What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi? Try These 14 Delicious Sides

Have you ever cooked something delicious, only to realize that it’s missing the perfect side dish?

We’ve all been there! Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that pairs so effortlessly with an array of sides.

From fresh fruits and salads, to classic potatoes and rice, there are so many possibilities when it comes to making your meal even more flavorful!

Check out this comprehensive list of 14 scrumptious sides you can serve with shrimp scampi—each one tailored to take your dinner up a notch.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi? Try These 14 Delicious Sides

1. Garlic Bread

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Garlic bread is a classic side dish that goes great with shrimp scampi.

The dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients: bread, garlic, butter, and parsley.

Garlic bread can be served as is or grilled for an extra crispy texture.

The taste of garlic bread is savory and garlicky, with a hint of butteriness.

The texture is soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy crust.

Garlic bread pairs well with other dishes that are rich in flavor, such as shrimp scampi.

There are a few tips to elevate the dish and take it to the next level.

First, use good quality bread – it makes all the difference.

Second, don’t be afraid to really load up on the garlic – it should be the star of the show.

And lastly, if you have time, grill your garlic bread for an extra crispy texture.

2. Roasted Broccoli

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If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your shrimp scampi, look no further than roasted broccoli.

This simple dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Roasted broccoli is full of savory goodness.

The florets get nice and crispy in the oven, while the stems stay tender and juicy.

The result is a dish that’s full of contrasting textures and flavors.

And, of course, it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals.

There are a few things you can do to make your roasted broccoli even more delicious.

First, be sure to roast your broccoli at a high temperature.

This will help to caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetable, resulting in a sweeter and more flavorful dish.

You can also add some garlic or other herbs for an extra punch of flavor.

Lastly, don’t forget the lemon juice.

A squeeze of fresh lemon will brighten up the flavors and really make this dish shine.

3. Quinoa Pilaf

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A lot of people think that quinoa is a boring grain, but I beg to differ.

Quinoa is actually really versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy quinoa is in a pilaf.

Quinoa pilaf is a dish that is packed with flavor and texture.

The quinoa itself has a nutty flavor that is complemented by the other ingredients in the dish.

The dish also has a great mix of textures, from the crunchy nuts to the chewy dried fruit.

One of the best things about quinoa pilaf is that it can be easily elevated.

For example, you could add some grilled shrimp or chicken to make it into the main dish.

Or, you could use different nuts and dried fruits to change up the flavors.

However you make it, quinoa pilaf is sure to be a hit.

4. Roasted Cauliflower

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Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your shrimp scampi? Look no further than roasted cauliflower.

This simple dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Roasted cauliflower has a lovely nutty flavor that pairs well with the garlicky shrimp scampi.

The texture of roasted cauliflower is also perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

And, roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, making it even more irresistible.

To take your roasted cauliflower to the next level, try adding some Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs before serving.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to find what you like best.

For a truly unique dish, try roasting your cauliflower with some smoked paprika or curry powder.

No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to be a hit.

5. Sautéed Spinach

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Looking for a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your shrimp scampi? Look no further than sautéed spinach.

This dish is not only healthy and packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

Plus, the taste and texture of sautéed spinach pair perfectly with shrimp scampi.

When it comes to taste, sautéed spinach is slightly bitter but also very savory.

The texture is soft and slightly wilted – perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices from the shrimp scampi.

If you want to elevate this dish, we recommend adding a bit of garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor.

You could also top it with some shredded Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon bits.

6. Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

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This Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is the perfect side dish for your next holiday meal.

It’s full of festive flavors and colors, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

The kale salad is hearty and filling, but it’s also light and refreshing.

The cranberries add a tartness that is balanced out by the sweetness of the pecans.

And the creamy dressing ties everything together.

• Add some goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the kale for arugula or spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Throw in some chopped apples or pears for additional sweetness and crunch.

7. Caprese Salad

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Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.

The key ingredients are ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves.

This dish is traditionally seasoned with salt and pepper, and olive oil is used to dress the salad.

The taste of a Caprese salad is defined by the quality of its ingredients.

For the best flavor, use vine-ripened tomatoes that are in season.

The tomatoes should be firm but not hard, and they should have a deep red color.

Look for a ball of mozzarella cheese that is soft and has a creamy texture.

The cheese should be white in color with no brown spots.

Lastly, choose basil leaves that are bright green and have a strong fragrance.

There are several ways to elevate a Caprese salad and make it more special.

One way is to use heirloom tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes.

Heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and green.

They also have a more complex flavor than regular tomatoes.

Another way to make a Caprese salad more unique is to use buffalo mozzarella cheese instead of cow’s milk mozzarella.

Buffalo mozzarella has a richer flavor and creamier texture.

It is also lower in fat than cow’s milk mozzarella.

8. Watermelon Feta Salad

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Watermelon is one of the best fruits to enjoy during the summertime.

It’s refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for a warm day.

But why not take things up a notch and make a watermelon feta salad? This dish is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also beautiful to look at.

The combination of sweet watermelon with salty feta is an explosion of flavor in your mouth.

The two ingredients complement each other perfectly.

And the addition of some fresh mint leaves makes it even more refreshing.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at a barbecue.

If you want to elevate this dish even further, you can add some diced avocado or grilled shrimp.

Both of these ingredients will add some creaminess and heartiness to the salad.

So if you’re looking for a show-stopping summertime salad, look no further than watermelon feta salad.

9. Greek Salad

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A Greek salad is a refreshing and healthy option for a side dish.

The salad is typically made with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and cucumbers.

The salad is then dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

The taste of a Greek salad is salty from the feta cheese and olives, with a slight acidity from the vinegar.

The textures vary depending on the ingredients used but generally include crunchy lettuce and cucumbers, soft tomatoes and onions, and creamy feta cheese.

There are many ways to elevate a Greek salad.

Some common additions include roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, grilled chicken, or shrimp.

For a heartier salad, add quinoa or lentils.

For a vegan option, leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with vegan cheese.

10. Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing

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Arugula salad is a simple, light dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.

The peppery greens are a perfect balance to the tart lemon dressing, and the dish can be easily elevated with a few simple ingredients.

The key to a great arugula salad is to choose the right greens.

Arugula has a distinct peppery flavor, so it’s important to find a balance between the bitterness of the greens and the acidity of the dressing.

The best way to do this is to mix arugula with other milder greens, such as spinach or romaine lettuce.

Once you’ve found the perfect balance of greens, it’s time to add some texture to the salad.

Crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan are both great options, as they add a bit of creaminess to offset the acidity of the dressing.

For an extra pop of flavor, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Finally, don’t forget to season your salad.

A pinch of salt and pepper will help bring out all the flavors in the dish.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, grilled shrimp or chicken are both excellent additions to an arugula salad.

11. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup is one of the most classic and versatile dishes around.

It can be simple and comforting, or it can be rich and complex.

The key to a great tomato soup is in the balance of acidity and sweetness.

The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, with just a hint of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

The soup should also be well seasoned, with a touch of salt to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Basil is the perfect herb for tomato soup, as it adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely aroma.

To elevate this classic dish, try adding a dollop of crème Fraiche or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

For a heartier soup, add some cooked pasta or diced chicken.

Tomato soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste.

12. Manhattan Clam Chowder

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Manhattan Clam Chowder is a soup that originates from New York City.

It is made with chopped clams, tomatoes, onions, celery, and garlic.

This soup is typically served with oyster crackers or bread on the side.

It has a slightly sweet and sour taste due to the tomatoes that are used in the soup.

The texture of this soup is creamy and smooth.

The clams add a slight chewiness to the soup.

There are some tips you can use to elevate your Manhattan Clam Chowder dish.

One tip is to use fresh clams instead of canned clams.

This will give your soup a more pronounced clam flavor.

Another tip is to add some bacon to the soup.

This will add a smoky flavor to the soup that pairs well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

13. Corn Chowder

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Corn chowder is a thick and creamy soup that’s perfect for a winter meal.

It’s packed with flavorful corn, potatoes, and bacon, and it has a rich and hearty taste that will warm you up on a cold day.

The best part about this dish is that it’s easy to make and can be easily elevated with a few simple ingredients.

This soup is delicious as is, but there are a few ways to elevate it even further.

For example, you could add some shredded cheese on top for an extra creamy flavor.

Or, you could stir in some chopped green onions for a bit of color and flavor.

You could also top the soup with crumbled bacon or sliced jalapeños for extra spice.

14. New England Clam Chowder

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New England clam chowder is a creamy soup made with diced potatoes, onions, and clams.

Its thick, hearty texture makes it a perfect winter dish.

The sweetness of the clams is balanced by the salty flavor of bacon, and the soup is often topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

While many people enjoy clam chowder as-is, there are a few simple ways to elevate the dish.

For instance, adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup will give it a richer flavor.

Alternatively, swapping out the diced potatoes for sweet potatoes gives the chowder a touch of sweetness.

Finally, instead of using canned clams, using fresh clams will make a big difference in taste.

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful soup, New England clam chowder is a great option.

Conclusion

There you have it, 14 of the best side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi.

Now that you know what to serve with this delicious seafood dish, all that’s left to do is get cooking.