Here are my top picks for what to serve with grilled shrimp to turn it into a delicious and well-balanced meal for the whole family. My favorite side dish recipes include everything from easy vegetables to classic comfort foods. If you plan on popping a few shrimp on the grill this summer, you've come to the right place.
My sides for shrimp is a great place to look for more suggestions for shrimp-worthy dishes. Are you planning a party? See my guide on how many shrimp are in a serving to help with planning!
Jump to:
- 1. Twice Baked Potatoes
- 2. Southern Coleslaw
- 3. Grilled Corn On The Cob
- 4. Sauteed Green Beans
- 5. Lemon Butter Sauce
- 6. Potato Salad
- 7. Zucchini Fritters
- 8. Caesar Salad
- 9. Pan Fried Asparagus
- 10. Fresh Mango Salsa (with tortilla chips)
- 11. Cucumber Vinegar Salad
- 12. Creamed Spinach
- 13. Parmesan Orzo
- 14. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese
- 15. Rice Pilaf
- 16. Grilled Bok Choy
- 17. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- 🦐 Recipes You Can Make With Grilled Shrimp
- 💭 Tips For Choosing What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp
- 🦐 🍤 😋 More Great Shrimp Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp: 17 Best Side Dishes Including Twice Baked Potatoes +More!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
One of my favorite quick and easy shrimp recipes is simply popping a few juicy shrimp on the grill with a little seasoning. It's incredibly versatile, and honestly, it's hard to mess up.
Grilled shrimp can be served a la carte as a light appetizer, or you can make it the main focus by incorporating a few of my tasty side dishes!
1. Twice Baked Potatoes
You can't go wrong pairing shrimp with any potato side dish, but these twice-baked potatoes are guaranteed to impress! They are loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and ham and baked until perfectly fluffy.
2. Southern Coleslaw
When you're enjoying the summer grilling season, cool and crispy coleslaw is a great way to beat the heat! You can even prepare it in advance and let it chill in the fridge until you need it.
3. Grilled Corn On The Cob
If you already plan on firing up the grill, why not throw on a few corn cobs? Corn on the cob takes longer to cook than shrimp, so you'll want to throw it on near the end of the corn's cook time.
4. Sauteed Green Beans
Green beans are a great last-minute side dish for shrimp because they cook up in a flash! If you're looking to add a green veggie to your plate, a quick batch of sauteed green beans is the way to go.
5. Lemon Butter Sauce
It may not technically be a side dish, but grilled shrimp is always better with a side of lemon butter sauce! Or, if you prefer, you could try offering some drawn butter for dunking!
6. Potato Salad
When I think of summer grilling, potato salad is one of the first side dishes to come to mind. It's hearty and satisfying while also cool and creamy, making it an excellent choice to pair with grilled shrimp!
7. Zucchini Fritters
If you have some extra zucchini on hand, I can't think of a better way to use it than a batch of crispy zucchini fritters! They're a great alternative to french fries or potatoes, and they're just as good for dipping.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
8. Caesar Salad
Not only does a Caesar salad make a great side dish on its own, but it can also be served as the main course with a handful of juicy grilled shrimp! Grab some of your favorite croutons and some freshly grated Parmesan to top it all off!
9. Pan Fried Asparagus
If you aren't a fan of green beans, pan-fried asparagus is just as easy to make! It's tender and buttery, plus it adds a lovely pop of color to the plate.
10. Fresh Mango Salsa (with tortilla chips)
My fresh mango salsa features a rainbow of fresh fruits, veggies, and lots of citrusy lime flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips and grilled shrimp for a refreshing lunch or light dinner!
11. Cucumber Vinegar Salad
Cucumber vinegar salad is simple and delicious, with a crisp crunch of fresh cucumbers and plenty of vinegary flavor. This light side dish is a great way to keep the carbs and calories low.
12. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a steakhouse classic and pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill. It's warm, creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying! You could give creamed kale a try, too!
13. Parmesan Orzo
This creamy Parmesan orzo would make a wonderful bed for a few succulent grilled shrimp. It's pure Italian comfort food that is easy to prepare and never disappoints!
14. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese
Slightly spicy, creamy, and wrapped in crispy bacon, these jalapeno poppers are always a crowd favorite. I love to dip them in some homemade ranch dressing, though they are definitely tasty enough to enjoy on their own.
15. Rice Pilaf
The slightly nutty and mild flavor of rice pilaf perfectly complements the savory and smoky flavor of grilled shrimp. Add some veggies, and you have a delicious and well-rounded meal!
16. Grilled Bok Choy
If you're heating up the grill anyway, you might as well toss some vegetables on! Bok choy pairs well with any grilled shrimp, but it's particularly tasty with teriyaki marinated shrimp.
17. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside without all the extra oil. Their natural sweetness shines through when baked. You can lean into it with sweet seasonings like cinnamon or make them savory with salt, pepper, and herbs!
🦐 Recipes You Can Make With Grilled Shrimp
If you'd prefer to incorporate your grilled shrimp into a dish instead of pairing it with a side dish, there are tons of recipes you can try! Grilled shrimp makes an excellent addition to everything from salads to pasta!
Here are a few of my recipes you can add your grilled shrimp to:
💭 Tips For Choosing What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp
When it comes to choosing the best side dishes for grilled shrimp, there are a few factors I like to keep in mind. Certain flavors and textures complement grilled shrimp more than others:
- Citrus: Shrimp and citrus are a match made in heaven. Lemon and lime complement it wonderfully! You can't go wrong with lemony sauces, tangy citrus salads, or even just a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Cultural cuisines: Grilled shrimp is a prevalent ingredient in many different cultures, including Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Try pairing your shrimp with sides that are typical for these cuisines, such as vegetable fajitas, noodles, or couscous.
- Potatoes, rice, and starches: Grilled shrimp is a light protein, which makes it a great opportunity to include some heavier, starchy sides! Things like white rice, baked potatoes, and cornbread are always a welcome addition.
- Cool or creamy: If you're like me and you like grilled shrimp with spicy or strong flavors, it's a good idea to balance the heat. I often serve it with a cool and refreshing side to balance the zest.
These are just a few of my favorite recipes to pair with grilled shrimp during the summer. Tell me your favorite grilled shrimp recipes in the comments below so I can give them a try!
🦐 🍤 😋 More Great Shrimp Recipes
- Kung Pao Shrimp - This bold and spicy Kung Pao shrimp is ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
- Buffalo Shrimp - Each juicy shrimp has a burst of zesty buffalo flavor!
- Fried shrimp - My super crispy fried shrimp is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces!
- Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Bake - This garlic shrimp alfredo bake is incredibly simple and full of rich, cheesy flavor!
- General Tso's Shrimp - This homemade General Tso's shrimp is better than takeout!
- Crab Stuffed Shrimp - Crab stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main course!
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📖 Recipe Card
What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp: 17 Best Side Dishes Including Twice Baked Potatoes +More!
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes (baking potatoes)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (optional -extra virgin)
- 1 pinch Himalayan salt (coarse, optional)
Twice Baked Potato Filling
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream (or sour cream substitute, cottage cheese, chivo or top o' tater)
- ½ cup ham (diced, frying is optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, a little more for the topping if desired)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
Twice Baked Potato Topping
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup bacon (chopped, cooked - about 4 to 6 slices)
- 2 tablespoon chives (fresh, chopped)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Baking the Potatoes (the first time)
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Clean and fork large 4 large russet potatoes, place on squares of aluminum foil. (optional) Drizzle with 2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1 pinch Himalayan salt. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before handling.
Assemble the Twice Baked Potatoes
- Slice each baked potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the inside white of the potato, being careful not to get too close to the skin as it will tear easily. Place the scooped out potato into a mixing bowl.
- Add ½ cup butter, ½ cup milk, and 1 cup sour cream then combine with a hand mixer or masher. Stir in ½ cup ham and 1 cup cheddar cheese, season with salt & pepper to taste, and mix again. Spoon filling portions into hollowed-out baked potato skins.
- Top each filled potato with ¼ cup bacon and 2 tablespoon chives (or scallions), and add more ¼ cup cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) in a greased baking dish for 30-35 minutes, until cheese topping is melted and/or the filling is turning golden brown.
Nutrition
Originally published July 13, 2023
Updated April 29, 2024, fixed grammar and formatting
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