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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Collections

    What to Serve with Scallops: 27 Best Side Dishes

    By: Kim Peterson · Posted: Sep 23, 2021 · Updated: Jan 29, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Wondering what to serve with scallops? Here are 27 delicious ideas for side dishes, sauces, appetizers and complementary main courses to help you plan a complete meal. Great options for a special occasion or easy weeknight dinner!

    Pan seared scallops on bed of fresh greens and garnished with tarragon.

    Scallops are so versatile and pair well with everything from fresh vegetables and salads to pasta, potatoes and rice to steak and other seafood. I selected a variety of seasonal, healthy recipes so you have the best options to choose from that go well with scallops throughout the year.

    How many scallops should you serve?

    If you’re serving scallops as a main course with sides, plan on around 6 ounces per person. That would be 4-6 large (U10) sea scallops and 8-10 medium sized. Appetizer portions would be half of that. Sea scallops, or diver scallops, are the large variety while bay scallops are the smallest.

    What do scallops taste like?

    Scallops are in the mollusk family of seafood, like clams, mussels and oysters. If this is your first time trying a scallop, you can expect a slightly sweet, buttery flavor with a soft, delicate texture that’s more tender than other mollusks.

    Jump to:
    • Best Ideas to Serve with Scallops
    • Filet Mignon Rosemary Skewers
    • French Onion Smashed Potatoes
    • Peach Caprese Pancetta Stacks
    • Roasted Cherry Tomato & White Bean Hummus
    • Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites
    • Vegan Carrot Curry Soup
    • Roasted Corn and Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
    • Brussel Sprouts Pomegranate Salad
    • Citrus Salad with Avocado & Goat Cheese
    • Charred Broccolini & White Bean Salad with Burrata
    • Grilled Summer Corn with Manchego & Lime
    • Balsamic Roasted Green Vegetables
    • Cider Glazed Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes
    • Veggie Stuffed Portobellos w/ Feta Cheese
    • Lemon Caper Pasta
    • Linguine with Shrimp Scampi & Arugula
    • Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
    • Mediterranean Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
    • Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks & Fennel
    • Mashed Potatoes
    • Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin
    • Mocha-Rubbed Sirloin Steak & Spinach Salad
    • Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
    • Adobo Shrimp Skewers with Mango Avocado Salsa
    • Creamy Green Herb Sauce
    • Cilantro Pistachio Pesto
    • Roasted Beet Puree

    Best Ideas to Serve with Scallops

    Appetizers to Pair with Scallops

    If you’re planning a cocktail party or looking to make a dinner of finger foods, you can’t go wrong with these winning choices!

    Filet Mignon Rosemary Skewers

    Create amazing surf n’ turf finger food when pairing scallops with these festive Filet Mignon Rosemary Skewers. Tender beef tenderloin bathed in a red wine balsamic reduction is a culinary marriage made in heaven!

    French Onion Smashed Potatoes

    A great recipe of bite-size tender baby potatoes topped with jammy caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, fresh rosemary and thyme. A super tasty, gluten free, prep-ahead appetizer perfect to serve throughout the year.

    Peach Caprese Pancetta Stacks

    As a twist on traditional caprese salad, these Peachy Caprese Pancetta Stacks dripping with honeyed white balsamic glaze are easy to make, gluten free and downright delicious. The sweetness of the fruit combined with salty pancetta and creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible!

    Roasted Cherry Tomato & White Bean Hummus

    Roasting peak-season cherry tomatoes with garlic makes all the difference in this hummus. White beans are the base in lieu of traditionally used chickpeas for their milder flavor and let the tomatoes shine. Fresh basil and oregano add just the right flare.

    Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites

    These Parmesan Zucchini Bites are a go-to appetizer or side dish for any occasion. All ingredients are combined at once, making it super easy and quick to prepare. One bowl, one spatula, one baking dish. Done! Even better, they can be made ahead and frozen!

    Soup & Salads

    These soup and salad ideas can be served as an appetizer before the main event or right alongside your plate of scallops as delicious and healthy side dishes.

    Vegan Carrot Curry Soup

    This soup is a delicious blend of caramelized sweet carrots, onion and celery with creamy coconut milk and spice from the curry. Serve hot or at room temperature. In addition to its vibrant color, velvety texture, and fabulous taste, it’s gluten-free and freezer friendly!

    Roasted Corn and Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

    A thick, creamy, sweet n’ spicy cold soup that screams summer. It’s vegan, gluten free and downright delicious. The beauty of gazpacho is you can make it a couple days in advance for easy entertaining, and it can be frozen so you can enjoy the tastes of summer all year long!

    Photo Credit: delish.com

    Brussel Sprouts Pomegranate Salad

    Keep the skillet and roasting pan in the cabinet and enjoy this easy salad of raw brussel sprouts with the pop of pomegranate seeds. Toasted almonds add even more crunch and parmesan cheese brings complementary salty, nutty flavor to the dish.

    Citrus Salad with Avocado & Goat Cheese

    A bright, beautiful salad showcasing cara cara and blood oranges tossed with mixed baby greens in a sweet and tangy orange honey vinaigrette. Scallops go well with zippy citrus salads like this and our Watermelon & Purple Radish Salad using the same dressing.

    Charred Broccolini & White Bean Salad with Burrata

    A deliciously elegant yet simple salad with crisp, crunchy broccolini, shishito peppers, tender white cannellini beans and creamy burrata drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add pan seared scallops to complete a mouthwatering meal!

    Vegetable Side Dishes

    Choose your favorites of these prep-ahead sides for a quick and easy scallop dinner.

    Grilled Summer Corn with Manchego & Lime

    Slightly charred, fresh summer corn tossed with red onion, peppers, grilled lime and Manchego cheese is loaded with sweet and smoky flavor. A great way to modify the recipe is simply add lima beans for a tasty succotash. Perfect alongside scallops and other seafood.

    Balsamic Roasted Green Vegetables

    A delicious veggie medley of caramelized brussels sprouts, tender green beans, broccoli, and asparagus. Mushrooms, fennel, onion and garlic add even more flavor. A super easy and delicious sheet pan recipe that has something for everyone!

    Cider Glazed Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes

    This is a great side dish of tender sweet potatoes and butternut squash coated in an apple cider and maple syrup glaze infused with fall spices. It’s then topped with a fluffy meringue making it a true standout on any buffet.

    Veggie Stuffed Portobellos w/ Feta Cheese

    Creamy Veggie Stuffed Portobellos are the epitome of year-round vegetarian comfort food. They’re full of fresh shiitakes, zucchini, arugula, and green onions for a little extra pop of peppery flavor. Perfect for prep-ahead entertaining, and they’re keto-friendly and gluten free!

    Pasta, Potatoes & Rice

    Looking for heartier fare that goes well with scallops? Any of these comforting, flavorful recipes are a great choice without being overpowering.

    Photo Credit: kitchn.com

    Lemon Caper Pasta

    Nothing like the lemony, briny caper flavor of this pasta and crunch of panko breadcrumbs toasted with lemon zest and parmesan. An easy, pantry-ingredient focused recipe to enjoy with scallops and other seafood.

    Linguine with Shrimp Scampi & Arugula

    This is a quick and easy recipe of tender pasta twirled with plump shrimp and wilted arugula in a lemony white wine scampi sauce. A pinch of crushed red pepper gives it just the right kick. Healthy comfort food on the table in 30 minutes. A few scallops added to the plate would put this dish over the top!

    Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

    A fabulous combination of sweet butternut squash, crispy prosciutto, shallots, garlic, sage and thyme in creamy arborio rice. It’s gluten-free and perfect for meal prep. Seared buttery scallops would fit right in!

    Mediterranean Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

    These beautifully ripened tomatoes are mounded with a delicious filling of brown rice, crunchy sweet corn, green onions, pistachios, feta and fresh herbs. Finished with a healthy drizzle of fresh tomato vinaigrette to make this gluten-free, heart-healthy dish even tastier.

    Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks & Fennel

    This crowd pleaser is loaded with fontina and parmesan cheese and perfectly browned with crispy edges and tender, creamy potatoes. A great side dish you can prep ahead and is easily halved for smaller gatherings.

    Photo Credit: gimmesomeoven.com

    Mashed Potatoes

    A blend of starchy Russets and buttery Yukon golds result in the ultimate mashed potatoes you’ll want second helpings of. And you can easily change up the flavors with everything from bacon, cheese and roasted garlic to Cajun, Old Bay and Italian seasonings.

    Steak & Seafood

    Here are complementary main course ideas to create a surf n’ turf combo or an exceptional seafood spread.

    Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin

    Celebrate any special occasion with a combination of sweet scallops and this easy show-stopping Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin with horseradish cream sauce. You’ll slow roast, reverse-sear your way to an ultra-tender, perfectly pink tenderloin from coast to coast. Talk about a perfect pairing!

    Mocha-Rubbed Sirloin Steak & Spinach Salad

    This surf n’ turf spin features Mocha-Rubbed Steak & Spinach topped with tender roasted squash, dried cranberries, candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese. It’s drizzled with a sweet n’ tangy white balsamic honey vinaigrette and fresh rosemary.

    Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

    Create a mouthwatering seafood spread with fresh scallops and these Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes using colossal lump crab meat and little filler. They’re totally addictive, easy to whip up and can be made ahead and frozen. The creamy lemon white wine sauce will put this delicious duo over the top.

    Adobo Shrimp Skewers with Mango Avocado Salsa

    Thread some large diver scallops onto these super flavorful adobo shrimp skewers to make them extra special. Mango Avocado Salsa is a refreshing topping to complement the skewers’ smoky flavor. You can assemble these gluten-free, keto-friendly kebabs ahead of time for a quick, easy and delicious meal.

    Sauces

    Scallops are certainly delicious enough to stand on their own, but these sauces will have you searching for adjectives.

    Creamy Green Herb Sauce

    This versatile sauce is a whipped, yogurt-based blend of fresh parsley, basil, green onion and a splash of citrus. A small avocado gives it extra body and that ultra-smooth texture. Delicious on scallops, and really just about on anything!

    Cilantro Pistachio Pesto

    This super flavorful Spicy Cilantro Pistachio Pesto gets its flare from fresh garlic, green onion, lime juice and a little kick of jalapeño. You can easily whip it up in minutes, store in the fridge or freeze. Super delish on scallops and any other protein you can think of! Be sure to try our Spinach Walnut and Carrot Top Cashew combinations too!

    Roasted Beet Puree

    We often think of roasted beets on salads or as a side dish. But pureeing them with olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, honey and fresh tarragon creates a vibrant, velvety sauce that is truly irresistible. It brings out the subtle sweetness of the scallops that makes them shine.

    Do you drink red or white wine with scallops?

    Now it's time to decide what to uncork! Scallops are delicate and mild in flavor so it’s best not to pair them with full-bodied reds. I love chardonnay with scallops to complement their creamy, buttery texture.

    But if you prefer something lighter and crisp, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and sparkling wines are great options. Cheers!

    I hope you have fun planning your scallop happy hour, easy dinner or exquisite feast! Be sure to leave a rating and comment at the end of the post if you tried any of the recipes!

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    Pasta, rice, salad, seafood and sauces that pair well with scallops.

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    Kim | Creator and Author of Give it Some Thyme

    Welcome! I'm Kim - author, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Give it Some Thyme. Here you'll find wholesome, classic and contemporary recipes that make memorable meals every home chef can prepare. Pull up a chair!

    More about me →

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