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 salads to hearty pastas, the right sides balance the dish’s richness, making every bite a delight. Explore these curated options from Mangoes and Palm Trees to create a feast that impresses your guests. Check out more shrimp recipes for inspiration!
Classic Pasta Pairings
Pasta is a natural match for shrimp scampi, soaking up its garlic butter sauce. Here are two classic options to serve with shrimp scampi.
| 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, parsley, salt | Cook spaghetti per package instructions. Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 2 minutes, toss with pasta and parsley, season with salt. | Garlic and olive oil echo scampi’s flavors; thin strands wrap around shrimp for a balanced bite. |
| Linguine with Garlic and Olive Oil | 8 oz linguine, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp parsley, salt, pepper | Cook linguine al dente. Heat olive oil, sauté garlic 1-2 minutes, toss with linguine, parsley, salt, and pepper. | Flat noodles capture sauce; garlic enhances scampi’s richness without overpowering. |
Hearty Rice Options
Rice dishes absorb shrimp scampi’s sauce, adding heartiness. These options complement the dish beautifully.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Herb Rice | 1 cup rice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp basil, salt, pepper | Cook rice per instructions. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. | Citrus and herbs brighten scampi’s richness, adding a fresh contrast. |
| Parmesan Risotto | 1 cup Arborio rice, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper | Heat oil, sauté rice 2 minutes, gradually add broth, stirring until absorbed. Mix in Parmesan, season. | Creamy texture and cheesy flavor complement scampi’s buttery sauce. |
Refreshing Salads
Light salads balance shrimp scampi’s richness with crisp, tangy flavors. Try these refreshing options.
| 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, pepper | Whisk oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss with arugula. | Peppery arugula and tangy dressing cut through scampi’s richness. |
| Caesar Salad | 1 head romaine, 1/2 cup Caesar dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 cup croutons | Toss romaine with dressing, sprinkle with Parmesan and croutons. | Creamy dressing and crisp lettuce complement scampi’s flavors. |
| Mango Salsa Salad | 1 mango (diced), 1/4 cup red onion (chopped), 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp cilantro, salt | Mix mango, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Serve chilled. | Tropical sweetness and lime zest add a vibrant, refreshing contrast. |
Vegetable Medleys
Fresh vegetables add color and nutrition to shrimp scampi. These medleys enhance the meal’s balance.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted Asparagus | 1 lb asparagus, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper | Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim asparagus, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, roast 12-15 minutes. | Sweet, crunchy asparagus complements scampi’s tender shrimp. |
| Grilled Zucchini | 2 zucchinis, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, salt, pepper | Slice zucchini, brush with oil, sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Grill 3-4 minutes per side. | Smoky flavor and crisp texture pair well with scampi’s sauce. |
Crusty Bread Choices
Crusty bread soaks up shrimp scampi’s sauce, adding a satisfying crunch. These options are ideal.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | 1 baguette, 1/4 cup butter, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp parsley | Mix butter, garlic, and parsley. Spread on sliced baguette, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. | Buttery, garlicky flavor enhances scampi’s sauce; crispy texture adds contrast. |
| Focaccia | 1 focaccia loaf, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, 1/4 cup olives (optional) | Brush focaccia with oil, sprinkle with rosemary and olives, bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. | Soft interior and crisp crust soak up sauce; herbs complement scampi. |
Decadent Potatoes
Potatoes offer a creamy, hearty complement to shrimp scampi. These decadent options are crowd-pleasers.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | 2 lbs potatoes, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup cream, 2 roasted garlic cloves, salt, pepper | Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. | Creamy texture and sweet garlic pair with scampi’s richness. |
| Herb-Roasted Potatoes | 1.5 lbs small potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, 1 garlic clove | Cut potatoes, toss with oil, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. | Crispy exterior and aromatic herbs contrast scampi’s tenderness. |
Light and Fresh Fruits
Fruits add a sweet, tangy contrast to shrimp scampi’s richness. These options are refreshing and tropical.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Salad | 2 oranges, 2 grapefruits, 1 lemon, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mint leaves | Slice citrus, mix with honey and mint. Serve chilled. | Tangy citrus cuts through scampi’s buttery sauce, adding freshness. |
| Berry Medley | 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 tbsp lime juice | Mix berries with lime juice. Serve chilled. | Sweet berries and lime zest balance scampi’s savory flavors. |
Perfect Beverages
Beverages enhance shrimp scampi’s flavors, from crisp wines to refreshing non-alcoholic options.
| Beverage | Ingredients/Notes | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|
| White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Unoaked Chardonnay) | Chilled, crisp white wine | Zesty acidity and light body complement scampi’s garlic and butter. |
| Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water | Sparkling water, lemon slice | Bubbles and citrus refresh the palate, balancing richness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sides Go Well with Shrimp Scampi?
Lemon garlic pasta, roasted asparagus, and Caesar salad complement shrimp scampi’s flavors.
Can You Serve Bread with Shrimp Scampi?
Yes, garlic bread or focaccia soaks up the sauce beautifully.
What Vegetables Complement Shrimp Scampi?
Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini add color and nutrition.
Are Salads a Good Match for Shrimp Scampi?
Fresh green salads or mango salsa salads provide a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Choosing what to serve with shrimp scampi transforms a simple dish into a memorable feast. From classic pastas and hearty rice to refreshing salads and tropical fruits, these sides enhance the buttery, garlicky flavors. Experiment with these pairings and explore more shrimp recipes to create your perfect meal. Happy cooking!
