Scallops, the ocean’s finest delicacy, offer a harmonious balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that delight the palate. Their tender yet springy texture is equally alluring. While scallops may not be a substantial main course, they pair beautifully with an array of side dishes. The subtlety of their flavor profile allows them to complement a wide range of options, from crisp salads to comforting mashed potatoes and pasta.
However, it’s essential to consider the boldness of accompanying flavors, ensuring that the scallops remain the star of the show. To simplify your culinary endeavors, I’ve curated 24 exemplary side dishes that will elevate your scallop-centric meals. These pairings promise a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing.
Spinach & Pomegranate Salad
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at home without leaving your kitchen. For a truly exceptional meal, try pairing seared scallops with a vibrant spinach and pomegranate salad. This match made in heaven is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to an intimate night in.
The salad’s medley of flavors beautifully complements the simplicity of the seared scallops, while its abundance of antioxidants offers an added bonus – a healthy dose of goodness that’s as delightful as it is nutritious.
Brussels Sprouts
This indulgent dish brings together the savory notes of pancetta, the earthy sweetness of Brussels sprouts, and the tender succulence of scallops, all united by a zesty lemon sauce that adds a delightful brightness. It’s a culinary trifecta! And what makes it truly remarkable is that this harmonious fusion comes together in just 25 minutes – a true testament to the magic of simple yet sophisticated cooking.
When paired with a glass of crisp white wine, you’ll be treated to an exquisite home-cooked dinner experience.
Mango Avocado Salsa
When serving scallops as a side dish or appetizer, this mango avocado salsa is the perfect accompaniment. Its fresh, fruity flavor profile pairs incredibly well with the succulent sweetness of perfectly seared scallops. Take it to the next level by topping your scallops and salsa on a thin slice of baguette, creating an unbeatable combination that will leave your guests in awe.
One-Pan Lemon Caper Pasta
Pasta and scallops are a match made in heaven. To bring out the best in this dish, it’s crucial to avoid overpowering tomato-based sauces that can overwhelm the delicate flavor of scallops. Instead, opt for a zesty lemon caper pasta that complements the scallops perfectly. What sets this dish apart is its refreshing lightness – a welcome respite from rich and heavy pasta dishes. The key to achieving this balance lies in using thin noodles like angel hair pasta.
As the sauce seeps into the delicate strands, it creates a harmonious union of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Scallops pair delightfully with another popular pasta dish: fettuccine alfredo. The rich and creamy sauce provides a perfect contrast to the natural sweetness of scallops. What’s more, this classic Italian recipe comes together surprisingly quickly, making it an effortless addition to your menu.
Brown Butter Polenta
Indulge in the rich flavors of brown butter polenta, a culinary delight that’s sure to win over shrimp and grits enthusiasts. The harmonious blend of butter and seasonings yields a complex yet captivating taste experience that will leave you wanting more. A surprising bonus: this crowd-pleaser is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring only an hour from start to finish – so effortless, in fact, that you might just convincingly deceive your friends into believing it’s a labor-intensive masterpiece!
Warm Tuscan Beans
When pairing scallops with Tuscan beans, the Mediterranean flair is undeniable. The combination not only elevates the dish but also provides a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the sauce – comprising crushed red pepper, garlic, white wine, and basil – serves as a harmonious accompaniment to the seared scallops. While this pairing already boasts impressive credentials, taking it to the next level is simplicity itself with the addition of grilled garlic bread.
This hearty component not only adds depth to the meal but also offers an opportunity to savor every last drop of that delectable sauce.
Lentil Salad
When it comes to pairing flavors, lentil salad proves to be an excellent match for scallops. The harmonious union of tender lentils, crunchy carrots, and peppery kale creates a delightful sensory experience. As the warm lentil salad meets the succulent scallops, a symphony of textures unfolds, making each bite a memorable one.
Summer Squash Salad
Imagine a dish that’s as vibrant as a summer day, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. That’s exactly what this squash salad, paired with seared scallops, has to offer. This dynamic duo is anything but ordinary – each bite is a masterclass in contrasting flavors and sensations that will leave your taste buds singing. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare!
Simply combine zucchini and squash strips with crispy prosciutto and crumbly feta cheese, then toss them in a zesty mixture of fresh mint, olive oil, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is a dish that’s as refreshing as it is impressive – a true summer delight.
Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots
The confusion is understandable – shallots and scallops do share a certain resemblance. Fortunately, this recipe brings both together in perfect harmony, eliminating the need for distinction. A classic pairing, mashed potatoes effortlessly complement the richness of the scallops, while their creamy texture cuts through the brininess of the seafood.
Lemon Asparagus Risotto
When it comes to pairing dishes with your scallops, another excellent option is a lemon asparagus risotto. This creamy delight provides a subtle backdrop that lets the true flavors of your scallops take center stage. While cooking time may be longer than you’re used to, the end result is well worth the wait. In fact, this risotto pairs beautifully with any white fish, but when combined with lemon zest and lemon-seared scallops, it’s a match made in heaven that will leave you craving more.
Succotash
Succotash, a quintessential Southern delight, is a flavorful medley of cherry tomatoes, lima beans, corn, and spices. This versatile dish can be elevated by the addition of various vegetables or even savory elements like crispy bacon bits. What’s remarkable about succotash is its uncanny ability to pair perfectly with scallops, making it an ideal accompaniment for a seafood-inspired meal.
Butternut Squash
Transform your plate into a symphony of flavors by incorporating roasted butternut squash. Its vibrant orange hue is just the beginning – the sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized taste also harmonizes beautifully with the delicate seafood. This duo not only provides a nutritious meal but also satiates your palate. Plus, roasting the squash is a breeze! Simply combine it with brown sugar, butter, and sage, then let the oven work its magic. The result?
A culinary delight that will leave you craving for more.
Chorizo and Corn
This dish is a masterclass in harmonious flavors, marrying the richness of creaminess with the boldness of smokiness and a subtle kick. The combination creates a delightful union with seared scallops, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience.
When preparing this dish, it’s essential to slice the chorizo thinly, as its robust flavors can overpower the star of the meal if not managed properly. By doing so, you’ll create a balanced flavor profile that allows each component to shine.
The next step is to fry the chorizo and corn together in a pan, which will infuse the dish with an aromatic richness. Once cooked, reserve the oil, as it’s perfect for searing your scallops, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall flavor.
Simple Grilled Veggies
There’s truth in the adage that simple pleasures often yield the greatest rewards. This is particularly evident when it comes to pairing grilled vegetables with scallops. The beauty of this combination lies in its effortless elegance and the harmonious balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the scallops is beautifully offset by the vibrant, slightly charred taste of the grilled vegetables – a perfect yin to their yang.
What’s more, preparing these veggies is a breeze.
Simply coat them with olive oil, season with salt and fresh herbs, and let the oven do its magic. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a nutritious and mouthwatering meal.
A helpful tip to keep in mind: given the relatively quick cooking time of the vegetables, it’s wise to grill them about 30 minutes before searing your scallops. This allows for a seamless transition between courses, ensuring that each component of the dish is at its best.
Rice and Quinoa
When it comes to pairing carbs and protein, you can’t go wrong with classic combinations like rice and scallops. A savory chicken rice pilaf is a great option, as it’s simple to prepare and yields a satisfying result – just be sure to cook the rice properly for the right texture. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, a straightforward steamed white rice infused with butter, cardamom, cloves, and star anise provides a delicious and comforting accompaniment.
For a healthier twist, quinoa is also a great choice. When cooked in garlic lemon butter sauce, its nutty flavor is elevated to a rich and robust taste that complements scallops nicely.
Couscous
While rice is often paired with scallops, couscous offers a similarly satisfying and hearty accompaniment. The versatility of couscous allows for a wide range of flavors, but I find that adding curry powder gives the dish a delightful twist. This not only provides an intriguing contrast in flavor profiles but also infuses the meal with a hint of Indian cuisine, making it a unique and captivating culinary experience.
Bacon
The notion that pairing scallops with another protein dish is redundant is quickly dispelled when you wrap smoky bacon around these delicate morsels. It’s not a traditional side dish by any means, as the bacon isn’t relegated to a secondary role. Instead, it becomes an integral component of the dish, elevating the flavor profile to new heights. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or oven-roasted, this harmonious union is nothing short of divine.
The subtle sweetness of the scallops perfectly balances the savory, smoky essence of the bacon, creating a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Steak
Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of both worlds – the sweetness of seafood and the heartiness of meat. The classic surf and turf combo is often associated with indulgence, but who can blame it? When you bring together tender steak and succulent scallops, the result is a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you prefer your steak seasoned with simplicity or a bold Cajun flair, the pairing with seared scallops is sure to elevate the flavor of both components.
The richness of the meat perfectly complements the brininess of the seafood, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you craving more.
Shrimp
When seafood lovers come together, the possibilities are endless! Shrimp and scallops unite, creating a match made in culinary heaven. The harmony of flavors between these two oceanic delicacies is undeniable. Whether you choose to fry, grill, or sear them, the result will be nothing short of spectacular. The key to success lies not in the cooking method, but rather in avoiding overcooking, which can lead to a dish that’s less than desirable.
With a watchful eye and a pinch of culinary skill, you’ll be rewarded with a plate full of tender, flavorful goodness.
Creamed Corn Puree
When it comes to showcasing your scallops in a light yet satisfying soup, a creamy puree is an excellent choice. Don’t let its gentle nature fool you – this comforting dish is bursting with flavor, courtesy of its trio of ingredients: tender corn kernels, smoky grilled scallops, and the subtle bitterness of roasted broccoli. What’s more, despite its richness, this meal comes together remarkably quickly, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Tomato Parmesan Bisque
While I previously cautioned against pairing tomatoes with scallops, this tomato parmesan bisque is an exception that’s worth making. The sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes strikes the ideal balance between sweet and tart flavors, making it a compelling choice for a weeknight dinner. By incorporating succulent scallops and rich parmesan cheese into the mix, you’ll create a delightful bisque that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Cauliflower Puree
Indulge your cravings for rich and creamy purees with this vibrant cauliflower puree. This hearty soup boasts a trifecta of textures – smooth, chunky, and crunchy – courtesy of capers, raisins, and pine nuts. The best part? It’s a cinch to prepare, whipping up in under 25 minutes. When served alongside succulent scallops, the result is a match made in culinary heaven.
Sauces
While savoring the simplicity of seared scallops on their own is undoubtedly delightful, sauces can elevate their flavor profile to new heights. The beauty of sauces lies in their versatility – you can modify them to suit your personal taste preferences and dietary needs, allowing for a creative outlet.
Scallops’ subtle nature lends themselves well to an array of sauces, ranging from sweet chutneys and spicy curry sauces with an Indian flair, to innovative combinations like avocado-honey-dijon mustard dip or citrusy cilantro lime sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a spiked jalapeno bourbon sauce? The possibilities truly are endless!
