What To Serve With Surf And Turf? 15 Best Side Dishes

Surf and turf is a delicious and luxurious meal that combines the best of both worlds: succulent seafood and tender, flavorful meat.

It's perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you simply want to treat yourself.

To make your surf and turf meal even more memorable, we've got 15 fantastic side dishes that will perfectly complement your main course and elevate your dining experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with surf and turf are mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, carrots and potatoes, crispy green beans, blooming onion, french fries, baked potatoes with, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, Parmesan truffle fries, and lobster mac and cheese.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with surf and turf. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes complements the rich flavors of the seafood and meat, while the subtle garlic flavor adds depth to the overall meal. It's a comforting and satisfying choice that everyone will love.

2. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that works well with surf and turf. The slightly charred, smoky flavor of the grilled asparagus adds a unique taste to your meal, while the tender-crisp texture provides a pleasant contrast to the succulent seafood and meat. Plus, it's a healthy option to balance out the richness of the main course.

3. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that's perfect for serving with surf and turf. Made with spinach cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it adds a deliciously indulgent element to your meal. The smooth, velvety texture of creamed spinach pairs well with the various textures of surf and turf, making it a great choice for an unforgettable meal.

4. Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes with toppings are a versatile and satisfying side dish that can be tailored to your personal preferences. Choose from a variety of toppings like sour cream, chives, bacon bits, or cheese to create a customized potato that complements your surf and turf perfectly. The fluffy interior and crispy skin of the baked potato make it a delightful addition to your meal.

5. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a crisp and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with surf and turf. The combination of crunchy lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons adds a light, contrasting element to the meal. The salad's flavors and textures work well with both the seafood and meat components of surf and turf, making it a fantastic choice.

6. Crispy Green Beans

Crispy green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that adds a delightful crunch to your surf and turf meal. You can either sauté or oven-bake the green beans with some olive oil and seasonings. The crisp texture of the green beans provides a great contrast to the tender seafood and meat, making it an excellent choice.

7. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a visually impressive and tasty side dish that is sure to wow your guests. This deep-fried onion is cut to resemble a flower and served with a dipping sauce. The crunchy, savory onion is a great accompaniment to the rich flavors of surf and turf, adding a fun and unique element to your meal.

8. Roasted Vegetables

Garlic herb roasted vegetables are a flavorful and healthy side dish that enhances your surf and turf meal. A medley of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions is roasted with garlic and herbs, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding depth of flavor. These veggies are a great accompaniment, offering a variety of tastes and textures to your meal.

9. Parmesan Truffle Fries

Parmesan truffle fries are a decadent and indulgent side dish that takes your surf and turf meal to new heights. The crispy fries are tossed with truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. The richness of the truffle and cheese pairs well with the succulent seafood and tender meat, making it an excellent choice.

10. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese is a luxurious side dish that perfectly complements surf and turf. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish features tender lobster meat, adding an extra touch of seafood flavor to your meal. The rich, comforting taste of lobster mac and cheese is a fantastic match for the bold flavors of surf and turf, making it a must-try option.

11. Carrots and Potatoes

Carrots and potatoes are a classic and straightforward side dish that pairs well with surf and turf. Roasted or boiled, these two vegetables complement the rich flavors of seafood and meat. Seasoned with herbs and butter, this side dish adds a comforting and wholesome touch to your meal.

12. French Fries

French fries are a universally loved side dish that can be easily paired with surf and turf. The golden, crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the fries make them an irresistible choice. You can season them with a variety of spices and herbs to create the perfect side dish for your meal.

13. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish that complements the rich flavors of surf and turf. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, it adds a crisp and light element to your meal. The zesty flavor of coleslaw helps to balance the richness of the seafood and meat, making it a great addition.

14. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with surf and turf. Cooked in butter and seasoned with garlic and herbs, the mushrooms add an earthy, savory taste to your meal. Their tender texture complements the succulent seafood and tender meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.

15. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious side dish that goes well with surf and turf. Made with cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it adds a nutritious and flavorful component to your meal. The combination of textures and flavors in the quinoa salad is a great match for the seafood and meat, making it a tasty choice.

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