What to serve with seafood salad can often be a dilemma for many people.
While the refreshing flavors of the seafood salad are enough to satisfy any palate, it’s always nice to have a few delicious side dish options to round out the meal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light and satisfying dinner, these easy and flavorful side dish ideas are sure to complement your seafood salad perfectly.
From crisp and refreshing salads to savory and delicious starches, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and explore some tasty options to serve alongside your seafood salad.
What To Serve With Seafood Salad – 15 Best Sides
When it comes to seafood salad, finding the perfect side dish can be a bit of a challenge. You want something that complements the flavors of the seafood without overpowering it.
Below, I will share with you some of the best sides to serve with seafood salad.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic choice for a reason. The soft, melty cheese, crispy bread, and buttery spread are a perfect complement to the delicate flavors of seafood. They are also easy to make, but do require some preparation time.
2. Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is another classic choice that pairs well with seafood salad. The crusty exterior and soft interior provide a delightful contrast of textures, while the bread’s neutral flavor helps to enhance the taste of the seafood.
3. Avocado Slices
Avocado slices are a healthy and delicious addition to any seafood salad. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the delicate flavors of the seafood, while the healthy fats in the avocado help to balance out the dish.
4. Lemon Wedges
Lemon wedges are a simple but effective way to enhance the flavors of seafood salad. The acidity of the lemon helps to cut through the richness of the seafood, while the citrus flavor provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a common side dish for seafood salad, as it is low in calories and fat and provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the delicate flavors of seafood. Many different types of lettuce can be used in a seafood salad, including iceberg, romaine, and butterhead.
6. Tomato Salad
A fresh tomato salad is a great way to add some color and flavor to your seafood salad. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance out the richness of the seafood, while the juicy texture provides a refreshing contrast.
7. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is another refreshing side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The crisp texture and mild flavor of the cucumber help to enhance the taste of the seafood, while the subtle sweetness provides a nice contrast.
8. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The creamy dressing and crunchy texture of the coleslaw help to balance out the dish, while the sweetness of the cabbage provides a nice contrast to the seafood.
9. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a hearty side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The creamy dressing and soft texture of the potatoes provide a nice contrast to the seafood, while the subtle flavors of the herbs and spices help to enhance the taste of the dish.
10. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of the rice provide a nice contrast to the seafood, while the herbs and spices help to enhance the taste of the dish.
11. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious addition to any seafood salad. The caramelized flavor of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the seafood, while the nutrients in the vegetables help to balance out the dish.
12. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a simple but elegant side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The smoky flavor of the asparagus provides a nice contrast to the seafood, while the tender texture of the asparagus complements the delicate flavors of the dish.
13. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The crunchy texture and mild flavor of the broccoli help to enhance the taste of the seafood, while the creamy dressing provides a nice contrast.
14. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious addition to any seafood salad. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of the quinoa provide a nice contrast to the seafood, while the nutrients in the quinoa help to balance out the dish.
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun and flavorful side dish that pairs well with seafood salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the fries provide a nice contrast to the seafood, while the crispy texture adds some crunch to the dish.
5 Tips For Choosing Your Side Dish
When it comes to seafood salad, choosing the right side dish can make or break your meal. Here are five tips to help you choose the perfect side dish for your seafood salad:
- Consider the texture: Seafood salad is often soft and delicate in texture, so it’s important to choose a side dish that provides some contrast. Look for sides that are crunchy or have a chewy texture to balance out the seafood.
- Think about the flavor profile: Seafood has a distinct flavor that can be enhanced or overpowered by certain side dishes. Consider sides that have complementary flavors, such as citrus or herbs, to enhance the seafood salad.
- Take into account the season: Depending on the time of year, certain side dishes may be more appropriate than others. In the summer, for example, light and refreshing sides like cucumber salad or watermelon can be a great choice.
- Look for sides with nutritional value: Seafood salad is already a healthy choice, so why not pair it with a side dish that’s equally nutritious? Look for sides that are high in vitamins and minerals, like leafy greens or roasted vegetables.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: While there are some classic side dishes that pair well with seafood salad, don’t be afraid to try something new. Consider unique sides like quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes to add some variety to your meal.
By following these tips, you can choose a side dish that perfectly complements your seafood salad and makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many tasty options to serve with seafood salad. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing like a cucumber and tomato salad or something more substantial like macaroni and cheese, there is a side dish out there that will perfectly complement your seafood salad.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a side dish is to consider the flavors and textures of the seafood salad itself. For example, if your seafood salad is heavy on the citrus and herbs, you may want to pair it with a side dish that has a more neutral flavor to balance things out.
Another important factor to consider is the occasion. If you are serving seafood salad as part of a casual gathering, you may want to opt for something easy to eat like crackers or bread. On the other hand, if you are serving seafood salad as part of a formal dinner party, you may want to choose something a bit more elegant like a roasted vegetable medley.
Ultimately, the key to a successful seafood salad meal is to choose side dishes that complement the flavors and textures of the seafood salad while also taking into account the occasion and the preferences of your guests. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a meal that is both delicious and memorable.