Grilled shrimp is a popular summer dish as it’s such a quick meal to make. Just add a little seasoning, get the shrimp on some skewers, and pop them on the grill.
While it makes a great appetizer on its own, do you know what to serve with grilled shrimp if you want to use it as the main dish?
This post lists over 60 of the best side dishes for grilled shrimp that are sure to please any palate. They’re broken down into the following categories to make the recipes easier to find:
Just click the category names above to get to each type of side, or scroll through to see which ones sound best to you!
Every recipe listed is gluten free, but some are dairy free (DF), paleo, and/or Whole30 compatible where noted. There are lots of healthy recipes and some that are indulgences – pick whichever is right for you.
And if you need help with grilling shrimp on an outdoor grill check out this post on how to make grilled shrimp skewers, which includes step by step instructions for a super delicious grilled shrimp recipe as well as a how-to video.
Now onto the side dishes!
Veggies
Veggies are a great option to go with grilled shrimp as they’re so abundant in the spring and summer. Have extras from your garden? Throw it on the grill! Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables grilled, with the recipe just below.
Grilled Zucchini – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This grilled zucchini recipe is as easy as it gets. Cut up the zucchini, cover it with oil and some salt for seasoning, then get it on the bbq. You can even add some red pepper flakes sprinkled on top. A simple and healthy way to enjoy this summer veggie!
Grilled Bell Peppers – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
These grilled bell peppers are the perfect veggies for your next bbq and are so easy to make. Just cut up the peppers, cover with oil and season with salt, then cook on the grill to perfection.
Grilled Onions – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
These perfectly grilled onions are a great addition to any dinner and are perfect for burgers, steak, or salad. Cut an onion into wide rings, then cover in oil and grill them up.
Easy Grilled Asparagus – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This easy grilled asparagus recipe is so simple to make and the perfect side dish. With just salt as the seasoning, it’s a great way to eat this healthy green veggie.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks – Pip & Ebby (GF w/ DF, Paleo, Whole30 option)
Take grilled cabbage to the next level by making cabbage steaks! Top them with shaved parmesan cheese, bbq sauce or just a simple pat of butter.
Grilled Yellow Squash – Girls Can Grill (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This yellow squash holds up well on the grill and can be served hot or cold.
Cauliflower Rice with Asparagus – Debra Klein (GF, DF)
Vegan cauliflower rice with asparagus is a delicious, quick and easy side dish that is low in calories and carbs. A simple and healthy side dish that can be made in just 15 minutes.
Lemon Garlic Zoodles – Pink Fortitude (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
If your summer harvest is exploding with zucchinis, these lemon garlic zoodles are going to be your favorite go-to recipe. The lemon and garlic really make the flavor pop and it only takes 10 minutes to make!
Grilled Garlic Herb Eggplant – Good Food Baddie (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Perfectly grilled garlic herb eggplant, smothered in smokey flavors from the grill and deep robust flavors from the herbs! This easy dish comes together in minutes for the perfect side dish!
Fresh Green Beans with Tomato & Basil – Tessa the Domestic Diva (GF, DF)
With all of summer’s favorite flavors, these green beans are tender and loaded with flavor!
Fruit
Who doesn’t love fruit? And grilling it helps caramelize the sugars to make them even sweeter. Since shrimp has a lighter flavor it pairs well with lots of different fruits.
Grilled Pineapple – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This grilled pineapple recipe is simple, healthy, and completely delicious. There’s just three ingredients (and no sugar!), but it tastes like a dessert. Place the slices on your bbq and prepare to add an amazing side to your dinner.
Grilled Peaches – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
These grilled peaches are an easy and delicious side for any bbq. Great on top of a salad, with chicken, pork, or steak, they’re also perfect for a healthy dessert.
Honey Lime Grilled Cantaloupe – Marisa Moore (GF, DF, Paleo)
This easy grilled cantaloupe recipe combines two summer favorites: sweet, juicy fruit and smoky flavor from the grill.
Grilled Watermelon – The Wimpy Vegetarian (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
A fun and simple way to enjoy watermelon, this grills up in no time and tastes delicious.
Grilled Fruit Salad – Real Simple Good (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Summer fruits get grilled up on kabobs for this fun fruit salad. Cantaloupe, watermelon, and stone fruit combine with some balsamic vinegar and fresh basil to complete the dish.
Salads
Pairing a salad with grilled shrimp makes for a nice light meal when there’s warm weather. Any of these recipes would help round out a lighter lunch or dinner.
Spring Green Salad – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo)
This spring green salad is an easy and healthy gluten free recipe to celebrate the flavors of spring. It uses asparagus, peas, and pistachios for crunch and has simple honey dijon dressing.
Berry Mandarin Tossed Salad – Fluxing Well (GF, DF)
This berry mandarin tossed salad is accented with a light citrus dressing that would pair well with grilled shrimp.
Fresh Tomato Salad – This Old Gal (GF, DF, w/ Paleo & Whole30 option)
Fresh tomato salad is enjoyed year round. Whether using grape, cherry or Roma tomatoes pairing juicy tomatoes with a simple marinade makes for an enjoyable dish.
Melon & Prosciutto Caprese Salad – Saporito Kitchen (GF)
This melon and prosciutto caprese salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty and a little bit zesty. The sweet honeydew and cantaloupe mixed with the salty prosciutto topped off with a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette is the best fresh summer salad!
Shirazi Salad – Little Sunny Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This Mediterranean shirazi salad is so fresh, simple, quick, and easy to make! It complements so many dishes and adds a lot of color and flavor to your meals. Uses very simple common ingredients, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Shaved Asparagus Salad – Alternative Dish (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Shaved asparagus salad with pesto is a delightful and elegant dish. Packed full of fresh basil, radishes, asparagus and lemon, this salad is a perfect summertime side dish.
Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad – G-Free Foodie (GF)
Salty pecorino, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette make this kale and Brussels sprouts salad a favorite!
Summer Blackberry Salad with Cashew Ricotta – Health My Lifestyle (GF, DF)
This easy summer salad is both healthy and delicious, mixed with quinoa, blackberries, a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, topped with pumpkin seeds and a vegan cashew ricotta. It makes a refreshing and delicious side dish!
Caprese Salad Recipe – The Forked Spoon (GF)
Traditional caprese salad recipe (insalata caprese) made with alternating slices of juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and olive oil. Prepare this easy caprese salad in under 10 minutes and enjoy as a light lunch or dinner appetizer.
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Fannetastic Food (GF)
This crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad features a tangy, creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and would be so tasty alongside grilled shrimp!
Coleslaws
A section just for coleslaw! This is a classic summer side with many variations, including some great recipes below. The pineapple coleslaw listed below is a favorite for our dinner table.
Pineapple Coleslaw – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This pineapple coleslaw is quick and easy to make. A great recipe to pair with grilled shrimp, chicken, or pulled pork, it’s perfect to bring or serve at any summer BBQ.
Apple Broccoli Slaw – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This apple broccoli slaw is an easy recipe that puts a paleo and Whole30 twist on a classic. A perfect side dish for a BBQ or to eat along grilled meat on a weeknight, you’ll never go back to original coleslaw
Kale Kohlrabi Carrot Coleslaw – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
A sweet and tangy coleslaw that just happens to be Whole30 compatible. Great for a potluck or BBQ, this kholrabi, kale, and carrot coleslaw is a crunchy crowdpleaser.
Cajun Coleslaw – Bite on the Side (GF, DF w/ Paleo & Whole30 option)
Add some spice to your slaw with this tasty recipe! This creamy cajun coleslaw is simple and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Asian Summer Slaw – Urban Farmie (GF, DF)
Refreshing, Asian-flavor inspired rainbow summer slaw with a peanut-sesame dressing that’s light but delicious!
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw – Healthy Taste of Life (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Healthy coleslaw that delivers creaminess and crunchiness with only fresh whole ingredients without mayo, perfect as a side dish or served along with your favorite protein
Thai Style Cabbage Salad – Small Farm Big Life (GF, DF)
This healthy recipe for Thai style cabbage salad has an easy peanut dressing that is delicious! This cold salad uses peanut butter and sesame oil in the dressing to give it great flavor.
Broccoli Stem Slaw – It’s Not Complicated Recipes (GF)
Broccoli stem slaw is crisp, colorful and totally delicious. Made from simple, everyday ingredients, it is full of texture and bright flavors, all of which complement each other. It is the perfect side dish.
White Bean & Cabbage Slaw – Fannetastic Food (GF, DF)
Cabbage slaw is a perfect side for summertime, and this healthy white bean version is so crave-worthy! Includes a recipe for homemade apple cider vinaigrette to toss it in.
Cilantro Lime Bacon Coleslaw – Downshiftology (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This cilantro lime bacon slaw is filled with shredded cabbage is tossed with zesty cilantro lime goodness and crispy bacon bits for a mouthwatering and highly addictive slaw!
Starchy Salads
Is it still a salad if it’s mostly made of carbs? Whatever you call it, these starchy salads make the perfect pairing for grilled shrimp kabobs.
Greek Rice Salad – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF)
This Greek rice salad has only 5 main ingredients and is a great healthy summer recipe. With a simple vinaigrette dressing, it’s an easy cold side dish that your family will love!
Instant Pot Potato Salad – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Whole30)
This Instant Pot potato salad is an easy recipe to make for a crowd. It uses celery and shallots for a little crunch and mayo with mustard and vinegar for a little kick. Put is some cut up hard boiled eggs and a dash of paprika on top and you’ve got a winner.
Corn Tomato Avocado Salad – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF)
This corn, tomato, and avocado salad is the perfect recipe for summer. Made with grilled corn and topped with chopped basil and lime juice, it’s a healthy side dish for BBQ season!
Greek Chickpea, Avocado, & Cucumber Salad – Cook At Home Mom (GF)
This easy Greek chickpea, avocado, and cucumber salad is tossed with feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, and a quick Greek lemon dressing. It’s the perfect vegetarian side dish!
Southwestern Quinoa Salad Recipe – The Helpful GF (GF, DF)
This Southwestern quinoa salad is a colorful and refreshing side that pairs perfectly with juicy shrimp. It’s both gluten-free and vegan.
Mexican Street Corn Salad – Two Healthy Kitchens (GF)
If you’ve already got the grill fired up to make grilled shrimp, why not grill your side dish, too? This Mexican street corn salad is a uniquely delicious twist on traditional Mexican elote!
Rice & Fava Bean Salad – The Short Order Cook (GF, DF)
The best spring salad of rice and fresh fava beans. It is tossed with lemon vinaigrette & topped with scallions and lemon zest for a bright pop of flavor.
Puerto Rican Potato Salad – Sense & Edibility (GF, DF)
Puerto Rican potato salad with apples is a party staple. Made with floury potatoes an herbaceous dressing, and the mild sweetness of apples.
Summer Quinoa Salad – Lemons & Zest (GF)
Summer salads are always a perfect compliment to the season. This strawberry packed summer quinoa salad is fresh and flavorful. Simple to toss together and includes feta, spinach and a homemade balsamic dressing.
Wild Rice Salad – Little Sunny Kitchen (GF, DF)
A refreshing wild rice salad packed with vitamins and nutrients!
French Potato Salad – The Short Order Cook (GF, DF)
Tender potatoes in a Champagne dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs is bright, tangy, and crowd-pleasing.
Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad – Strength & Sunshine (GF, DF)
This vegan Mexican street corn salad is everything you love about grilled Mexican street corn without the mess! Fresh, grilled corn on the cob (elotes), sliced off the cob (esquites), and paired with a cool, creamy, and tangy gluten-free, allergy-free mayo-based sauce with cilantro, lime, and a dash of spice! An easy summer side dish recipe!
Lentil Salad Recipe – Lemon Blossoms (GF)
This hearty, healthy and delicious lentil salad is made with tender cooked lentils, crisp cucumbers and tomatoes, creamy feta cheese and lots of fresh herbs tossed in a simple and flavorful lemon vinaigrette.
Gluten Free Macaroni Salad – Fearless Dining (GF, DF)
Deli-style macaroni salad is tangy, flavorful and always a hit at barbecues, potlucks, and parties. The best part is that this isn’t ordinary pasta! It’s made with gluten free macaroni noodles.
Starchy Sides
Sometimes you just want carbs, and these starchy side dishes are there to fill that need. There are potato dishes, rice dishes, and of course the classic shrimp pairing – grits.
Easy Grilled Potatoes – Hot Pan Kitchen (GF, DF, Whole30)
These grilled potatoes are perfectly crispy and delicious. Yukon gold potatoes are cut into thin slices then covered in a simple seasoning and grilled. An easy and healthy recipe.
Golden Rice Pilaf – What A Girl Eats (GF)
This golden rice pilaf is a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Pesto Quinoa – A Sweet Alternative (GF, DF)
This pesto quinoa is full of flavor from plenty of fresh basil and garlic. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and so tasty.
Goat Cheese Polenta – Chisel & Fork (GF)
Polenta is the Italian version of grits and this creamy goat cheese polenta is the perfect vehicle for a variety of proteins from pork to shrimp to short ribs.
Arroz Verde – A Taste For Travel (GF, DF)
This light and fresh Mexican side dish is packed with fresh spinach and fluffy rice. It makes a healthy, flavorful gluten-free side for grilled seafood, meats and veggies.
Hawaiian Rice Pilaf – Garlic & Zest (GF, DF)
This quick and easy Hawaiian Rice Pilaf is tropical and bright. Perfect with grilled shrimp or seafood.
One Pan Mexican Quinoa – Vegan Huggs (GF, DF)
This one pan Mexican quinoa is a hearty flavor-packed meal and it’s a breeze to make. It’s a total weeknight winner that takes about 30 minutes on the stove, and you’ll only have to clean one pan!
Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes – Binky’s Culinary Carnival (GF, DF, Whole30)
These foil packet grilled potatoes are all spiced up with roasted garlic and herbs of your choice! Easy, delicious summer side dish with zero cleanup!
Yellow Turmeric Rice – Rhian’s Recipes (GF, DF)
This yellow turmeric rice is a beautifully colorful side dish that will visually transform any dinner table! It’s also super easy to make, healthy and full of flavor.
Pure & Simple Grits – Home Cooks Guide (GF, DF)
These simple grits are vegetarian and gluten free and show that Southern food doesn’t have to be excessively indulgent. A perfect side for grilled shrimp, fried chicken, braised collard greens and BBQ meats.
Toppings
If you’re wanting a lighter meal, you can just add a fun topping with maybe a sprinkling of fresh parsley and call it a day. These different variations of salsa would work wonderfully with grilled shrimp.
Peach Salsa – Pesto & Potatoes (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This peach salsa is the perfect, naturally sweet bite to spoon in heaps on top of perfectly roasted or grilled salmon.
Greek Salsa – Sweet Rustic Bakes (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Refreshing cucumber, bright purple onion, and fresh sweet tomatoes are the perfect combination for Greek salsa. This versatile side dish can be your next appetizer or even topping for your favorite grilled meats.
Pineapple Salsa – Hungry Foodie (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This pineapple salsa is fresh, light, and perfectly balanced in flavor. It is the perfect summer recipe to pair with just about any protein.
Easy Cowboy Caviar – Homemade Interest (GF, DF)
This easy cowboy caviar is a colorful bean salad made with a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime dressing. Eat it with a spoon or scoop it onto a chip for the perfect bite!
Keto Salsa – Low Carb Yum (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
This low carb, gluten-free, and keto salsa is quick and easy to make. It’s a palate cleanser for your grilled dishes.
Mango Salsa – Urban Farmie (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
Delicious mango salsa, made with a few fresh but delicious ingredients with bright flavors. This dish will pair perfectly with any seafood or shrimp dish as a side.
Pin this list of what to serve with grilled shrimp for later!
If you make end up making one of these recipes then email me at taryn@hotpankitchen.com to let me know how it went!
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What a fantastic roundup of side dishes! I can’t wait to try some of these out!
Thanks Marta – there are a ton of great options!
So many delicious and different options. I don’t even know which one to pick first. I’ll better get cooking!
Yes, so many great recipes – thanks Kathy!
I had so much fun looking through this wonderful list – so many terrific ideas!
Thank you – and yes, so many great ideas!