What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

Elevate your shrimp scampi dinner with the perfect side dishes, tailored to complement its rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors.

Shrimp scampi is a beloved seafood dish, and choosing what to serve with shrimp scampi can transform it into a complete, unforgettable meal. From light, crisp salads to hearty pastas and tropical-inspired sides, the right shrimp scampi side dishes balance the dish’s richness, making every bite a delight. Curated by Mangoes and Palm Trees, these shrimp scampi pairings are designed to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience. Explore more seafood inspiration with our Best Keto Shrimp Recipes!

---

Classic Pasta Pairings

Pasta is a natural match for shrimp scampi, soaking up its garlic butter sauce for a harmonious bite. These classic shrimp scampi pairings enhance the dish’s savory flavors while keeping the meal balanced.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio	8 oz spaghetti, 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (sliced), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp parsley (chopped), salt	Cook spaghetti per package instructions until al dente. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 2 minutes until fragrant, toss with drained pasta and parsley, and season with salt.	The garlic and olive oil mirror scampi’s flavors, while the thin spaghetti strands wrap around shrimp for a cohesive, flavorful bite.
Linguine with Garlic and Olive Oil	8 oz linguine, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp parsley (chopped), salt, black pepper	Cook linguine al dente according to package directions. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until golden, toss with linguine, parsley, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.	Flat linguine noodles capture the scampi’s buttery sauce, and the subtle garlic enhances the dish’s richness without overpowering the shrimp.

For more pasta inspiration, explore our Shrimp Pasta Recipes.

---

Hearty Rice Options

Rice dishes absorb shrimp scampi’s luxurious sauce, adding heartiness and texture to the meal. These rice-based sides complement the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Lemon Herb Rice	1 cup long-grain rice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp parsley (chopped), 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp basil, salt, black pepper	Cook rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lemon juice, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.	The citrusy lemon and aromatic herbs brighten the scampi’s richness, providing a fresh, zesty contrast to the buttery sauce.
Parmesan Risotto	1 cup Arborio rice, 4 cups chicken broth (warmed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper	Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté rice for 2 minutes, then gradually add warm broth, stirring until absorbed (about 20 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.	The creamy texture and cheesy umami of risotto complement the scampi’s buttery sauce, creating a luxurious, cohesive meal.

---

Refreshing Salads

Light, crisp salads balance shrimp scampi’s richness with vibrant, tangy flavors, making them ideal shrimp scampi side dishes. These refreshing options add color and nutrition.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette	4 cups arugula, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper	In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss with arugula just before serving.	The peppery arugula and tangy lemon vinaigrette cut through the scampi’s richness, providing a fresh, palate-cleansing contrast.
Caesar Salad	1 head romaine lettuce (chopped), 1/2 cup Caesar dressing, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup croutons	Toss romaine with Caesar dressing in a large bowl, then sprinkle with Parmesan and croutons for texture.	The creamy dressing and crisp lettuce complement the scampi’s garlic butter, while croutons add a satisfying crunch.
Mango Salsa Salad	1 mango (diced), 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped), 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped), salt	In a bowl, mix diced mango, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.	The tropical sweetness of mango and zesty lime add a vibrant, refreshing contrast, aligning with *Mangoes and Palm Trees* flair.

Discover more salad ideas in our Salads collection.

---

Vegetable Medleys

Fresh vegetable medleys add color, nutrition, and texture to shrimp scampi, creating a well-balanced meal. These options enhance the dish’s savory profile.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Roasted Asparagus	1 lb asparagus (trimmed), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, black pepper	Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp.	The sweet, crunchy asparagus complements the tender shrimp, adding a fresh, earthy note to the rich sauce.
Grilled Zucchini	2 zucchinis (sliced lengthwise), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, salt, black pepper	Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until tender.	The smoky flavor and crisp texture of grilled zucchini pair perfectly with the scampi’s buttery sauce.
Sautéed Spinach	10 oz fresh spinach, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves (minced), salt, black pepper	Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, add spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper.	The garlicky spinach echoes the scampi’s flavors, offering a nutrient-rich, tender side.

---

Crusty Bread Choices

Crusty bread is a must-have to soak up shrimp scampi’s luscious sauce, adding a satisfying crunch. These bread options are ideal complements.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Garlic Bread	1 baguette (sliced), 1/4 cup butter (softened), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)	Mix butter, garlic, and parsley. Spread on baguette slices, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden.	The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the scampi’s sauce, while the crispy texture adds a delightful contrast.
Focaccia	1 focaccia loaf, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, 1/4 cup olives (chopped, optional)	Brush focaccia with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and olives, and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes to warm through.	The soft interior and crisp crust soak up the scampi’s sauce, with herbs complementing the dish’s savory notes.

---

Decadent Potatoes

Potatoes offer a creamy, hearty complement to shrimp scampi, perfect for a comforting meal. These decadent options are crowd-pleasers.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Garlic Mashed Potatoes	2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 roasted garlic cloves, salt, black pepper	Peel and boil potatoes until tender (15-20 minutes), then mash with butter, cream, roasted garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.	The creamy texture and sweet garlic pair seamlessly with the scampi’s rich, buttery sauce.
Herb-Roasted Potatoes	1.5 lbs small red potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, 1 garlic clove (minced)	Cut potatoes into quarters, toss with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Roast at 400°F on a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes until crispy.	The crispy exterior and aromatic herbs contrast the scampi’s tenderness, adding a rustic touch.

Explore more side dish ideas in our Recipes collection.

---

Light and Fresh Fruits

Fruits add a sweet, tangy contrast to shrimp scampi’s richness, bringing a tropical flair to the meal. These refreshing options are perfect for a balanced plate.

Side Dish	Ingredients	Preparation	Why It Pairs Well
Citrus Salad	2 oranges (segmented), 2 grapefruits (segmented), 1 lemon (juiced), 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mint leaves (chopped)	Combine citrus segments in a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice and honey, and sprinkle with mint. Serve chilled.	The tangy citrus cuts through the scampi’s buttery sauce, adding a refreshing, palate-cleansing note.
Berry Medley	1 cup strawberries (sliced), 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 tbsp lime juice	Mix berries with lime juice in a bowl. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.	The sweet berries and zesty lime balance the scampi’s savory flavors, offering a light, vibrant side.
Pineapple Chunks	1 cup fresh pineapple (cubed), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp mint (chopped)	Toss pineapple cubes with lime juice and mint. Serve chilled.	The tropical sweetness of pineapple complements the scampi, enhancing the *Mangoes and Palm Trees* vibe.

For more tropical inspiration, try our Mango Cheesecake Spring Rolls.

---

Perfect Beverages

Beverages elevate shrimp scampi’s flavors, from crisp wines to refreshing non-alcoholic options, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Beverage	Ingredients/Notes	Why It Pairs Well
White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Unoaked Chardonnay)	Chilled, crisp white wine	The zesty acidity and light body complement the scampi’s garlic and butter, enhancing the seafood’s delicate flavors.
Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water	Sparkling water, 1 lemon slice, 1 tsp lemon juice	The bubbles and citrus refresh the palate, balancing the scampi’s richness without overpowering it.
Iced Herbal Tea	Chamomile or mint tea, ice, lemon slice	The light, floral notes and citrus accent cleanse the palate, pairing well with the scampi’s buttery sauce.

Discover more beverage pairings in our Tea collection.

---

Dietary Variations

Gluten-Free Options

Replace wheat-based pastas with gluten-free spaghetti or linguine, and use gluten-free croutons in Caesar salad. Ensure all ingredients (e.g., broth in risotto) are certified gluten-free, as outlined in our Gluten-Free Meal Plans.

Vegan Options

Substitute butter with olive oil Natali in Parmesan risotto, and use plant-based Caesar dressing for the salad. For garlic bread and mashed potatoes, use vegan butter and non-dairy cream. These adaptations maintain flavor while aligning with vegan diets.

Low-Carb Options

Opt for zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and replace potatoes with cauliflower mash. Choose salads or roasted vegetables over rice or bread to keep carbs low, ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sides Go Well with Shrimp Scampi?

Lemon garlic pasta, roasted asparagus, Caesar salad, and garlic bread complement shrimp scampi’s rich, buttery flavors.

Can You Serve Bread with Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the scampi’s delicious garlic butter sauce.

What Vegetables Complement Shrimp Scampi?

Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini add color, nutrition, and complementary flavors to the dish.

Are Salads a Good Match for Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, fresh green salads like arugula or Caesar, or a tropical mango salsa salad, provide a refreshing contrast to the scampi’s richness.

What Drinks Pair Well with Shrimp Scampi?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or non-alcoholic options like lemon-infused sparkling water enhance the scampi’s flavors.

---

Conclusion

Choosing what to serve with shrimp scampi transforms a simple seafood dish into a memorable feast. From classic pastas and hearty rice dishes to refreshing salads, tropical fruits, and crusty breads, these shrimp scampi side dishes enhance the buttery, garlicky flavors, creating a balanced and delightful meal. Experiment with these tropical shrimp scampi sides to impress your guests, and explore more seafood recipes in our Shrimp Pasta Recipes or try a fun quiz at our Personality Quiz Hub. Share your favorite pairings on X with #MangoesPalmTrees. Happy cooking!