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Looking for the perfect appetizer to serve at your next party? Why not try a shrimp cocktail? This classic dish is always a hit with guests. But what goes with shrimp cocktail that makes a perfect complement to each other? Check out this guide for some ideas.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes For Shrimp Cocktails?
Serving side dishes for shrimp cocktails is a great way to give your party guests an extra treat and make the meal more interesting. Side dishes can complement the texture, flavor, and color of the appetizer and provide a varied selection of food items that guests can sample.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes For Shrimp Cocktails? – Liliana Kitchen
What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail – 19 Best Side Dishes
Did you know that there are tons of dishes and treats out there that can create a fantastic combination with shrimp cocktail? Liliana Kitchen will delightedly present to you the 19 of the best side dishes that, in no doubt, will go well with shrimp cocktail:
1. Potato Salad
This classic summer side dish is the perfect match for a shrimp cocktail. Add your favorite seasonings and dressings to kick it up a notch.
A classic potato salad is a perfect accompaniment. Creamy, tangy, and full of fresh herbs, potato salad is a delicious way to round out a summer meal. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy your party without having to worry about last-minute preparations.
2. Roasted Asparagus With Parmesan
Asparagus is an under-appreciated veggie, but it’s a great option for pairing with shrimp cocktail. Roasting it with Parmesan adds a delicious crunch.
The asparagus is roasted in the oven until it is tender and slightly browned. The Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
3. Polenta With Spicy Mariana Sauce
Polenta is a great side dish for shrimp cocktails and the spicy marinara sauce adds an extra kick of flavor. The creamy polenta pairs perfectly with the plump and juicy shrimp, and the Marinara sauce adds a delicious touch of flavor.
For an extra special touch, I like to garnish my polenta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish is sure to be a hit with your guests!
4. Watermelon And Feta Salad
A refreshing summer salad, watermelon, and feta pair perfectly with the seafood flavor of the shrimp cocktail. The sweetness of the watermelon is the perfect partner for the briny feta cheese, and the mint adds a touch of refreshing flavor.
Best of all, this salad can be made in just minutes. Simply combine chopped watermelon, crumbled feta, and chopped mint in a bowl. Add a splash of lemon juice and olive oil, and you’re done.
5. Grilled Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great side dish for shrimp cocktails, and grilling them gives them an extra smoky flavor. The combination of the rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms with the sweetness of the shrimp is irresistible. And, of course, they both look beautiful on a platter. For an added touch of sophistication, serve the grilled mushrooms on skewers.
6. Green Bean Salad
This crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect complement to a shrimp cocktail. Mix green beans with your favorite herbs and dressing for extra flavor. Being said, the crispness of the green beans will contrast perfectly with the rich flavor of the shrimp, and the two dishes will touch up each other perfectly.
What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail – 19 BEST Side Dishes
7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus With Balsamic Reduction
For an extra special side dish, try wrapping asparagus in prosciutto and drizzling it with a balsamic reduction. It’s a delicious combination that pairs perfectly with our star on the table!
The savory taste of the prosciutto complements the sweetness of the shrimp, and the balsamic reduction adds a touch of acidity that helps to balance the flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served either hot or cold.
8. Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Who says fries have to be made with potatoes? Parmesan zucchini fries are a delicious and healthy alternative that goes great with a shrimp cocktail. The rich flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the delicate shrimp, and the crispy fried exterior provides a satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re a healthier option than traditional french fries.
9. Honey Brie Crostini
A sweet and savory appetizer, honey brie crostini is a delicious side dish and in addition, it is pretty easy to make! To make honey brie crostini, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, slice a baguette into thin rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
Next, top each round with a slice of brie cheese and a dollop of honey. Finally, bake the crostini for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with a shrimp cocktail and enjoy!
10. Air Fryer Potato Chips
Air fryer potato chips are a great, healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chips. Serve them alongside shrimp cocktail for an extra crunchy snack. The light and crispy chips provide the perfect contrast to the rich and flavorful shrimp.
The chips also add a nice crunch to each bite, making the overall dish more enjoyable. In addition, the potato chips help to absorb any excess cocktail sauce, preventing the shrimp from becoming too soggy.
11. Cornbread Panzanella Salad
A mix of fresh summer ingredients, this cornbread salad pairs perfectly shrimp cocktail. The salad is full of flavor and texture, with a crispy cornbread base, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.
The cornbread is made from scratch, and you can either bake it in advance or use store-bought. If you’re short on time, the salad can also be made with croutons. Simply toss the ingredients together and serve.
12. Baked Crab Cake Balls
These bite-sized crab cake balls are a great alternative to traditional shrimp cocktail. They’re easy to prepare in advance, plus, they add a bit of variety to the usual shrimp cocktail spread.
To make them, simply combine lump crab meat with some shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, and an egg. Form the mixture into small balls, then bake until golden brown. Serve them hot, with your favorite cocktail sauce on the side.
13. Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are a classic side dish along with their Mexican counterpart. Serve them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. The chips provide a crunchy contrast to the delicate shrimp, and they also help to soak up the delicious sauce. Futhermore, they’re just plain fun to eat!
What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail – 19 BEST Side Dishes
14. Onion Rings
Onion rings are great in boost up the taste of your main course! Make them healthier by baking instead of frying. Onion rings add a crunchy element to the dish and provide a delicious contrast to the succulent shrimp.
15. Pineapple Salsa
This pineapple salsa recipe is perfect for your next party! It’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it goes great with a shrimp cocktail. Moreover, the sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp, and the diced onions add a touch of spice.
16. Creamy Lemon And Zucchini Pasta
Creamy lemon and zucchini pasta is a light, refreshing side dish that drives your taste to another level! The zucchini provides a crisp counterpoint to the rich pasta, while the lemon adds a bright pop of flavor. And of course, the shrimp are the perfect finishing touch.
17. Cheddar Cheese Hushpuppies
These cheesy hushpuppies are a delicious side dish for shrimp cocktails. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra treat. Hushpuppies are a Southern staple, and their cheesy goodness is the perfect complement to the freshness of shrimp cocktails.
In addition, they are easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated in just a few minutes. Simply prepare the batter according to your favorite recipe, fold in some shredded cheddar cheese, and then deep fry until golden brown.
18. Mango Habanero Salad
This delightful salad, which pairs shrimp and habanero peppers, is the perfect dish to add some excitement to your next cocktail party. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next party.
The habanero pepper gives the salad a bit of a kick, while the mango provides a sweetness that balances out the heat. And, of course, as always, the shrimp are the perfect addition to this flavor-packed salad.
19. Pork Lumbia
A classic Filipino dish pairs the sweetness of pork with the spicy flavor of shrimp. Not only does this make a great side for a shrimp cocktail, but it’s also perfect as an appetizer on its own.
Lumbia is a type of Filipino sausage that is made with pork, chicken, and beef. It is then slowly cooked until it is tender and juicy. The result is a sausage that is packed with flavor and perfect for pairing with our main treat. The rich, savory taste of the lumbia compliments the sweetness of the shrimp, and the spices add an extra kick.
>> Want to test your kitchen skills? Well, you can try it with this easy shrimp cocktail recipe as it is very easy to approach by everyone. Besides, this video here will guide you through the process of making this treat:
Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a classic shrimp cocktail. This recipe is simple to make and will surely be the star of your next party!
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until completely coated.
- Serve with lemon wedges and extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated horseradish or a dash of Old Bay seasoning over the top before serving. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- If you like, you can serve the shrimp cocktail with crackers or toast points for added texture.
- For a healthier option, you can also serve the shrimp with steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 127
- Total Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 411mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Total Sugars: 4.1g
- Protein: 12.2g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 1.4mg
- Potassium: 291
What To Serve With Shrimp Cocktail?
Shrimp cocktail is often served with a variety of sides. Popular accompaniments include toasted baguettes, crackers, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks. It can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a simple lemon aioli.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving it with warm cheesy garlic bread or creamy polenta. For a lighter fare, try pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
And in case you want to experiment with something more appealing to your appétit, roll up to the start of the blog and take time to try out all of the dishes listed here!
What To Serve With Shrimp Cocktail?
Condiments And Preservation
Shrimp cocktails should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 3-4 days of preparation since the shrimp can start to become rubbery if stored for too long.
To preserve the flavor and texture of the shrimp cocktail, be sure to use freshly cooked shrimp and do not leave it out for more than 2-3 hours. If you need to, serve the dish with crushed ice to keep it cool. Also, make sure to not add too much sauce or condiments to the dish as this can overpower the flavor of the shrimp.
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Shrimp?
Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the cooked shrimp has been mixed with sauce or condiments, it should be eaten within 2-3 days.
To increase the shelf life of cooked shrimp, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in a refrigerator and cook it as soon as possible.
More Similar Delicious Desserts With Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
- Shrimp Yaki Udon
- Shrimp Lo Mein
- Zydeco Shrimp
- Queensland Chicken And Shrimp Pasta
FAQs For “What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail?”
What is a good side dish for shrimp cocktail?
A good side dish for a shrimp cocktail is something that will add texture and contrast to the dish. Popular side dishes include crackers, toast points, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks. You can also serve the shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a simple lemon aioli.
Can I freeze cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in a refrigerator and cook it as soon as possible.
What is a good vegetable to serve with shrimp?
Vegetables that are great for serving with shrimp include steamed asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or any other type of green vegetable. You can also serve the shrimp with roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and peppers.
For a lighter fare, try pairing it with a side salad. For added sweetness, you can add diced pineapple or mango to the salad.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp cocktail is an easy and delicious dish that can be served as a starter or even as the main course. It pairs well with a variety of sides and can be served with a variety of condiments and sauces.
To add more flavor and texture to the dish, serve it with warm cheesy garlic bread or creamy polenta, and many more other dishes mentioned in this post as well. And of course, don’t forget to add some delicious desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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