Grilled shrimp combines the smoky charred flavors of the grill with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. When it comes to serving, selecting the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. From vibrant salads to tasty grilled vegetables, we have created a list of the best side dishes that complement the dish.
What Type of Shrimp to Use
Look for shrimp that are fresh, with a firm texture and no off odors. Avoid shrimp that are slimy or have a strong ammonia smell. Choose shrimp that are sustainably sourced to ensure that the seafood industry is not harming the environment or contributing to overfishing.
In terms of preparation, decide whether you want to buy shrimp that are already deveined, shells on, shells, off, etc. Deveining is the process of removing the digestive tract or “vein” that runs along the back. When you purchase deveined shrimp the black or brownish-colored digestive tract is already removed.
To do it yourself, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a sharp knife and then use the tip of the knife to carefully lift and remove the vein.
You should also consider where the shrimp are from. Different regions may have different species and quality standards. For taste, wild-caught shrimp are generally considered to be the best option as they have a more flavorful and firmer texture compared to farm-raised shrimp.
Farm-raised shrimp are raised in captivity on a shrimp farm. These farms can be located in ponds or in tanks on land. The shrimp are typically fed a diet of fishmeal, soy, and other ingredients, and are sometimes given antibiotics or other chemicals to prevent disease. Those chemicals are then passed into the food you eat.
Shrimp Recipes
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Taco Salad
Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
More Recipe Pairing Guides
What to Serve with Crab Legs and Best Side Dishes
What Goes Well with Salmon and Best Side Dishes
Side Dishes with Shrimp Tacos
Side Dishes for Shrimp and What Goes with Shrimp
Side Dishes for Cod and What to Serve
Shrimp Size Guide and Counts Per Pound
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp and Side Dishes
Grilled shrimp combines the smoky charred flavors of the grill with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. When it comes to serving, selecting the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. From vibrant salads to tasty grilled vegetables, we have created a list of the best side dishes that complement the dish.
Mango Salad Dressing (Fresh or Frozen Fruit)
This Mango Salad Dressing can be made using frozen or fresh fruit and is paired with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lime juice. The sauce has all of the flavors of a vinaigrette and can be paired with salads, rice bowls, and more.
Creamy Dill Sauce
Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes
These Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes are seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and baked or fried to perfection. These make the perfect side dish for any spread.
Oven Baked Corn on the Cob
This Easy Baked Corn on the Cob is drizzled in butter, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and then foil roasted in the oven. This is the best way to cook corn without husks. It’s foolproof!
Remoulade Sauce for Crab Cakes and Salmon
This mouth-watering Remoulade Sauce recipe will elevate your seafood to the next level! Perfectly paired with tender crab cakes and succulent salmon, this tangy and creamy sauce is bursting with flavor. From its rich, savory taste to its creamy, smooth texture, this is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
This is the best copycat Steakhouse Creamed Spinach recipe. This classic dish is made using fresh or frozen spinach and parmesan. Serve this creamy cheesy dish alongside any of your favorite main dish meals.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
This dish is a copycat version of the popular rice made at Chipotle Mexican restaurant. This recipe uses long grain white or brown rice that turns out soft, fluffy, and isn’t sticky every time! You can make this recipe on the stovetop or using a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or Instant Pot.
Pineapple Mango Salsa
This Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe is similar to pico de gallo and can be made using fresh or frozen fruit. The salsa has a sweet and tangy flavor profile thanks to lime juice, cilantro, and red onion.
Fried Potatoes and Onions
This Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe is a classic Southern and soul food staple. Pan-fried skillet potatoes are often served for breakfast alongside crunchy bacon and buttery biscuits.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
These crispy, charred oven roasted Brussels sprouts are baked on a sheet pan with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and roasted garlic. Feel free to sprinkle in bacon and parmesan for added flavor!
Easy Southern Green Beans with Bacon
These Easy Southern Style Green Beans are a staple old-fashioned side dish recipe. This homestyle dish is made with string beans and bacon for the perfect country meal. Add this to any soul food spread.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Easy Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a homemade classic dish perfect for any spread or cookout. This side dish is cheesy thanks to cheddar and is also loaded with plenty of veggies, mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is roasted to perfection and seasoned sweet with cinnamon or savory with onion and garlic. Grab fresh or frozen vegetables, either will work for this side dish!These Easy Roasted Ranch Potatoes are seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and baked or fried to perfection. These make the perfect side dish for any spread.
Southern-Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy 4 cheese baked mac and cheese.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
This Easy Broccoli Salad is made with real bacon bits and cheese. This classic and old fashioned dish is served cold and is definitely a crowd pleaser for the summer months. Feel free to toss in cauliflower!
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
This Easy Spaghetti Salad is served cold with cooked pasta, veggies, and drizzled in Italian dressing. This is a great side dish for a weeknight meal or when you need to serve a crowd for a cookout or BBQ.
Southern Cooked Cabbage
This Southern Cooked Cabbage Recipe is made on the stove using butter, bacon or sausage, and garlic for immense flavor. This is the best soul food dish to serve for weeknight meals, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Grilled Mango
This Grilled Mango is the perfect treat that can be seasoned with chili lime, paprika, Tajin, or brown sugar You can eat it on its own, pair it with chicken or fish, add it to a fruit salad, or use it as a topping for ice cream.
Southern Creamed Corn
This Homemade Easy Southern Creamed Corn is made from scratch using fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is served sweet or savory, or even with a combination of both!
Classic Macaroni Salad
This Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that will pair wonderfully with your BBQ or cookout spread. This is the best soul food side dish served cold with a flavorful dressing.
Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
This is the best Southern-style Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe made with buttermilk. Pair this classic, old-fashioned dish with any soul food meal drizzled in homemade gravy.
Make Ahead Slow Cooker Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes can be made ahead using your Crockpot Slow Cooker and then reheated or kept warm right in the pot! This is an easy “dump the ingredients in the pot” dish.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a quick and easy recipe that takes 10 minutes. This is a great appetizer or side dish for any meal you are looking to add vegetables to!
Smothered Potatoes and Onions
This Easy Smothered Potatoes and Onions recipe is an old-fashioned dish with green peppers and homemade gravy. This Southern, pan-fried staple can be served for breakfast or dinner.
Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is homemade from scratch and baked in the oven. From there, you drizzle the dish in a thick caramelized syrup. Your Sunday dinners and soul food holiday events just got much better!
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon chunks are paired with tangy crumbles of feta cheese, avocado, cucumbers, and basil. The salad is then drizzled with a balsamic lime dressing that adds a zesty kick and a touch of acidity, bringing all the flavors together.
Mango Fruit Salad
This Mango Fruit Salad is a delicious and refreshing recipe that combines sweet mangoes, berries, grapes, and avocado to create a sweet and tangy medley. The fruit salad is drizzled with a zesty honey lime dressing and is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits.
Potato Salad with Bacon
This Potato Salad with Bacon is mouthwatering and irresistible! Perfect for any summer BBQ or picnic, this dish takes the classic potato salad to the next level with crispy bacon bits mixed in. With a creamy dressing and a hint of smoky goodness, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Southern Coleslaw
This Easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe has the best sweet and tangy flavor. It’s served creamy and chilled. Perfect for loading onto pulled pork sandwiches or served as a side dish for any BBQ or cookout spread.