What to Serve With Sea Scallops: 15 Best Side Dishes

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For a mouthwatering meal with sea scallops, consider pairing them with delectable sides like Lemon Garlic Asparagus, Creamy Parmesan Risotto, or Buttered Green Beans. These options bring vibrant flavors and textures that beautifully enhance scallops. If you enjoy a crisp bite, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with balsamic reduction and pancetta crumbles are fantastic. For a invigorating touch, Mango Avocado Salsa adds a pop of color and zest. Each side dish is designed to balance and elevate the delicate taste of sea scallops. Discover more inviting options that will complement your scallop dish perfectly.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

delicious spring side dish

Lemon Garlic Asparagus is an ideal side dish that complements the delicate flavor of sea scallops with its bright citrus notes and savory garlic undertones.

For the best wine pairing, consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Preparation tips include blanching the asparagus briefly before sautéing them with garlic and lemon zest, ensuring they remain tender yet slightly crunchy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto

savory italian comfort food

Complementing the vibrant flavors of Lemon Garlic Asparagus, Creamy Parmesan Risotto offers a rich and luxurious pairing for sea scallops. The risotto's creamy texture and savory notes enhance the scallops' delicate taste.

Utilizing a precise cooking technique, such as gradual addition of broth, guarantees a perfect consistency. For a seamless dining experience, consider a wine pairing of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Buttered Green Beans

delicious side dish option

Buttered green beans bring a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich, succulent flavors of sea scallops. Their vibrant color and crisp texture add visual appeal and a delightful crunch, making every bite more enjoyable.

Lightly sautéed in butter, these green beans retain their natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory notes of the scallops.

This pairing is simple yet exceptionally satisfying.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

deliciously charred veggie dish

Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them into a caramelized, slightly crispy side dish that pairs excellently with the delicate flavor of sea scallops.

The addition of a balsamic reduction enhances the sprouts' natural sweetness, while pancetta crumbles add a savory crunch.

This combination creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal accompaniment to elevate your scallop dish.

Mango Avocado Salsa

refreshing summer fruit mix

For a spirited and revitalizing contrast to roasted Brussels sprouts, consider mango avocado salsa as a side for sea scallops.

This vibrant dish combines the health benefits of fresh mango and creamy avocado, creating delightful flavor combinations.

The sweetness of mango complements the rich texture of avocado, enhancing the savory notes of sea scallops.

It's a rejuvenating and nutritious choice.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

flavorful comfort food favorite

Elevate your sea scallop entrée by pairing it with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, which offer a comforting and flavorful complement.

The creamy texture of the potatoes enhances the delicate flavors of the scallops, creating a harmonious balance.

The subtle garlic infusion adds a depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

This pairing brings together rich, satisfying textures that leave a lasting impression.

Spinach and Pine Nut Salad

healthy salad with nuts

Complementing the richness of garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh spinach and pine nut salad introduces an invigorating and nutritious contrast to your sea scallop dish.

The crisp spinach offers a wealth of nutrition benefits, while the pine nuts add a delightful crunch.

The flavor combinations of earthy greens and buttery nuts harmonize beautifully with the delicate taste of sea scallops, enhancing your dining experience.

Truffle Mac and Cheese

delicious truffle infused comfort food

Infused with the luxurious essence of truffle, mac and cheese provides a decadent side dish that pairs exquisitely with sea scallops. Various truffle varieties add unique flavors, elevating the dish's sophistication.

Thoughtful cheese pairings, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, create a creamy, rich texture that complements the delicate sweetness of sea scallops, making this combination a culinary delight.

Sautéed Mushrooms

delicious mushroom side dish

Why not enhance your sea scallop dish with the earthy, umami-rich flavor of sautéed mushrooms?

This flavor pairing creates a delightful balance, complementing the sweetness of the scallops.

The cooking technique is simple: sauté mushrooms in butter or oil until golden brown.

Their robust taste adds depth, making your meal both sophisticated and satisfying.

This combination promises a memorable dining experience.

Citrus Quinoa Salad

fresh and zesty dish

A citrus quinoa salad offers an invigorating and nutritious side dish that pairs excellently with sea scallops. This delightful flavor combination balances the rich taste of scallops with the zesty notes of citrus and the nutty texture of quinoa.

Besides its delicious profile, this salad also brings numerous health benefits, including essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a well-rounded addition to your meal.

Pea and Mint Puree

green pea and mint

How can the vibrant combination of sweet peas and invigorating mint elevate your sea scallop dish?

This delightful flavor pairing offers a rejuvenating contrast to the rich, buttery scallops.

Not only does it enhance the taste, but it also adds nutritional benefits.

Peas are rich in vitamins and fiber, while mint aids digestion, making this side dish a perfect complement.

Honey Glazed Carrots

sweet and savory side

Honey glazed carrots provide a sweet and tender accompaniment that perfectly balances the savory richness of sea scallops. By roasting at the right oven temperature, the carrots become caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.

This flavor balance guarantees that the dish is harmonious and delightful, making it an ideal pairing with the succulent texture and taste of sea scallops, creating a memorable dining experience.

Grilled Corn Salad

fresh summer corn recipe

Grilled corn salad offers a vibrant and smoky flavor profile that complements the delicate taste of sea scallops. The charred flavor of the corn, combined with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette, creates a summer delight perfect for warm evenings.

This dish not only adds color to your plate but also enhances the overall dining experience with its unique taste and texture.

Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

healthy flavorful low carb dish

Cauliflower rice pilaf serves as a nutritious and low-carb alternative to traditional rice, making it an excellent accompaniment to sea scallops.

The nutritional benefits are substantial, offering fiber and vitamins with fewer carbs.

Preparation tips include sautéing riced cauliflower with garlic, onion, and a splash of broth for added flavor.

This straightforward dish complements the delicate taste of sea scallops beautifully.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Sea Scallops and Scallion Pancakes?

When serving sea scallops, the best side dishes for scallion pancakes include sautéed vegetables like asparagus or bok choy. These pair well with the delicate flavors of the scallops and offer a nice contrast to the savory and crispy texture of the scallion pancakes.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

grilled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe

Bacon-wrapped asparagus offers a savory and elegant side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the rich flavor of sea scallops.

For preparation tips, wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed, and bake until crispy.

Serving suggestions include arranging on a platter with a lemon wedge garnish, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the dish.