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What to Serve With Baked Shrimp Scampi: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing baked shrimp scampi with the right side dishes can transform your meal into a delightful culinary experience. Garlic bread adds a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. A crisp Caesar salad, with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, offers a invigorating contrast. Roasted asparagus brings a blend of flavors and delightful crispness, while lemon rice enhances the meal with zesty citrus notes. Steamed broccoli, rich in vitamins, adds a nutritious touch. Other great options include Parmesan risotto, roasted Brussels sprouts, couscous salad, and buttered corn. Explore these combinations to discover more delicious pairings.

Garlic Bread

delicious homemade garlic bread

A classic accompaniment to baked shrimp scampi is garlic bread, which enhances the meal with its rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.

The crispy texture of the bread pairs wonderfully with the succulent shrimp, making each bite delightful.

Brushed generously with garlic butter, this side dish not only complements the main course but also adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the dining experience.

Caesar Salad

creative cooking with caesar

With its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons, Caesar salad offers a revitalizing contrast to the rich flavors of baked shrimp scampi. Experiment with different crouton varieties, such as garlic or herb-infused, to add unique textures.

Dressing options can include traditional creamy Caesar or lighter vinaigrette versions. This classic salad brings both balance and a delightful crunch to your meal.

Roasted Asparagus

healthy vegetable side dish

Roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with baked shrimp scampi, providing a complementary blend of flavors and textures. The health benefits of asparagus, such as being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, make it a nutritious choice.

For seasoning tips, consider using olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance its natural taste. Roasting brings out a delightful crispness that perfectly balances the scampi's richness.

Lemon Rice

bright citrus rice dish

Lemon rice provides a zesty and fragrant accompaniment to baked shrimp scampi, enhancing its flavors with an invigorating citrus note. This dish's flavor profile balances the richness of the scampi with vibrant, revitalizing lemon.

Simple cooking techniques, such as sautéing rice with lemon zest and juice, create a harmonious blend that complements the shrimp perfectly. It's a delightful and straightforward side dish.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy green vegetable choice

Steamed broccoli guarantees a nutritious and vibrant green side dish that pairs excellently with baked shrimp scampi. Its nutritional benefits include vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.

To maintain its bright color and crisp texture, use gentle cooking techniques like steaming. This method guarantees the broccoli retains its nutrients and provides a pleasing crunch that complements the savory shrimp scampi beautifully.

Caprese Salad

fresh mozzarella ripe tomatoes

Another excellent side dish that pairs well with baked shrimp scampi is the classic Caprese salad. This vibrant salad combines fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves.

Drizzled with olive oil and a balsamic glaze, the Caprese salad offers an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of shrimp scampi. Its simplicity and elegance make it a delightful addition to your meal.

Sautéed Spinach

healthy green flavorful side

Sautéed spinach provides a nutrient-rich and flavorful side dish that complements the savory notes of baked shrimp scampi. Using simple sautéing techniques, you can quickly cook spinach, retaining its vibrant color and tender texture.

Spinach benefits include high levels of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your meal. This easy preparation enhances the overall dining experience.

Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes with gravy

Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of baked shrimp scampi. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the succulent shrimp, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

You can also experiment with flavor variations like adding garlic, herbs, or cheese to enhance the taste, making each bite more delightful and memorable.

Zucchini Noodles

healthy low carb pasta alternative

For a lighter and more health-conscious alternative to mashed potatoes, consider serving zucchini noodles alongside your baked shrimp scampi. Zucchini noodles, rich in zucchini nutrition, offer a low-carb option that complements the dish perfectly.

To make them, use a spiralizer for best results. Spiralizer tips include choosing firm zucchinis and avoiding overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.

Enjoy this fresh and vibrant side!

Quinoa Pilaf

healthy and flavorful side

As a nutrient-dense and flavorful side dish, quinoa pilaf pairs excellently with baked shrimp scampi. Its nutritional benefits, including high protein and fiber, complement the rich flavors of the scampi.

Cooking techniques involve sautéing vegetables like onions and bell peppers, then simmering quinoa in broth for added flavor.

This side dish adds a wholesome, hearty element to your meal.

Greek Salad

healthy and flavorful meal

Another excellent accompaniment to baked shrimp scampi is an invigorating Greek salad, which offers a vibrant medley of crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives.

This side dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your meal, with crunchy cucumbers adding a revitalizing bite.

The combination of these ingredients creates a light, yet satisfying, pairing that complements the rich, garlicky notes of the shrimp scampi.

Parmesan Risotto

risotto made with parmesan

Parmesan risotto, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, often serves as a sophisticated companion to baked shrimp scampi. This delightful dish combines Arborio rice with Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy consistency through meticulous cooking techniques.

Stirring the rice continuously while gradually adding broth guarantees the perfect texture. The result is a luxurious side that complements the seafood's delicate taste beautifully.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious holiday side dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful crunch and a slightly caramelized flavor that pairs excellently with baked shrimp scampi.

Drizzle them with balsamic for a tangy twist, and add crispy pancetta to elevate the dish with savory notes.

This combination creates a well-balanced side that complements the richness of the shrimp scampi, making your meal both satisfying and delicious.

Couscous Salad

refreshing summer meal option

For an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of baked shrimp scampi, a vibrant couscous salad can be an ideal accompaniment. Infused with Mediterranean flavors, this salad is both revitalizing and satisfying.

You can experiment with various dressing variations to enhance the taste, from tangy lemon vinaigrette to creamy tahini. The light, fluffy texture of couscous provides a delightful balance to the dish.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Both Baked Shrimp Scampi and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

When serving Baked Shrimp Scampi or New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, the best side dishes for New Orleans BBQ shrimp would be red beans and rice, coleslaw, or cornbread. These classic Southern sides complement the rich, bold flavors of the BBQ shrimp, while adding a satisfying element to the meal.

Buttered Corn

textural details of food

Complementing the savory notes of baked shrimp scampi, buttered corn offers a sweet and creamy side dish that enhances the overall dining experience.

With its seasonal variations, it can be enjoyed fresh in the summer or as frozen kernels in winter.

Rich in vitamins and fiber, buttered corn not only adds flavor but also provides significant nutritional benefits, making it a well-rounded accompaniment.