Serve Shrimp Fra Diavolo alongside Arugula Salad, Vegan Caesar Salad, Grilled Bell Peppers, Celery and Fennel Salad, and Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons.
Arugula Salad -
Adding a fresh veggie dish can balance the meal when you have a filling dish like shrimp fra diavolo.
For a lighter option, try Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons. If you serve spicy shrimp frequently, the salads will come in handy.
Shrimp fra diavolo is an Italian dish of shrimp in spicy tomato sauce (fra diavolo).
The word "fra diavolo" translates to "among the devil," and the sauce gets its name from the minced red chile which gives out the hot taste.
The shrimp in spicy sauce is tasty, filling and versatile and you can have it with numerous items.
Spaghetti, toasted orzo, crusty bread and grilled bell peppers are some dishes to serve with shrimp in spicy sauce.
So when thinking about what to serve with shrimp fra diavolo, you have many options including the ones which we'll list below.
10 Side Dishes That Pair Well with Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Here are some dishes to serve with shrimp fra diavolo - or compare with garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
1 - Arugula Salad
Adding a fresh veggie dish can balance the meal when you have a filling dish like shrimp fra diavolo.
Arugula salad is a perfect example, and that's why it's here on the list - try arugula pesto side suggestions for a pesto-forward pairing.
Arugula was overlooked for a long time, but times have changed, and it's frequently used in salads and other dishes.
The leaves are slightly peppery but a suitable dressing and a thorough massage can make the greens milder.
A honey, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper dressing binds the salad with arugula leaves.
Top it off with shaved parmesan cheese.
2 - Vegan Caesar Salad
You already have a filling dish with seafood, so any number of salad dishes will be a good idea to list here.
Shrimp fra diavolo and Caesar salad also make a great pair, so serve them together - or see shrimp Caesar salad side ideas tailored to seafood salads.
But instead of regular Caesar salad, you can make it into a vegan version so that your meal doesn't get too heavy.
Vegan salad is equally delicious but lighter so you'll have a full meal but won't feel bored.
Leave out non-veg ingredients and use only leafy greens, avocado and bread cubes.
Lettuce spoils fast so buy the freshest and use them quickly.
Look for leaves that are crisp, with a light crunch and bright green.
3 - Grilled Bell Peppers
Adding grilled bell peppers with shrimp fra diavolo will be a good idea because the simple veggie dish adds a fresh element and doesn't make the shrimp extra heavy.
Bell peppers are not only delicious and versatile but also make a nutritious addition to a meal.
So you can enjoy the taste and absorb the goodness.
Grilling peppers is also easy and do you know? You need only four ingredients.
Yes, four including peppers, olive oil, salt and pepper.
But once done, you'll have the tastiest peppers that create magic with shrimp fra diavolo.
For a heartier surf-and-turf option, consider grilled swordfish side pairings that complement smoky vegetables like peppers.
4 - Celery and Fennel Salad
Here is another salad you can pair with spicy shrimp.
It's celery and fennel salad which offers a crunchy and tangy feature.
The salad is all raw veggies and seasonings so your palate will feel refreshed.
The salad has usual ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper besides the fresh veggies.
Green olive tapenade adds more flavor making your salad fresh and tangy.
Salads taste best with the freshest veggies so see that both fennel and celery are fresh.
For example, fresh fennel should feel firm and smell like anise, or even licorice.
The white part should be flawless and the stalks must be bright green.
If a creamier root side appeals, look at celery root puree side ideas to add silky texture to the plate.
5 - Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This list has several salads but it shouldn't worry you because they all complement shrimp fra diavolo.
If you serve spicy shrimp frequently, the salads will come in handy.
Cherry tomato salad with roasted lemons is another fresh dish that tastes delicious and matches spicy shrimp - alternatively try cherry salsa side options for bright flavors.
It contains few ingredients but tastes terrific.
Making the salad is also easy as all the items are readily available.
Roasted lemon slices with olive oil, salt, sugar, and oregano mixed with fresh cherry tomatoes, onion, mint, red wine vinegar and parsley produce the best salad ever.
6 - Spaghetti
You can also include a simple spaghetti dish with shrimp fra diavolo - or reference spaghetti and meatballs side suggestions for classic pasta accompaniments.
If you love noodles and pasta with tomato sauce, you'll love this combo because it's even better.
Cook any good quality spaghetti as instructed until al dente, remove water, toss with shrimp fra diavolo and serve hot or warm.
There, simple but you'll want to eat more once you take a mouthful.
You can also use other pasta varieties if spaghetti isn't available.
Penne, macaroni, rotini and fusilli are all suitable to enjoy with shrimp fra diavolo.
You must just remember to cook the pasta perfectly or even the yummy shrimp won't help.
7 - Toasted Orzo
It's also a pasta dish but a different one so it'll be a good idea to add it to the list as you can choose them alternately when serving shrimp fra diavolo.
Orzo, also called risoni, looks more like grain than pasta because of its size and shape.
Orzo is a versatile pasta you can cook and enjoy in multiple ways.
There are two ways you can serve toasted orzo with shrimp fra diavolo - or explore orzo salad side ideas for a chilled alternative.
First, toast the orzo on the stove top with little oil and salt and toss with the spicy shrimp dish.
Or you can also make a toasted orzo salad and serve it beside the shrimp.
8 - Crusty Bread
You don't want to waste the incredible gravy when eating the spicy shrimp dish and you don't have to because crusty bread will do the job of soaking up the sauce.
You have many options when it comes to crusty bread because it's easy to make it.
You can quickly make fresh crusty bread to serve with shrimp fra diavolo.
Or you can buy readymade stuff like baguettes.
Make garlic bread with the baguettes and watch how your guests love the combo when you set it on the table.
If time is not on your side, you can serve simple crusty bread to wipe the sauce.
9 - Basmati Rice
Rice is one of those grains that combine effortlessly with any dish.
It complements shrimp fra diavolo and will take down the heaviness of the spicy dish and refresh your tastebuds.
The shrimp is already pleasant so you don't have to make a complex dish with rice.
Simple cooked rice is sufficient to improve the shrimp's flavor and take it to another level.
There are wide varieties of rice to choose from but cook with basmati, the long, slender-grained aromatic rice.
It provides a fluffy texture and tastes incredible to match the spicy shrimp perfectly.
10 - Brussels Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan
We're at the end of the list with a salad but it's only fair because shrimp fra diavolo tastes excellent with veggies.
Brussels sprout salad with mustard and parmesan cheese is crunchy, creamy and tangy.
The salad will balance and complete your meal and refresh your palate so you won't feel overwhelmed.
You can make the salad with a handful of ingredients but still turn it into something special.
Some walnuts (raw or toasted), parmesan cheese, onion, shaved Brussels sprouts and simple olive oil, mustard and lemon juice dressing will be pleasant.
Smaller veggies are more tender and sweeter than bigger ones, so remember this when purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arugula salad is a perfect example, and that's why it's here on the list. Shrimp fra diavolo and Caesar salad also make a great pair, so serve them together.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Look for sides with brightness or acidity to cut through richness. Arugula salad brings the right contrast.
A squeeze of citrus or a vinegar-dressed salad achieves a similar effect if you want something lighter.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Tempura shrimp pairs well with light sides like tempura shrimp side suggestions, while shrimp creole accompaniments worth trying suit heartier, spicier menus.