Fried calamari loves company, and there are many side dishes that can make it shine. Garlic bread, with its savory aroma, complements perfectly. Coleslaw offers a creamy, crunchy bite that contrasts beautifully. French fries are a classic, crispy choice. For a healthy twist, try grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Rice pilaf, with its aromatic and fluffy texture, is also an excellent match. Alternatives such as roasted asparagus, lemon roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries provide exciting flavors. Top things off with a fresh arugula salad. To explore more delicious options, keep discovering new pairings.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, a popular and straightforward side dish, complements fried calamari by adding a savory and aromatic element to the meal. This light and delicious side dish enhances the overall seafood experience.
Pairing garlic bread with tartar sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a complementary addition that elevates the enjoyment of fried calamari for any seafood lover.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its creamy texture and crunchy bite, serves as an ideal side dish to complement fried calamari.
This guilt-free option often includes fresh herbs, adding a burst of flavor.
The creamy and crunchy elements of coleslaw provide an invigorating contrast to the crispy calamari, balancing out the flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience.
It's a satisfying and delicious choice for any meal.
French Fries
French fries, with their golden and crispy exterior, are a quintessential side dish that pairs exceptionally well with fried calamari. This delicious side offers a satisfying texture contrast, enhancing the tender calamari.
Commonly found in New England fried seafood meals, crispy fried french fries, whether enjoyed with ketchup, aioli, or tartar sauce, serve fried calamari perfectly, creating a dynamic and flavorful combination.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables serve as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the rich taste of fried calamari. Popular choices like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant bring a delightful charred flavor to the plate.
The grilling process caramelizes these vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, grilled vegetables add a delicious contrast to the crispy calamari.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, with its aromatic flavors and fluffy texture, serves as an excellent accompaniment to fried calamari. Cooking rice pilaf with butter enhances its savory taste, while incorporating fresh herbs adds a delightful depth of flavor.
This versatile side dish offers a pleasant contrast to the crispy calamari, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Customize with vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits for added variety.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture and rich flavor, offer a comforting and satisfying complement to the crispy exterior of fried calamari.
This classic side dish, often seasoned with garlic or herbs, provides a starchy element that balances the seafood delight.
Mashed potatoes also serve as an excellent base to soak up any accompanying sauces or lemon juice, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad, with its creamy consistency and blend of flavors, serves as an ideal counterpart to the crispy texture of fried calamari. This classic side dish, made with cooked macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, and vegetables, offers a delightful contrast.
Ingredients such as celery, onions, and pickles can be added for extra flavor, making it a versatile and popular choice for seafood meals.
Caesar Salad
When paired with fried calamari, Caesar salad offers an invigorating blend of textures and flavors that enhance the dining experience.
This classic side dish features crispy romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy vinaigrette.
The creamy dressing balances the richness of the fried calamari, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch.
Together, they create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Caprese Salad
Complementing the crispy allure of fried calamari, Caprese salad introduces an invigorating medley of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil.
This classic Italian dish, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, offers a revitalizing contrast.
The combination of ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella provides a burst of flavors, while the basil adds an aromatic touch, making it a healthy and elegant side.
Bruschetta Crostinis
Bruschetta crostinis, with their toasted bread base and vibrant tomato-garlic-basil topping, offer an exquisite pairing for fried calamari.
The crispy texture of the crostini and the fresh flavors of this classic Italian appetizer create a delightful contrast to the tender calamari.
Additionally, these bite-sized delights are easy to prepare and can be enhanced with customizable toppings for a gourmet touch.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their nutrient-rich profile and caramelized exterior, serve as an exceptional side dish for fried calamari. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, these sprouts enhance the meal's nutritional value.
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and crispy texture. Whether seasoned with garlic, parmesan, or balsamic glaze, roasted Brussels sprouts perfectly complement fried calamari's savory taste.
Roasted Asparagus
As a healthy and flavorful side dish, roasted asparagus pairs exceptionally well with fried calamari. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, then season with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
The roasting process brings out a unique sweetness and a delightful texture. The earthy, slightly nutty taste of roasted asparagus perfectly complements the crispy, savory nature of fried calamari.
Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Complementing the earthy notes of roasted asparagus, lemon roasted potatoes offer a tangy and invigorating side dish that enhances the crispy texture of fried calamari.
These flavorful potatoes, infused with zesty lemon, provide a revitalizing twist. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of calamari, balancing the meal perfectly. Seasoned with herbs like rosemary, they are easy to prepare and delightful.
Sweet Potato Fries
Often celebrated for their nutritional benefits, sweet potato fries offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries, making them an excellent side dish for fried calamari.
These fries can be baked or air-fried for a crispy texture, and their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of calamari.
Seasoned with herbs or spices, they add both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Fried Calamari and Swordfish Steaks?
When serving fried calamari and swordfish steaks, choosing the best side dishes for swordfish steaks can enhance the dining experience. Opt for light and fresh options like a mixed green salad or grilled vegetables to complement the rich and flavorful seafood dishes. It’s all about balance and creating a well-rounded meal.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad, with its peppery flavor and invigorating nature, serves as an ideal accompaniment to fried calamari.
Typically featuring arugula greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this salad adds both color and balance.
The bitterness of arugula contrasts harmoniously with the crispy texture of calamari, making it a quick and easy side dish to prepare.