Elevate Your Shrimp 28 Irresistible Sides

1. Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

For a Southern-inspired delight, cheesy Cauliflower Grits are an exceptional match for spicy blackened shrimp, bright lemony shrimp, or simple sautéed shrimp with butter and garlic. This easy recipe transforms riced cauliflower into a creamy, savory dish, mimicking traditional grits with the added goodness of cheddar cheese. It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a quick and healthy alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This low-carb option is a true winner for anyone craving a hearty, Cajun-inspired accompaniment to their shrimp.

2. Roasted Asparagus

Elegant roasted balsamic asparagus is a versatile and perfect side for nearly any shrimp dish. Its crisp texture and vibrant color add a touch of sophistication to your plate. Asparagus can be dressed in various seasonings and sauces to complement your shrimp’s specific flavor profile. Our preferred method involves a generous drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the shrimp. This healthy vegetable cooks quickly and is always a crowd-pleaser.

3. Pasta or Zucchini Alfredo

Searching for a decadent yet low-carb side dish for shrimp? Zucchini Noodle Alfredo, affectionately known as “zoodles,” offers a guilt-free indulgence. This keto-friendly alternative features a rich and cheesy sauce made with Parmesan, cream cheese, and sour cream, whipped up in mere minutes. For those who prefer a more classic approach, you can never go wrong with traditional Alfredo sauce. Our one-pot Alfredo delivers a creamy, luxurious experience in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal. As autumn arrives, consider a seasonal twist with spaghetti squash alfredo for another healthy and flavorful option.

4. Guacamole Boats

Shrimp and vibrant, fresh 4-ingredient guacamole form an unbeatable combination. The cool, creamy texture of avocado, brightened with lemon or lime juice and mixed with red onion and tomatoes, provides a perfect contrast to spicy or grilled shrimp. Serve this delicious concoction directly from the avocado skin, creating elegant “guacamole boats,” perhaps alongside a heap of low-carb tortilla chips for dipping. Alternatively, layer the guacamole and shrimp on crisp cucumber slices to create delectable shrimp guacamole bites, perfect for appetizers or a light meal.

5. Crispy Green Beans

A simple yet delicious green bean side dish is an ideal partner for sweet, delicate, and slightly salty shrimp. This healthy vegetable offers incredible versatility in preparation. You can sauté them for a tender-crisp bite, steam them for a light option, or roast them in the air fryer or oven until wonderfully crispy, as shown in the image. Our recipe for crispy roasted green beans ensures they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. For an exciting twist, transform them into green bean fries with a savory Parmesan crust – a fun and addictive side that everyone will adore!

6. Corn and Black Bean Salsa

For a burst of color and flavor, look no further than vibrant corn and black bean salsa – a quick and easy side dish for shrimp. This refreshing salsa combines sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, hearty black beans, and crisp red onions, all marinated in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. What makes this side truly special is its make-ahead potential; the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld and deepen. You can serve it traditionally on the side, or for a full meal experience, simply mix your cooked shrimp directly into the salsa for a delightful and wholesome salad.

7. Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Indulge in the rich, creamy texture of Cauliflower Mash, generously loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and savory seasonings. This divine dish stands proudly as an ideal side for shrimp, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It boasts its own unique and delicious profile, without trying to be a mere substitute. The best part? You can whip up this luxurious side incredibly fast, often using a convenient bag of frozen cauliflower, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a gourmet touch.

8. Mexican Street Style Cauliflower or Corn

Both shrimp and elote (Mexican street corn) are staples in Mexican cuisine, and combining their flavors creates a culturally rich and exciting dish. Traditional elote features corn on the cob generously coated in an irresistible lime crema, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili seasoning. For easier eating, transform it into elote in a cup by taking the corn off the cob. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative that still delivers all the authentic flavors, try Mexican street-style cauliflower. Either option is guaranteed to infuse your shrimp meal with a fun, festive, and undeniably delicious element.

9. Caesar Salad

Serving a classic Caesar salad alongside shrimp is a foolproof choice that always delights. Its crisp romaine lettuce, savory garlicky croutons, and generous shavings of fresh Parmesan cheese provide a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to tender shrimp. Whether you opt for a homemade creamy dressing, crafting it from scratch with fresh ingredients, or prefer the convenience of your favorite bottled brand, Caesar salad delivers a refreshing and satisfying component to your shrimp dinner. It’s a timeless pairing that works well with grilled, sautéed, or even blackened shrimp, offering a light yet flavorful balance.

10. Roasted Cauliflower Rice

Another excellent and healthy way to enjoy shrimp is alongside cauliflower rice. This popular low-carb alternative to traditional rice is a delicious method to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. If you want to elevate it to special-occasion status, try roasting cauliflower rice in the oven. This process transforms it into a light, fluffy, and uniquely flavorful side, unlike any plain cauliflower you’ve tasted before. For an extra layer of savory goodness, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the top before serving, creating a truly irresistible pairing for your shrimp.

11. Caribbean Salad

For a truly tropical culinary adventure, pair your shrimp with a refreshing Caribbean Salad. This vibrant salad features an incredible honey-lime dressing, famously inspired by Disney’s ‘Ohana restaurant, which perfectly complements the sweet flavors of shrimp. Loaded with tantalizing toppings like juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, chewy dried cranberries, fresh cilantro, and crisp green onions, every bite offers a burst of flavor and texture. This perfect pairing will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched paradise, making your shrimp dinner an exciting and memorable experience.

12. Roasted Carrots and Radishes

As spring awakens, tender roasted radishes and carrots emerge as delightful options to serve alongside shrimp. The colorful medley pictured here is lightly drizzled with a bright lemony dill sauce, a flavor profile that can be easily doubled and used to enhance your shrimp as well. If you’re not in the mood to turn on the oven, consider sautéing baby carrots on the stovetop instead. This quick method allows you to use the same pan to cook your shrimp, streamlining your meal preparation and infusing both components with complementary flavors. This sweet and savory vegetable blend is both healthy and satisfying.

13. Kale Apple Slaw

If you’re seeking a coleslaw that ventures beyond the ordinary to accompany your shrimp, our Kale Apple Slaw is an absolute must-try. This vibrant and healthy side features a tangy honey mustard dressing that perfectly balances the crispness of kale and the sweetness of apples. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional creamy coleslaw, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavors. You might even recognize this unique and delicious combination if you’ve ever enjoyed it at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, making it a familiar yet exciting choice for your shrimp dinner.

14. Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad

Sweet, tender shrimp find their ideal partner in a crisp and refreshing Napa Cabbage Salad. This Asian-inspired side features a light and crunchy base of fresh cabbage, expertly dressed with a finger-licking sesame soy dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. However, it’s the unexpected addition of crunchy ramen noodles as a topping that truly elevates this dish, adding a delightful textural twist to the meal. Always a crowd-pleaser, this delicious salad offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it an exciting and memorable accompaniment for your shrimp.

15. Broccoli Rice

Broccoli, in its various forms, stands as another fantastic side dish for shrimp. While you can always roast traditional broccoli florets to tender-crisp perfection, an even more inventive and healthy approach is to roast riced broccoli. This method brings out a delightful caramelization and a slightly nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of shrimp. It serves as an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional grains and is incredibly easy to prepare. You can either make broccoli rice yourself by finely chopping florets or conveniently purchase it fresh or frozen from your local grocery store, making healthy eating both accessible and delicious.

16. Grilled Vegetable Kababs

If your shrimp dinner involves the grill, then crafting colorful vegetable kabobs is an absolute must! These visually appealing and incredibly versatile skewers can be assembled with an array of your favorite fresh vegetables, such as vibrant red bell peppers, sweet onions, tender zucchini, earthy mushrooms, juicy cherry tomatoes, and robust eggplant. The combination of smoky grilled flavors and tender-crisp textures makes them a perfect companion for grilled shrimp. Here’s a simple guide to creating your own:

1. Begin by cutting your chosen vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Thread the vegetable pieces onto pre-soaked skewers (if using wooden ones to prevent burning).
3. Generously brush the threaded veggies with olive oil, then season them with salt, pepper, or your preferred blend of herbs and spices.
4. Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning periodically, until the vegetables are beautifully tender and exhibit appealing char marks.

17. Caprese Salad

A classic Caprese salad, with its vibrant colors and simple yet elegant ingredients, serves as a flawless complement to a diverse range of shrimp dishes, from delicate shrimp scampi to robust grilled shrimp. This beloved Italian-inspired salad is traditionally composed of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze. For an intriguing and deeper flavor profile, consider adding a twist to this classic by using ripe grape or cherry tomatoes that have been roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and intensify their flavor. Discover the full recipe for this delicious grape tomato Caprese salad, perfect for elevating your next shrimp meal!

18. Stuffed Baked Potato

Fluffy baked potatoes or sweet potatoes are consistently excellent side dishes for shrimp, offering a comforting and satisfying base. For a truly show-stopping presentation and an incredibly hearty meal, why not combine the two elements into a decadent stuffed baked potato with shrimp? Start by baking your potatoes until they are wonderfully tender and fluffy inside. Carefully scoop out the warm flesh and mix it with creamy ingredients like butter, milk, sour cream, cheese, and your favorite spices to create a rich and flavorful filling. Spoon this mixture back into the potato skins, top generously with perfectly cooked shrimp, and bake until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or a luxurious creamy Alfredo topping for an unforgettable dining experience.

19. Columbia’s 1905 Salad

Experience a taste of tradition by recreating The Columbia Restaurant’s iconic Columbia 1905 Salad, specifically adapted to pair with succulent shrimp instead of its traditional ham. This memorable salad is a spectacular accompaniment to shrimp, renowned for its fresh ingredients and vibrant, zesty garlic vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together beautifully. The blend of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, and a punchy dressing creates a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the delicate sweetness of shrimp, making it an impressive and unique addition to your dinner table. It’s a truly distinctive and satisfying salad that elevates any shrimp meal.

20. Cheesy Mushroom Quinoa

When the occasion calls for a side dish that’s both fancy and flavorful to serve with shrimp, look no further than easy mushroom quinoa. This sophisticated accompaniment boasts a hearty, umami-rich flavor derived from finely diced mushrooms, which add a deep, earthy note. The inclusion of grated Parmesan cheese contributes to a wonderfully creamy texture, making each bite a luxurious experience. Quinoa itself is a complete protein and a gluten-free grain, making this side dish a healthy and elegant choice. Its robust flavor profile stands up beautifully to a variety of shrimp preparations, from simple sautéed to more complex sauced dishes.

21. Fresh Green Salad

A simple yet thoughtfully prepared fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing is always a refreshing and palate-cleansing side for shrimp. To keep it interesting and engaging, focus on incorporating a variety of textures and colors. Our personal favorite, often served to guests, includes crunchy toasted walnuts, a medley of shredded cheeses, sweet sliced strawberries, and is generously tossed with a homemade red wine vinegar dressing. This combination offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, providing a light and vibrant contrast to the richness of shrimp, making every bite an enjoyable experience. It’s an effortlessly elegant addition to any meal.

22. Olive Oil Pasta

Shrimp and pasta are a timeless culinary combination, and with the right choices, it can be both incredibly healthy and satisfying! The key lies in selecting the right type of pasta and a light, flavorful sauce. Options abound, from wholesome whole wheat pasta and innovative low-carb noodles made from chickpeas or hearts of palm. One choice that never disappoints is a simple yet elegant olive oil pasta. This quick recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, allowing you to easily toss in your favorite fresh vegetables. We love it with sautéed mushrooms and fragrant basil, using whole-wheat pasta for an extra boost of fiber and nutrition. It’s a light, flavorful, and customizable side that perfectly highlights the delicate taste of shrimp.

23. Tik Tok Feta Pasta

We absolutely couldn’t complete our collection of exceptional side dishes for shrimp without including the sensationally famous Tik Tok baked feta zoodles. This dish is renowned for its incredible ease and delicious results! To prepare, simply place a block of creamy feta cheese in the center of a baking dish, surround it with sweet grape tomatoes, drizzle generously with olive oil, and bake until the cheese is soft and the tomatoes burst with flavor. For a truly decadent and satisfying low-carb shrimp dinner, swap out traditional pasta for fresh zucchini noodles, allowing the rich feta and tomato sauce to cling to every strand. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that delivers on both taste and trendiness.

24. Warm Sauteed Cabbage

If you have a fondness for the savory flavors of egg rolls, you’ll undoubtedly adore warm sautéed cabbage served alongside your shrimp dinner. This dish forms the flavorful base for our popular shrimp egg roll in a bowl, offering all the taste of your favorite takeout without the wrapper. Preparation couldn’t be simpler: just grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix from your grocery store, then sauté it with aromatic onions, minced garlic, and your choice of oriental spices. The resulting warm, tender-crisp cabbage is incredibly delicious and provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to sweet shrimp, making it a surprisingly satisfying and easy side.

26. Chickpea Feta Cucumber Salad

Transform your shrimp meal into a vibrant, protein-packed delight by adding it to a refreshing Chickpea Feta Cucumber Salad. This loaded salad bursts with fresh vegetables like crisp carrots, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, all mingling with creamy feta and hearty chickpeas. This incredible 15-minute recipe is packed with an abundance of flavor, which intensifies wonderfully if allowed to sit overnight. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option not only for dinner but also for an incredibly satisfying and healthy lunch the next day. The bright, tangy, and savory notes of the salad beautifully complement the sweetness of shrimp, creating a balanced and delightful dish.

27. Fettuccine Alfredo

Is there any pairing more universally adored and wonderfully decadent than succulent shrimp bathed in a rich Alfredo sauce? This classic combination is a testament to timeless flavors and luxurious textures. With our recipe for one-pot fettuccine Alfredo, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal, dining in style, in under half an hour. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats the tender fettuccine, creating a harmonious base for the delicate sweetness of shrimp. This effortless yet impressive dish is sure to be a hit, whether for a romantic dinner or a family feast, delivering comfort and sophistication in every bite.