Shrimp scampi has a garlicky, butter taste with a hint of white wine, making it a classic for good reasons. While it makes a great dish alone, pairing it with a side dish can enhance the dining experience. So, we have listed the tasty side dishes for shrimp scampi to guide you in your upcoming meal preparation.
In this list, you will find recipes from the easiest to the artisan cooking method. It gives you room to explore side dish alternatives than the usual combo. From Italian Bruschetta to Artichoke Caprese bites, this list can give you a comfort food combination you will put on repeat.
Take your family on an Italian-American dining experience at home. Pair the most loved shrimp recipe with these 23 tasty side dishes.
Quick Garlic Toast
Let’s start with the easy yet tasty side dish recipe to serve with shrimp scampi. Garlic toast is ideal if time is against your side to finish all the mains. It also maxes out the whole dish by soaking the bread in the sauce, leaving no trace, only a satisfied stomach.
Baked Ziti
Like shrimp scampi, baked ziti is also a classic Italian-American comfort food. It is a cheesy, saucy pasta casserole like lasagna, minus the tedious layering. The creamy sauce is filling and complements well the tender texture of a shrimp scampi.
Romaine Salad With Olive Garden Dressing
Romaine salads are light and refreshing, perfect for a laid-back day. The salad dressing has a zesty vinegar flavor, adding acidity to a sweet shrimp scampi. Expect a tart and strong flavor coming from cherry tomatoes and red onions, as well.
Grilled Zucchini with Lemon Drizzle
Grilled vegetables bring out more flavor, making extra seasoning less needed. The lemon drizzle also gives it an extra zing and sourness, stabilizing a sweet main. If you intend to pair this side dish with shrimp scampi, you’ll get it done in less than an hour.
Sweet Potato Grits
Sweet potato grits has a smooth and creamy texture with a warm, spiced sweet potato flavor. The sweet potato, when baked, develops a caramelized flavor that blends well with buttered grits. Its savory roasted taste makes a perfect pair with any shrimp dish.
Ricotta Gnocchi with Cream Sauce
Ricotta gnocchi is a fine blank canvas for most dishes, like shrimp scampi. With six ingredients, you can create gnocchi at home and pair it with different sauces. Or you can drench it in Gorgonzola Cream Sauce, like in the video.
Herb Butter Skillet Corn
The light, tender flavor of the shrimp scampi should go with a dish that does not overpower. This herb butter corn recipe tastes buttery with a refreshing flavor from thyme and parsley. It is inexpensive and quick to make. You only need a total of eight minutes from preparation to cooking.
Tasty Pearl Couscous Salad
Time to shine a light on pearl couscous by serving shrimp scampi over it. This recipe features a Mediterranean spin by adding a bright lemon dressing, vibrant tomatoes, and juicy cucumber. The fresh herbs, like dill and coriander, also highlight the flavor of this side dish.
Roasted Broccoli with Meyer Lemon and Garlic
Jazz things up with plain roasted broccoli by adding thin slices of Meyer lemon. The acidic taste of this recipe harmonizes well with the light and tender shrimp scampi. Also, you can savor the chewy lemon if you’re up for some citrusy but less tart flavor. If you’re not a fan, it’s okay as well!
Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries
We all know how good baked potato fries are as a side dish for any meal. But this recipe works the same and makes a healthier alternative. Coated in panko mixture, it adds a crunchy and crispy texture to the baked asparagus. Treat it like fries, and try mopping it in the shrimp scampi sauce for flavor.
Garlicky Zucchini Rice
This garlicky zucchini rice only requires four ingredients to make. Basmati rice forms the base, but you may opt for jasmine rice based on the availability. A sprinkle of oregano also gives it an Italian flair but can be tweaked depending on your taste. Flavor-wise, zucchini blends into any savory or sweet dish, like shrimp scampi.
Italian Bruschetta
This recipe is a staple in most Italian restaurants. It is usually served with light dishes like shrimp scampi. Do you have day-old bread? Don’t let it go to waste, make an Italian bruschetta instead. It should be golden and crispy before you top it with tomatoes and fresh basil. You can also place a whole shrimp on top to incorporate the flavor.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Don’t let your eyes deceive you with its plain Jane appearance. This recipe has simple-yet-perfect flavors of corn, salty pecorino-Romano, and cheesy parmesan. It makes a perfect base for your shrimp dish without putting too much cooking effort. Before serving, sprinkle it with more cheese and a dollop of butter for a creamier texture.
Easy Greek Salad
Here’s another salad recipe, perfect with a buttery, sweet shrimp scampi dish. Slices of juicy cucumber, plump tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese create the luscious base. All of which are unified by a tangy lemon herb vinaigrette. The dressing is a mixture of seasonings, citrus fruits, and fresh spices that will elevate the whole dish. Make this dish easier by buying pitted Kalamata olives for a smooth preparation.
Nana’s Angel Hair Pasta Aglio E Olio
Are you waiting for a pasta dish to pop up? Well, here it is, in its simple yet flavorful form. This recipe is a traditional Italian-American recipe that complements any large celebration. Its olive oil mixture features a garlicky, salty, and peppery taste. Serve a bowl of Aglio E Olio with a shrimp scampi on top to create a warm, comforting meal.
Artichoke Caprese Bites
For a fresh, light, and easy side dish preparation, Artichokes Caprese bites can fulfill it all. This recipe pulls the flavor of Italian marinated tomatoes, nutty artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella in one. All skewered on a stick for a quirky and playful presentation. You can also poke in some shrimp scampi to combine all the tastes.
Broccoli With Parmesan Orzo
A meal would not be complete without a bowl of rice for many. If you are one of those, this broccoli orzo recipe can enhance the appeal of a shrimp scampi. Tossed in cooked orzo are steamed broccoli, sauteed onions and garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Also, do not overcook your broccoli to avoid a mushy texture. Remember that we want a slight crunch texture.
Zoodles with Avocado Pesto
Zoodles are great alternatives to spaghetti if you want to keep things healthy. Using a spiralizer, you can turn your zucchini into noodles. The avocado pesto has a garlicky and citrusy flavor accompanied by the fresh taste of basil. Pair this zoodle side dish with a light meal like shrimp scampi for a hearty dinner.
Rustic Italian Ciabatta
If you want an artisan approach to serving your meal, this Rustic Italian Ciabatta recipe can do the trick. This bread recipe is an Italian loaf brimming with irregular holes, able to hold all the shrimp scampi sauce. You only need a few ingredients but expect a longer waiting time to finish since you are dealing with dough.
Shaved Brussel Sprouts with Mustard Vinaigrette
Have you tried raw brussels sprouts salad? This vegetable is like cabbage, and it would remind you of a coleslaw recipe. The mustard vinaigrette contains simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry. It also includes refreshing pomegranate seeds and roasted walnuts. Thus, creating a playful texture on your palate.
Easy One-Pot Lemon Pasta
Have this lemon pasta for a weeknight dinner in less than 20 minutes. Made with eight pantry staples, you can create this budget-friendly recipe quickly. You can also grate some parmesan cheese for that extra salty flavor. And lastly, you guessed it, a good serving of shrimp scampi to complete the whole meal.
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Make a side dish great for shrimp scampi but also something your kids will love. This smashed potato recipe is easy to cook and only requires a few ingredients to coat. In the oven for 45 minutes, you have enough time to focus on your main. Let it rest a few minutes after baking to achieve that crispy potato texture.
Incredible Crab Bisque with Sherry
Are you a fan of seafood dishes? If you are, there is a high chance that you will enjoy eating this crab bisque alongside a shrimp scampi. This crab bisque recipe provides a smooth, velvety, thick soup texture that balances well with the tender shrimp. Add a dry-cooking sherry at the end for an extra layer of flavor and depth.
Take Away
The light and delectable taste of shrimp scampi is very versatile. From a piece of bread to a well-flavored salad, there is a recipe to serve with every occasion.
What side dish for shrimp scampi on the list caught your attention? Is it the potato recipes, the salads, or the pasta? Whatever side dish you pick, we are sure that it will complement well with a shrimp scampi dish.
