Scallops are a tasty seafood treat loved by many. They taste great on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can make your meal even better. The right sides can add new flavors and textures to your plate.

You can serve scallops with a wide range of side dishes, from veggies to grains to salads. Some sides are light and fresh, while others are rich and filling. This article will show you 20 great options to try with your next scallop dinner. You’ll find ideas that work for any taste or occasion.

1. Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Lemon garlic broccoli is a tasty and simple side dish that pairs well with scallops. You can make it by steaming or roasting broccoli florets until tender-crisp.

Toss the cooked broccoli with melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. This adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of scallops.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese adds a salty, nutty taste that balances the dish. Serve the lemon garlic broccoli hot alongside your perfectly cooked scallops for a delicious meal.

2. Parmesan Risotto

Parmesan risotto is a perfect side dish for scallops. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking Arborio rice in broth. Stir it often to release the starch. This creates the creamy texture risotto is known for.

Add grated Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts into the rice, making the dish even more luxurious. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.

Serve your scallops on top of the risotto. The combination of the tender scallops and creamy rice is delicious. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side for scallops. They’re creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. While they cook, sauté minced garlic in butter.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the garlic butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

The rich, garlicky flavor of these potatoes complements the sweet taste of scallops beautifully. Your guests will love this classic comfort food paired with seafood.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus makes a tasty side dish for scallops. The salty bacon complements the sweet scallops nicely.

To make this side, wrap bacon strips around asparagus spears. Cook them in the oven or on a grill until the bacon is crispy.

The crisp texture of the asparagus and bacon contrasts well with tender scallops. The smoky flavor also adds depth to the meal.

This side dish is easy to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble the wrapped asparagus earlier and cook it just before serving your scallops.

5. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad makes a great side for scallops. This protein-packed grain has a mild, nutty flavor that won’t overpower your seafood.

Try mixing cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some olive oil for dressing.

You can also toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor. The light, refreshing taste of this salad balances nicely with rich, buttery scallops.

Quinoa salad is easy to make ahead of time. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve alongside your scallops.

6. Creamy Polenta

Creamy polenta is a perfect side dish for scallops. Its smooth texture and rich flavor complement the delicate seafood beautifully.

To make it, cook cornmeal with water or broth until thick and creamy. Add butter and cheese for extra richness.

The velvety polenta provides a nice contrast to the tender scallops. Its mild taste won’t overpower the scallops’ natural flavor.

You can serve the polenta soft and sauce-like, or let it set and cut into slices. Either way, it’s a comforting and luxurious addition to your scallop dinner.

7. Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a tasty side dish for scallops. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture complement the delicate seafood well.

To make it, cook wild rice with broth and herbs. Add sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms for extra flavor.

You can mix in some dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch. This adds color and interest to your plate.

Wild rice pilaf is also nutritious. It’s high in protein and fiber, making your meal more filling.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for scallops. Trim and slice the sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F for about 15 minutes. The sprouts will get crispy on the outside and tender inside.

For extra flavor, add some minced garlic or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before roasting. The caramelized edges of the Brussels sprouts complement the sweet, tender scallops nicely.

This easy vegetable side adds color, texture, and nutrients to your scallop meal. It’s a simple but delicious pairing that you can prepare quickly.

9. Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower gratin makes a tasty side dish for scallops. You’ll love the creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the tender seafood.

To make it, steam cauliflower florets until just tender. Mix them with a rich cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and your favorite cheeses.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with more cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly.

The mild flavor of cauliflower complements scallops nicely. The crispy top adds a pleasant texture contrast to the soft scallops.

10. Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango avocado salsa adds a burst of flavor to your scallop dish. This fresh and fruity combo pairs perfectly with the delicate taste of scallops.

To make it, mix diced ripe mango and avocado. Add some red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for extra zip. A pinch of salt brings out the flavors.

This salsa works great as a topping for seared scallops. It can also serve as a tasty appetizer. Try putting the scallops and salsa on small slices of baguette for a fancy starter.

The key is using ripe but still firm mangoes and avocados. This gives the best texture and taste to complement your scallops.

11. Sweet Corn Fritters

Sweet corn fritters are a tasty match for scallops. You can make these crispy bites with fresh or canned corn. Mix corn kernels with flour, eggs, and seasonings.

Fry the fritters until golden brown. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the scallops’ mild flavor. Serve them hot as a side dish.

You can add herbs like chives or cilantro to the fritters for extra flavor. A dollop of sour cream or aioli on top makes a nice finishing touch.

12. Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad

A cranberry almond spinach salad makes a great side dish for scallops. It’s easy to make and adds a fresh, colorful element to your meal.

Start with fresh spinach leaves as the base. Add dried cranberries for sweetness and sliced almonds for crunch. You can toast the almonds lightly to enhance their flavor.

For the dressing, mix white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Whisk in olive oil, honey, and some finely chopped shallot. Add sesame seeds and poppy seeds for extra texture.

Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents the salad from getting soggy.

13. Herb-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Herb-baked sweet potatoes make a tasty side dish for scallops. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and sage.

Spread the wedges on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. The herbs add a savory flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

This side dish brings a nice contrast in texture to tender scallops. The orange color of the sweet potatoes also looks great next to the white scallops on your plate.

14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Prosciutto-wrapped melon is a classic Italian appetizer that pairs well with scallops. You can easily make this side dish at home.

Start by cutting cantaloupe or honeydew melon into small cubes. Wrap each cube with a thin slice of prosciutto. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

This combination offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The juicy melon contrasts nicely with the savory prosciutto.

Serve the wrapped melon chilled alongside your scallops. It provides a refreshing break between bites of the rich seafood.

15. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

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

To prepare this dish, toss the zucchini noodles with homemade or store-bought pesto. The bright, herbal flavors of the pesto complement the delicate taste of scallops nicely.

This low-carb option is quick to make, taking only about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s also nutritious, with zucchini providing vitamins and minerals while keeping the calorie count low.

For added texture, you can lightly sauté the zucchini noodles before mixing them with the pesto. This helps warm the dish and softens the noodles slightly.

16. Truffle Mac and Cheese

Truffle mac and cheese adds a luxurious twist to a classic comfort food. You’ll love how it pairs with scallops. The earthy, aromatic truffle flavor complements the sweet seafood perfectly.

This rich side dish features creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. A sprinkle of truffle oil or shaved truffle takes it to the next level. The decadent flavors balance out the delicate taste of scallops.

Serve a small portion alongside your scallops for an indulgent meal. The creamy texture contrasts nicely with the seared exterior of the scallops. This combination is sure to impress your dinner guests.

17. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic makes a quick and tasty side for scallops. You can whip it up in the same pan after cooking the scallops.

Heat some olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt.

Squeeze some lemon juice over the spinach for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The bright green color and light taste complement scallops nicely.

This simple side adds nutrients and color to your plate. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, letting you focus on perfecting your scallops.

18. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

A pear and Gorgonzola salad makes a tasty side for scallops. You’ll love the mix of sweet pears and tangy cheese. Add some crunchy walnuts for texture.

Toss mixed greens with sliced pears and crumbled Gorgonzola. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fruity and creamy flavors balance the scallops nicely.

This salad is quick to make. It adds color and freshness to your plate. The combo of flavors will impress your dinner guests.

19. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for scallops. You can easily prepare this sweet and tangy vegetable accompaniment.

Start by cutting carrots into even-sized pieces. Sauté them in a pan with some olive oil until they start to soften.

Add balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey to the pan. Let the carrots simmer in this mixture until they’re tender and coated in a shiny glaze.

The rich, caramelized flavor of these carrots pairs well with the delicate taste of scallops. Their slightly crunchy texture also provides a nice contrast to the soft scallops.

20. Wild Mushroom Ragout

Wild mushroom ragout is a perfect side dish for scallops. It combines different types of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and crimini for a rich, earthy flavor.

To make it, sauté the mushrooms with garlic and shallots in butter and olive oil. Add some herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

You can also include dried porcini mushrooms. Soak them in hot water first, then chop and add to the mix. The soaking liquid adds depth to the ragout.

Serve the ragout alongside or underneath your grilled or seared scallops. The savory mushrooms complement the sweet, delicate flavor of the scallops nicely.

Understanding Scallops

Scallops are tasty seafood with many health perks. You can cook them in different ways to bring out their best flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Scallops

Scallops are packed with protein and low in fat. They give you a good amount of vitamin B12, which helps your blood and nerves work well. You’ll also get omega-3 fatty acids from scallops, which are good for your heart.

Scallops have minerals like zinc and selenium. These help your body fight off germs and keep your cells healthy. They’re also low in calories, making them a smart choice if you’re watching your weight.

Cooking Techniques for Scallops

Searing is a popular way to cook scallops. It gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft. You’ll want to pat them dry and use high heat for the best results.

Grilling scallops adds a smoky taste. Wrap them in foil or use skewers to keep them from falling through the grates. Baking is another easy option. You can add herbs and lemon for extra flavor.

Don’t overcook scallops or they’ll get tough. They’re done when they turn opaque and feel slightly firm. Serve them right away for the best taste and texture.

Complementing Flavors for Scallops

Scallops have a mild, sweet taste that pairs well with many flavors. The right combinations can bring out their natural deliciousness and create a balanced meal.

Balancing Sweet and Savory

Scallops’ natural sweetness works great with savory sides. Try serving them with:

• Salty bacon or prosciutto
• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Garlic-roasted vegetables

A lemon butter sauce adds tang to cut through the richness. Caramelized onions bring out the scallops’ sweetness. For contrast, try a spicy chili sauce or peppery arugula salad.

Creamy risotto makes a good match too. Its texture complements the scallops nicely. Add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Incorporating Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs brighten up scallop dishes. They add color and aroma without overpowering the delicate seafood. Some good choices are:

• Chives
• Parsley
• Tarragon
• Dill

Sprinkle chopped herbs on top just before serving. Or mix them into a light vinaigrette for your side salad.

Herb butter is another tasty option. Mix soft butter with minced herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Melt a pat on top of your cooked scallops.

For an easy garnish, lay a few herb sprigs on the plate. This looks nice and adds a fresh scent.

Wine Pairings with Scallops

Choosing the right wine can enhance your scallop dish. White wines are often great choices. They complement the delicate flavor of scallops well.

Chardonnay is a classic pairing. Its buttery notes match nicely with seared scallops. For a lighter option, try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These crisp wines bring out the sweetness of the scallops.

Sparkling wines work well too. They’re especially good with bacon-wrapped scallops. The bubbles cut through the richness of the bacon.

If you prefer red wine, go for a light bodied option. Pinot Noir is a good choice. It won’t overpower the subtle taste of the scallops.

Here are some quick pairing ideas:

• Raw scallops: Riesling or Albariño
• Seared scallops: Chardonnay or Pinot Gris
• Baked scallops: California sparkling wine or Champagne
• Scallops with citrus sauce: Sauvignon Blanc

Remember, the best pairing is one you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations to find your favorite.