What to Serve with Scallops: Easy Side Dishes (28+ Picks)
Wondering what to serve with scallops? I’ve got you covered! These buttery, delicious seafood treats deserve the perfect side dishes to make your meal amazing.
From crispy roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, I’ll share my favorite sides that go perfectly with scallops.
When you’re planning a dinner party or just a cozy meal at home, these side dish recipes will help you create a restaurant-worthy plate. Trust me, your friends and family will love these tasty combinations!
What Are Scallops?
Ever tried scallops? These sweet sea treats are like little bites of ocean butter that melt in your mouth!
- Fresh scallops taste like sweet, savory bites from the sea
- When you make seared scallops, they get golden brown outside but stay soft inside
- Good scallops should smell like the ocean, not fishy
- Pat them dry before cooking for a nice crust
- These flavorful treats cook super fast – just 2-3 minutes on each side
- Season them simply to enjoy their natural taste
Ready to learn how to make the perfect scallop meal? Let’s discover some amazing side dishes that’ll make your dinner extra special!
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Scallops
From bright veggies to creamy potatoes, these sides will turn your scallops into an unforgettable feast. Let’s dive in!
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Scallops
Fresh veggies bring color and crunch to your plate! Here are my favorite vegetable sides that pair perfectly with buttery scallops.
- Grilled Asparagus: Get ready for the tastiest asparagus ever! I love how the smoky char brings out the natural sweetness. Just add olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. The crispy tips are my favorite part!
- Roasted Broccolini: This fancy cousin of broccoli gets super crispy ends when roasted. Toss it with garlic and olive oil, and watch it become golden brown. It’s simple yet delicious!
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots: Sweet meets tangy in this colorful side! The honey makes the carrots shine, while balsamic adds a grown-up twist. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick, easy, and oh-so-good! A little garlic and olive oil turn simple spinach into something special. Plus, it soaks up all those yummy scallop juices.
- Zucchini Noodles: Want something light? These fun veggie noodles are perfect! They twirl just like pasta but keep things fresh and healthy. A sprinkle of red pepper makes them pop!
These vegetable sides make perfect partners for your scallops. Whether you pick grilled, roasted, or fresh options, they’ll make your seafood dish shine!
Potato Side Dishes for Scallops
Looking for something warm and cozy to go with your scallops? These potato dishes will make your dinner extra special!
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Want the best comfort food ever? These mashed potatoes are super smooth and creamy! I love adding warm milk and lots of butter to make them extra special.
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Oh my goodness, these are fancy! First, you roast whole garlic until it’s soft and sweet. Then mix it into creamy potatoes with lots of parmesan cheese. Every bite is like a little flavor party!
- Sweet Potato Gratin: Here’s something different! Thin slices of sweet potato get layered with cream and cheese. The top gets all golden and crispy in the oven. I love how the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor works with buttery scallops.
- Herb Roasted Potato Wedges: Desire something crispy? First, coat these crispy wedges in olive oil and herbs. Then roast them until golden. Enjoy their tasty crunch with scallops! Try them with dips or a little aioli on the side!
- Duchess Potatoes: These look super fancy but they’re fun to make! You pipe mashed potatoes into pretty swirls and bake them until golden. The outside gets slightly crispy while staying creamy inside.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Here’s a crowd favorite! Start with fluffy baked potatoes, then pile on all the good stuff. I’m talking butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives. Some people even add bacon bits!
From creamy mashed to crispy wedges, potatoes make perfect side dishes for scallops. They’re easy to prepare and always please everyone at the table!
Grain-Based Sides That Go Well with Scallops
Want something filling but not too heavy? These yummy grain dishes will make your scallop dinner complete. Let’s check them out!
- Mushroom Risotto: You’re gonna love this creamy rice dish! I stir it slowly with warm broth until it gets super soft and creamy. The mushrooms add a yummy earthy taste that makes scallops even better.
- Lemon Couscous: This is my go-to when I want something quick but tasty! Tiny couscous grains cook in just 5 minutes. I add fresh lemon zest, some herbs, and some butter. The light, citrusy taste makes your scallops shine.
- Garlic Butter Quinoa: Here’s a healthy choice that tastes like a treat! First, toast the quinoa to make it nutty. Then cook it with garlic and butter instead of plain water. The little quinoa balls get fluffy and full of flavor. It’s like a fancy rice that’s packed with protein!
- Creamy Polenta: Want something super cozy? Polenta is like a warm hug for your scallops! I cook cornmeal until it’s smooth and creamy. Add butter, parmesan, and a little cream at the end. The scallops look so pretty sitting on top of the yellow polenta.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: This is not your boring old rice! Mix wild and white rice with tiny chopped veggies and herbs. The wild rice adds pretty dark colors and a fun chewy texture. Sometimes I throw in some toasted nuts too.
These grain-based sides are perfect when you’re wondering what to serve with scallops. They soak up all the tasty juices and make your meal complete!
Pasta Dishes to Serve Alongside Scallops
Who doesn’t love pasta? These noodle dishes make your scallop dinner extra filling and super tasty! Let’s explore my favorite picks.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Oh my, this is pure comfort in a bowl! The wide noodles get coated in the creamiest sauce ever. I mix heavy cream with lots of parmesan cheese until it’s just right. Some people worry it’s too rich with scallops, but trust me – it’s amazing!
- Linguine with Garlic Sauce: Here’s an easy one that’ll knock your socks off! Thin pasta gets tossed in a light sauce made from olive oil and lots of garlic. I like to add some red pepper flakes for a tiny kick. The best part? It takes just minutes to make!
- Pasta Primavera: Want to sneak in some veggies? This colorful pasta is loaded with good stuff! I mix in whatever veggies look fresh – bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, you name it! A light sauce lets the vegetables shine. Your plate looks like a rainbow next to those golden brown scallops.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Sometimes simple is best! This classic Italian dish uses just garlic and olive oil. The noodles get a little coating of garlicky oil that tastes like heaven. It’s perfect when you want your scallops to be the star. Plus, it’s ready in less than 10 minutes!
- Pesto Pasta: Bright green and super fresh! I love mixing hot pasta with homemade pesto sauce. The basil makes everything taste like summer. If you’re busy, store-bought pesto works great too. The nutty sauce goes so well with sweet scallops.
- Orzo Pasta Salad: Can’t decide between pasta and rice? Orzo is your answer! These tiny rice-shaped pasta are so fun to eat. Mix them with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing. Serve it warm or cold – both ways taste great with scallops.
From simple garlic noodles to rich, creamy pasta, these side dishes for scallops will make your dinner amazing. Pick your favorite and get cooking!
Salads That Complement Scallops
Want something fresh and light? These yummy salads will make your scallop dinner feel extra special and super balanced!
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: This isn’t just any old salad! The peppery arugula leaves wake up your taste buds in the best way. I mix up an easy dressing with fresh lemon juice and good olive oil. Add some shaved parmesan cheese on top – it’s like magic!
- Fennel Orange Salad: Here’s something different that’ll wow everyone! Slice fennel super thin – it looks like little white ribbons. Mix in sweet orange pieces and some red onion. The crispy, fresh fennel, and juicy oranges taste like springtime. I love how the sweet oranges match the sweet scallops. A tiny drizzle of olive oil is all you need!
- Pomegranate Spinach Salad: This pretty salad looks like jewels on your plate! Baby spinach leaves get topped with bright red pomegranate seeds. They pop in your mouth with sweet juice! Add some sliced almonds for crunch. A honey dressing makes everything taste even better.
- Caesar Salad: Sometimes the classics are best! Crispy romaine lettuce gets tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. I make my croutons extra crunchy – they’re like little flavor bombs! Some people skip the anchovies, but they add such good flavor. The garlicky dressing tastes amazing next to buttery scallops.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Want something that’ll keep you full? This hearty salad is packed with good stuff! Mix chickpeas with cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions. Add lots of fresh herbs like parsley and mint. A simple lemon dressing makes everything taste fresh.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Looking for something super refreshing? This easy salad is like summer in a bowl! Chunk up crispy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. Add thin-sliced red onions and fresh herbs. A splash of vinegar makes it tangy and bright.
- Brussels Sprout Salad: Don’t worry – these aren’t your grandma’s Brussels sprouts! Sliced thin and tossed with a light dressing, they’re crunchy and fresh.
Whether you pick a light green salad or a hearty chickpea mix, these fresh sides make perfect partners when you’re serving scallops for dinner!
Conclusion
Now you know what to serve with scallops for any occasion! From cozy mashed potatoes to fresh summer salads, these side dishes will make your scallop dinner extra special.
My favorite combo is seared scallops with garlic butter sauce over creamy risotto and a simple arugula salad on the side.
Just remember – keep your sides simple enough to let those sweet, buttery scallops shine!
Want more seafood meal ideas? Check out our tasty dipping sauces for shrimp or vegetable sides for fried fish!
