Are you planning to serve seafood for the next dinner?
Coconut shrimp is popularly known as an appetizer, but surely there are ways you can have a hearty meal with this tropical-style dish.
If you're trying to re-create the crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious coconut shrimp you had at a restaurant, you'll be wondering what to serve with it.
We'll give you ten side dishes to choose from so that you don't have to worry about what to serve with coconut shrimp.
You can easily round up your meal with these stunning side dishes during a family gathering or a business dinner.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Coconut Shrimp?
Coconut shrimp alone cannot work as a complete meal.
You can enjoy a substantial meal only if you pair it with some suitable sides.
Coconut shrimp is high in protein.
To make a balanced meal, you'd want to add sides that provide carbs, fiber, fats, and other macronutrients.
Adding side dishes also enhances the main course's flavor by making it stand out.
Although coconut shrimp is easy to make, they take a lot of time.
Therefore, it is wise to find side dishes that compensate for it.
Our list contains side dishes like confetti slaw, Habanero & Peach Guacamole that take only a few minutes and everyday ingredients.
What to Serve with Coconut Shrimp? 10 BEST Side Dishes
1 - Grilled Summer Squash with Feta Cheese
We're starting our list of side dishes for coconut shrimp with one of the many items you can cook on the grill.
This summer squash dish topped with Feta is the perfect accompaniment to your coconut shrimp.
The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the richness of the shrimp, and the grilled flavor gives it a nice smoky edge.
And, of course, the fragrant and flavorful curry sauce brings it all together.
So, if you're searching for a delicious and easy meal, look no further than this Grilled Summer Squash with Coconut Shrimp.
2 - Roasted Basil Tomato Salad
Roasted Basil Tomato Salad is another excellent side dish for your coconut shrimp.
Packed with fresh flavors, you're surely going to impress everyone at dinner with this one.
And it's so quick and easy to make you'll want to keep this recipe on hand for those busy weeknights.
So, whether you're grilling up some shrimp, chicken, or steak, be sure to include this Roasted Basil Tomato Salad on your menu.
It won't disappoint you.
3 - Habanero and Peach Guacamole
This guacamole is perfect for those who like a little spice in their life.
The habanero chili gives it a nice kick, while the sweetness of the peach balances it out perfectly.
If you're serving this as a side dish, we recommend pairing it with a good serving of coconut shrimp.
The flavors of the two dishes complement beautifully, so you won't need other side dishes to create a hearty and filling meal.
Add some lime juice and fresh cilantro to the guacamole to bring out more flavor.
They are perfect for a sunny day when you need something refreshing.
4 - Grilled Pineapple Avocado Salad with Mojito Dressing
Another side that features pineapple is this grilled pineapple avocado salad with mojito dressing.
Pineapples are already sour-sweet, juicy, and mouth-watering.
But when grilled, the flavors are out of this world.
Your dinner can never be ordinary with this extravagant salad that takes only a few minutes to make.
Its unique dressing that contains lime juice and mint also allows you to enjoy a vibrant, refreshing taste with simple ingredients.
Add some romaine lettuce on the side of the plate to make it the ultimate vegetable side dish for coconut shrimp.
5 - Avocado Spring Rolls
Once you learn how to wrap rice paper, this side dish will become a staple.
Featuring fresh and healthy ingredients like avocado, cucumbers, cilantro, mint, carrots, and bell peppers, avocado spring rolls are everything you need to enjoy a refreshing side dish.
You can ignore the veggies or fruits that are not in season; it will taste awesome anyway.
Whip up a Thai mango dipping sauce if you can get your hands on mangoes to make a sweet and spicy dip.
You and your guests will indeed develop cravings for this dish once you taste it.
6 - Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Caprese Salad
You don't need a load of ingredients or break the bank to create a side dish suitable for coconut shrimp.
The main course is extravagant on its own, so only a little effort is necessary to make a side dish that goes with it.
But if you're determined to go all the way and impress someone special, try this heirloom tomato and burrata Caprese salad.
This Italian side dish requires three major ingredients- burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil.
You just need 20 minutes to make it.
TIP: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (preferably fruity) to really bring out the tomatoes' flavors.
7 - Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice
Who knew cauliflower rice would be so good? This coconut lime cauliflower rice is another healthy side dish for coconut shrimp.
It's quick and effortless to make and packed with flavors to tickle your taste buds.
The recipe involves cooking cauliflower rice in a blend of coconut milk and lime juice, then stirring onions and garlic.
Finish off with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
This side dish is for you if you're on a low-carb diet but still want to enjoy exciting flavors.
The best part? You need only 15 minutes to make it.
8 - Quinoa and Sweet Corn with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Another refreshing side dish that pairs well with coconut shrimp is quinoa and sweet corn with honey lemon vinaigrette.
Haven't tried quinoa yet? You start loving it once you try this side dish.
It is a great option for those who want to eat something filling like rice without all the carbs that come with it.
Quinoa is a protein-packed ingredient.
When paired with sweet corn, there's nothing you can do but eat and eat.
And the best thing is that these two items complement coconut shrimp excellently.
Try a recipe today and see how you like it. You won't disappoint your guests, too.
9 - Pineapple Fried Rice
If you want a foolproof side dish for coconut shrimp, you should opt for pineapple fried rice.
It brings the right amount of tanginess and flavor to contrast with your savory coconut shrimp.
You can make a stunning presentation of this dish by stuffing the rice in a hollowed-out pineapple half.
Grab some ripe pineapples from the store and start working.
You can make pineapple fried rice in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
So prepare it beforehand to spend more time with your dinner guests.
10 - Confetti Slaw
A creamy confetti slaw can be the perfect side dish for your next batch of coconut shrimp.
Packed with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Best of all, it comes together in just minutes - so you can enjoy your shrimp without spending hours in the kitchen.
To make the dressing, simply mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Then, combine the cabbage, carrots, and red pepper in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat.
Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
