right to the salad for a complete one-dish meal. The couscous soaks up all the delicious flavors.

12. Buttery Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.

Spread this flavorful mixture on halved French bread or Italian loaf. Pop it in the oven until it’s golden and crispy.

The result is a warm, fragrant bread that complements your shrimp beautifully.

The rich, garlicky flavor and crisp texture make it ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce from your shrimp dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a comforting touch to your meal.

13. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles with pesto make a tasty, low-carb side for shrimp. You can create the noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler.

Lightly salt the zucchini noodles and let them sit for 10 minutes. This removes excess water.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Cook the zucchini noodles for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in prepared pesto sauce to coat the noodles. The bright, herby flavors complement shrimp perfectly. This quick and easy side dish is ready in about 15 minutes.

14. Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a tasty side dish that goes well with shrimp. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that adds depth to your meal.

To make it, cook wild rice with broth and seasonings. Add sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.

You can mix in other ingredients like nuts or dried fruit to make it even more interesting. Try almonds or dried cranberries for a nice contrast.

This hearty side dish provides fiber and nutrients. It’s a filling option that will satisfy your hunger alongside your shrimp main course.

15. Cucumber Tomato Salad

A cucumber tomato salad is a light and fresh side dish that goes great with shrimp. It’s quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes.

To make it, dice up cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Mix them in a bowl with some chopped cilantro.

Add a simple lemon vinaigrette dressing for extra flavor.

This salad is cool and refreshing. The crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes pair nicely with shrimp. It’s a healthy option that adds color to your plate.

You can customize it by adding avocado or different herbs. Serve it chilled for the best taste.

16. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy roasted cauliflower is a tasty side dish for shrimp. It adds a nice kick to your meal.

To make it, cut a head of cauliflower into florets. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like chili powder or cayenne.

Spread the florets on a baking sheet. Roast them in a hot oven until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.

The spicy flavor goes well with many shrimp dishes. It’s also a healthy choice that’s low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Side Dishes

Shrimp side dishes offer valuable nutrients to your meals. They can boost protein intake and create well-rounded plates.

High Protein Content

Shrimp is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving has about 20 grams of protein. This makes shrimp a great choice for muscle health and feeling full.

Pair shrimp with protein-rich sides for even more benefits:

• Quinoa (8 grams per cup)
• Edamame (8 grams per 1/2 cup)
• Greek yogurt (17 grams per 6 ounces)

These combos give you a protein punch. They help build and fix muscles. They also keep you feeling full for longer.

Balanced Meal Complement

Shrimp side dishes can round out your meal. They add key nutrients that shrimp may lack.

Veggie sides bring fiber and vitamins:

• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Lemon asparagus

Whole grain sides add complex carbs:

• Brown rice
• Whole wheat pasta
• Barley

These sides balance the meal. They give you energy and help with digestion. Mix and match to create tasty, healthy plates.

Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Side Dishes

Choosing the right side dishes can make your shrimp meal even more delicious. The key is matching flavors and drawing inspiration from different cuisines.

Flavor Profiles

When pairing sides with shrimp, think about complementary flavors. Citrus works great – try a lemon orzo salad or orange-glazed carrots.

Garlic is another classic pairing, like in garlic bread or roasted garlic potatoes. For spice lovers, add some heat with jalapeño cornbread or spicy slaw.

Creamy sides balance crispy fried shrimp nicely. Consider mac and cheese or a creamy risotto.

Fresh, light flavors like cucumber salad or grilled zucchini complement buttery shrimp scampi well.

Don’t forget about textures too. Crunchy sides like crisp green beans or fried okra provide contrast to tender shrimp.

Regional Cuisine Inspirations

Look to coastal cuisines for shrimp pairing ideas.

Mediterranean flavors work beautifully – try Greek salad, tabbouleh, or grilled eggplant. For Cajun-style shrimp, serve with red beans and rice or corn maque choux.

Asian-inspired sides like coconut rice, papaya salad, or stir-fried vegetables pair well with teriyaki or sweet chili shrimp.

For a New England seafood boil feel, serve corn on the cob, new potatoes, and coleslaw.

Latin American flavors complement shrimp too. Try cilantro-lime rice, black beans, plantains, or elote Mexican street corn.