Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and white wine. While the dish is delicious on its own, it’s even better when paired with the right side dish. A good side dish can complement the flavors of the shrimp scampi and help to balance out the richness of the dish. In this article, we’ll be sharing five delicious and easy side dish recipes that you can make at home to elevate your shrimp scampi game.
15 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Scampi
1. Garlic Bread
This classic Italian side dish is perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce of the shrimp scampi. It’s made with crusty bread, garlic, butter, and parsley. The bread is sliced and brushed with garlic butter, then toasted until it’s golden brown and crispy. The garlic and butter add a rich, savory flavor that complements the shrimp scampi perfectly.
2. Lemon Butter Broccoli
This side dish adds a burst of citrus flavor to your meal. Fresh broccoli is steamed or roasted and then tossed in a sauce made with butter, lemon juice, and garlic. The result is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
3. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs well with shrimp scampi. It’s roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s tender and slightly crispy. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of the asparagus is a perfect complement to the rich and garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
4. Tomato and Basil Salad
This simple and refreshing side dish is made with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It’s a great way to add some color and freshness to your meal, and the sweet and tangy flavors of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar work well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi.
5. Parmesan Risotto
This creamy and comforting side dish is a great way to balance out the flavors of the shrimp scampi. Arborio rice is cooked with chicken broth, white wine, and parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and tender. The richness of the risotto pairs well with the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
6. Caesar Salad
This classic salad is made with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal, and the tangy flavors of the dressing work well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi.
7. Green Beans Almondine
This side dish is made with fresh green beans, toasted almonds, and a buttery sauce. The green beans are blanched until they’re tender-crisp and then tossed in a sauce made with butter, garlic, and lemon juice. The nutty flavor of the almonds adds some crunch and depth to the dish, and the tangy flavors of the lemon work well with the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
8. Caprese Salad
This simple and elegant salad is made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a great way to add some color and freshness to your meal, and the sweet and tangy flavors of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar work well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi.
9. Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini is grilled until it’s tender and slightly charred, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The smoky flavor of the zucchini pairs well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi.
10. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
Fresh spinach is sautéed with garlic and olive oil until it’s wilted and tender. The earthy flavors of the spinach work well with the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
11. Linguine with Lemon and Olive Oil
This simple and flavorful pasta dish is made with linguine, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a great side dish to serve with shrimp scampi, as it’s light and refreshing, and the citrus flavors of the lemon work well with the buttery flavors of the shrimp.
12. Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Salad
This colorful and flavorful salad is made with roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The sweetness of the red peppers and the tanginess of the vinaigrette work well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi.
13. Crusty Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
This simple and classic side dish is made with crusty bread, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. The bread is toasted until it’s crispy, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s a great way to mop up the flavorful sauce of the shrimp scampi, and the tangy flavors of the vinegar work well with the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp.
14. Grilled Artichokes
Artichokes are grilled until they’re tender and slightly charred, then served with a tangy aioli or lemon butter sauce. The nutty flavor of the artichokes pairs well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi, and the tangy sauce adds some brightness to the dish.
15. Creamy Polenta
This comforting and creamy side dish is made with cornmeal, butter, and parmesan cheese. It’s a great way to balance out the flavors of the shrimp scampi, as the creamy and slightly sweet flavors of the polenta work well with the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right side dish can take your shrimp scampi to the next level. From the classic garlic bread to the creamy parmesan risotto, these five side dishes offer a range of flavors and textures that complement the rich, buttery flavor of the shrimp scampi. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find your own favorite pairings.
With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you make shrimp scampi, try one of these side dishes and watch your meal go from good to great!