Scallops are a tasty seafood treat that can shine as the star of your meal. But what should you serve with them?

The right side dish can make your scallop dinner even better.

You can choose from many great sides to go with scallops. Some options are light salads, roasted veggies, or creamy pasta dishes.

Each one can bring out the sweet flavor of the scallops in its own way. Let’s look at 20 yummy sides that will make your scallop dinner extra special.

1. Garlic Butter Asparagus

Garlic butter asparagus is a tasty side dish that pairs well with scallops. You can make it quickly and easily.

Start by melting butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Toss in trimmed asparagus spears.

Cook the asparagus until it’s tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The garlic butter sauce will coat the asparagus, giving it a rich flavor.

This side dish complements scallops nicely. The crisp asparagus contrasts with the soft texture of the scallops. The garlic butter ties the two dishes together.

2. Lemon Risotto

Lemon risotto makes a great side dish for scallops. Its bright, zesty flavor complements the seafood nicely.

To make it, cook Arborio rice slowly with broth, stirring often. Add lemon juice and zest near the end for a fresh taste.

The creamy texture of risotto pairs well with the tender scallops. The lemon adds a light, tangy element that balances the richness.

This side dish takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. The flavors blend beautifully with scallops for an elegant meal.

3. Creamy Polenta

Creamy polenta is a perfect side dish for scallops. This smooth and comforting corn-based dish provides a lovely contrast to the seafood’s texture.

To make it, cook finely ground cornmeal in water or broth until it’s thick and creamy. Add butter and Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Serve the polenta warm, spooning it next to or under your scallops. The combination creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures on your plate.

For added flair, drizzle a bit of olive oil or sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for scallops. They add a nice crunch and savory flavor to your meal.

To prepare them, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. Their crispy edges complement the tender texture of scallops perfectly.

For extra flavor, try adding garlic or balsamic vinegar before roasting. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top after they’re done.

5. Pomegranate Arugula Salad

A pomegranate arugula salad adds a burst of color and flavor to your scallop dish. The peppery arugula provides a nice contrast to the sweet, tender scallops.

Toss the arugula with juicy pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness. Add some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy element.

Drizzle the salad with a light vinaigrette to bring all the flavors together. This refreshing side complements the richness of scallops perfectly.

You can prepare this salad quickly while your scallops are cooking. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to your meal.

6. Herbed Quinoa

Herbed quinoa is a tasty and healthy side dish for scallops. You can cook quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor.

Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill after cooking.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to brighten the flavors.

The light, fluffy texture of quinoa complements the tender scallops nicely. This protein-packed grain also adds nutritional value to your meal.

You can customize the herbs based on your preferences. Try mint for a refreshing twist or basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.

Herbed quinoa is quick to make and can be served warm or at room temperature with your scallops.

7. Spinach Orzo Salad

Spinach orzo salad is a tasty and light side dish for scallops. Cook orzo pasta until tender, then mix it with fresh baby spinach leaves.

Add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick. Toss in chopped cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of dried oregano.

This refreshing salad complements the rich taste of scallops nicely.

You can serve this salad warm or cold, making it perfect for any season. It’s quick to prepare and adds a pop of color to your plate.

8. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto makes a great side dish for scallops. The creamy rice and earthy mushrooms complement the sweet, delicate flavor of scallops nicely.

To make mushroom risotto, cook Arborio rice slowly while adding warm broth. Sauté mushrooms separately and mix them in at the end. Add Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

You can use different mushroom types like cremini, shiitake, or porcini. Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish.

Serve the risotto in a shallow bowl with seared scallops on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

9. Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy Parmesan potatoes make a great side dish for scallops. You can easily make them at home.

Start by cutting potatoes into thin slices or small cubes.

Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake the potatoes in a hot oven until they turn golden brown and crispy. The Parmesan cheese will form a crunchy crust on the outside.

These tasty potatoes add a nice contrast to the soft texture of scallops. The salty, cheesy flavor also goes well with seafood.

10. Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn salad makes a perfect side for scallops. You can easily make this dish while grilling your scallops.

Start by grilling fresh corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred. Cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with halved grape tomatoes and thinly sliced scallions.

Add some fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Dress the salad with lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.

This bright, summery side complements the sweetness of scallops nicely.

For added richness, you can include diced avocado in your corn salad. The creamy texture pairs well with the crisp corn and juicy tomatoes.

11. Minted Pea Purée

Minted pea purée is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with seared scallops. To make it, cook peas until tender and blend them with fresh mint leaves.

Add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, push the mixture through a sieve.

You can also add a splash of cream for extra richness.

This bright green purée adds a pop of color to your plate. Its cool, fresh flavor complements the sweet, delicate taste of scallops nicely.

Spread the purée on the plate before placing the scallops on top. This presentation looks elegant and allows you to enjoy both flavors in each bite.

12. Caramelized Onion Tart

Caramelized onion tart is a tasty side dish for scallops. You can make it with puff pastry and slow-cooked onions.

The onions are cooked until they turn golden brown and sweet. This process takes about 15-20 minutes. You can add some thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.

To make the tart, spread the caramelized onions on the pastry. Then bake it until the crust is crispy. Some recipes include blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

This tart pairs well with scallops because its rich flavors balance the seafood’s delicate taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests.

13. Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Truffle mashed potatoes add luxury to your scallop dinner. You can make this side dish by mashing cooked potatoes until smooth.

Mix in butter, milk, and salt to taste. The key is adding a small amount of truffle oil at the end. This gives the potatoes a rich, earthy flavor.

You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess. Don’t overdo the truffle oil – a little goes a long way.

Serve these potatoes warm alongside your scallops for a fancy meal.

14. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash makes a tasty side dish for scallops. Cut the squash into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender and caramelized.

You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Garlic and sage also pair well with butternut squash.

After roasting, you can serve the squash as-is or puree it for a smooth texture.

A butternut squash puree creates a nice base for seared scallops. The sweetness of the squash complements the scallops’ mild flavor. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

15. Zucchini Noodles with Basil

Zucchini noodles make a light and fresh side dish for scallops. You can easily create these noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.

Sauté the zucchini noodles in olive oil for just 1-2 minutes. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from getting soggy.

Add minced garlic and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This low-carb alternative to pasta pairs perfectly with pan-seared scallops. The mild zucchini flavor complements the sweet, delicate taste of the seafood.

16. Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf makes a tasty side dish for scallops. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the seafood well.

To make it, rinse wild rice and cook it in broth for extra flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth both work great.

You can add other ingredients to your pilaf like onions, garlic, or herbs. Some people mix in regular rice too.

The earthy taste of wild rice pairs nicely with the delicate scallops. It creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

17. Citrus Avocado Salad

Citrus avocado salad makes a great side for scallops. This fresh, zesty dish brings out the best in your seafood.

Mix sliced avocados with segments of oranges and grapefruits. Add some thinly sliced red onions for a bit of bite.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

The creamy avocado and tangy citrus flavors complement the mild sweetness of scallops perfectly. This light salad also adds nice color to your plate.

18. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a tasty side dish that goes well with scallops. You can easily make this at home.

Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of bacon.

Put them on a baking sheet and cook in the oven. The bacon gets crispy while the asparagus stays tender.

The salty bacon flavor pairs nicely with the mild taste of scallops.

This side dish looks fancy but is simple to prepare. It adds color and texture to your plate. You can sprinkle some black pepper or garlic powder on top for extra flavor.

19. Chive and Lemon Couscous

Chive and lemon couscous is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with scallops. You can make it quickly and easily.

Cook the couscous according to package instructions. Add chopped fresh chives and lemon zest for bright flavor. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for extra zing.

This side dish complements the mild taste of scallops without overpowering them. The fluffy texture of couscous contrasts nicely with the tender scallops.

You can serve this at room temperature or slightly warm. It’s a versatile option that works for both casual and fancy meals with scallops.

20. Blood Orange Fennel Salad

Blood orange fennel salad makes a great side for scallops. This bright, refreshing dish brings out the best in your seafood.

To make it, slice fennel thinly and section blood oranges. Mix them in a bowl with a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and honey.

Add some chopped pistachios for crunch. The nuts give a nice contrast to the juicy orange and crisp fennel.

This salad adds color to your plate. The deep red of the oranges looks striking next to golden brown scallops.

The citrus flavor pairs well with scallops. It cuts through their richness and brings out their natural sweetness.

Pairing Scallops with Vegetables

Vegetables make great side dishes for scallops. They add color, nutrition, and complementary flavors to your meal. Let’s look at how to choose veggies and some seasonal options.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Pick veggies that won’t overpower the scallops’ delicate taste. Mild, sweet vegetables work best. Try these options:

• Roasted broccoli
• Buttered green beans
• Sautéed spinach
• Grilled asparagus
• Roasted cauliflower

These veggies have subtle flavors that let the scallops shine. They also add nice textures to your plate.

For cooking, use simple methods like steaming or roasting. Add just a bit of butter or olive oil to enhance flavors. Lemon juice can brighten up the veggies and scallops too.

Seasonal Vegetable Options

Change up your veggie sides based on what’s in season. This keeps your meals fresh and exciting.

Spring:

• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Peas

Summer:

• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes
• Bell peppers

Fall:

• Butternut squash
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots

Winter:

• Kale
• Cabbage
• Parsnips

Roast root veggies in winter for a hearty meal. In summer, try a light salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.

Grilled veggies are great in spring and fall.

Mix colors on your plate for eye appeal. Try pairing orange carrots with green beans, or red peppers with yellow squash.

Exploring Grain-Based Sides

Grain-based sides add substance and texture to scallop dishes. They soak up flavors and provide a filling element to the meal.

Types of Grains to Consider

Rice is a top choice for scallop pairings. Try wild rice for a nutty flavor or jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.

Quinoa offers a protein-packed option with a light, fluffy texture.

Couscous is quick to prepare and soaks up sauces well. For a heartier option, try farro or barley.

These grains have a chewy texture and earthy taste that complement scallops nicely.

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, works well in cold salads or warm dishes. It’s versatile and takes on flavors easily.

Flavor Combinations with Scallops

Lemon and herbs brighten grain dishes to match scallops’ delicate taste. Mix in chopped parsley, dill, or chives for freshness.

Garlic and butter create a rich base that enhances both grains and scallops. Sauté grains in this mixture before serving.

For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to your grain side. This brings a tangy, salty element to the plate.

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini add color and nutrients. Toss them with grains for a complete side dish.

Try a splash of white wine in your grain cooking liquid. This subtle flavor ties in well with wine-based scallop sauces.