Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m super excited to share my favorite side dishes that’ll make your shrimp rolls even more amazing. As someone who’s been cooking and experimenting with seafood for years at Gusto Meadow, I’ve discovered some incredible pairings that’ll take your meal from good to absolutely fantastic!
Why You Need Great Sides with Your Shrimp Rolls
Before diving into the specifics, let me tell ya why picking the right side dishes matters so much:
- They balance out the flavors of your shrimp rolls
- Add different textures to your meal
- Make the meal more filling and satisfying
- Help create a complete dining experience
- Give you those extra nutrients you need
Our Top Side Dish Picks
1. Classic Creamy Sides
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This is honestly one of my personal favorites! Here’s what makes it special:
- Multiple cheese varieties (try cheddar, parmesan, and smoked Gouda)
- Crispy top layer
- Creamy, gooey interior
- Optional toppings like caramelized onions
Ricotta Polenta with ParmesanSuper easy to make and incredibly comforting
- Creamy texture
- Rich cheese flavor
- Perfect for soaking up flavors
- Ready in about 20 minutes
2. Fresh and Crunchy Salads
Coleslaw with Toasted Peanuts
This ain’t your regular coleslaw! We’ve kicked it up a notch:
- Fresh crispy vegetables
- Crunchy toasted peanuts
- Vinaigrette-based dressing (skip the mayo!)
- Zesty lime juice option
Zoodles with Fresh Vegetables
For my health-conscious friends:
- Low-carb alternative
- Customizable veggie mix
- Light and refreshing
- Perfect summer side
3. Comfort Food Favorites
Buttermilk CornbreadY’all this is a game-changer
- Rich, buttery flavor
- High in calcium
- Great energy source
- Kid-friendly option
Hush PuppiesCan’t go wrong with these golden beauties
- Perfectly crispy exterior
- Soft, fluffy interior
- Traditional seafood pairing
- Great for dipping
4. Light and Fresh Options
Ensalada Verde
A Spanish-inspired green salad that’s super refreshing:
- Red wine vinaigrette
- Acts as palate cleanser
- Quick to prepare
- Light and healthy
Grilled Vegetables
Perfect for summer cookouts:
- Seasonal variety
- Smoky flavor
- Healthy option
- Easy preparation
Tips for Choosing Your Sides
- Consider the seasoning of your shrimp rolls
- Think about the weather and season
- Account for your guests’ preferences
- Balance light and heavy options
- Mix up textures and temperatures
My Personal Tips
I’ve learned through trial and error that the best way to serve these sides is to:
- Prep cold sides ahead
- Time hot sides with your rolls
- Consider having at least 2-3 options
- Include one veggie-based dish
- Have one comfort food option
Seasonal Recommendations
Summer Picks
- Coleslaw with toasted peanuts
- Grilled vegetables
- Zoodles
- Fresh salads
Winter Comfort Sides
- Baked mac and cheese
- Buttermilk cornbread
- Ricotta polenta
- Hot hush puppies
FAQs About Shrimp Roll Side Dishes
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: I usually recommend 2-3 sides for a balanced meal.
Q: Can I prep these sides ahead?
A: Many cold sides can be prepped a day ahead. Hot sides are best fresh.
Q: What’s the easiest side to make?
A: Ensalada Verde or basic coleslaw – both take less than 15 minutes!
Wrapping It Up
There ya have it – our complete guide to serving up the perfect sides with your shrimp rolls! Remember, the key is balance and variety. Mix and match these options based on your taste and occasion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these sides your own. Sometimes the best dishes come from happy accidents in the kitchen! And hey, if you try any of these combinations, drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Keep cooking and having fun in the kitchen!
Note: Most of these sides can be customized to fit dietary restrictions – just ask in the comments if you need specific modifications!
Watch My Video Demo of This Recipe Below!
- When entertaining in the heat of the summer, who wants to be slaving over the grill?
- Instead you can whip these up ahead of time and serve a chilled dinner! (All you have to do at the last minute is toast the buns)
- The day before all you have to do is roast the shrimp to bring out its best flavor.
- Then mix up the dressing, add some celery, shallots, and dill and then combine it all together and load it into a buttery split-top bun.
Cutting The Shrimp Into Chunks
Once the shrimp is cooked through, remove the tails and chop them into bite-sized pieces around 1-inch in size. I wouldn’t go bigger otherwise it will be harder to fill the buns when it comes time to serve.
- You’ll love the flavor of the shrimp roll dressing! It is a wonderful lemony mayo dressing that is loaded with crunchy celery, shallots, and dill.
- It pairs beautifully with the shrimp and its flavors become even better the longer the salad sits in the fridge.
- Add the dressing to the cooked shrimp and toss to coat well.
- I also like to reserve 3 tablespoons of the dressing and place in a separate bowl. That way I have a little more dressing to toss in to freshen the salad right before serving.