Shrimp salad is one of those versatile summer dishes that’s both refreshing and satisfying. As someone who’s been cooking and experimenting with shrimp salad pairings for years I’ve discovered tons of amazing sides that take this classic dish to the next level. Today I’m gonna share my favorite sides that perfectly complement shrimp salad!
Light & Fresh Summer Sides
When the weather’s hot these cooling sides are perfect partners for shrimp salad
1. Fresh Green Salad
- Mix different lettuce varieties
- Add peppery arugula for extra zip
- Dress with honey Dijon vinaigrette
- Pro tip: Keep dressing light to not overpower the shrimp
2. Cucumber Mango Salad
This Asian-inspired side is my go-to when I want something different
- Fresh cucumber chunks
- Sweet mango cubes
- Soy-lemon dressing
- Optional: chili oil for heat
3. Chilled Tomato Gazpacho
Perfect for using up summer tomatoes:
- Uses fresh, in-season tomatoes
- Cooling cucumber
- Serves ice-cold
- Great make-ahead option
Bread & Starchy Sides
4. Brioche Buns
These buttery buns make amazing shrimp salad sandwiches:
- Cloud-like texture
- Rich, buttery flavor
- Perfect for fancy lunch presentations
5. Spicy Firecrackers
When I want some crunch:
- Seasoned with ranch mix
- Kick of red pepper flakes
- Great texture contrast
6. Lemon Couscous
A light but filling option:
- Pearl couscous works best
- Lemon brightens the flavor
- Mix right into salad if desired
Potato-Based Sides
7. Grilled Baked Potatoes
My favorite BBQ side:
- Wrapped in foil
- Cooked on the grill
- Top with shrimp salad
- Comfort food meets summer freshness
8. Mashed Potatoes
A classic that never fails:
- Creamy texture
- Soaks up dressing
- Kid-friendly option
Veggie Sides
9. Grilled Asparagus
Quick and healthy:
- Nice char marks
- Tender-crisp texture
- Smoky flavor
- Ready in minutes
10. Fried Okra
Southern-style favorite:
- Crispy coating
- Tender inside
- Great texture contrast
Heartier Options
11. Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its best:
- Creamy cheese sauce
- Al dente pasta
- Great for bigger appetites
12. Corn on the Cob
Summer classic:
- Grilled or boiled
- Brush with butter
- Season with salt & pepper
Tips for Serving Shrimp Salad
Here’s what I’ve learned about serving shrimp salad:
-
Temperature matters:
- Keep shrimp salad cold
- Serve sides at appropriate temps
- Consider contrast (hot sides with cold salad)
-
Texture balance:
- Mix creamy and crunchy
- Include different textures
- Avoid too many soft sides
-
Flavor combinations:
- Light sides for rich salad
- Spicy sides for mild salad
- Fresh herbs complement seafood
Making Perfect Shrimp Salad
Quick tips for the best shrimp salad:
-
Shrimp selection:
- Fresh is best
- Frozen works well too
- Avoid pre-cooked if possible
-
Veggie mix:
- Celery for crunch
- Red onion for zip
- Keep it simple
-
Dressing:
- Mayo base
- Add lemon juice
- Include fresh dill
- Don’t forget Dijon mustard
My Final Thoughts
After years of making shrimp salad, I’ve found these sides work amazingly well. My personal fave is serving it with grilled asparagus and fresh brioche – the combo is just chef’s kiss! But honestly, shrimp salad is pretty flexible – you can’t go too wrong!
Remember, the best side dish is whatever makes YOU happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect pairing. And hey, if you’ve got any awesome combos I haven’t mentioned, I’d love to hear about them!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of these pairings in more detail?
My Grilled Shrimp Salad is So Good!
When it’s grilling season, I’m all about this grilled shrimp salad recipe. The shrimp get a quick toss in a spicy seasoning before cooking on the grill for ONLY 4 minutes! The salad itself has lots of fresh vegetables, and I make a homemade creamy dressing with lime, Greek yogurt, and a few spices. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or, really, any skillet!
This recipe was part of our monthly Cooking Challenge for June 2025!
Grilled Shrimp Salad Ingredients
- Shrimp: I recommend large shrimp; they work better for grilling. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. Either is totally fine.
- Oil: You’ll use olive oil to coat the shrimp and in the dressing.
- Spices: I call for a handful of spices for this recipe, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- Greek yogurt: I like the flavor of full-fat greek yogurt, but plain, low-fat yogurt works, too.
- Lime: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of lime juice, which is usually one lime!
- Honey: A little sweetness for balance! You could also use a teaspoon of maple syrup.
- For the salad: I usually make the salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced red onion, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese. Try it my way once and then make your own substitutions, like sliced green onion instead of the red onion!
The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe
FAQ
What is good to eat with seafood salad?
Place this seafood salad on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a more substantial salad or light lunch. To enjoy this seafood salad as a main, pair it with some pasta like linguine or serve it alongside some basmati rice for a more wholesome meal.
What pairs well with shrimp as a side?
- Coleslaw. Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. …
- Grits. This Southern staple is quick and easy to prepare. …
- French Fries. …
- Fresh Vegetables. …
- Rice Pilaf. …
- Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp.
What goes well with shrimp salad rolls?
I like serving these with some classic potato chips but you could also have them with french fries, potato salad or pasta salad. Can you make the filling for the shrimp rolls in advance? You shouldn’t make seafood recipes too far in advance.
What goes in shrimp salad?
What Is Shrimp Salad Made Of? Shrimp salad is typically made with shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lemon, fresh dill, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.Jul 7, 2023