Luckily, I’ve got a few terrific sides for you to try! Because shrimp scampi is naturally buttery and sweet, you’ll want a side dish with acidic components, like lemon or tomatoes. These will complement the rich flavors and help to keep things balanced. And from crunchy salads and hearty pasta to roasted veggies and creamy polenta, there’s no limit to the possibilities! So the next time you’re stuck on what to serve with shrimp scampi, try one of these sensational side dishes.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi – 17 Easy Side Dishes
1. Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Crunchy, acidic, and full of goodness, roasted asparagus is the ideal shrimp scampi side dish. Even without the zippy lemon, the rich, earthy flavors of asparagus are always a winner with seafood. You’ll also include garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, matching the same scrumptious flavors found in the shrimp.
2. Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Not a fan of asparagus? Then try this roasted broccoli recipe instead. The only difference from the recipe above is the use of broccoli, which I find to be way more filling (and cheaper!) than asparagus. Simple and healthy, all this green veg needs is a little garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. You’ll love the salty crunch it offers, which is a nice contrast to the succulent shrimp.
3. Shrimp Scampi Bruschetta
Shrimp scampi is easy to make and lightly sweet. But there’s no rule that says it has to be a main course! This bruschetta recipe brings together juicy, buttery shrimp with fragrant and bright tomatoes on a crunchy bed of toasted bread. It’s the perfect appetizer to impress guests, but it also works as a complete meal with a salad on the side. Top it with fresh herbs and watch an entire platter disappear.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crunchy, charred, and super simple, these Brussels sprouts are the ideal match for rich shrimp scampi. The recipe calls for just oil, salt, and pepper, but they’re extra special with some bacon and onions on the tray too. That hit of salty meat with the crispy greens is so scrummy with a mouthful of juicy shrimp.
5. Lemon Rice
When in doubt, it’s rice to the rescue! Light, fluffy, and incredibly filling, rice is the perfect side to so many tasty meals, and shrimp scampi is no exception. But, of course, ordinary rice won’t do. To bring out the bright flavors of shrimp scampi, you’ll enhance fluffy white rice with lemon, cashews, turmeric, and sesame oil. This lemon rice is so good, it might even outshine the shrimp!
6. Guilt-Free Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles Pasta
Are you crazy about noodles but want to keep things healthy? If so, it’s time to bust out the spiralizer! A spiralizer is a great way to cut long strips of veggies – in this case, zucchini – to act as a noodle base. Free from unnecessary calories and carbs, zoodles are a keto dieter’s dream. Pair them with garlic, oil, and cheese, and bring on the shrimp scampi.
7. Garlic Bread
Is there anything better than garlic bread fresh out of the oven? I don’t think so! While pre-made garlic bread works in a pinch, making your own is well worth the extra effort. It only takes ten minutes to cook it in the oven, and it goes so well with the bright, sweet flavors of shrimp scampi. But don’t worry, you’re not making bread from scratch! This recipe pairs crusty baguettes with plenty of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
8. French Bread Rolls
For those of you that want to make bread from scratch, this is a terrific recipe to start with. It incorporates simple ingredients and only needs an hour to rise. When they come out of the oven, they’re super rustic with a nice crust and tender and fluffy middle. This recipe is worth a try, even if homemade bread makes you a little nervous.
9. Lemon Orzo
If rice is your go-to side dish, but you’re in the mood for something new, maybe it’s time to switch things up with orzo. Orzo is a type of pasta cut into rice-like shapes. It behaves like rice but tastes like pasta. To bring out the tasty flavors of shrimp scampi, you’ll need lemon juice, parsley, mint, and chicken stock, making it insanely creamy and bright. It’s light and citrusy and even kid-approved.
10. Arugula Salad With Shaved Parmesan Three Ways
Fresh greens are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of shrimp scampi. But you don’t just want boring lettuce! Arugula has a very mild peppery finish that perfectly offsets the shrimp’s sweetness. Add a simple lemon dressing infused with honey, and the flavors jump right off the plate. Oh, and don’t forget the cheese!
11. Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy fries pair well with pretty much everything. But I think sweet potato is the best bet for shrimp scampi. First, the color these fries bring to the plate is fabulous. But you’ll also love the light sweetness they offer too.
12. Classic Caprese Salad
Nothing says summer like a fresh Caprese salad. A big plate full of fresh mozzarella slices and thick slabs of tomato with fresh basil and balsamic? Don’t expect me to share! But you can make it even better. You guessed it: serve it with light and buttery shrimp scampi. It’s super easy to whip up, and you’ll love how the juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese bring out the meaty goodness of the seafood.
13. Lemon Garlic Broccolini
Nothing goes better with shrimp scampi than bright, lemony greens. And this lemon garlic broccolini is fresh, citrusy, and crazy easy to throw together on a hectic weeknight. Broccolini is slightly different from traditional broccoli. It’s a little milder and sweeter, and the slender stalk cooks up deliciously tender. Pair it with garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes, and you have a tasty and healthy side dish ready for shrimp scampi.
14. Caesar Salad
Honestly, I don’t think there are too many dishes a Caesar salad wouldn’t improve. From chicken and fish to steak and shrimp, it’s an all-around winner! And since it’s cheesy, crunchy, and creamy, it’s the perfect contrast to the buttery and tender shrimp.
15. Gnocchi with Sage Browned Butter Cream
Even though shrimp and gnocchi are both quite tender, they still make an excellent pairing. Especially when you use this recipe! Instead of just boiling the little dumplings, you’ll pan-fry them until crisp and golden. And the brown butter sauce is simply divine. Seriously, you’ll want it on everything!
16. Creamy Tomato Risotto with Crispy Garlic Crumbs
As tasty as shrimp scampi is over a bed of buttered pasta noodles, it’s even better over this tomato risotto. It gives you plenty of carbs to make it filling and a nice kick of acidity that’s not overwhelming. Finish the whole thing with some crispy garlic crumbs, and your family will think you ordered in from a fancy restaurant!
17. Creamy Polenta
Tired of the same old pasta and rice side dishes? This creamy polenta recipe is a terrific way to switch things up, and it’s so easy to throw together in a hurry. All you’ll need is stone ground polenta, water, olive oil, and salt. That’s it! Still, it’s decadently creamy and even better if you add some juicy, buttery shrimp to the top! Click on a star to rate it!
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