Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious delicacy, and choosing the right sides can enhance their flavor. Try garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy and satisfying option, or lemon asparagus for a zesty, fresh contrast. Parmesan risotto's rich, velvety texture complements the scallops beautifully. Caesar salad provides a crisp and tangy bite, while roasted Brussels sprouts add robust and earthy flavors. Other great choices include grilled zucchini, wild rice blend, cucumber dill salad, and sautéed mushrooms. Each side dish brings its own unique twist to the meal, making your dinner extraordinary. Explore more for a delightful dining experience!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes guarantee a creamy and flavorful complement to the rich taste of bacon-wrapped scallops.
The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes balances the savory, crispy bacon and tender scallops, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Garlic adds a delightful punch, enhancing the overall taste experience.
This side dish guarantees a satisfying and well-rounded meal, perfect for any occasion.
Lemon Asparagus
Lemon asparagus provides a vibrant and zesty side dish that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops. The citrus zest brings out the freshness of the asparagus spears, creating a delightful contrast to the savory scallops.
Lightly sautéed or roasted, this dish offers a crisp texture and a burst of flavor, making it an invigorating complement to your meal.
Parmesan Risotto
Complementing the vibrant lemon asparagus, Parmesan risotto offers a creamy and luxurious side that enhances the savory richness of bacon-wrapped scallops.
This dish, featuring various cheese varieties, achieves its velvety texture through specific cooking techniques like slowly stirring arborio rice.
The Parmesan cheese melds beautifully, providing a deep, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the succulent scallops, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp and invigorating contrast to the rich and savory flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops. The crunchy homemade croutons and the creamy dressing elevate the dish, offering a revitalizing balance.
The fresh romaine lettuce and the tangy dressing complement the scallops perfectly, making this pairing an excellent choice for a delightful and well-rounded meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts guarantee a robust and earthy dimension to the meal, providing a hearty counterpart to the delicate flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops.
Enhanced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and the sweet touch of caramelized onions, these Brussels sprouts bring a satisfying balance of flavors.
This combination secures a delightful dining experience, where each bite complements the next in perfect harmony.
Mango Salsa
Mango salsa introduces a vibrant and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops. Its tropical flavors highlight the dish with a rejuvenating contrast, offering a burst of sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory notes.
The juicy mango, combined with lime, cilantro, and a hint of chili, creates a delightful balance, making it a perfect accompaniment to elevate your dining experience.
Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf serves as an excellent side dish, providing a nutty flavor and fluffy texture that pairs well with the richness of bacon-wrapped scallops. This wholesome grain not only adds a delightful contrast to the dish but also offers a protein boost, making your meal more balanced.
Its light, yet satisfying nature guarantees it complements without overpowering, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Buttered Green Beans
Complementing the quinoa pilaf, buttered green beans offer a fresh and crisp counterpoint to the savory bacon-wrapped scallops.
French beans, a type of green vegetable, are lightly steamed and tossed in butter, making them tender yet still slightly crunchy.
This simple preparation allows the natural flavors of the green beans to shine, creating a delightful contrast to the rich, smoky scallops.
Caprese Salad
Featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, a Caprese salad brings an invigorating and revitalizing element to the meal, perfectly balancing the richness of bacon-wrapped scallops.
The creamy texture of fresh mozzarella complements the crisp tomatoes, while a basil drizzle adds a burst of flavor.
This classic Italian salad offers a light and rejuvenating contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience with its simplicity and elegance.
Sweet Potato Fries
Offering a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch, sweet potato fries make an excellent side dish for bacon-wrapped scallops.
Packed with health benefits, they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Seasoning options are plentiful; try a dash of sea salt, paprika, or even cinnamon for an added twist.
This versatile side dish complements the savory scallops beautifully, creating a balanced meal.
Spinach Orzo
Spinach orzo serves as a light yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with bacon-wrapped scallops. Its creamy texture and vibrant color make it an appealing choice.
The orzo pasta, blended with fresh spinach, creates a dish that balances the richness of the scallops. Easy to prepare, it adds a nutritious and visually pleasing element to your meal.
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini provides a healthy and flavorful accompaniment to bacon-wrapped scallops, adding a touch of smokiness and a crisp texture.
You can serve thinly sliced zucchini boats or spiralized zucchini noodles for a light, invigorating side.
The gentle char from grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini, creating a balanced dish that complements the rich scallops beautifully, making a delightful pairing.
Wild Rice Blend
Complementing the savory richness of bacon-wrapped scallops, a wild rice blend introduces a hearty and nutty flavor profile to the meal.
For best results, consider cooking tips like toasting the rice before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor.
This side dish balances the richness of the scallops while adding a delightful texture, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Cucumber Dill Salad
To invigorate the palate after the rich and nutty flavors of the wild rice blend, a cucumber dill salad offers a crisp and tangy contrast.
The cucumber benefits include hydration and vitamins, making it a healthy choice.
Exploring different dill varieties, from common to lemony, can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
This salad adds a light, rejuvenating element to your meal.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Bay Scallops the Same as the Best Side Dishes for Bacon Wrapped Scallops?
When it comes to the best side dishes for bay scallops, the options may differ from those for bacon-wrapped scallops. While the delicate flavor of bay scallops pairs well with lighter sides like a lemony arugula salad or roasted asparagus, the heartier bacon-wrapped scallops may be complemented by starchier dishes like roasted potatoes or creamy risotto.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms bring a savory and earthy depth to the meal, perfectly enhancing the flavors of the bacon-wrapped scallops.
Utilizing a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, adds complexity.
Employing simple cooking techniques, like sautéing in butter with garlic and thyme, brings out rich, umami flavors.
This side dish pairs seamlessly, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.