15 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Shrimp Scampi: A Complete Guide

Hey there! I’ve been cooking shrimp scampi for years and let me tell you – finding the perfect side dish can really take this classic Italian-American dish from good to absolutely amazing! Today I’m gonna share my favorite sides that’ll make your shrimp scampi dinner extra special.

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Before we dive into the sides let’s quickly talk about what shrimp scampi actually is. It’s basically succulent shrimp cooked in a mouthwatering sauce of garlic, white wine and butter or oil. Usually topped with lemon zest and parsley, this dish is super quick to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Scampi

1. Fresh Green Sides

• Lemon Roasted Asparagus

  • Super easy to make
  • Takes just 15 minutes
  • The lemon complements the shrimp perfectly

• Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

  • Roasted until crispy
  • Great for soaking up the scampi sauce
  • Budget-friendly option

• Sautéed Green Beans

  • Quick and simple
  • Adds nice crunch
  • Healthy option

2. Carb-Based Sides

• Crusty Garlic Bread

  • Perfect for soaking up the sauce
  • Easy to make at home
  • Kids love it!

• Creamy Polenta

  • Rich and filling
  • Great alternative to pasta
  • Makes the meal more substantial

• Mediterranean Butter Rice

  • Light and fluffy
  • Absorbs all the yummy flavors
  • Ready in 20 minutes

3. Creative Alternatives

• Zucchini Noodles

  • Low-carb option
  • Fresh and light
  • Perfect for summer

• Quinoa Salad

  • Healthy and nutritious
  • Can be made ahead
  • Great for meal prep

4. Fresh Salad Options

• Arugula Parmesan Salad

  • Light and peppery
  • Takes 5 minutes to make
  • Adds nice color to the plate

• Classic Caprese

  • Fresh and simple
  • No cooking required
  • Perfect summer side

Tips for Pairing Sides with Shrimp Scampi

1. Consider the Sauce: Pick sides that can handle the garlicky, buttery sauce without getting soggy

2. Balance is Key: Mix textures – if your scampi is saucy, add something crunchy

3. Keep it Simple: Don’t overshadow the shrimp with too-complex sides

My Personal Favorites

I gotta tell ya, after trying countless combinations, these are my top 3 go-to sides:

1. Garlic bread + roasted asparagus (perfect combo of carbs and greens)
2. Zucchini noodles (when I’m feeling healthy)
3. Creamy polenta (for those comfort food moments)

Quick Tips for Success

• Prep your sides before starting the shrimp scampi (it cooks fast!)
• Don’t forget fresh herbs – they make everything better
• Keep some lemon wedges handy for extra zing

When to Serve What

Y’know what’s cool? You can mix and match these sides depending on your mood or occasion. Sometimes I’ll do two or three sides if I’m feeling fancy or having guests over!

Final Thoughts

Listen, at the end of the day, shrimp scampi is pretty flexible – it plays nice with lots of different sides. The key is picking something that makes YOU happy and hungry! And hey, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Sometimes the weird combinations turn out to be the best ones!

Remember: there’s no “wrong” side dish – just make sure whatever you choose can handle that amazing garlic butter sauce. Trust me, you don’t wanna waste a drop of that goodness!

Now, who’s ready to cook some shrimp scampi?

Would you like me to explain any of these sides in more detail?

Shrimp scampi, a classic dish of sauteed shrimp in a garlic, white wine, and lemon sauce, is often served with pasta like linguine or angel hair, but other great sides include garlic bread, Caesar salad, and various vegetables like asparagus or green beans.