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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Must-Have Sides for the Perfect Grilled Seafood Spread

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 7, 2025, updated June 7, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Grilling seafood is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh flavors and create a memorable meal. To complement your grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops, having the right sides can make all the difference. From refreshing salads to lemony pasta, here are 23 essential side dishes that will perfectly round out your seafood spread.

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make and goes really well with grilled shrimp or salmon. The combination of flavors is just right, making it a great addition to your meal. It's perfect for those times when you want something quick and delicious. You can whip it up without much effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying your seafood feast. This is a fantastic side that everyone will love.

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    Creamy Rice

    Creamy rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Rice is a simple side dish, but this creamy version takes it to another level. With the rich flavors of butter and chicken stock, it becomes something special. This is the best rice you’ll ever enjoy alongside your grilled seafood. It pairs perfectly with all kinds of fish and shellfish. You’ll find it adds a delicious touch to your meal.

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    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked potatoes go really well with grilled fish, and you can add any toppings you like to enhance the flavors. They are simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Using an air fryer is a quick and easy method to cook them. This side dish is satisfying and complements seafood nicely. Enjoying baked potatoes alongside your grilled seafood is a great way to round out the meal.

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    Baby Potatoes

    Baby potatoes in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These crispy potatoes are packed with flavor and seasoned well with salt. They remind you of the Canarian potatoes known as "Papas Arrugadas". Just like those tasty bites, they pair perfectly with any grilled seafood. This is a great side dish to complement your meal. Enjoy these simple yet delicious potatoes alongside your favorite grilled dishes.

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    Avocado Mango Salad

    Avocado mango salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a great addition to salmon tacos and pairs well with any grilled salmon dish. The flavors complement the fish perfectly, making it a favorite for summer barbecues. It's simple to prepare and adds a fresh touch to your meal. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet dinner, this side will enhance your seafood feast. Enjoy it alongside your favorite grilled seafood for a satisfying experience.

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    Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze

    Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a simple and refreshing summer dish. The sweet watermelon pairs nicely with the salty feta, creating a great mix of flavors and textures. Adding mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze gives it an extra touch. This salad is a great choice for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. It's light, easy to make, and perfect for warm weather.

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    Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

    Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Grilled peaches, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and fresh arugula come together in a vibrant summer salad that everyone will enjoy. The combination of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors creates a refreshing dish that's perfect for warm days. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar ties everything together beautifully. This salad is not only healthy but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for any meal. You'll find yourself wanting to make this salad again and again throughout the summer.

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    Watermelon Panzanella

    Watermelon Panzanella.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    Watermelon Panzanella salad is a simple and refreshing summer dish that goes well with just about anything. It's a great side to enjoy alongside grilled seafood, adding a light and vibrant touch to your meal. The combination of juicy watermelon and crunchy bread creates a delightful mix of textures. This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something quick and tasty. Enjoy it as part of a laid-back summer dinner.

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    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Arugula salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salad combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that go well with rich fish. It's a refreshing addition to any seafood meal. The mix of ingredients brings a nice balance to the plate. Enjoying this salad alongside grilled seafood enhances the overall experience. It's a simple yet delicious side that everyone will appreciate.

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    Garlic Roasted Broccoli

    Garlic roasted brococli.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with many dishes. It's simple to prepare and adds a nice crunch to your plate. This side dish is not only healthy but also brings a fresh flavor to your meal. Whether you're grilling seafood or enjoying a hearty dinner, broccoli is a great addition. You'll find yourself wanting to include it in your meals more often.

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    Carrot Fries

    Carrot fries on a blue plate with a dip sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Carrots have a natural sweetness that complements seafood nicely. When you cut them into fries, they become even more enjoyable. This side dish adds a fun twist to your meal. It's a simple way to bring some color and flavor to your plate. Perfect for a seafood feast, these carrot fries are sure to please everyone.

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    Air Fryer Asparagus

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Asparagus pairs really well with seafood. Cooking it in the air fryer simplifies the process and saves time. This side dish is quick to prepare and adds a nice touch to your meal. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables alongside your favorite grilled fish or shrimp. With just a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side ready to go.

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    Lime Aioli

    Lime aioli.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon burgers topped with lime aioli are a great addition to any grilled seafood meal. They pair well with a variety of grilled fish and shellfish. This dish is simple to prepare and adds a refreshing twist to your seafood feast. It's a perfect choice for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Enjoy these flavorful burgers alongside your favorite grilled seafood.

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    Black Lentil Salad with Feta

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This salad is full of flavor and really simple to prepare. It's packed with protein, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Pair it with grilled fish for a satisfying meal, or enjoy it on its own as a light dish. It's perfect for meal prep, so you can have it ready whenever you need. This salad is a great addition to any seafood feast.

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    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a simple dish filled with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It's quick to put together, making it a great option for those hectic days. This salad combines chickpeas with fresh veggies and a light dressing that you'll want to enjoy often. It's perfect for meal prep and works well for family get-togethers. This is a tasty side that pairs nicely with grilled seafood.

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    Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lemon and feta cheese go perfectly together with salmon and just about any grilled dish. Their bright flavors really enhance the taste of the seafood. This combination adds a refreshing twist that complements the smoky notes from grilling. It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate your meal. Enjoy this pairing at your next seafood feast.

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    Sour Cream Sauce with Avocado & Lime

    Sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Acidic sauces pair really well with rich salmon dishes. They help balance the flavors and add a refreshing touch. This combination is perfect for enhancing the overall meal experience. When serving grilled seafood, these sides can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable. They bring a bright contrast that complements the savory taste of the fish.

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    Grilled Italian Zucchini

    Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Grilled zucchini is a fresh and tasty side dish that brings Italian flavors to your meal. It's easy to prepare and cooks beautifully on the grill. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp, making it a great addition to any seafood feast. The combination of the smoky grill and the vibrant zucchini creates a delightful experience. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful side at your next gathering.

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    Air Fryer French Fries

    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    French fries go well with just about anything, and they are a great match for grilled seafood. Their crispy texture and salty flavor complement the freshness of the fish and shellfish perfectly. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or hosting a gathering, fries are always a hit. They add a satisfying crunch that balances the tenderness of the seafood. This is a simple side that everyone loves.

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    Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic

    Brussel sprouts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen brussels sprouts can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Season them with honey and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful touch. This side dish pairs well with salmon and other rich fish. It's a simple way to add some greens to your meal. Enjoy a tasty and healthy addition to your seafood feast.

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    Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Cauliflower in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy cauliflower is a great match for grilled seafood. Its bold flavors complement the taste of fish and shrimp beautifully. This side dish adds a nice kick to your meal without being overwhelming. It's easy to prepare and goes well with a variety of seafood options. Enjoy this tasty addition to your next seafood feast.

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    Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

    Sweet potato wedges.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Sweet potatoes and salmon go really well together. Grilled salmon is a great way to enjoy this tasty combination. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a nice touch to the salmon. Pairing it with sweet potatoes brings out the best in both ingredients. This is a delicious option for any meal.

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    Kale Wild Rice Salad

    Kale Wild Rice Salad.
    Photo credit: Through The Fibro Fog.

    A kale and wild rice salad brings together fresh fruits and vegetables with hearty wild rice, creating a delicious side dish. It's simple to prepare and offers a unique twist by combining rice and salad in one bowl. This salad is perfect for adding some color and nutrition to your meal. With its mix of textures and flavors, it pairs well with grilled seafood. Enjoy this refreshing side that complements any feast.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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