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Wondering what to serve with scallops? Here are the best side dishes to pair with them and turn this entrée into a complete, tasty meal.

Cooked scallops surrounded by a juice in a cooking pan.
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Scallops are a perfect main dish for special dinners — slightly more sophisticated than the standard shrimp or salmon. But what should you serve with them? It can be hard to figure out just the right side dish that pairs well with their mild, delicate flavor. It also has to be easy to whip up while you’re searing the seafood.

As a cookbook author and recipe expert, here are my top ideas for what to serve with scallops! From pasta to asparagus to green beans to salads, I have the best options that pair seamlessly to make a perfect meal. Ready to get started?

My favorite sides to serve with scallops

Scallop recipes you’ll love

Of course, I couldn’t leave you with only side dishes to serve with them! Here are some of my top scallop recipes:

  • These pan seared scallops are tender and caramelized.
  • Fire up the grill for grilled scallops: they’re simply seasoned to taste irresistibly tender and savory.
  • This sauce for scallops is a quick pan sauce that makes seafood taste divine.
  • Try scallop pasta and impress everyone around the table with this elegant recipe seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs.

More sides to go with…

Need more side dish ideas? I’ve got you covered:

About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi there! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of two cookbooks, busy parents, and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share simple, seasonal recipes and the joy of cooking. We now offer thousands of original recipes, cooking tips, and meal planning ideas—all written and photographed by the two of us (and tested on our kids!).

Leave a Comment

4 Comments

  1. Anonymous says:

    What is the purpose of putting the scallops in water before you cook them

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Brining the scallops improves the flavor and allows for a better sear!

  2. Alex Gallo says:

    My personal cooking level: competent to proficient.

    Oh wow! Needed to treat myself after a long day and this was the way to go. Even after a long day this didn’t feel like too much work for something that turned out so rich and flavorful. Never made scallops before but it turned out so good on a first try, they really walked you through the process with stress free instruction & pro tips. A perfect way to enjoy scallops. I used Thyme & Tarragon for my herbs, unsalted butter instead & fresh scallops keeping to the recipe verbatim so my review definitely reflects the recipe listed. Thanks again gang, I’ll be back to try some other recipes.

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      So glad to hear this! Thanks for making :)