15 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp (What Goes with Shrimp)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Looking for side dishes to serve with shrimp? We’ve collected some delicious and easy sides for shrimp, from veggies, salad, to potatoes, rice, and more. Whether you’re having BBQ shrimp, boiled shrimp, or grilled shrimp, I’m sure you’ll find something you like from this list.

Looking for side dishes to serve with shrimp? We’ve collected some quick and easy side dishes for shrimp, from veggies, salad, to potatoes, rice, and more. Whether you’re having BBQ shrimp, boiled shrimp, or grilled shrimp, I’m sure you’ll find something you like from this list.
Get new recipes sent to your inbox!
Don’t miss out! Subscribe and get all the new recipes first.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Shrimp alone is a fun and fresh, finger-licking food that you can serve up as a meal or an appetizer. Whichever way you choose, you will have a list of great sides to choose from below that can make it a whole meal or make it a dipping good time!

What is a Good Side Dish for Shrimp Scampi?

The curl of the tails in shrimp long for a side that provides a great contrast in shape and in color. You can choose a healthy vegetable side like green beans or asparagus. You of course can opt for something on the cooler side, such as a fresh salad but steer clear of anything that will take away from the rich taste of the shrimp.

Looking for side dishes to serve with shrimp? We’ve collected some quick and easy side dishes for shrimp, from veggies, salad, to potatoes, rice, and more. Whether you’re having BBQ shrimp, boiled shrimp, or grilled shrimp, I’m sure you’ll find something you like from this list.

15 Best Sides for Shrimp

Vegetable Sides that are Good with Shrimp

1. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli

There is nothing more light and satisfying than steamed broccoli to go along with your ribs. Plus, if you steam them correctly they will provide vibrant green color to your dish, all it takes is about 5-7 minutes of steaming and you will not only add color to your dish but some great nutrients too!

2. Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Asparagus

The talk nowadays is how much an air fryer changes lives, and saves time on cooking! Sticking with the trend, air fryer asparagus is a recipe you won’t want to skip on. It is vegan, low carb and keto wrapped up in one-well four ingredients! All you need is salt, pepper, olive oil, and be sure not to skimp on the vegan parmesan cheese! This is a recipe you won’t forget!

3. Sous Vide Green Beans

Sous Vide Green Beans with incredible flavor and perfect crispy texture! Made with just a few simple ingredients including garlic, this no-fail sous vide recipe makes a delicious side dish to any main meal. #SousVideGreenBeans #SousVideVegetables
Sous Vide Green Beans

Flavor and texture? What more could you ask for?! The regular method tends to cause green beans to turn out overcooked, mushy, and lacking in color. However, cooking them sous vide provides a rich bright green color, and a crispy texture every time! To top that off, green beans are rich in iron, fiber, folate, and potassium – so indulge a little!

Salad Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Shrimp

4. Apple Salad

Apple Salad

Little known fact: apples and cheese go hand in hand! Now imagine shrimp, its freshness, and how the light of a taste they have, now pair that with this apple salad and you will truly feel complete! with sweet apple salad!! The interesting thing about this salad is that you can either use mayonnaise or yogurt to mix in, the choice is truly yours!

5. Broccoli Salad

broccoli salad

Broccoli salad might not sound overly delicious to start with but the way we bring it to life does just that! A few special ingredients: bacon, cheese and creamy mayonnaise yogurt dressing put this salad at the top of the pairing list! Keep in mind that there is a non-dairy option as well.

6. BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Ready in 15 minutes or less, this BLT pasta salad is made of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pasta!  You will be able to indulge without the guilt! Your family and friends will be asking for more of this, problem is…..will you want to share?

Potato & Rice Sides for Fried Shrimp

7. Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

I don’t know about you but mashed potatoes and shrimp have always been a great pairing for me.

Fluffy, creamy, and smooth these too can be ready in 15 minutes or less! Simply dice, place in water and cook on high – mix in the butter and milk and you have yourself some delicious (microwaved) mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for best results!!

8. Fried Rice

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a dish that goes with just about anything! The best part about pairing it with fried shrimp is that you can cut the shrimp up and mix it in with the rice for a whole new dish! Eggs, rice, onion, peas, green beans, carrots, and just about 20 minutes is all it takes to make this rice dish that will have you second-guessing if it was homemade or takeout!

9. Boiled Potatoes

Boiled Potatoes

Did you know that there are not only different types of potatoes, but also different levels of starch? There are baking potatoes that are considered starchy. All-purpose potatoes that are medium-starched, and waxy potatoes that are low-starch. All it takes is about 12 minutes on the stove to boil your potatoes, top with butter and parsley and you have a simple dish that tastes scrumptious!

10. Cajun French Fries

These homemade copycat Popeyes’ Cajun Fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with the perfect kick. They taste the same if not better than the fast-food French fry. What distinguishes these Popeyes Fries is an irresistible mix of seasonings for an authentic Cajun treat.
Popeyes Cajun Fries

Takeout anyone? How about a recipe that will have you skipping those takeout lines and allow you to sit back a little? These cajun fries are easy to make and only call for potatoes, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper! You can’t lose with this recipe!

Sides for BBQ Shrimp

11. Bacon-Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

What goes with bacon? Just about anything and Brussels sprouts are no different! They turn out perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside! Much like BBQ shrimp, bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts can be an appetizer, dish, finger-food and are simply fun to dip!

12. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Noodles

Don’t let the name or the process scare you away, zucchini noodles are not only fun to make but even better to eat! If that doesn’t sell yon on them, how about the fact that it only takes 5 minutes to make these noodles and you can freeze them?! So go grab that spiralizer, toss the noodles in the skillet with some oil and in just a few minutes you will have a healthy side dish!

13. Vegetable Kabobs

Vegetable Kabobs

Indoor or outdoor, these are always delicious favorites. Marinade them up, and mix and match the vegetables you like!

All you’ll need is 4-5 minutes on each side on the grill!!

Other Great Side Dish Ideas for Seafood

14. Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy and cheesy….and did I mention 3 different types of cheeses!? And this is dad’s favorite recipe!!

Keep it vegetarian, or add some bacon or ham, and you can try different cheeses as well.

15. Greek Salad with Avocado

Greek Salad with Avocado

Fresh, colorful, and flavorful, the perfect combination to give your bbq shrimp dish the pairing it was longing for. This is Greek salad with a twist! It’s all about portion size and balance, but this salad can be both healthy and filling. All it takes is some tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, greek dressing and…you guessed it, avocados!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Steamed Broccoli is one of the best shrimp side dishes that are quick and easy to make.

Easy Shrimp Side Dish: Steamed Broccoli Recipe

By: Izzy
Steamed Broccoli is one of the best shrimp side dishes that are quick and easy to make.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 head broccoli
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Clean the broccoli head and remove the stem from the crown.
  • Slice the florets into small pieces.
  • Add one inch of water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Place the florets in a steamer basket inside the saucepan.
  • Cover the pan, and reduce heat to medium.
  • Steam for 5-7 minutes or until you can pierce the broccoli stalk with a fork easily.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 947IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating