What to Eat with Shrimp Cocktail – 15+ Incredible Side Dishes
When it comes to serving shrimp cocktails, what to serve them with is important.
A shrimp cocktail is a combination of boiled shrimp, cocktail sauce, and lemon. It is a dish that is perfect for parties and gatherings because it is light and refreshing.
The side dishes you serve with shrimp cocktail should complement the flavors in the dish.
Many different side dishes work well with shrimp cocktail, but I’ve narrowed it down to 15 of the best! Keep reading for recipes and tips on how to prepare them.
Side Dishes For Shrimp Cocktail
- Potato salad
- Zucchini fries parmesan
- Corn salad
- Tex-Mex ranch potatoes
- Tomato cucumber corn salad
- Baked Mac & cheese casserole
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Roasted asparagus
- Creamy coleslaw
- Green bean salad
- Pasta salad
- Chickpea salad
- Couscous
- Broccoli slaw
- Jalapeno corn muffins
Potato salad
Potato salad is the perfect side dish for a shrimp cocktail. The creamy potato salad pairs perfectly with the flavor of the tender, succulent shrimp.
Additionally, potato salad also has a great flavor that compliments the shrimp cocktail. I recommend red potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes for this salad.
While the potatoes are cooling, mix the dressing for the salad. The dressing should be a combination of mayonnaise, dijon, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, celery seed, and salt and pepper.
After the potatoes are mixed with the dressing, fold in chopped celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Zucchini fries Parmesan
These zucchini fries are a delicious side dish that is perfect for shrimp cocktails. The zucchini is coated in a Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and then baked until it is golden brown.
They are a great side dish because they are crispy and full of flavor. Additionally, the Parmesan cheese pairs well with the shrimp cocktail.
Furthermore, the dish is quite easy to make, so it won’t take up so much time.
Corn salad
This salad is rich in flavor. Its sweetness pairs perfectly with the shrimp cocktail. The salad is made with fresh corn, diced avocado, diced jicama, chopped cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette.
The lime vinaigrette is made with olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, and salt. This dressing brings all the flavors together and makes the salad even more refreshing.
This is an ideal side dish for a shrimp cocktail when you want something light and sweet.
Tex-Mex ranch potatoes
These Tex-Mex ranch potatoes are a great side dish for shrimp cocktails. They are roasted until they are crispy and then tossed in a flavorful ranch dressing.
The ranch dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. This dressing gives the potatoes a great flavor that complements the shrimp cocktail.
Give this a try next time shrimp cocktails are on the menu, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Tomato cucumber corn salad
This is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for shrimp cocktails.
The salad is made with diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, fresh corn, chopped basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette. However, if you prefer a heavier dressing then I recommend using a ranch dressing.
Furthermore, the acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the flavors of the other ingredients and blends perfectly into the shrimp cocktail
The salad is light and refreshing, but still has a great flavor that pairs well with a shrimp cocktail.
Baked Mac & cheese casserole
The rich flavor of the cheese in this dish pairs well with the delicate flavor of the shrimp, and the pasta provides a satisfying texture contrast.
To make the perfect baked mac and cheese casserole, start with good-quality cheese. I like to use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, but you can use any combination of cheeses that you like.
Additionally, be sure to cook the pasta in well-salted water, and don’t be afraid to add a little extra cheese to the sauce.
Finally, the key to a great baked mac and cheese casserole is to get the balance of flavor and texture just right.
Sauteed mushrooms
These sauteed mushrooms are a great side dish for shrimp cocktails. The mushrooms are cooked in a garlic butter sauce and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Additionally, the mushrooms can be grilled which will give it a smoky flavor that goes well with the shrimp cocktail.
This side dish is easy to make and can be made ahead of time. It can also be served at room temperature or warm, making it a great side dish for a summer party.
Roasted asparagus
This is another nutritional and delicious side for your shrimp cocktails. The asparagus is roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
You can also cook asparagus on the grill. If you do, make sure to oil the grill grates so the asparagus doesn’t stick. In addition,
the asparagus should be cooked until it is tender but still has a little crunch. It should not be overcooked or it will become mushy.
Asparagus is a great side dish because it is healthy and has a subtle flavor that pairs well with the shrimp cocktail.
Furthermore, this dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Creamy coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish for a shrimp cocktail. The creamy dressing and the crisp vegetables complement the delicate flavor of the shrimp.
The acidity in the dressing also cuts through the richness of the cocktail sauce, making it a refreshing and balanced dish.
Furthermore, coleslaw is low in calories and fat, making it another healthy choice for those who are watching their weight.
Green bean coleslaw
This is a great alternative to traditional coleslaw. It is made with green beans, cabbage, and a creamy dressing.
This side dish is light and refreshing, making it a great choice for summer parties. To make this dish, simply cook the green beans in boiling water for three minutes.
Then, add the cabbage and dressing of your choice. I like to use a light vinaigrette, but you can use any dressing that you like.
This slightly nutty flavor pairs well with the savory taste of the shrimp cocktails.
Pasta salad
Pasta salad is the perfect side dish for a shrimp cocktail. The pasta salad complements the shrimp cocktail and brings out the great flavor of the dish.
Pasta salad also adds a healthy and filling side to the dish. The pasta salad is a great side dish for shrimp cocktails because it is full of flavor and nutrients.
Additionally, the herbs and spices in the pasta salad add a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
Chickpea salad
Chickpea salad is a great side dish for a shrimp cocktail. The salad is made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing.
Chickpea is a type of legume that is high in protein and fiber. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. Chickpeas can be eaten whole or mashed into a paste. They are often used in soups, stews, and salads.
For the dressing, I like to use a lemon vinaigrette. This dressing is light and refreshing, tying the whole dish together.
Couscous
Couscous is a great side dish for shrimp cocktails because it has a neutral flavor that allows the shrimp to shine.
In addition, the couscous also absorbs the flavors of the cocktail sauce, making each bite more delicious. In addition, couscous is a healthy grain that is high in fiber and low in fat.
Finally, couscous is also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So if you’re short on time, and you want a healthy and delicious meal, couscous is a perfect choice.
Broccoli slaw
This is similar to coleslaw, however, the difference is that broccoli slaw uses broccoli instead of cabbage.
Broccoli slaw is a great side dish for shrimp cocktail because it has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. The sweetness of the broccoli pairs well with the savory flavors of the shrimp cocktail.
To make this dish, I like to use a light vinaigrette, but you can use any dressing that you like. Additionally, you can add ingredients such as raisins, cranberries, or nuts to the broccoli slaw to give it a little sweetness and crunch.
Jalapeno corn muffins
Jalapeno corn muffins are a great side dish for shrimp cocktails. The corn muffins are savory and slightly spicy, which pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp.
In addition, the corn muffins are filling and satisfying, making them a great choice for those who are looking for a heartier side dish.
If jalapenos are too spicy for you, but you won’t mind a bit of spice, you can substitute the jalapenos for bell peppers.
To make this dish, simply follow the instructions on the corn muffin mix. Then, add chopped jalapenos or bell peppers to the batter. Bake according to the package directions and enjoy!
FAQ
What sides go with a shrimp cocktail?
Some great side dishes for shrimp cocktail include coleslaw, pasta salad, chickpea salad, couscous, broccoli slaw, and jalapeno corn muffins.
What goes well with grilled shrimp?
Some great side dishes for grilled shrimp include roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, fruit salad, potato salad, and corn on the cob.
How to store leftover shrimp cocktails?
Leftover shrimp cocktails can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or enjoy it cold.
Conclusion
Many great side dishes go well with a shrimp cocktail. In this article, we’ve listed some of our favorites. We hope you’ll find a side dish that you love and that pairs well with your next shrimp cocktail! Thanks for reading!
What to Eat with Shrimp Cocktail – 15+ Incredible Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Potato salad
- Zucchini fries parmesan
- Corn salad
- Tex-Mex ranch potatoes
- Tomato cucumber corn salad
- Baked Mac & cheese casserole
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Roasted asparagus
- Creamy coleslaw
- Green bean salad
- Pasta salad
- Chickpea salad
- Couscous
- Broccoli slaw
- Jalapeno corn muffins
Instructions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish