Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been grilling shrimp for years, and let me tell you – finding the perfect side dish can really take your meal from good to absolutely amazing. Today, I’m super excited to share my favorite tried-and-tested side dishes that’ll make your grilled shrimp shine!
Popular Side Dish Categories
1. Veggie-Based Sides
Looking for something healthy and delicious? These veggie sides are perfect matches for grilled shrimp
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Grilled Asparagus
- Takes just 10-15 minutes to cook
- Simple seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Adds beautiful color to your plate
-
Grilled Zucchini
- Perfect summer vegetable
- Crisp-tender texture
- Easy to season and grill alongside your shrimp
-
Steamed Broccoli
- Nutrient-packed option
- Bright green color
- Light and fresh taste
2. Rice and Grain Options
These filling sides make your grilled shrimp meal more substantial:
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Lemon Herb Rice
- Zesty citrus notes
- Fresh parsley for color
- Perfect for soaking up shrimp juices
-
Quinoa Salad
- Protein-rich alternative
- Great with Mediterranean flavors
- Can be served warm or cold
-
Couscous
- Quick-cooking option
- Light and fluffy texture
- Absorbs flavors beautifully
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
Classic Salad Options
-
Caesar Salad
- Crispy romaine lettuce
- Creamy dressing
- Crunchy croutons
- Perfect fresh contrast
-
Caprese Salad
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ripe tomatoes
- Sweet basil
- Balsamic drizzle
Unique Slaw Variations
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Pineapple Coleslaw
- Sweet and tangy
- Tropical twist
- Crunchy texture
-
Asian-Style Slaw
- Sesame dressing
- Crisp vegetables
- Light and refreshing
Starchy Sides for Hearty Meals
Potato Dishes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Potato Slices
Pasta Options
- Garlic Butter Pasta
- Zucchini Noodles (for low-carb)
- Pasta Salad
Fresh Salsas and Toppings
These fresh toppings can add amazing flavor to your grilled shrimp:
-
Mango Avocado Salsa
- Sweet and creamy
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Red onion
-
Pineapple Salsa
- Tropical sweetness
- Spicy kick
- Fresh herbs
Pro Tips for Pairing
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of grilling shrimp:
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Consider the Seasoning
- If your shrimp is spicy, choose cooling sides
- For simple grilled shrimp, bold sides work great
- Match regional flavors (like Mediterranean or Asian)
-
Think About Texture
- Mix crispy with tender
- Include something creamy
- Add crunch when possible
-
Color Matters
- Try to include different colors
- Makes the plate more appetizing
- Better presentation
Quick and Easy Combinations
Here are some of my fave combos that never fail:
-
Light Summer Meal
- Grilled shrimp
- Caesar salad
- Grilled asparagus
-
Hearty Dinner
- Grilled shrimp
- Garlic butter pasta
- Roasted vegetables
-
Low-Carb Option
- Grilled shrimp
- Zucchini noodles
- Fresh avocado salsa
My Personal Take
Ya know what? After trying literally dozens of combinations, I gotta say that sometimes the simplest pairings work best. My absolute favorite is grilled shrimp with a fresh Caesar salad and some lemon herb rice. It’s not fancy, but boy does it hit the spot!
Common Questions I Get
Q: Can I prep sides ahead of time?
A: Totally! Most salads and cold sides can be made hours ahead. Just keep hot sides warm and fresh herbs separate until serving.
Q: What’s the quickest side dish option?
A: Honestly, a simple green salad or quick-cooking couscous are your best bets – ready in under 10 minutes!
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: For casual meals, I usually go with 2 sides. For dinner parties, I’ll do 3-4 different options to give people choices.
Remember, these are just guidelines – feel free to mix and match based on what you love! The best part about grilled shrimp is how versatile it is. You really can’t go wrong with any of these sides. Happy grilling, everyone!
Let’s chat about Grilled Shrimp Side Dishes
There are so many delicious side dishes it’s hard to choose just a few! The best-grilled shrimp sides go well with your main dish, including tasty veggies and maybe one indulgent option!
First, you could make a Deviled Potato Salad. Not only can you make this the night before, but everyone loves it! It’s my favorite recipe for potato salad because it’s the best of egg salad and the best of potato salad. Super zippy and tangy with a vinegar bite. The sweetness from the pickle relish helps balance the entire easy side dish!
This Red Skin Potato Salad is a creamy blend of red-skinned potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, crunchy celery, and bold spices. It’s a traditional side dish served at an outdoor picnic, barbecue, or summer cookout!
Another perfect side dish is Grandma Dorothea’s Corn Salad. This corn salad uses fresh produce, right from the garden! Talk about a summertime meal! It’s a healthy side dish that is filled with flavor.
This easy Cucumber Salad recipe combines thinly sliced cucumbers and onion with a tangy vinegar dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that goes with absolutely EVERYTHING – perfect for any picnic, potluck, or backyard gathering!
Now, we can’t forget about making the perfect dish! Easy shrimp tacos and creating an all-in-one main course. Put out corn tortillas, a tangy coleslaw, and any other fresh taco toppings you like! Put these all out onto a big board, and let your people help themselves. Tortilla chips and salsa would go well with this recipe idea too! Pro Tip: if all of your people don’t like shrimp, or someone has an allergy, make a board with grilled meat on it, and serve with a side dish of rice or quinoa! People can make their own quinoa bowls and top them however they like.
First, let’s chat about grilled shrimp.
If you’re hosting the next shrimp dinner – the shrimp will be the main event. There are lots of delicious versions of grilled shrimp, and I’ll show you my favorite way!
I like buying frozen shrimp, then thawing in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes, depending on how many I’m making. It’s great to grill up a bunch of shrimp, then use them for the next few days in different ways for easy meal prep!
When I grill up shrimp, I keep to a simple recipe of sea salt, lemon zest, black pepper, and a little garlic powder. This is a great way to get some flavor but let the shrimp dish shine.
Be sure to make up a pot of plain white rice! A steaming bowl of jasmine rice with a squeeze of lime juice or even coconut milk is a great option for the right side dish that isn’t too heavy!
An Easy Shrimp Recipe has simple ingredients and makes a quick meal.
In a bowl, add your thawed, deveined, and peeled shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil and some seasoning over top. If you’re wanting a smoky flavor, my favorite seasoning blend is Smokehouse Maple. You can see how I made these shrimp with grits using that seasoning on a stovetop.
Fire up your outdoor grill (or your stovetop grill pan!) and get grilling! When planning your meal, choose a tasty side dish that you can grill the entire meal and keep your home cool without heating it up! Woo hoo!!