This refreshing seafood salad combines a mix of shrimp, squids, scallops, and clams with crisp vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes.
Dressed in lemon and olive oil, this salad not only adds a splash of colors to your plate but also introduces a variety of textures and flavors that complement heavier seafood dishes.
Another staple in many Asian cuisines, this salad consists of thinly sliced cucumbers and soaked seaweed mixed with a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.
Its lightness perfectly complements heavier seafood dishes.
A side of garlic lemon butter shrimp is the perfect accompaniment for a plate of grilled fish, but it also works beautifully as a starter to whet the appetite.
Shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce provides a burst of flavor that’s both zesty and savory. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that can be prepared in a matter of minutes.
This dish takes the classic gratin and elevates it with the luxurious addition of lobster meat.
The earthy leeks, sautéed to perfection in unsalted butter and seasoned with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, intertwine harmoniously with the tender, roughly chopped lobster chunks.
The thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes provide a creamy yet structured base, which, when layered with the rich Mahón-Menorca semi-cured cheese, becomes a melty delight.
To bind these flavors and add a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of heavy cream is used.
This gratin, with its gourmet twist, transforms a traditional side dish into a centerpiece worthy of the most special occasions.
Mac and cheese is an all-time favorite side dish, but it’s not the first thing that springs to mind to pair with seafood. That’s about to change!
Add a touch of luxury to traditional mac and cheese by incorporating lobster meat with this recipe from Ina Garten.
The sweetness of the lobster combined with the creamy cheese sauce creates a side dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.
Veggie Seafood Sides
If you love nothing more than fresh, crisp veggies that are cooked to perfection to accompany your fish, then we’ve got some ideas to make your mouth water.
This is a classic side dish that pairs well with many fillets of fish.
Combining vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, roasted with olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, can be a vibrant and flavorful side for seafood mains.
Hollowed tomatoes filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, mixed herbs, and cheese, then baked until tender, offer a combination of textures that pairs excellently with seafood.
This creamy southern-inspired dish, with its subtle sweetness from the corn and the aromatic chives, can act as a soothing side, particularly when paired with spicier seafood dishes.
Brocolli is a classic accompaniment for salmon, but this side dish works well with other fillets of fish, too.
A dash of chili flakes provides a hint of heat to roasted broccoli, and a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, making it a suitably delicious side.
In Summary
Choosing the right side dish can greatly enhance a seafood meal, striking a balance between the flavors of the ocean and the produce of the land.
Whether you’re in the mood for the creaminess of mashed potatoes, the freshness of a cucumber salad, or the zestiness of citrus-infused couscous, there’s a side dish to suit every seafood main.
By thoughtfully pairing your dishes, you can transform a simple seafood dinner into a gourmet experience.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
