Scallops are a gourmet delight, known for their delicate flavor and luxurious texture. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, choosing the right side dishes can enhance their natural sweetness without overshadowing their subtlety. In this guide, we’ll share what to serve with scallops. From light salads to hearty grains—that will elevate your scallop dish to a new level of dining excellence.
Table of Contents
Vegetable Sides
Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is a classic side that pairs exceptionally well with scallops. The crisp texture of the blanched green beans provides a delightful contrast to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth scallops. Adding buttery, toasted almonds enhances the dish’s richness without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the scallops. This side is simple to prepare, yet it adds an elegant touch to any meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a robust side that complements the sweetness of scallops. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is perfectly balanced by the smoky, savory bacon, creating a flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the scallops. The roasting process also adds a pleasant char and crunch to the sprouts, making this dish a satisfying addition to your scallop meal.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach brings a rich and creamy element to the plate, which pairs beautifully with the light and tender scallops. The creaminess of the spinach adds a luxurious texture, making the overall dish feel more indulgent. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to add a touch of decadence to your scallop dinner without stealing the show from the main dish.
Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon
Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon is a fresh and vibrant side that complements scallops wonderfully. The bright, zesty flavor of the lemon cuts through the richness of the scallops, providing a refreshing balance to the meal. The asparagus adds a slight crunch, and the citrus notes from the lemon enhance the scallops’ natural sweetness, making this side dish a perfect light and healthy option.
Starches and Grains
Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Lemon Asparagus Risotto is an ideal side dish that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of scallops. The creamy risotto, with its subtle citrus notes, creates a harmonious base for the scallops.
The asparagus adds a slight crunch and freshness, while the lemon zest brightens the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. This side dish is particularly well-suited for those looking to add a bit of sophistication to their meal without overpowering the main course.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes offer a comforting and familiar side that pairs beautifully with scallops. The creamy, buttery texture of the mashed potatoes provides a satisfying contrast to the tender scallops.
The hint of garlic adds a subtle flavor that complements the sweetness of the scallops without being too overpowering. This classic side is perfect for creating a hearty and balanced meal.
Aromatic Rice with Spiced Butter
Aromatic Rice with Spiced Butter is a fragrant and flavorful side that elevates any scallop dish. The rice, infused with warm spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise, creates a rich and comforting base.
The spiced butter adds depth and richness, making this side a perfect complement to the light and sweet scallops. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of exotic flavor to their meal.
Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Herbs
Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Herbs is a light and nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with scallops. The nutty flavor of quinoa adds a satisfying bite, while the fresh herbs and lemon bring a zesty brightness to the dish.
This salad not only complements the scallops’ natural sweetness but also adds a refreshing contrast that makes the meal feel balanced and complete. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier, yet flavorful, side dish.
Light and Refreshing Salads
Mango Avocado Salsa
Mango Avocado Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing side that pairs beautifully with scallops. The sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with the creamy texture of avocados creates a delightful contrast to the tender scallops.
The salsa’s light, fruity flavors add a burst of freshness that enhances the overall meal without overshadowing the main dish. This side is particularly perfect for summer meals when you want something light and refreshing to complement the richness of the scallops.
Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Herbs
Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Herbs is a nutritious and flavorful side that offers a nice balance to scallops. The nutty flavor of quinoa provides a hearty texture, while the fresh herbs and lemon juice add a zesty brightness that complements the delicate taste of scallops.
This salad is light enough to not overwhelm the dish but still flavorful enough to stand out on its own, making it a perfect pairing for a well-rounded meal.
Citrus Arugula Salad
Citrus Arugula Salad is another excellent choice when looking for a light and refreshing side to serve with scallops. The peppery arugula leaves provide a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweet and tangy citrus segments.
This salad not only adds a refreshing element to the meal but also enhances the scallops’ flavor by adding layers of brightness and acidity. The simplicity of this dish makes it a versatile option that pairs well with various scallop preparations.
Cucumber and Dill Salad
Cucumber and Dill Salad is a crisp and cooling side that pairs exceptionally well with scallops. The lightness of cucumbers, combined with the fresh taste of dill, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of scallops.
The simplicity of this salad allows the flavors of the scallops to shine, making it an ideal choice for a light and balanced meal. This side dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Pasta and Rice Dishes
Creamy Lemon & Caper Pasta
Creamy Lemon & Caper Pasta is a fantastic side that brings a touch of Italian elegance to your scallop dish. The creamy sauce, infused with tangy lemon and briny capers, perfectly complements the natural sweetness of scallops.
The capers add a subtle punch of flavor, while the lemon brightens up the dish, making it both rich and refreshing. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and ensures that the scallops remain the star while still offering a flavorful and satisfying side.
Aromatic Rice with Spiced Butter
Aromatic Rice with Spiced Butter adds a warm, fragrant element to your scallop meal. The rice is infused with spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise, creating a rich and comforting flavor profile.
The spiced butter further enhances the dish, adding a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the delicate flavor of scallops. This side dish is perfect for those looking to add a bit of depth and warmth to their meal, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy and flavorful side that complements scallops wonderfully. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs perfectly with the scallops, while the creamy texture of the risotto adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the meal.
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it doesn’t overpower the scallops, allowing their delicate flavor to shine through. The risotto’s rich and comforting nature makes it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
Garlic Parmesan Orzo is a simple yet satisfying side that pairs well with scallops. The orzo is cooked to a creamy consistency and flavored with garlic and Parmesan, creating a rich and savory base for the scallops.
The subtle garlic flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, while the Parmesan adds a touch of nuttiness that ties the dish together. This side is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Bold and Hearty Options
Polenta with Mushrooms
Polenta with Mushrooms is a rustic and hearty side that pairs beautifully with scallops. The creamy texture of the polenta provides a rich, comforting base, while the earthy mushrooms add depth and umami.
This combination creates a perfect balance, allowing the sweet, delicate scallops to shine without being overshadowed. The slow-cooked polenta has a smooth, spoonable consistency that complements the tender scallops, making it a satisfying and complete meal. This side dish is ideal for colder months when you’re craving something warm and filling.
Spicy Curry Couscous
Spicy Curry Couscous is a vibrant and flavorful side that brings a bit of excitement to your scallop dish. The couscous is infused with bold spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a warm and aromatic base that contrasts nicely with the mild flavor of scallops.
The spice adds a subtle heat that enhances the dish without overpowering it. This side is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their meals, adding a unique twist to the traditional scallop pairing.
Maple Balsamic Kale Salad
Maple Balsamic Kale Salad is a sweet and tangy side that offers a refreshing contrast to scallops. The kale is massaged with a dressing made from maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, creating a flavorful glaze that clings to every leaf.
The addition of creamy goat cheese and pomegranate seeds adds texture and richness, making the salad a perfect complement to the tender scallops. This side dish is not only healthy but also adds a pop of color and flavor to your meal, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic side that never fails to please. The creamy, buttery potatoes provide a smooth and satisfying base for scallops, while the garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor. This combination creates a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion.
The simplicity of this dish allows the scallops to remain the star, while the mashed potatoes add a touch of richness that enhances the overall dining experience.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right sides for scallops can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular. Whether you prefer light salads, hearty grains, or bold and spicy options, there’s a side dish that can complement and enhance the delicate flavor of scallops. Experiment with these options to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
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