What to Serve with Shrimp Salad: 8 Delicious Sides to Make

Salad can be a great dish, but it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect side dishes to go with it. You want something that will taste great and complement the other ingredients used, but what do you choose?

I finally figured it out a few days ago and put this list together.

Look:

I was all set to make a romantic dinner for my husband on Valentine’s Day. The table was set, the candles were burning, and the music was playing softly in the background. I had even gone out and bought a fresh seafood salad for us to enjoy. But when it came time to dish up the salad, I realized that I had no idea what to serve as a side dish.

Do I need bread? A vegetable? Something else entirely?

So, I ran to the grocery store and browsed the aisles for inspiration. I found some beautiful fresh cucumber and decided to make a tantalizing cucumber salad. I also grabbed some rice, because I knew my husband loved it.

I was so proud of my creation! The shrimp salad was simple but elegant, and the side dishes complemented it perfectly. My husband was thrilled with the meal, and we enjoyed a romantic dinner together.

If you’re looking for side dish inspiration for your next shrimp salad, look no further! Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with shrimp salad. Ready?

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Salad

1. Fried Okra
2. Fried Rice
3. Corn on the Cob
4. Cucumber Salad
5. Deviled Eggs
6. Baked Potatoes
7. Cornbread
8. Macaroni and Cheese

Fried Okra

First off, I am known for my love of all things fried, and okra is no exception. This Southern classic is often served as a side dish, and it goes particularly well with shrimp salad.

In my experience, the crispy texture of the fried okra helps to contrast the creaminess of the salad, and the two dishes complement each other perfectly.

So to prepare fried okra, simply coat fresh okra in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds (and thirds)!

And if you’re looking for other ways to enjoy this delicious side dish, try pairing it with grilled fish or steak. It’s also great as a standalone snack, just add a little hot sauce, and you’re good to go!

Quick Recipe: Fried Okra

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh okra, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Average Cook Time:

20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Dredge okra slices in the mixture.
4. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Fried Rice

Y’all know that shrimp and rice are a match made in heaven. But have you ever tried fried rice as a side dish for shrimp salad? Trust me, it is ah-mazing!

The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the shrimp salad, and the lightly crisped edges add an excellent contrast in texture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have.

Now, I’m not gonna lie to you. This dish does take a little bit of effort to prepare. But it’s oh so worth it! First, you’ll need to cook the rice until it’s nice and fluffy. Then, you’ll need to fry it in some oil until it’s golden brown and crispy. Once that’s done, simply add your shrimp salad and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push veggies to the side and pour beaten eggs into the skillet.
4. Scramble the eggs and mix with the veggies.
5. Add rice and soy sauce, stir until well combined.

Corn on the Cob

Next up is one of my favorites, corn on the cob. If I may say so myself, corn on the cob as a side dish for shrimp salad is the best thing since sliced bread! Maybe it’s the crunchy texture of the corn that pairs so well with the juicy shrimp, or maybe it’s the sweetness of the corn that offsets the tanginess of the dressing.

Either way, this is one combination that you’re sure to love.

To make this dish, simply boil a few ears of corn and then cut the kernels off the cob. Add them to your shrimp salad, along with some diced celery and red onion. However, if you prefer, you can serve your corn on the cob whole with your salad on the side.

You can also use this corn on the cob as a side dish for chicken salad or fish tacos.

Quick Recipe: Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Boil corn in a pot of salted water for 7-8 minutes.
2. Drain and pat dry.
3. Spread butter over each ear, then season with salt and pepper.

Cucumber Salad

This next side dish is so refreshing and light; it’s perfect for summertime! Cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with shrimp salad, and it’s a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you might have.

To make this dish, simply dice up some cucumbers and red onion and mix them with a vinegar-based dressing. I like to use apple cider vinegar, but you can use any type of vinegar you like. Then, simply add your shrimp salad and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh dill for garnish

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cucumber and red onion slices.
2. Whisk together white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion, tossing to combine.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

Deviled Eggs

Up next is another classic, deviled eggs. These little delights make an excellent side dish! Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why do deviled eggs go so well with shrimp salad?” Well, let me tell you!

First of all, they both have mayo in them. And we all know that anything with mayo is bound to be delicious! But seriously, the creaminess of the mayo pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the shrimp. Plus, the eggs add a lovely touch of elegance to the dish.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering how to prepare this delightful side dish. It’s really quite simple! Just boil some eggs, remove the yolks, and mix them with mayo, mustard, and a little bit of salt and pepper.

Afterward, spoon the mixture back into the egg whites, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious side dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Of course, this scrumptious side dish isn’t just for shrimp salad. It would also be wonderful with chicken salad, tuna salad, or pretty much any other type of salad.

Quick Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Paprika for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Remove yolks from egg halves and place in a bowl.
2. Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fill egg whites with the yolk mixture.
5. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

Baked Potatoes

Following that, are baked potatoes. Now, can this even work? “Baked potatoes? Really?” But trust me, they are really good!

The thing is the starchiness of the potato pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the shrimp salad. And when you add a little bit of sour cream and chives on top, it takes the dish to a whole new level.

I know what you’re thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work.” But it’s really not! You can easily bake potatoes in the oven or microwave. Then, simply add your shrimp salad on top and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, cheese

Average Cook Time:

1 hour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry potatoes, then prick several times with a fork.
3. Rub olive oil over each potato and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender.
5. Cut open and add your favorite toppings.

Cornbread

Next up is cornbread. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “What the heck? Cornbread doesn’t go with shrimp salad!” But take my word, it does!

In fact, the first time I had cornbread and shrimp salad together was at a potluck party. I was really hesitant to try it, but I’m glad I did! The combination of flavors was amazing. The sweetness of the cornbread paired perfectly with the tanginess of the shrimp salad. It ended up being one of my favorite dishes at the party!

So, to make this dish, simply bake a batch of cornbread and cut it into small squares. Then, add your shrimp salad on top, and BOOM! You’ve got yourself a delicious and unique side dish.

Quick Recipe: Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs

Average Cook Time:

25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Macaroni and Cheese

Last but not least is macaroni and cheese. But you’re probably wondering, “What, macaroni and cheese is a main dish, not a side dish!”

Well, my friend, you would be wrong! Macaroni and cheese is an excellent side dish for shrimp salad. The thing is the creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the shrimp. Plus, the cheesy goodness makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Still not convinced? Just give it a try! I’m confident you’ll be hooked after just one bite.

Lastly, to prepare this delectable side dish, simply cook some macaroni and mix it with a cheese sauce. Then, add your shrimp salad on top and chow down!

Quick Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup bread crumbs for topping

Average Cook Time:

30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking continuously until smooth.
5. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
8. Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.

FAQ

What can I serve with seafood salad?

There are a few different options that you could choose from. Some people prefer to keep things simple and just serve a salad with their seafood dish. Other options include avocado, crackers, or even a sandwich.

What vegetable goes with shrimp?

Again, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some great choices include asparagus, broccoli, or even green beans.

What wine is good with shrimp?

Shrimp pairs best with wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio.

Can I pair red wine with shrimp?

Yes, you can! Some great red wines to pair with shrimp include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Conclusion

What it all boils down to is that there are a variety of different side dishes that go great with shrimp salad. So, whether you’re looking for something simple or something more unique, there’s sure to be a dish that will suit your needs.

I hope that this list of my favorite side dishes has helped you out. And remember, when in doubt, just add more shrimp! Believe me, it’ll be delicious.