I Made 17 Shrimp Dishes That Paired Perfectly With Summer Sides

Shrimp turned out to be the easiest win all season, especially when paired with sides that were already hanging around. These 17 dishes came together fast, didn’t overcomplicate anything, and somehow still felt complete. They handled warm weather, last-minute plans, and whatever else was on the plate. When dinner feels this easy, there’s no reason to change the formula.

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You get a blend of textures with creamy grits and plump shrimp cooked to perfection. Shrimp and Grits boast a combination of comfort and flavor that feels right for any meal. It’s a dish that doesn’t shy away from depth and pairs easily with so many sides. It’s one you’ll keep coming back to because of its simplicity and charm.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If crispy shrimp is what you’re after, this is the dish that delivers without the extra fuss. Air Fryer Shrimp achieves that crunch in a way that feels lighter and easy to enjoy. It’s faster to prepare than more traditional methods but still full of flavor. Pair it with fresh side dishes for a balanced plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers served on a plate, topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of sauce.
Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Juicy and slightly smoky shrimp fit perfectly on your plate when you’re in the mood for something fresh off the grill. Grilled Shrimp has that charred taste that makes it perfect for simple meals or larger gatherings. Its versatility makes it easy to pair with colorful salads or bold sides. It feels equally right for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy with just the right amount of drizzle, Bang Bang Shrimp earns its spot as a favorite. With its balance between texture and a kick of flavor, every bite feels complete. Pairing it with simple sides adds to its charm without taking away from its bold taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works effortlessly on almost any plate.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A bowl full of everything you need comes together with shrimp as your star ingredient. Shrimp Burrito Bowls make it easy to have a complete meal in one spot. It’s a great choice when you want variety without overwhelming your plate. Combine it with lighter sides for a hearty but balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You can enjoy mixed flavors in one bite with these shrimp loaded onto skewers. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs line up shrimp with accompanying touches for maximum taste. Perfect for sharing, it’s one of those dishes that fits into any occasion. Pair it with fresh vegetable sides to round everything out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The simple yet flavorful combo in Shrimp Fried Rice is what makes it special. It’s hearty enough to hold its own but still plays well with sides that are lighter or crunchier. Every grain of rice carries the flavor, making the pairing feel seamless. You’ll love it for its ability to work with endless additions to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Golden, crispy toast layered with shrimp brings something different to your table. Shrimp Toast mixes textures that make it stand out, whether served as a snack or a light meal. The crunch and flavor combination make pairing effortless. Add it next to simple sides to keep the focus on the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You’ve got the mix of sweet and savory working together in this light but flavorful plate. Mango Shrimp Salad is the kind of dish that adds color and taste to your spread in minutes. It’s a perfect centerpiece for pairing with refreshing bites. A straightforward option that doesn’t hold back on variety.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rich flavor and layers of taste make this soup an interesting option for shrimp lovers. Tom Yum Soup blends shrimp into a dish that’s big on boldness without being overwhelming. Great as a starter, this soup pairs well with small bites or a larger meal. It’s an option that delivers every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of a shrimp taco with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of sauce in a toasted tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tacos get a fresh upgrade when shrimp becomes the main filling. Shrimp Tacos balance flavor and ease to make them a no-brainer choice for your table. They pair perfectly with simple side dishes while still holding their own. Ideal when you want variety in every bite without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A classic choice that brings chilled shrimp to the forefront with dipping sauce as its match. Shrimp Cocktail works for both fancy meals and casual get-togethers. Simple to serve and enjoy, it’s an appetizer that complements a wide range of plates. Keep it with crunchy or light sides to round things out.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of flavor come together in Sushi Bake, making shrimp one of its standout parts. It’s hearty, fun, and easy to pair with sides because of its baked texture. The shrimp in this dish creates richness that blends well with complementary accompaniments. No matter how you slice it, it’s a favorite worth revisiting.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta becomes the perfect base for shrimp while giving the dish a creamy twist worth enjoying. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta brings everything together in a bowl that’s simple yet flavorful. It’s a good choice for those wanting seafood in their meals without overpowering. Adding fresh bread or veggies can make this meal feel complete on the table.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Massaman Curry

A creamy shrimp curry with peppers, chopped nuts, sliced green onions, red chili slices, and lime wedges. Metal spoon submerged in the dish.
Massaman Curry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty and rich flavors blend together in this take on shrimp curry for something unique. Massaman Curry with shrimp has layers of taste that pair well with simple sides. It’s a great choice whether served with rice or paired with bread for dipping. Perfect when you’re looking for bold yet approachable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This loaded salad takes fresh greens and adds shrimp cooked to perfection to shake things up. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing combines bold shrimp with a creamy sauce to pull it all together. Great as a main or side, its flavors naturally complement simple dishes. It’s a strong pick for shrimp fans looking for something lighter.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunch and shrimp combine in this spin on sushi that delivers every time. Shrimp Tempura Roll adds crispy texture with shrimp wrapped up in classic sushi form. It’s easily shareable and pairs nicely with other small plates or sushi options. Ideal for when you want variety without leaving out shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

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