Perfect Complements: 10 BEST Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimps

Grilling season is in full swing, and when it comes to dinner there’s nothing better than a fresh seafood dish.

Grilled shrimp are seasoned prawns that are grilled on an open grill or barbeque, served with lemon juice, salt, pepper and some olive oil for dipping purposes.

But what do you serve with grilled shrimp? We’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 side dishes that pair well with this delicious dish.

Enjoy.

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimps? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Although grilled shrimp is delicious on its own, some grilling enthusiasts like to create a complete meal by serving them with sides.

The best thing about grilled shrimp is that it can be paired with so many different flavors.

There are some dishes where you want a more spicy flavor, while other dishes might call for something sweeter.

So if you ask us, we say keep your options open and serve up several side dishes to go alongside this delicious dish.

1 – Cucumber Salad

Shrimp is the perfect dish to serve in summer, as it’s light and refreshing.

But you may be wondering what type of side dishes to accompany this entrée? Cucumber salad would be a great choice for two reasons: one, because cucumbers are also considered “refreshing;” second, these vegetables complement shrimp perfectly with their crunchy texture.

This easy side will compliment any grilled seafood with its refreshing taste of cucumbers and onions.

It’s also low carb so you can keep your diet on track.

2 – Lemon Butter Rice

If salad isn’t your thing, a side dish of rice is always an easy and satisfying option.

Rice also works wonders for those who have trouble with gluten as it provides the same texture without any pesky glutens.

This recipe from Martha Stewart will get you that garlicky goodness on your plate in no time flat.

The end result will be fluffy grains with a subtle lemony flavor.

If you’re feeling really ambitious, throw some shrimp onto that buttery bed of rice before serving.

3 – Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes

We all love our grilled shrimp dishes, especially when they come off that grill nice and hot.

The one thing that can make them a little too heavy is the sauce.

If you want to keep things light, serve this sautéed spinach and tomatoes dish with your shrimp for an easy side dish that will bring contrast in flavor to your meal.

The buttery-soft rice complements the crunch of this vegetable medley while still providing a nice level of richness – a perfect balance.

4 – Grilled Corn on the Cob

Did you know that with just about any meal, corn on the cob is a great side dish? And it’s especially true with grilled shrimp.

But don’t worry, you’re not limited to butter or salt and pepper – there are plenty of other spices that will bring out all the flavors in this tasty veggie.

For starters, try topping your corn cobs with either chipotle lime mayo (just mix up some mayo with chopped canned chipotles in adobo sauce) for a smoky-spicy taste; honey garlic dressing for an Asian flair; hot chili oil and sesame seeds for a bold kick of heat and flavor; or herbed buttermilk ranch dip (mix together sour cream or plain yogurt mixed with dried parsley.

You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for an easy-to-serve compliment that’s just as pleasing in taste and texture as it is nutritious too.

5 – Quinoa Bowls with Avocado and Egg

The quinoa breakfast bowl is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

A complementary side dish of avocado, egg, paprika with an optional poached or fried egg on top packs a lot of protein in one bite without the need to use animal products like eggs from chickens who have been subjected to cruelty.

This meal-in-a-bowl can be made ahead at night so that all you have left to do before sitting down during your morning commute is toast up some whole grain bread.

Imagine having this healthy yet filling breakfast waiting as soon as you walk through your door after work? It’s easy, satisfying, and a great way to refuel before your next day begins.

6 – Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of the easiest sides to prepare, but many people do not know that they can be used with other dishes besides just turkey on Thanksgiving or chicken on Christmas.

This dish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp, as mashed potatoes are creamy and soothing, which complements the delicacy of grilled shrimp.

Mashed potatoes can be made with a variety of vegetables to suit your tastes or dietary needs, such as peas and carrots for more color.

This recipe also includes garlic powder for flavor enhancement – but feel free to substitute it with garlic salt if you do not want any extra spice on your dish.

7 – Baked Asapragus with Garlic

As a substitute for potatoes, roasted asparagus is an excellent side dish to accompany any grilled meat or seafood.

The best way I’ve found to roast the stalks of green spears is by spreading them in one layer on my baking sheet and sprinkling liberally with salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic powder before roasting at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy tender.

The result is an appetizing dish that is not only beautiful but healthy, too.

You can enjoy this side dish of baked, grilled or blanched asparagus when it’s time for your friends and family over who are craving some heat in their kitchens.

8 – Sautéed Green Beans and Shallots

Green beans are the perfect side dish to serve with grilled shrimp.

Sautéing them in a little olive oil, butter or bacon fat adds even more flavor and texture than just steaming.

Add onions, garlic and shallots to the pan for extra bite.

You can also add some thyme leaves before they go into the oven so that it becomes infused throughout the beans instead of only on top as a garnish at serving time.

Green beans are easy to overcook, however, so make sure you stir frequently while cooking them until they’re tender yet crisp-tender but not mushy.

9 – Mixed Greens Salad With Goat Cheese and Pecans

Every chef knows that the right side dish can make or break a meal, so when you’re looking for something new with grilled shrimp on your menu this season, try mixing greens salad with goat cheese and pecans.

This tasty combination is easy enough to put together in no time at all.

The added touch of goat cheese and pecans creates the ultimate summer salad.

To make this recipe, you will need mixed greens, baby spinach leaves or arugula, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (or chopped), crumbled goat cheese to top your salads, shelled pecans, and a balsamic dressing.

Pecan pieces may be substituted if desired as well.

10 – Grilled & Loaded Smashed Potatoes

This might sound like a totally unexpected side dish, but it is actually the perfect pairing for grilled shrimp and other seafood.

Grilled & Loaded Smashed Potatoes are as delicious as they sound.

To make these potatoes, you will need Yukon gold potatoes.

You can boil or bake them until they are tender.

Then, put buttery spreadable cheese on top of them and add sour cream on the side.

Mix all of the ingredients with salt and pepper to taste.

You can use cooking spray instead of buttery spreadable cheese to make this side dish even healthier.

Conclusion

Grilled shrimp is a perfect summer dish, but it can be hard to decide what side dishes to serve with this meal.

Luckily we’ve compiled 10 of our favorite side dishes that will complement your grilled shrimp perfectly.

Mix and match them together or try one at a time until you find your perfect pairings.

Which of these sounds like something you would like?

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