24 Incredible Side Dishes to Pair with Scallops (With Recipes)
Serving scallops with the right side dishes enhances their delicate, sweet flavor and velvety texture. Balancing richness with fresh, vibrant ingredients creates a memorable dining experience.
Some pairings bring a hint of crunch or zest, highlighting the scallops' subtle notes. Other accompaniments bring out their tenderness, complementing the natural taste of the sea.
From fresh greens to hearty grains, each dish adds its own touch of warmth and complexity. Discover 24 delicious sides that will make your scallop meal unforgettable:
Asparagus And Lemon Risotto
Asparagus and lemon risotto features creamy Arborio rice complemented by tender asparagus spears and zesty lemon, creating a luxurious side that perfectly complements scallops.
This dish stands out for its rich texture and fresh flavors, making it an ideal match for the delicate taste of seafood.
With each spoonful, you can savor the freshness of spring while enjoying a comforting meal that warms your palate.
Avocado And Mango Salsa
Avocado and mango salsa is a refreshing blend that pairs beautifully with scallops, enhancing their delicate flavor.
This vibrant mixture features creamy avocado combined with sweet, juicy mangoes for a burst of freshness.
Adding this side elevates your dish from ordinary to extraordinary without overwhelming the palate.
By slicing up some crusty baguette and topping it with perfectly fried scallops along with the zesty salsa, you craft an impressive appetizer that invites guests to indulge in every bite while celebrating fresh ingredients in harmony together.
Browned Butter Polenta
Browned butter polenta is a flavorful side that pairs beautifully with scallops.
This dish features creamy cornmeal enriched by the deep, nutty flavor of browned butter, creating an indulgent accompaniment that elevates your meal.
With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can whip up this satisfying dish in under an hour, impressing friends and family alike without spending all day in the kitchen.
Brussels Sprouts In A Creamy Lemon Sauce
Brussels sprouts in a creamy lemon sauce elevate any meal with their tangy richness and delightful texture.
This dish features tender Brussels sprouts enveloped in a luscious cream that balances the natural earthiness of the vegetable, complemented by zesty lemon notes.
Infusing this side with crispy bacon adds an extra layer of savory depth, making it irresistible alongside scallops or other seafood dishes.
Couscous
Couscous complements scallops beautifully, adding a delightful heartiness that enhances the overall meal. This versatile grain can be prepared in various ways to suit your palate.
You might enjoy infusing it with spices like curry powder for an unexpected twist or tossing in fresh herbs and vegetables for added flavor and texture. The quick cooking time allows you to whip up this side dish effortlessly, making it an ideal choice when you're short on time yet want something satisfying alongside your seafood delicacy.
With couscous by your side, every dining experience feels complete and fulfilling.
Fried Corn And Chorizo
Fried corn with chorizo makes for an exciting pairing alongside scallops, offering a delightful contrast to the tender seafood.
The smoky essence of chorizo brings warmth and depth while the corn adds a creamy texture that enhances each bite.
For optimal flavor balance, slicing the chorizo into thin pieces ensures it melds beautifully without overwhelming your dish.
Sautéing both ingredients in their own oil allows you to seamlessly infuse those rich flavors when searing your scallops.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with scallops, creating a delightful seafood duo that enhances any dining experience.
The smoky char from grilling adds depth to the sweet and tender shrimp, making it an appealing complement to the delicate flavors of scallops.
Preparing grilled shrimp is straightforward; simply season them lightly with garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs before tossing them on the grill for just a few minutes until they turn pink and slightly caramelized.
With its quick preparation time, you’ll find this recipe becoming a staple whenever you're serving up succulent scallops at home.
Quinoa And Rice
Quinoa and rice serve as excellent companions for scallops, enhancing both nutrition and flavor. Their versatility allows you to experiment with various preparations, making them a popular choice in seafood pairings.
For an aromatic touch, savory chicken rice pilaf stands out; it’s straightforward to prepare yet packed with taste when cooked just right. When time is short, opting for steamed white rice creates a quick option that can be elevated by adding spices like cardamom or star anise along with butter for richness.
If you're leaning towards health-conscious choices, quinoa shines brightly, cooking it in lemon garlic butter sauce infuses delightful flavors while complementing the delicate nature of scallops beautifully.
Southern Succotash
Southern succotash stands out as a robust side dish that beautifully enhances the flavor of scallops. This traditional recipe features a delightful mix of fresh cherry tomatoes, buttery corn, and tender lima beans, all brought together with aromatic spices.
You have the freedom to customize this dish by incorporating additional vegetables or even crispy bacon for an extra layer of taste. The versatility allows you to tailor it perfectly to your palate while maintaining its comforting essence.
Pairing this savory creation with seared or pan-fried scallops makes for an unforgettable meal experience that balances both texture and richness seamlessly.
Sauce
Sauce is an excellent companion for scallops, enhancing their delicate taste while keeping the focus on this seafood delicacy. The versatility of sauces allows you to tailor them according to your palate; consider crafting a sweet chutney or a zesty citrus sauce that brightens each bite.
Pairing scallops with these flavorful options can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience. I find that experimenting with different textures and flavors in your sauce really complements the natural sweetness of the scallops, making for delightful pairings at any table setting.
Whether you're hosting guests or enjoying a quiet dinner, selecting the right sauce elevates your culinary creation effortlessly.
Pureed Cauliflower
Pureed cauliflower serves as an exquisite complement to scallops, enhancing their delicate flavors with its creamy consistency. This side dish brings a subtle nuttiness that elevates the overall dining experience.
To add depth, I often recommend garnishing it with raisins, capers, and pine nuts for an interesting contrast in taste and texture. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this velvety puree creates a luxurious base for your succulent seafood delights.
It's an effortless way to impress at any meal without much fuss involved.
Fried Bacon
Fried bacon pairs exquisitely with scallops, adding a rich and savory depth to your dish.
This classic combination elevates the delicate flavor of scallops while infusing it with smoky goodness from the crispy bacon.
Wrapping each succulent scallop in tender strips of bacon before cooking creates a delightful contrast that enhances every bite you take.
Simply cook them on the stovetop or under the grill for an irresistible treat, but roasting them in the oven brings out even more robust flavors and ensures perfect crispiness all around.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great accompaniment to scallops, enhancing their natural sweetness without overshadowing them.
Opting for this straightforward side allows the essence of your dish to shine through, making it ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in flavor.
Red peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes not only deliver rich tastes but also add an appealing burst of color on your plate.
Preparing these veggies is effortless; just slice them up and toss with olive oil and your choice of seasonings before placing them under the grill.
Pomegranate And Spinach Salad
Pomegranate and spinach salad is a refreshing accompaniment that perfectly balances the richness of scallops. Featuring crisp spinach leaves complemented by juicy pomegranate seeds, this dish introduces a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
The addition of tangy vinaigrette enhances its appeal, making each forkful not only vibrant but also satisfying. You’ll appreciate how this combination lightens your meal while providing essential nutrients.
This salad can easily take center stage alongside your seafood masterpiece or serve as an elegant side to elevate any dining experience with ease.
Summery Squash Salad
Summery squash salad is a refreshing accompaniment that perfectly complements the rich flavor of scallops.
This vibrant dish features tender summer squash tossed in a zesty lemon citronette, enhancing each bite with bright citrus notes.
The combination of fresh ingredients brings an invigorating crunch and colorful appeal to your table, making it ideal for warm-weather dining.
With its lightness and simplicity, this salad not only balances the buttery taste of scallops but also adds a delightful texture contrast that elevates your meal effortlessly.
Parmesan Tomato Bisque
Parmesan tomato bisque is a rich and creamy soup that beautifully complements scallops. Featuring sun-dried tomatoes, this dish brings an unexpected depth of flavor while harmonizing with the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Topping it off with parmesan cheese adds a luxurious touch, enhancing its allure without overwhelming your palate. Ideal for cozy dinners or casual gatherings, this bisque elevates any meal experience to something memorable.
Pairing it with scallops creates a delightful contrast that you won't want to miss out on during your culinary adventures.
Warm Lentil Salad
Warm lentil salad complements scallops beautifully, offering a hearty and satisfying side that enhances the shellfish's natural sweetness.
Packed with nutritious ingredients, this dish provides not only texture but also depth of flavor, making it an ideal companion for your seafood feast.
The earthiness of lentils contrasts perfectly with the delicate taste of scallops, creating a balanced plate that's both wholesome and appealing.
With its warm embrace and rich flavors, serving this salad alongside your scallops will create a memorable dining experience that showcases culinary creativity while keeping things simple yet delicious.
Pan Fried Steak
Pan-fried steak is an enticing choice that pairs beautifully with scallops, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The robust flavor of the steak complements the sweet, tender scallops remarkably well, offering a delightful contrast on your plate.
You have the freedom to season the meat according to your taste preferences; whether you stick with classic salt and pepper or venture into bold spices like Cajun seasoning, each option can enhance this combination. It’s essential to balance flavors carefully so that neither ingredient overshadows the other, allowing both to shine in their own right.
This dish promises a fulfilling dining experience for those who appreciate hearty meals alongside delicate seafood nuances.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn offers a rich and smooth accompaniment that perfectly enhances the natural sweetness of scallops.
This dish stands out for its creamy texture, which serves as an excellent base for seared seafood, providing both comfort and flavor without overwhelming your palate.
With just 30 minutes needed to prepare, it fits seamlessly into any dinner plan while still delivering a satisfying taste experience.
Pairing this with lightly steamed stem broccoli adds a refreshing touch that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Creamy Fettuccine
Creamy fettuccine is a luxurious accompaniment to scallops, enhancing the dish with its rich and smooth texture.
The delightful pasta provides a perfect contrast to the delicate flavor of seafood, creating an inviting dining experience.
Tossed in a velvety Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings comfort right to your table.
Tuscan Beans
Tuscan beans are a hearty accompaniment that enhances the natural flavors of scallops, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Infused with aromatic basil, savory garlic, and just the right kick from crushed red pepper and white wine, these beans create an inviting sauce that complements without overshadowing the delicate seafood.
Pairing this dish with grilled garlic bread can elevate your dining experience further; you’ll appreciate having something delightful to soak up those rich flavors.
Together, they form a satisfying meal that's both comforting and indulgent for any occasion.
Mashed Potatoes And Roasted Shallots
Mashed potatoes with roasted shallots create a comforting side that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of scallops.
This dish features creamy, buttery mashed potatoes enriched with caramelized shallots, bringing depth and sweetness to each forkful.
The combination offers a rich texture alongside tender seafood, making every meal memorable.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a delectable side that complements the delicate flavors of scallops beautifully. Its naturally sweet and nutty profile brings warmth to your plate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The roasting process caramelizes its sugars, creating a rich texture that's hard to resist while you savor each forkful alongside tender seafood. Tossing it with olive oil and fresh herbs can elevate this dish even more, adding layers of flavor without overwhelming the scallops' subtle taste.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds an elegant finishing touch, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing on your table.
Lemon Caper Pasta
Lemon caper pasta presents a perfect pairing with scallops, enhancing their natural flavors without overshadowing them.
This dish features a zesty sauce that brings brightness to the table while keeping the overall experience light and refreshing.
Opting for thin noodles like angel hair allows for better absorption of the lemony caper sauce, creating an exquisite taste profile that elevates your meal.
The gentle tanginess from the lemon perfectly balances with buttery scallops, making each bite harmonious and satisfying.