What To Serve With Shrimp Scampi? 16 Amazing Side Dishes

Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its garlicky, buttery goodness and succulent shrimp.

But, what do you serve on the side to make this into a complete meal? There are so many directions you can take, from classic pasta dishes to light salads, from hearty roasted vegetables to garlic-loaded bread.

Here are the 16 best side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi, each adding a different, delicious element to your meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi are zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, lobster tails, onion rings, mushroom risotto, crispy green beans, Caprese salad, linguine, gluten-free pasta, fresh garden salad, red potatoes, and creamed spinach.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles", are a fantastic light and healthy alternative to pasta. Their subtle flavor allows the rich, garlicky shrimp scampi to really shine through. Plus, they add a wonderful crunch and freshness to the meal, balancing out the richness of the scampi.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. When roasted, these mini cabbages develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and a tender, sweet interior. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the scampi, making for a well-rounded meal.

3. Lobster Tails

Serving lobster tails with shrimp scampi makes for a truly luxurious seafood feast. The sweet, succulent lobster meat pairs wonderfully with the rich, garlicky scampi. Plus, it really amps up the wow factor of your meal.

4. Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings are a fun and indulgent side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. Their crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp, and their sweet flavor complements the garlic and butter in the scampi. They're a real crowd-pleaser!

5. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp scampi. The earthy mushrooms and the creamy rice provide a wonderful counterpoint to the garlicky, buttery shrimp. Plus, it's a great way to make the meal feel a bit more substantial.

6. Crispy Green Beans

Crispy green beans add a wonderful crunch and freshness to a shrimp scampi meal. Their bright flavor balances out the richness of the scampi, and their crisp texture contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp. Plus, they're a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal!

7. Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can balance the richness of shrimp scampi. The fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a wonderful contrast to the warm, garlicky shrimp. Plus, it adds a beautiful pop of color to your meal.

8. Red Potatoes

Roasted red potatoes are a hearty side dish to pair with shrimp scampi. Tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and rosemary, these potatoes come out of the oven with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Their robust flavor stands up to the boldness of the scampi, and they can be a great vehicle for soaking up some of that delicious garlic butter sauce.

9. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can balance the richness of shrimp scampi. The crisp romaine lettuce, the tangy Caesar dressing, the crunch of croutons, and the hint of sharpness from the Parmesan cheese all work together to cleanse the palate and provide a nice contrast to the shrimp.

10. Linguine

Linguine is a classic side for shrimp scampi, and for good reason. Its long, flat shape is perfect for soaking up all the delicious garlic and butter sauce that is synonymous with scampi. You can choose to keep it simple with just some olive oil and Parmesan or add a few chopped fresh herbs for added flavor. It's a delightfully simple, yet satisfying side dish that never disappoints.

11. Gluten-Free Pasta

For those who are avoiding gluten, a gluten-free pasta is a wonderful choice. Nowadays, there are numerous types available on the market, from ones made with rice or corn flour to those made with legumes for an added protein boost. With a good quality gluten-free pasta, you won't even notice the difference, especially when combined with the bold flavors of shrimp scampi.

12. Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad is a light and refreshing side that pairs well with the richness of shrimp scampi. Include a variety of your favorite fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also add a few slices of avocado for a creamy texture. For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette will do the trick and not overpower the main dish.

13. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a decadent side dish that complements shrimp scampi beautifully. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the spinach provide a wonderful contrast to the succulent shrimp. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some greens. You can make it with either fresh or frozen spinach, and it's just as delicious either way.

14. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a must when serving shrimp scampi. It's great for scooping up the garlic butter sauce and complements the overall flavor profile of the dish. Plus, who can resist a slice of warm, toasty bread slathered with garlic butter?

15. Quinoa

Quinoa is a healthy and delicious side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. It's a great alternative to traditional pasta, and it has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the richness of the shrimp. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

16. Pasta Aglio e Olio

Pasta Aglio e Olio, pasta with garlic and oil, is a classic Italian dish that goes wonderfully with shrimp scampi. The simplicity of the pasta dish allows the shrimp scampi to really shine. Plus, the pasta can be tossed directly in the scampi sauce for an easy one-pan meal.

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