If you're wondering what to serve with mussels, here you can find 15 delicious side dishes that enhance your meal. Each dish pairs beautifully with the delicate flavors of mussels, offering a range of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, this list has something for everyone.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with mussels are corn on the cob, garlic bread, french fries, salad Nicoise, coleslaw, buckwheat bread, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, Parmesan polenta, sautéed spinach, risotto, quinoa salad, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and tomato bruschetta.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a natural match for mussels. Its sweet flavor and crunchy texture contrast beautifully with the tender, briny mussels. To prepare, just boil or grill the corn until it's tender, and serve it with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of salt. This side is effortless to prepare and brings a burst of sunshine to any mussel dish.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its crispy edges and soft, buttery center, is ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth that accompanies mussels. To make it, slice a loaf of bread, spread generously with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and herbs, then bake until golden. This side dish not only adds a crunch to your meal but also enriches the flavors with its aromatic garlic.
3. French Fries
French fries offer a crispy, golden complement to the soft texture of mussels. Whether you fry them or bake them, they provide a satisfying crunch and a salty flavor that goes perfectly with the seafood. Serve them hot and maybe add a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of vinegar to enhance their taste even more.
4. Salad Nicoise
Salad Nicoise is a colorful and elegant complement to mussels. This classic French salad combines tender green beans, ripe tomatoes, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs, all dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. The mix of flavors and textures from the fresh vegetables and eggs offers a refreshing balance to the mussels, making each forkful a delight.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to mussels. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The creamy, vibrant flavors of coleslaw balance the richness of mussels, making each bite refreshing.
6. Buckwheat Bread
Buckwheat bread introduces a hearty, nutty element to the meal. Its dense, rich texture makes it fantastic for sopping up the mussel juices. You can bake this bread at home with buckwheat flour for an earthy, robust flavor that stands up well to the strong flavors of mussels.
7. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a wholesome choice to accompany mussels. Choose a mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender. The natural sweetness and char of the vegetables offer a delightful contrast to the savory mussels.
8. Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is a versatile side dish that works well with mussels, especially when they're served in a flavorful broth or sauce. The rice absorbs the delicious juices, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.
9. Parmesan Polenta
Parmesan polenta offers a creamy, comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewiness of mussels. Cook polenta until it's thick and creamy, then stir in a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor. This side dish brings a warm, comforting element to the meal, perfect for cozy dinners.
10. Sauteed Spinach
The earthy flavor of sautéed spinach complements the taste of mussels, while its tender texture contrasts the plump, juicy morsels. Season the spinach with garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes for an added kick.
11. Risotto
A creamy, rich risotto pairs wonderfully with mussels, especially when flavored with white wine, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors and textures creates a luxurious and satisfying meal.
12. Quinoa Salad
A light and nutritious quinoa salad makes for a wholesome and satisfying side dish. Combine cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing accompaniment to mussels.
13. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and full of flavor, garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with mussels. The smooth, rich texture of the potatoes complements the tender mussels, creating a harmonious combination.
14. Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad is a classic comfort food side dish that complements the flavors of mussels. Choose a traditional mayo-based salad or opt for a lighter, vinaigrette-based version to suit your preference.
15. Tomato Bruschetta
A fresh tomato bruschetta adds a burst of brightness to your meal with mussels. The combination of ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of crusty bread makes for a delicious and visually appealing side dish.
More Recipes
What To Serve With Baked Potatoes
What To Serve With Mussels
Ingredients
- 2 mussels
Instructions
- Make the best mussels using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat mussels with corn on the cob, garlic bread, french fries, salad Nicoise, coleslaw, buckwheat bread, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, Parmesan polenta, sautéed spinach, risotto, quinoa salad, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and tomato bruschetta.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂