This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.

Wondering what to serve with scallops? Here are all the best side dishes that pair well and are easy to make into a complete meal.

What to serve with scallops
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Scallops are a perfect main dish for special dinners, a little more sophisticated than the standard shrimp or salmon. But what to serve with them? It can be hard to figure out just the right side dish that pairs well with their mild, delicate flavor. It’s also got to be easy enough to whip up while you’re searing the seafood.

As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, here are our top ideas for what to serve with scallops! From pasta to asparagus to green beans to salads, we’ve got all the best options that pair seamlessly to make a perfect meal. Ready to get started?

Our top ideas for what to serve with scallops

A few scallop recipes

Of course, we couldn’t leave you with only what to serve with them! Here are some of our 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.
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Print

What to Serve with Scallops

Scallop pasta
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This scallop pasta makes a delicious dinner! Impress everyone around the table with this elegant recipe seasoned with lemon, garlic and herbs. Accessorize with some of the side dishes in the list above!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Seafood
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the scallops

  • 8 ounces linguine noodles or other long noodles (gluten-free or legume pasta if desired)
  • 1 pound sea scallops, thawed if frozen
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil

For the sauce

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus zest for serving
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, parsley, etc)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 handful baby greens (spinach or kale)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Thaw the scallops, if frozen (see above).
  2. Cook the pasta: Start a pot of well salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is just al dente. Start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside; usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta. (If it finishes before the sauce, add it back to the pot with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick.)
  3. Brine the scallops (10 minutes): Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, mix together 4 cups room temperature water and 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Place the scallops in the water and wait for 10 minutes. 
  4. Sear the scallops: Remove the scallops and dry thoroughly. Lightly season with a several pinches kosher salt. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. If using a medium skillet, cook the scallops in two batches. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops and cook without turning for 2 to 3 minutes,  until an even brown crust clearly forms on bottom.
  5. Flip scallops with tongs. Cook additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side, until a crust just forms on bottom and the center of the scallop is almost opaque. Remove the scallops from the skillet to a plate.
  6. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, lemon juice, minced garlic and chopped herbs. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release flavor from any browned bits stuck to the pan. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the milk, pasta, kosher salt, and greens and cook until greens are wilted. Return the scallops to the pan and cook for a few seconds until just warm. Add lots of fresh ground black pepper. Taste and add additional salt if necessary. Serve with drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest.

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!

More sides to go with…

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

About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

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 :)