What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp: 45+ Easy Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with grilled shrimp? I’ve got you covered with tons of yummy sides! Grilled shrimp is one of my favorite seafood to make. It’s so easy and tasty.

The best part is how many different sides you can pair with it. From rice to salads, and even crispy treats, there are endless ways to make your shrimp dinner special.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp

I love how quick grilled shrimp cooks up – perfect when I’m super busy! You’ll get lots of protein without feeling heavy. My family enjoys it both at backyard BBQs and fancy dinner parties. The best part? You can pair it with almost anything!

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp?

Get ready to find amazing sides for your grilled shrimp! I’m sharing everything from fluffy rice dishes to crunchy slaws. You’ll find warm comfort foods and light, fresh options.

Rice Dishes

Rice makes the perfect bed for juicy grilled shrimp. I love how it soaks up all the tasty sauce. These options range from simple to fancy, but they’re all super delicious!

• Herb Lemon Rice: Fresh herbs and zesty lemon make this rice shine. I make this when I want something light but filling. The bright flavors match perfectly with grilled shrimp.

• Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into something special. Add some veggies, eggs, and soy sauce. My kids always ask for seconds of this one!

• Coconut Rice: Sweet, creamy coconut milk makes this rice extra special. It reminds me of beach vacations and tropical flavors.

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fresh cilantro and lime juice wake up plain rice. This is my go-to for taco-style grilled shrimp nights.

• Spanish Rice: Tomatoes and spices give this rice its pretty color. It’s like a party on your plate!

Pasta

Pasta and grilled shrimp are a match made in heaven! From creamy to zesty, these pasta sides will make your meal extra special. My family loves these carb-loaded companions.

• Easy Pasta Salad: Cool, refreshing, and loaded with colorful veggies. I toss in Italian dressing and chunks of mozzarella. Perfect for summer cookouts when you want something light.

• Pesto Pasta: Fresh basil pesto coats every bite with a rich, garlicky flavor. Sometimes I make extra pesto to drizzle over the shrimp too. It’s my go-to fancy dinner side.

• Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy comfort food that makes everyone happy. The rich sauce contrasts perfectly with grilled shrimp. My secret? Extra sharp cheddar for more flavor.

• Spicy Cajun Pasta: Kick things up with bold Cajun seasoning. The heat level is up to you. When I’m feeling adventurous, I add extra cayenne pepper.

• Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Tiny pasta shapes cooked risotto-style with garlic and lots of cheese. It’s like having the best of both worlds – pasta and rice together!

• Creamy Alfredo: Silky smooth sauce hugs every strand of fettuccine. You won’t believe how easy it is to make from scratch. My guests always ask for the recipe.

Risotto

Creamy risotto takes your grilled shrimp to restaurant-level fancy. I promise these versions are worth the extra stirring time!

• Lemon and Herb Risotto: Bright citrus notes and fresh herbs make this creamy rice dish sing. I love adding thyme and parsley to my garden.

• Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan create deep flavors. When I’m feeling fancy, I use wild mushrooms for extra special dinners.

• Garlic Parmesan Risotto: Loads of garlic and cheese make this ultra-comforting. The creamy texture reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant.

• Saffron Risotto: Golden threads of saffron turn this into something magical. It’s pricey but perfect for special occasions. The color alone makes everyone say “wow!”

Easy Salads

Fresh, crisp salads balance out grilled shrimp perfectly! These colorful combinations add nutrients and bright flavors to your plate. You’ll love how easy they are to toss together.

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons. I always make extra dressing because my family loves drizzling it over their shrimp too.

• Greek Salad: Chunky cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with zesty dressing. The Mediterranean flavors remind me of seaside tavernas. Perfect for summer dinners.

• Avocado Tomato Salad: Creamy avocados and juicy tomatoes dressed simply with olive oil and herbs. You won’t believe how these simple ingredients create such magic together.

• Quinoa Salad: Protein-packed quinoa mixed with rainbow veggies and lemony dressing. I love making this ahead for busy weeknights. It stays fresh for days!

• Black Bean and Corn Salad: Southwest flavors pop in this filling salad. The beans make it hearty enough for a complete meal. My favorite picnic side dish!

Potato Side Dishes

Who doesn’t love potatoes? These comforting sides turn grilled shrimp into a feast. Each version brings something special to your plate.

• Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes: Golden-brown chunks coated in garlicky butter and herbs. The crispy outside and fluffy inside make these irresistible. My guests always want seconds.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery comfort food that makes any meal special. I add a touch of sour cream for extra richness. Pure comfort on a plate!

• Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, and loaded with extras like pickles and eggs. This classic picnic side gets even better the next day. Perfect for make-ahead meals.

• Whipped Sweet Potatoes: Light and fluffy with a hint of maple sweetness. The orange color looks beautiful next to the pink shrimp. A healthier twist on regular mashed potatoes.

• Grilled Foil Potatoes: Seasoned potato packets cooked right on the grill. Since you’re already grilling shrimp, these are super convenient. Love the smoky flavor!

Quick Vegetable Sides

Fresh veggies add color, nutrients, and crunch to your grilled shrimp dinner. These quick-cooking sides are perfect when you’re short on time but want something healthy and delicious.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet kernels get smoky and charred right alongside your shrimp. I brush mine with herb butter and sprinkle with chili powder. Summer perfection!

• Sauteed Green Beans: Crisp-tender beans with garlic and almonds. Takes just minutes to make. My kids actually ask for seconds of these green beans – no kidding!

• Pan Fried Asparagus: Tender spears with crispy tips, finished with lemon and Parmesan. The elegant presentation makes any dinner feel fancy. My favorite spring vegetable!

• Grilled Bok Choy: Smoky, charred leaves with a tender heart. A light sesame oil drizzle makes this Asian-inspired side shine. Perfect for adding variety to your plate.

• Grilled Zucchini: Simply seasoned slices with beautiful grill marks. I love how the summer squash gets slightly sweet when grilled. So easy and always delicious!

Slaw Variations

Crunchy slaws bring texture and tang to your shrimp feast. These aren’t your ordinary coleslaw recipes – each has a special twist!

• Southern Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy dressing coats crisp cabbage and carrots. My grandmother’s recipe never fails to please at family gatherings. The secret? A touch of celery seed.

• Napa Cabbage Slaw: Light and crispy with Asian-inspired flavors. The tender Napa cabbage adds a delicate touch. Great for hot summer days!

• Asian Sesame Slaw: Crunchy vegetables with toasted sesame dressing. The nutty flavor works magic with grilled shrimp. My go-to for Asian fusion dinners.

• Spicy Cilantro Lime Slaw: Kicked-up slaw with fresh herbs and citrus zing. When you want something with a bit more punch, this delivers every time!

Fresh Salsas

Bright, fresh salsas add a burst of flavor to grilled shrimp. These no-cook sides are perfect for hot days and quick meals.

• Mango Salsa: Sweet, juicy mangoes with red onion and jalapeño kick. The tropical flavors remind me of beach vacations. Makes every bite feel like paradise!

• Classic Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro chopped just right. I make extra because everyone loves spooning it over their shrimp.

• Pineapple Salsa: Sweet and spicy with fresh pineapple chunks. The combination of heat and sweetness makes this irresistible. Perfect for summer grilling!

• Avocado Corn Salsa: Creamy avocado meets sweet corn and lime juice. It’s like guacamole met corn salad and they fell in love. Always disappears first!

Homemade Fries

Nothing beats hot, crispy fries with grilled shrimp! These homemade versions are way better than takeout. Each type brings its own special crunch to your plate.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy outside, tender inside with natural sweetness. I toss them with cinnamon and sea salt. The orange color looks beautiful next to grilled shrimp.

• French Fries: Classic hand-cut potatoes, double-fried for extra crispiness. My secret is soaking them in cold water first. Everyone fights over the crispy ends!

• Cajun Fries: Regular fries kicked up with spicy Cajun seasoning. The heat level is up to you. These disappear faster than I can make them!

• Zucchini Fries. A healthier alternative that’s just as satisfying as regular fries. It pair well with grilled shrimp.

Bread and Rolls

Warm, fresh bread makes any meal better! These options are perfect for soaking up those delicious shrimp juices.

• Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky, and toasted to perfection. Sometimes I add cheese on top. The whole house smells amazing when it’s baking!

• French Bread Rolls: Light, airy rolls with crispy crusts. I warm them just before serving. Nothing beats tearing into these fresh from the oven.

• Cornbread: Sweet and savory Southern classic. My version has real corn kernels inside. Makes the meal feel like a proper feast!

• Biscuits: Flaky, buttery layers that melt in your mouth. I learned this recipe from my grandmother. They’re easier to make than you’d think!

Additional Crispy Sides

These crunchy bites add excitement to your grilled shrimp dinner. Perfect when you want something a little different!

• Onion Rings: Golden-brown rings with light, crispy batter. I use sweet onions for the best flavor. They’re always the first to disappear!

• Tempura Vegetables: Seasonal veggies dipped in airy Japanese batter and fried until delicately crisp. The light coating lets each vegetable’s flavor shine through. Great for adding variety to your plate.

• Fried Green Tomatoes: Southern classic with cornmeal coating. The tangy tomatoes and crunchy exterior are irresistible. My summer favorite!

• Zucchini Corn Fritters: Crispy outside, tender inside with sweet corn kernels. These little bites are addictive. Perfect for using up summer zucchini!

Final Thoughts

I love how grilled shrimp goes well with so many sides! You can pick light stuff like salads when it’s hot, or go for filling sides like rice when you want comfort food.

Try new combos based on what you feel like eating. Think about what your family likes too. Some of my best meals came from trying new things together!

Want to make it even better? Switch up your sauces or pick fresh veggies that are in season. Trust me, your friends will ask for seconds when you serve these tasty combos at your next cookout.