What To Serve With Linguine Clams? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Ah, linguine clams! A classic Italian dish that is loved by many. But while this pasta dish can certainly hold its own, pairing it with just the right side dishes can elevate your meal to new heights.

So, if you're wondering what could be the perfect accompaniment to your plate of linguine clams, you've come to the right place. Here, you will find 16 delicious side dishes, each bringing its own unique flavor profile and texture to complement your main dish.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with linguine clams are grilled asparagus, Caesar salad, salad Nicoise, Brussels sprouts, garlic bread, grilled beets, shrimp scampi, Caprese salad, focaccia bread, baked zucchini, clam chowder, steamed broccoli, panzanella, stuffed bell peppers, roasted potatoes, and artichoke hearts.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Grilled Asparagus

With its robust flavor and pleasant crunch, grilled asparagus is a lovely companion to linguine clams. The asparagus' natural earthiness can beautifully counterbalance the rich and salty clam sauce. Plus, grilling adds a smoky dimension that can elevate the overall flavor of your meal.

2. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad, with its tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese, can be a delightful contrast to the briny and savory linguine clams. It's light, refreshing, and provides a nice crunchy element that pairs well with the pasta's soft texture.

3. Salad Nicoise

Salad Nicoise is a protein-packed salad with a variety of textures and flavors. It includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Nicoise olives, and anchovies, dressed in a vinaigrette. The blend of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors can complement the rich and salty taste of linguine clams nicely.

4. Brussels Sprouts

Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts with a hint of lemon and garlic can be a wonderful side dish for linguine clams. These mini cabbages, when cooked right, develop a nutty, sweet flavor that can balance the richness of the clam sauce, making every bite well-rounded and delicious.

5. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is almost a must-have with any pasta dish, and linguine clams are no exception. The fragrant, buttery, and crispy garlic bread can add a different texture and flavor to the meal. Plus, it's perfect for soaking up that delicious clam sauce!

6. Grilled Beets

Grilled beets offer a sweet, earthy flavor that can complement the sea flavor in linguine clams. Their natural sweetness and grilling's smoky touch can balance out the savory, briny flavors of the clams. Plus, their vibrant color can make your meal look more appealing.

7. Shrimp Scampi

If you're looking for a side dish that can double as a second main, shrimp scampi is a great option. The garlicky, lemony shrimp cooked in a white wine sauce can perfectly match the linguine clams' flavors, creating a seafood lover's dream meal.

8. Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad, with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, can bring a refreshing lightness to balance the rich flavor of linguine clams. It's simple, yet its contrasting textures and flavors can complement your main dish in an amazing way.

9. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia, an Italian flatbread topped with olive oil and herbs, is another lovely accompaniment for linguine clams. Its light, airy interior and crisp, oily exterior provide a satisfying crunch and a fantastic way to mop up any leftover clam sauce.

10. Baked Zucchini

Baked zucchini, especially when seasoned with herbs and a bit of cheese, offers a tender, slightly sweet flavor that can balance out the saltiness of linguine clams. Plus, it's a nutritious and light side dish that won't overshadow your main.

11. Clam Chowder

Serve up a seafood feast by pairing your linguine clams with a bowl of clam chowder. The creamy, hearty soup, packed with clams and potatoes, can provide a warming contrast to your pasta dish, especially on colder days.

12. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli, perhaps tossed with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes, is a healthy, light side dish that won't compete with your linguine clams. Its vibrant color and mild taste can add to the overall appeal of your meal.

13. Panzanella

Panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad, combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and day-old bread in a tangy, garlicky dressing. It's a light, refreshing side dish that offers a different textural element to pair with the smooth linguine and clam sauce.

14. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, veggies, and maybe some cheese, can be a satisfying side dish that provides a contrasting texture and flavor to your linguine clams. Choose your fillings based on your preference to personalize your meal!

15. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, can add a comforting element to your linguine clams meal. Season them with your favorite herbs to enhance their flavors.

16. Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts, whether steamed, grilled, or marinated, offer a slightly tangy, earthy flavor that complements the sea taste of linguine clams. Their unique texture and taste can make your meal more interesting and satisfying.

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