Shrimp Scampi is rich, elegant, and simple. This classic recipe originated in Italy but is a staple dish in many countries. Most recipes call for shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon and fresh parsley. The sauce is a delight to dunk some crusty bread into but you can pair this classic dish with just about anything. Traditionally served with pasta, garlic bread, or both, this dish also begs for something fresh and bright. From salads and soups to pasta and grains, I have put together a list of 20 side dishes that will pair perfectly with your Shrimp Scampi.
1. FIRST THINGS FIRST, SURF-‘N’-TURF
Nothing compares to this match-up. Collectively, surf-’n’-turf is everything you want in an exquisite meal. Filet Mignon is spendy but worth it . Follow this recipe from Iron Chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, and your guests will be in culinary heaven.
2. GARLIC BREAD
Traditionally this dish is paired with garlic bread; it soaks up the sauce perfectly. If you are a garlic lover, this recipe will be a hit to add to your already garlicky, buttery shrimp. The sprinkling of parmesan is what takes this garlic bread recipe over-the-top. All this garlic may call for a breath mint but it will be worth it!
3. RUSTIC BREAD
This recipe is so easy, you’ll impress friends with your bread making skills. Honestly, there is no way to ruin it. It is so easy peasy you’ll be using this recipe over and over. It is great as an addition to any meal but sopping up that butter, wine sauce with rustic, crusty bread is probably the best!
4. EASY HOMEMADE DINNER ROLLS
Yum! The quintessential side to any meal. Butter Rolls. You’ll have to plan ahead for this one but it will be worth it, promise. This recipe is also straightforward and tough to ruin. They are so buttery, sweet and fluffy. This recipe will have you reminiscing about grandma’s famous rolls.
5. FOCACCIA BREAD
Probably one of the most versatile and fun breads I have made is focaccia bread. This bread is now found on many menus around the world, but it originated in Italy, much like the famous Shrimp Scampi you are preparing. This bread is oily and crusty and so fun to play around with by adding many different ingredients (e.g. olives, asparagus, garlic, herbs). I have also seen people making Focaccia art with a variety of toppings. Give this recipe from Alexandra’s Kitchen a try, but make sure to give yourself ample time as the recipe allots 18.5 hours since you have to rise the dough and refrigerate for the best results. She also provides a faster process of 3 hours if you are rushed for time.
6. ROASTED BEET SALAD
This salad is fittingly described by Carol from From A Chef’s Kitchen as “show-stopping”. It is a beautiful salad full of flavor and perfect for Fall or Winter. The earthiness of the beets, the peppery arugula, the tartness of the goat cheese, crunch of the Walnuts and finished with the sweet, floral, richness of the dressing makes for quite the show-stopping salad that will pair nicely with your Shrimp dish.
7. CAPRESE SALAD
Caprese salad is simple, elegant and delicious. This recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen is a perfect side and what makes it great is her sweet balsamic vinegar, because tomatoes and fresh mozzarella beg for that tangy sweetness.
8. BETTER-THAN-CAPRESE TOMATO SALAD
Okay, I know nothing can beat the traditional caprese but this tomato salad is light and herby. It omits the mozzarella and calls for red onions instead, making it lactose free and low calorie. I would add some capers over the top as well, to add a briney bite to compliment the Shrimp Scampi but that’s just me.
9. GREEK SALAD
This is not just any Greek Salad, it is Ina Garten’s Greek Salad and it is fabulous! I have made this too many times to count and it is so worth all the chopping it entails. It is a perfect side
because it is full of colorful veggies but has the briny olives and sharp feta to give it a kick. This one will take you away to the Mediterranean.
10. FRISEE SALAD
Frisee is a curly endive and is part of the chicory family. Traditionally harvested in the Fall and Winter, frisee is bitter and peppery. Try this recipe as a side, breakfast or lunch. This will bring bacon and eggs to a ‘healthy’ next level.
11. LEMON BUTTER PASTA
Traditionally, Shrimp Scampi is served with pasta or bread so this lemon butter pasta will pair perfectly with your shrimp. This recipe is so easy and only takes about 20 minutes!
12. CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA
Polenta as a side to any meal can be so versatile and can fit into any flavor profile you are going for. This creamy parmesan polenta has only 5 ingredients! Impress your guests and yourself with this restaurant staple that is so easy to make at home.
13. RISOTTO
This recipe claims to be “The Best EVER Risotto Recipe” and it is. Risotto can be intimidating for a novice cook but this recipe from 40 Aprons details how to make it so you can not mess it up. It is time-consuming (since you have to stir constantly) but so worth it and a great match-up with any protein.
14. CRANBERRY PECAN SWEET POTATO WILD RICE PILAF
This recipe screams Fall with the addition of nuts and cranberries. It is well balanced and chock full of superfoods. Traditionally rice pilaf is just rice cooked using a different technique by sauteing aromatics with the uncooked rice before adding a liquid but to most of us it just means rice with ‘stuff’ in it. This recipe has all the stuff you’ll love!
15. AUTHENTIC GAZPACHO
Gazpacho is a cold, pureed soup that originated in Spain. Tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber and garlic make for a refreshing treat with this soupy side dish. This recipe boasts to take only 15 minutes too! It may seem weird eating soup cold but trust me, you’ll love it!
16. ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP
Potato soup is creamy, hearty and soul-warming. You can add whatever toppings to make it your own little bowl of wonderful. This recipe gets rave reviews and is easy to follow.
17. LEMON AND FETA GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Asparagus is a frequently made side dish and goes with just about anything. It is another one of those versatile veggies that you can spruce up to make it as sophisticated or as simple as you’d like. This asparagus recipe calls for a lemon and feta dressing that is so perfectly tart and bright you’ll be using it on other salads and veggie dishes.
18. BUTTER ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and beta-carotene. It is no wonder many consider them a superfood. This recipe calls for only 3 ingredients and the reviews are abundantly positive. This silky, sweet, and seemingly decadent side dish will add a hearty but healthy side to your shrimp dish.
19. GARLIC HERB ROASTED POTATOES CARROTS AND ZUCCHINI
You have probably tried many versions of grilled vegetables but this recipe from Eatwell 101 knocks it out of the park, eh, garden?…..with this healthy, herbaceous delight of a recipe. Calling for a tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary, your veggies will be robust in flavor.
20. SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE STUFFED MUSHROOMS
This recipe is a healthier version of the classic. It is dairy and gluten-free, but you can add and omit whatever ingredients to make it your own. You will love the earthy mushrooms with spinach, artichoke and garlic. The creaminess of the tad bit of mayo makes this healthy dish seem somewhat decadent. These perfectly cooked mushrooms will stand up nicely to your Shrimp Scampi.
