Skip to Content

What to Serve with Scallops? 16 Worth-trying Side Dishes

If you’re looking for an entree that’s fancy enough for a special occasion yet easy to prepare, look no further than scallops.

With their delicate texture and subtle sweetness, these mollusks are the perfect addition to any dinner party or romantic meal.

But when it comes to what sides pair best with this seafood delicacy, you may find yourself in an endless quandary of ideas.

To alleviate anxieties about side dishes we’ve curated sixteen options – some traditional ones and some outrageous combinations – that will have your taste buds singing!

So put on your chef hat and let’s start exploring these mouth-watering recipes today!

What to Serve with Scallops? 16 Worth-trying Side Dishes

1. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with scallops, look no further than grilled asparagus with lemon butter.

This dish is healthy, flavorful, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in.

When asparagus is grilled, it takes on a slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of scallops.

The lemon butter sauce adds a touch of acidity and creaminess to the dish.

To make this recipe, simply grill the asparagus on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan until tender.

Then, toss with lemon butter sauce and serve immediately.

This dish can be served hot or cold.

If you’re short on time, you can even make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

  • Be sure to oil your grill grates before cooking, so the asparagus doesn’t stick.
  • For extra flavor, try adding some garlic or herbs to the lemon butter sauce.

2. Apple Cranberry Salad

Apple Cranberry Salad is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and different to serve as a side dish.

This salad has a unique flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table.

The sweetness of the apples, the tartness of the cranberries, and the crunch of the nuts all come together to create a delicious and refreshing salad.

One tip for making this salad even better is to use a mixture of different types of apples.

This will give the salad a more complex flavor and make it even more enjoyable.

Another tip is to use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries.

The fresh berries will add a nice pop of color and flavor to the salad.

3. Greek Salad with Avocado

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to pair with scallops? Then you’ll want to try this Greek salad with avocado.

This salad is not only packed with flavor but it’s also loaded with nutrients that are good for you.

The avocados in this dish provide heart-healthy fats, while the tomatoes and onions are rich in antioxidants.

This dish is also a good source of fiber, which is important for keeping your digestive system healthy.

To make this salad, simply combine chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and avocado in a bowl.

Then dress the salad with olive oil and vinegar.

You can also add some fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor.

If you’re looking for a bit of a crunch, you can add some croutons or chopped nuts.

4. Spinach and Pomegranate Salad

If you’re looking for a new spin on your typical salad, then this recipe is definitely worth trying.

The combination of spinach and pomegranate is both unique and delicious.

The sweetness of the pomegranate pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the spinach, and the two flavors complement each other perfectly.

This dish is also incredibly healthy, as both spinach and pomegranates are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of greens, and it’s a perfect option for those who are looking for a light but filling meal.

To make this dish, simply combine baby spinach leaves with pomegranate seeds and a light dressing of your choice.

I recommend a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

5. Mango Avocado Salsa

This Mango Avocado Salsa is a great recipe to try because it’s healthy and flavorful.

The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado, and the lime juice gives it a nice acidity.

This dish is also very versatile – you can serve it as a side dish or add some protein (like grilled chicken or shrimp) to make it into the main course.

To make this dish, start by chopping up your mango and avocado into small cubes.

Then, add in the diced red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno (if you want some spice).

Squeeze in the lime juice and add salt and pepper to taste.

Give everything a good mix, and that’s it.

This dish is best served fresh, so try to make it just before you’re ready to eat.

6. Summer Squash Salad

This summer squash salad is the perfect light dish for a hot summer day.

The squash is thinly sliced and marinated in a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

The result is a refreshing salad with a delicate flavor and a tender texture.

The key to making this dish is to use only the freshest ingredients.

Look for summer squash that is brightly colored and firm to the touch.

Avoid any squash that is dull-looking or has started to soften.

For the best flavor, dress the salad just before serving.

This will allow the flavors of the squash to shine through.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

7. Summer Lentil Salad

This Summer Lentil Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ or picnic.

It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

The best part about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.

The key to making a great lentil salad is to use fresh herbs and not overcook the lentils.

I like to use a mix of fresh parsley, mint, and cilantro in this recipe.

And make sure to cook the lentils until they are just tender – you don’t want them to be mushy.

Here are a few tips for making this salad:

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Cook the lentils until they are just tender.
  • Add in some crumbled feta cheese for a bit of salty flavor.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

8. Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, and for a good reason.

They’re creamy, comforting, and versatile.

Roasted shallots take them to the next level by adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.

This is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual mashed potatoes.

The roasted shallots give these mashed potatoes a lovely sweetness that is balanced by the earthy flavor of the potatoes themselves.

If you’re not used to cooking with shallots, don’t worry – they’re easy to work with and add a lot of flavor without being overpowering.

To roast them, simply peel and slice them, then toss with a little olive oil and sea salt.

Roast in a preheated oven until golden brown and tender, about 15 minutes.

But feel free to get creative and add in your favorite seasonings or other ingredients.

Some ideas include shredded cheese, minced garlic, freshly chopped herbs, or even crumbled bacon.

Just be sure not to overdo it – a little goes a long way with mashed potatoes.

9. Lemon Asparagus Risotto

This Lemon Asparagus Risotto is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and different.

This dish is packed with flavor, and the asparagus gives it a nice crunch.

The risotto is also very filling, so it’s perfect for a hearty meal.

Here are some tips on making this dish:

  • Be sure to cook the rice until it is al dente or just slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked rice will make the risotto mushy.
  • When adding the broth, do so slowly and gradually so that the rice can absorb all of the liquid.
  • Use fresh asparagus for this dish for the best flavor and texture.

10. Tomato Parmesan Bisque

This Tomato Parmesan Bisque recipe is the perfect way to use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden.

It’s a delicious and easy soup that can be made in just a few minutes.

The best part about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

This Tomato Parmesan Bisque is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and exciting to make for dinner.

The soup is packed with flavor and has a creamy texture that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden.

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well.
  • Saute the onion and garlic in butter until they’re softened before adding them to the soup. This will help to bring out their flavor.
  • Add a bit of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Puree the soup until it’s smooth before serving. You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender.

11. Fettuccine Alfredo

Looking for a classic, creamy pasta dish to add to your repertoire? Look no further than fettuccine Alfredo.

This dish is made with just a few simple ingredients – fettuccine noodles, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese – but the result is truly heavenly.

The best part about this dish is that it’s so easy to make at home; you don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients.

So why should you try making fettuccine Alfredo at home? For one, it’s a great way to impress your dinner guests with your cooking skills.

This dish looks impressive but is actually quite simple to make.

Secondly, it’s incredibly delicious – the rich, creamy sauce is addictively good.

And lastly, it’s a great way to use up some pantry staples that you might already have on hand, like pasta and Parmesan cheese.

If you’ve never made Alfredo sauce before, don’t worry – it’s easy.

Start by melting some butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Then, add in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, toss it with cooked fettuccine noodles and serve immediately.

12. Corn & Bacon Succotash

Corn & Bacon Succotash is a dish that originates from the Native American tribe of the Wampanoag.

The dish is traditionally made with corn, beans, and squash but can also include tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

The dish is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and sometimes includes bacon or ham.

The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the smokiness of the bacon, and the beans add a delicious creaminess to the dish.

The succotash can be served as a side dish or as a main course.

When making corn and bacon succotash, it is important to use fresh corn; frozen or canned corn will not give the same results.

In addition, it is important to cook the corn thoroughly before adding the beans, as this will help to prevent the beans from overcooking.

13. Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic

Looking for a new side dish to try with your scallops? How about roasted broccoli? This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s a healthy option that’s packed with flavor.

The key to making this dish taste great is roasting the broccoli until it’s slightly charred.

This gives it a nice smokey flavor that pairs well with the parmesan and garlic.

If you’ve never roasted broccoli before, don’t worry, it’s really easy to do.

Just toss the florets in a little olive oil and put them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

If you want to take this dish to the next level, try adding some red pepper flakes or lemon zest.

Both of these ingredients will brighten up the flavors and make this dish even more delicious.

14. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try with scallops, look no further than garlic shrimp pasta.

This dish is packed with flavor and only takes a few minutes to make.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover shrimp you may have.

The key to making this dish taste amazing is to use fresh garlic.

You can either mince the garlic yourself or use pre-minced garlic from the store.

If you’re short on time, the pre-minced garlic will work just fine.

Just be sure to add it in early so that it has time to cook and infuse its flavor into the pasta.

Another tip for making this dish even tastier is to use shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.

This may seem like extra work, but it’s worth it for the extra flavor and texture that the shrimp adds to the dish.

If you don’t have time to peel and devein the shrimp, you can usually find pre-peeled and deveined shrimp at your local grocery store.

15. Lemon Asparagus Orzo

If you’re looking for a new, fresh recipe to try this spring, look no further than lemon asparagus orzo.

This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be easily tailored to your liking.

The best part about it is that it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

The key to this dish is the simplicity of the ingredients.

All you need is some asparagus, orzo, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.

You can also add in other veggies if you’d like, such as cherry tomatoes or green beans.

The acidity of the lemon juice really brings out the flavor of the asparagus and makes it pop.

The parmesan cheese adds a nice salty contrast that takes this dish to the next level.

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by leaving out the parmesan cheese. It will still be delicious.

If you’re looking for a bit more of a protein-packed meal, you could also add in some grilled chicken or shrimp.

16. Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

This Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake is a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

The shrimp are cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce and then baked with tender pasta and cheese.

The result is a dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

The best part is that it can be on the table in just 30 minutes.

For this dish, I like to use large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.

This saves time and ensures that the shrimp will cook evenly.

If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

To add even more flavor to the dish, I like to sauté the shrimp in some garlic butter before adding them to the Alfredo sauce.

This helps to infuse the shrimp with flavor and prevents them from drying out during baking.

The Alfredo sauce is made with a simple combination of cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.

I like to use a blend of both shredded and grated Parmesan cheese for this dish.

The shredded cheese melts into the sauce and gives it a smooth texture, while the grated cheese adds a nice cheesy flavor.

If you want your sauce to be extra rich, you can add a bit of heavy cream at the end.

Just be sure not to boil the sauce once the cream has been added, as this can cause it to curdle.

Conclusion

I have outlined 16 of the best side dishes that go well with scallops.

I hope this blog post has given you some ideas on what to serve with your next scallop dish.

Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a more complex one, there is sure to be something on this list that will suit your needs.

Have you ever made scallops before? What is your favorite way to cook them? Let me know in the comments below.

What to Serve with Scallops? 16 Worth-trying Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
  • 2. Apple Cranberry Salad
  • 3. Greek Salad with Avocado
  • 4. Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
  • 5. Mango Avocado Salsa
  • 6. Summer Squash Salad
  • 7. Summer Lentil Salad
  • 8. Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots
  • 9. Lemon Asparagus Risotto
  • 10. Tomato Parmesan Bisque
  • 11. Fettuccine Alfredo
  • 12. Corn u0026 Bacon Succotash
  • 13. Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic
  • 14. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
  • 15. Lemon Asparagus Orzo
  • 16. Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If youu0026#x27;re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!