What Goes with Shrimp Scampi: 25+ Perfect Side Dishes
If you’re wondering what goes with shrimp scampi, I’ve got you covered. I’ve thrown over 26 of the best side dishes to serve your dinner special.
These easy sides turn your shrimp scampi into a feast, from buttery pasta to crispy vegetables.
There are options for your every taste; from light and fresh to rich and filling.
All these pairings have been tested in my kitchen and are winners! So let’s take a look at these delicious sides that will complement your shrimp scampi at any dinner table.
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish where juicy shrimp swim in a garlicky, buttery sauce with white wine and fresh herbs. People love serving it over pasta or with crusty bread for soaking up the amazing sauce.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi?
Your shrimp scampi deserves perfect partners! I’ll show you fantastic sides – from starchy comfort foods and fresh veggies to crisp salads, warm breads, and tasty appetizers. Let’s make your meal complete!
Starchy Side Dishes for Shrimp Scampi
Your shrimp scampi deserves a hearty base! These starchy sides soak up that amazing garlic butter sauce, making every bite pure heaven.
Pasta Options
As a pasta lover, I always try to combine these choices with my shrimp scampi plate. These pasta sides soak up all that garlic butter sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Pasta: spaghetti, linguine or angel hair pasta tossed in lemon garlic butter sauce creates the perfect bed for your shrimp scampi. The delicate noodles soak up all that gorgeous sauce perfectly.
- Lemon Orzo: Tiny rice-shaped pasta with bright citrus notes makes an elegant base. The orzo’s texture works beautifully with tender shrimp.
- Pesto Pasta: Fresh basil pesto adds a new flavor dimension to your meal. The nutty, herbal notes complement the garlicky shrimp perfectly. Need more pesto ideas? Check out our pesto pasta side ideas.
Rice and Grains
Looking for something different than pasta? These rice and grain options make your shrimp scampi extra special. Each choice brings its own tasty twist!
- Fluffy White Rice: Simple yet perfect, fluffy rice lets the scampi shine while soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s my go-to for busy nights.
- Lemon Rice: Brightened with citrus and herbs, this rice adds extra zing to your meal. Looking for more rice ideas? Check out our summer rice salads.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice with earthy mushrooms creates a luxurious bed for your scampi. The textures play together beautifully.
- Creamy Polenta: Smooth, buttery cornmeal polenta soaks up the scampi sauce like a dream. It’s pure comfort food that elevates the whole dish.
Potato Sides
Potatoes and shrimp scampi? Yes, please! These starchy sides turn your seafood into a filling feast. Get ready for some seriously delicious combinations!
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make the perfect canvas for soaking up scampi sauce. Pure comfort food at its finest!
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy outside, fluffy inside, these cheesy potatoes add wonderful texture to your plate. The garlic and herbs match perfectly.
- Twice-Baked Potatoes: Loaded with cheese and herbs, these potatoes turn your scampi into a special occasion meal. The crispy skins add a nice texture.
- Truffle Potato Wedges: These elegant wedges bring earthy luxury to your plate. The truffle flavor pairs beautifully with the garlic and butter sauce.
Vegetable Side Dishes That Pair with Shrimp Scampi
Fresh veggies bring color and nutrition to your shrimp scampi meal! These veggie sides add crunch, flavor, and balance to your plate. Let’s find these healthy sides!
- Lemon Roasted Asparagus: Tender green spears get a bright citrus kick. I love how the crispy tips and lemony flavor match perfectly with scampi’s sauce.
- Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of veggies topped with nutty parmesan cheese. The roasted flavors add depth to your seafood dinner.
- Sautéed Greens: Quick-cooked spinach, kale, or chard with garlic brings freshness to your plate. These greens soak up the scampi sauce beautifully.
- Green Beans with Garlic: Crisp-tender beans tossed with golden garlic create a simple yet perfect side. Want more ideas? Check out our vegetable sides for fried fish.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh “zoodles” make a low-carb base that’s perfect for soaking up that delicious scampi sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized sprouts add wonderful texture and nutty flavor. They’re surprisingly perfect with seafood!
Fresh Salads to Accompany Shrimp Scampi
Looking for light and refreshing sides for your shrimp scampi recipe? These crisp salads balance the rich, garlicky shrimp pasta perfectly.
- Caprese Salad: Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic create magic on your plate. I love adding a splash of lemon juice to match the shrimp scampi’s brightness. Want more ideas? Check out our what to serve with caprese salad guide.
- Greek Salad: Crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives make this Mediterranean favorite pop. The vinaigrette cuts through the richness of your shrimp pasta beautifully.
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad: Colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and herbs create a fresh fiesta. This easy side brings wonderful textures and Mediterranean flair to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: Crispy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make a classic combo. I always add extra lemon juice to complement the shrimp scampi recipe perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and light citrus dressing keep things fresh and easy. Sometimes the simplest sides work best with fancy shrimp pasta!
- Arugula Salad: Peppery greens, shaved parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette add elegance. The nutty cheese and bright dressing make your shrimp scampi shine even more.
- Citrus and Fennel Salad: Sweet oranges, crisp fennel, and fresh mint create a unique twist. This refreshing combo makes the flavors of shrimp scampi extra special.
Bread-Based Sides to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Don’t let any of that amazing garlic butter sauce go to waste! These bread options are perfect for soaking up every last drop of deliciousness.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted until golden with a crispy crust and soft center. I love how it doubles down on the garlic flavors of scampi. Check out our what to serve with garlic bread guide.
- Focaccia Bread: This Italian flatbread with herbs and olive oil is my go-to for fancy dinners. Its dimpled surface catches the sauce perfectly.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls fresh from the oven make dinner special. I brush them with melted butter for extra indulgence.
- Italian Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf with a crunchy crust and chewy inside. Nothing beats tearing off pieces to soak up that garlicky sauce.
- Homemade Breadsticks: These are the perfect side to serve with shrimp scampi or tortellini pasta. You can dip it in cream cheese dip due to the soft, chewy texture. Try this simple bread recipe, your family will love it!
Other Appetizers That Pair with Shrimp Scampi
Start your meal right with these perfect appetizers! They set the stage for your main course while keeping everyone happy and hungry.
- Baked Onion Rings: Crispy, golden rings add crunch and sweetness. I love the contrast they bring to the tender shrimp.
- Tomato Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread bring bright flavors that complement the scampi perfectly. Looking for more ideas? Check out what to serve with bruschetta.
- Eggplant Fries: These crispy veggie sticks are unexpected but delicious. The creamy interior pairs wonderfully with scampi’s sauce.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy outside, sweet inside – they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I serve them with garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts: What Goes with Shrimp Scampi
Finding the perfect shrimp scampi sides doesn’t have to be complicated! From light salads to hearty starches, you’ve got plenty of delicious options.
I’ve served these sides countless times, and they never disappoint. Mix and match from different categories to create your perfect meal.
Remember, the best sides complement the garlicky, buttery sauce without overshadowing the star – those perfectly cooked shrimp.
Now you’re ready to create an impressive dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
